How to qualify for a master’s degree?

To qualify for a Master’s degree, you typically need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (USA) or a 2:1 honours degree (UK), an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher, 2-3 academic references, and a compelling personal statement. While some programmes require entrance exams like the GRE, many universities have waived this requirement since 2020. If you’re interested in studying for a master’s degree you’ll need to know what your options are and how to gain admission. We can help guide you through the types of qualifications, entry criteria and what you can expect.

1. What is a master’s degree
2. Taught vs research master’s degree
3. What are the entry requirements for a master’s degree?
4. Will I need to take an entrance exam?

What is a master’s degree?

A master’s degree is a postgraduate qualification that you can study after completing an undergraduate degree. The most common master’s degrees are an MA (Master of Arts) and MSc (Master of Science). You can also study for an MBA (Master of Business Administration), MEd (Master of Education), MFA (Master of Fine Arts), LLM (Master of Laws) and many more.

A master’s degree is usually studied over one to two years full-time or two to four years part-time. In the USA, a master’s degree is usually studied over two years. In the UK, Australia and New Zealand, this is usually one year full-time. 

You can also select from different types of master’s degrees. This often depends on the subject area or specialisation you choose. Some popular choices for master’s degrees are an MA, MSc, MRes, or MPhil. The qualification can also be classed as a professional or academic degree. A professional degree aims to prepare you for work in a particular industry or sector, often with associated accreditation or certification to practice. Academic degrees are more theoretical and research-based and may have a slightly wider scope.

Usually, a professional master’s degree is a taught qualification, while an academic master’s may be more research-based. This brings us to the next important point. What exactly are the differences between a taught and research master’s degree?

Taught vs research master’s degree

There are two main types of master’s degrees: taught and research. For a taught master’s degree, you will attend lectures, seminars and tutorials and will be assessed through coursework and exams. You will also complete a dissertation or research project. The most common taught master’s degrees are an MA, MSc and MBA. Some taught master’s degrees will have compulsory modules. 

For a research master’s degree, you will work with an academic supervisor to produce a dissertation, thesis or research report. This will be in a chosen subject area or specialisation with independent research and study critical elements. You may have occasional seminars but will usually not attend any classes. The most common research masters are an MA, MRes (Master of Research), and MPhil (Master of Philosophy).

When choosing between a taught or research master’s degree, it will depend on your goals. If you’re working towards a specific career, you might prefer a taught master’s with a more hands-on approach. If you are working towards a PhD or want to work within academia, you would be more suited to a research master’s degree. 

Want to learn more about postgraduate degree choices?

Master’s Degree Entry Requirements by Country

Understanding the specific entry requirements for your target country is essential, as they can vary significantly. While you should always check the exact criteria for your chosen university and programme, the table below provides a general overview of what to expect in major study destinations.

What are the entry requirements for a master’s degree?

To qualify for admission to a master’s degree, you must have achieved well academically at the undergraduate degree level. Not all master’s degrees or institutions have identical entry requirements, meaning some require higher requirements. This can depend on the subject you study as well. In general, you will need the following to study for a master’s degree:

• A bachelor’s degree where you have achieved a 2:1 or first-class degree. This is the equivalent of a percentage score of 70 per cent or above for a first-class degree and 60 per cent or above for a 2:1. Your letter grade mark would need to be an A or a B. This is equivalent to a GPA score of between three and four. 
• Your undergraduate degree may need to be in the same or related field for some master’s degrees, notably for STEM qualifications. 
• You must be able to show your level of English language proficiency. For a master’s degree, this is usually a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5. If you have completed your undergraduate degree in English and your degree is verified, you may not be required to have an IELTS result or equivalent.  
• Most master’s programmes will also ask you for academic references which can help to boost your application. Make sure you ask supervisors, lecturers or teachers well in advance of the application date. 
• For some master’s degrees, you may need to attend an interview and present a research proposal to be accepted. For some commerce and social science-related master’s degrees professional work experience can be required. 
• Some universities require your bachelor’s degree to be completed no longer than two years before the start date of the master’s degree but this can vary from two to five years.

