Selecting the right master’s degree is key to shaping your academic and career trajectory. Many students grapple with choosing between a taught master’s and a research master’s degree, as each presents distinct advantages and obstacles. By understanding the main differences, you can select the path that best aligns with your goals.
In this Article, we will explore the definitions of a taught master’s degree and a research master’s degree, the motivations for selecting either option, the key distinctions between them, and how to determine which master’s program suits you best.
Table of Contents
What Is a Taught Master’s Degree?
A taught master’s degree focuses on the teaching aspects of study, such as lectures, seminars, and tutorials. This type of master’s degree is similar to a bachelor’s degree, as both rely on taught courses. However, taught master’s degrees also encourage students to lead and present seminars and lectures.
A taught master’s degree uses exams to assess students at the end of the year. Students must also complete assignments and write papers to earn the degree. A taught master’s program employs a combination of exams and assignments to evaluate students.
Taught master’s programs also incorporate elements of research. Students frequently need to conduct research and publish a paper to complete a research master’s degree. Assessment methods may differ depending on the subject and the university.
A taught master’s is the perfect choice for those looking to extend their higher education degrees to enter academia, as this degree relies on taught courses. This type of master’s is similar to a bachelor’s degree and helps students prepare for more advanced postgraduate degrees, such as doctoral degrees, and so on.
Taught master’s degrees build on bachelor’s degrees, allowing students who have completed their bachelor’s degree to pursue this type of master’s degree with ease. This type of master’s degree is ideal for students seeking to achieve a postgraduate degree in one or two years without any hassle.
Some of the popular taught master’s degrees include MSc (Master of Science), MBA (Master of Business Administration), MA (Master of Arts), MSS (Master of Social Science), and MFA (Master of Fine Arts). These degrees primarily consist of taught elements with some research components.
Why do a Taught Master’s Degree?
There are numerous reasons to complete a taught master’s degree. The most popular reason students choose to study a taught master’s degree is to obtain a postgraduate qualification easily with supervised support, such as lectures, tutorials, and workshops. This is considerably easier than conducting your own original research.
The similarities in course structure between a taught master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree facilitate a bachelor’s graduate’s pursuit of a taught master’s degree. Graduates choose a taught master’s degree as the more accessible route to postgraduate education after completing their bachelor’s degrees.
Taught master’s degrees help students gain advanced knowledge in a specific field of study and build upon that knowledge to become experts in their subject. They build on the foundations established by bachelor’s degrees and serve as a continuation of the learning process.
Taught master’s degrees assist students in networking with other graduates and professionals in the field, helping them advance their careers more easily. This type of degree helps students acquire the professional qualifications necessary for career advancement. Therefore, these master’s degrees are advantageous for obtaining qualifications and entering various fields.
What Is a Research Master’s Degree?
A research master’s degree emphasizes original research conducted by students. This type of master’s degree evaluates students through a dissertation and graded essays. Very few exams are included in a taught master’s degree, and students must submit various original research papers to fulfill the requirements for this type of degree.
Students must be prepared to conduct their own work when they enroll in a research master’s program. This type of master’s degree includes some seminars and lectures, but there are fewer than in a taught master’s program. The taught courses are not as significant in this degree as they are in a taught master’s program.
Research master’s degrees are an ideal choice for students who already have research proposals in mind and want to develop their own original ideas because this type of master’s degree emphasizes original research work. These degrees also provide excellent training for students who plan to pursue a PhD in the future. Some of the popular research master’s degrees include Master of Philosophy (MPhil), Master of Research (MRes), and Master of Science (MSc) in research methods.
Why do a Research Master’s Degree?
There are various reasons why students choose to study a research master’s degree. The most common reason behind studying a research master’s degree is to conduct original research on topics that interest them. This type of master’s degree is the perfect choice for students who wish to conduct original research in the area of their interest.
A research master’s degree enables students to build upon their undergraduate dissertations, which is another reason why students pursue this type of master’s degree. Students can easily transition into the world of research after completing their bachelor’s degree by enrolling in a research master’s program.
Research master’s programs help students develop research skills and advance their academic careers. Students utilize these skills to pursue PhD programs. A research master’s can assist students aiming to complete PhD programs, as this type of master’s focuses on original work.
This type of master’s degree offers a flexible schedule, as it relies less on taught classes or seminars and more on self-directed courses and research work. This flexibility is another reason why students prefer research master’s degrees over taught master’s degrees, as they can complete their studies at their own pace.
Differences Between Taught Master’s and Research Master’s
Some notable differences exist between taught master’s and research master’s degrees. They are discussed in the passages below.
Curriculum and Structure
Taught master’s programs rely on a predetermined curriculum that includes lectures and seminars, requiring students to complete a set of modules or courses to address specific areas within their field of study. Research master’s programs, on the other hand, offer greater flexibility in the curriculum, enabling students to design their own research projects and complete the degree at their own pace.
Coursework
Master’s programs emphasize coursework such as lectures, seminars, and workshops, and evaluate students through assignments, projects, and exams. The research master’s program assesses students based on their research project or thesis, requiring them to conduct independent research under the supervision of a mentor.
Duration
Taught master’s degrees typically take one or two years to complete, whereas research master’s degrees usually require two or three years. Generally, research master’s degrees demand more time, as students need to develop their theses and research papers.
Specialisation
Research master’s programs and taught master’s programs cater to students looking to specialize in their field of study. However, research master’s degrees emphasize research work to instruct students on research methodology and other aspects of research, while taught master’s degrees enhance a student’s knowledge and skills through lectures and seminars.
Supervision
Taught master’s degrees do not offer individualized supervision like research master’s programs. Research master’s degrees provide individualized supervision and mentorship, as each student collaborates with advisors or mentors throughout their research. In contrast, taught master’s degrees typically lack such mentorship programs.
Career Prospects
Taught master’s programs provide students with in-depth knowledge and skills in a specific field of study to prepare them for their future careers. In contrast, research master’s programs help students develop research skills that they can utilize for their PhD degrees or original research work. Both students with taught master’s degrees and research master’s degrees have high employability, but in different fields of work.
Taught vs Research Master’s: Which One Should You Choose?
Students must consider these factors before choosing between completing a taught master’s or a research master’s. They are described in the passages below.
Future Plans
The taught master’s programs are intended to help students specialize in a specific field of study for entering the professional world, while the research master’s programs equip students with research skills essential for conducting original work in their area. Students should consider their future aspirations and the career path they wish to follow before selecting their master’s degree.
Career in Research
A research master’s degree can help students pursue careers in research within their professional fields. This type of master’s degree should be the choice for students considering entering the world of research after graduation.
Academic Background
Students must also consider their academic backgrounds before choosing a master’s degree. Those who have completed bachelor’s degrees in areas that specialize in research should choose the research master’s program, while others should pursue a taught master’s program.
Study Duration
Research master’s programs typically take longer to complete than taught master’s programs. Students should consider the duration of their studies before selecting a master’s degree. Those who wish to finish their degree within a year or two should opt for taught master’s degrees, while those with more time available can pursue research master’s degrees.
Tuition Fees
Taught master’s degrees require lower tuition fees compared to research master’s degrees. Students on a tight budget should choose to complete a taught master’s degree, while students with time and resources should opt for research master’s degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Do a PhD After Completing a Taught Master’s?
Yes, you can pursue a PhD after completing a taught master’s degree. Although PhD programs focus on research work, they accept any master’s graduate into their programs.
Can I Do a PhD After Completing a Research Master’s?
Yes, you can do a PhD after completing a research master’s degree. Research master’s degrees focus on research, which helps PhD students in their doctoral programs.
How Much Does It Cost to Complete a Taught Master’s in the UK?
The cost of completing a taught master’s degree in the UK depends on the university and the course, but generally it costs about £10,000 to £35,000 each year.
How Much Does It Cost to Complete a Research Master’s in the UK?
The cost of completing a research master’s degree in the UK varies by university and course, generally ranging from £5,000 to £25,000 each year.
How Hard Is a Research Master’s?
A research master’s degree can be challenging because it emphasizes independent research and self-taught courses. Research master’s degrees are typically more difficult than taught master’s degrees, but with determination, students can complete them.
Can a Taught Master Apply for a PhD?
Yes, taught master’s degree holders can apply to pursue a PhD. PhD programs require students to have completed their master’s degree and accept both taught master’s and research master’s.
Which Master’s Degree Is the Best?
There is no such thing as the best master’s degree; students must choose a program based on various factors, including career plans, budget, time constraints, and future aspirations. Consider all of these aspects to find the perfect master’s degree for you.
Is a Research Master’s Worth It?
Yes, a research master’s can be worthwhile if you are looking to pursue a career in research, academia, or PhD studies. This degree equips students with in–depth research knowledge and advanced skills to specialize in a particular field.
How Long Do Research Master’s Take?
A research master’s typically takes approximately 2 to 3 years to complete, but it can take longer depending on the course, university, and subject.
Conclusion
Deciding between a taught and a research master’s degree hinges on your career objectives, academic preferences, and learning style. Taught programs provide a structured approach to education, whereas research degrees emphasize autonomous study. Take time to reflect on your goals, financial resources, and timeline to ensure you make an informed choice. Each degree presents significant chances for professional advancement and additional academic endeavors.