If you want to study a master’s degree not directly related to your bachelor’s degree, you might want to consider a pre-masters or foundation programme. Speaking with an education counsellor can also help guide you on your options. 

How to write a personal statement for a Master’s degree

One of the most important parts of your application that is not mentioned above is the personal statement (also known as a statement of purpose). This is a short essay (typically 500-1,000 words) where you explain your motivations for applying to the programme. It’s your chance to convince the admissions committee that you are the right fit.

A strong personal statement should:

1. Explain your motivation: Why do you want to study this specific subject at the postgraduate level? What are your career aspirations, and how will this programme help you achieve them?

2. Demonstrate your suitability: Connect your academic background, work experience, and skills to the programme’s curriculum. Show that you have the knowledge and passion to succeed.

3. Show you have researched the programme: Mention specific modules, professors, or research areas that excite you. This proves you have a genuine interest in their specific programme, not just any master’s degree.

4. Be authentic and personal: Tell a compelling story about your academic and professional journey. Avoid clichés and generic statements. Let your personality and passion shine through.

Can I do a Master’s in a different subject?

Yes, it is often possible to pursue a Master’s degree in a field that is different from your undergraduate major, but it depends heavily on the subject. This is a common path for students looking to change careers or specialise in a new area.

•  Flexible Fields: Subjects in the humanities, social sciences, and business are often more open to applicants from diverse academic backgrounds. For example, a student with a history degree could pursue a Master’s in Marketing or International Relations.

•  Restrictive Fields: STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), medicine, and law typically require a related undergraduate degree because they build on specific foundational knowledge. It would be very difficult to enter a Master’s in Chemical Engineering with a degree in philosophy.

If you want to switch to a more restrictive field, you may need to take a pre-master’s or foundation programme. These courses are designed to provide you with the necessary subject-specific knowledge and skills to qualify for the master’s degree.

Will I need to take an entrance exam?

The answer to this question depends on the master’s degree you intend to study. Some universities will have entrance exams for postgraduate courses. This is quite common in the USA and Canada for some subjects, such as law, engineering and medicine. This sometimes also extends to artistic subjects such as music and fine art.  

If you choose to study for an MBA, you may be required to take the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Examination). If you want to study law in the USA or Canada, you will take the LSAT (Law School Admission Test).

It is important to note that since 2020, many universities, particularly in the USA, have either waived the requirement for the GRE or made it optional for many Master’s programmes. This trend continues into 2026, so it is crucial to check the specific application requirements for each university and programme you are interested in, as you may not need to sit for an entrance exam.

Now that you understand what is needed to qualify for a master’s degree, you might want to continue your research. Take a look at our guides on an MBA vs master’s degree, why to study master’s degree in law, and how master’s degrees are graded.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. When should I apply for a Master’s degree?

You should typically start preparing your application 8-12 months before the programme’s start date. Application deadlines for international students are often earlier than for domestic students, so check with each university. For programmes starting in September, deadlines can be as early as the previous October.

2. Is work experience required for a Master’s degree?

For most Master’s degrees, work experience is not a mandatory requirement, especially for taught programmes in academic fields. However, for professional degrees like an MBA, 2-5 years of relevant work experience is often essential. For other programmes, it can strengthen your application but is not always necessary.

3. What GPA do I need for a Master’s?

Most universities require a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (USA) or a 2:1 honours degree (UK), which is equivalent to 60-69%. However, requirements for top-tier universities are often higher, and some institutions may accept students with a slightly lower GPA if they have a strong personal statement and references.

4. What if my grades aren’t good enough to qualify?

If your undergraduate grades don’t meet the minimum requirements, you still have options. You can enrol in a pre-master’s or graduate diploma programme, which can help you bridge the academic gap. Gaining relevant work experience or achieving a high score on an entrance exam like the GRE can also sometimes compensate for a lower GPA.

5. Can I do a Master’s without a bachelor’s degree?

In very rare cases, some universities may admit students to a Master’s programme without a bachelor’s degree if they have extensive, high-level professional experience (typically 10+ years) in a relevant field. However, this is not common. The standard pathway to a Master’s degree worldwide is the completion of an undergraduate bachelor’s degree.