Getting a postgraduate degree will always take your knowledge to new heights, offering you the chance to specialise or diversify. Before you apply for a course, though, you should be sure that it is the right kind for you. In this article, we'll help you understand the key differences between a master’s degree and a PhD, and determine which type of postgraduate degree is best for your goals.
What is a master’s degree?
A master’s degree is a postgraduate qualification that is often the next step after a bachelor's degree. Although you do not always need to have a bachelor's to apply for one, most master's students do. The degree generally takes one or two years of full-time study to complete.
Most master’s degrees are taught. This means that you will spend much of your time studying for one in the classroom. You will typically complete core and elective modules followed by a major coursework component, such as a thesis. Examples of taught master's degrees include the Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS or MSc), Master of Engineering (MEng) and the Master of Business Administration (MBA).
There are also research-based master’s degrees. These include the Master of Research (MRes), the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and some Master of Law courses (LLM). Each place more emphasis on independent research and producing a thesis.
A master’s degree may be purely academic or vocationally focused. The latter is the case with a professional master’s. This type of degree is often studied by those wishing to advance into a specialist job role.
Learn all about the differences between taught and research master's.
What is a PhD?
A PhD (or Doctor of Philosophy) is the most common type of doctoral degree. This puts it at the highest level of degree study. As such, it typically follows a master's, and requires more advanced work. Specifically, PhDs require significant independent research and study. Although they can include taught components, they are largely research-based. This makes them especially suitable for students seeking a career in academia.
In most countries, a PhD takes three to four years when studied full-time, but part-time options are a popular alternative. Working closely with an academic supervisor for guidance and support, students undertake original research that contributes something new to their field.
PhD research is ultimately presented in an academic thesis of significant length (often from 60,000 to 120,000 words). Students usually defend their thesis in a spoken examination known as a viva. They are assessed on the quality and originality of their research questions, arguments, methodology and presentation.
Find out more with our guide to PhDs.
Master’s vs PhD: key differences
Level of study
Master’s degrees and PhDs are both well-regarded postgraduate qualifications. However, they are not at the same level of study.
A master’s degree is one level higher than a bachelor’s degree. It allows you to develop your knowledge, skills and understanding beyond undergraduate level.
A PhD is a step above a master’s degree, and represents the highest level of academic achievement. As such, it requires students to make a meaningful contribution to their discipline or field. A PhD grants the title of doctor and clearly demonstrates your specialist expertise and research skills.
Get a broader understanding of the differences with our study levels guide.
Teaching and research
Master’s degrees
Taught master’s degrees follow a set curriculum of core and elective modules. They may involve lectures, seminars, workshops and lab sessions, depending on the subject.
Research-based master’s degrees place more emphasis on independent study, helping students prepare for doctoral level. They feature less coursework and instead focus on intensive research.
PhDs
A PhD involves extensive independent research into a focused area. Students are expected to identify and investigate research questions before presenting their findings in a lengthy thesis. Programmes tend to be unstructured, with students being responsible for organising their time and developing their work.
Students have a research supervisor with whom they can discuss their work. You may also do this with other students and scholars. In academia, collaboration is valued.
Time commitment and duration
PhDs usually take longer to complete than master's degrees. However, the duration of all postgraduate degrees can vary by study destination, university and subject.
The following table shows the typical amount of time it takes to complete master's and PhDs when studying full-time in top study destinations.
| Country | Master's duration | PhD duration |
| UK | 1 – 2 years | 3 – 4 years |
| USA | 1.5 – 2 years | 4 – 6 years |
| Australia | 1 – 2 years | 3 – 4 years |
| Canada | 1 – 2 years | 3 – 5 years |
| Ireland | 1 – 2 years | 3 – 4 years |
| New Zealand | 1.5 – 2 years | 3 – 4 years |
Many universities also allow you to study part-time for a master's or PhD. This will take longer, but can help you fit your studies into your life.
Entry requirements
Master’s degrees
To enrol on a master’s degree course, you typically need to have an undergraduate degree. In many cases, this will need to be in a related subject. However, some universities offer alternative routes to admission. The is more common with professional master’s courses, where relevant work or research experience may be taken into consideration.
Depending on the university and course you have chosen, you may need to sit an entrance exam. Examples include the GRE and GMAT (often used for business courses) and the HPAT (used for medicine).
Find out more about how to qualify for a master's degree.
PhDs
To study for a PhD, you usually need a master’s degree in a related area. Some universities may waive this requirement for applicants with a strong bachelor’s degree, but this is less common. Relevant work and research experience may also be considered.
Applicants must also find a supervisor at their university and submit a research proposal. The proposal must set out your research questions and methodology, as well as the value and purpose of your research.
Discover more about admissions exams.
Cost and funding
Tuition fees
Average tuition fees vary between location, institution, study level and subject. In most cases, international postgraduate students pay more than domestic students.
The following table sets out the average annual cost of tuition fees for international postgraduates in top study destinations. Be aware that some subjects – such as engineering, business and medicine – may incur significantly higher fees.
| Country | Master's tuition fees (annual) | PhD tuition fees (annual) |
| UK | GBP 10,000 – 28,500 | GBP 16,000 – 24,000 |
| USA | USD 18,000 – 65,000 | USD 28,000 – 40,000 |
| Australia | AUD 20,000 – 37,000 | AUD 14,000 – 37,000 |
| Canada | CAD 17,000 – 25,000 | CAD 6,500 – 29,000 |
| Ireland | EUR 3,000 – 30,000 | EUR 3,000 – 30,000 |
| New Zealand | NZD 20,000 – 45,000 | NZD 6,500 – 9,000 |
*New Zealand offers international PhD students the same fee rates as domestic students.
Funding
Many universities offer a range of postgraduate scholarships and financial awards for international students. They are especially common for those who can demonstrate academic excellence. External support may also be available, including from fully funded government scholarships.
Overall, there is more funding available for PhD students than master’s students. Many universities offer a selection of fully or partially funded PhD opportunities. Students may also be able to access financial support through stipends, studentships or assistantships.
You will need to consider your living expenses carefully while studying abroad. These can vary widely between locations, so it’s important to research and budget accordingly. Get started with our guide to the student cost of living around the world.
Assessment methods
Assessment methods for master’s degrees include essays, presentations, portfolios and practical assignments. A master’s thesis (a substantial written research project) is a common requirement of many programmes.
Assessment for PhDs is based on a lengthy doctoral thesis that outlines your research questions, methodology and findings. The thesis must be of publishable quality, and you must defend it in a lengthy spoken examination called a viva.
Take our advice on how to prepare for a PhD.
Career outcomes
Postgraduate qualifications provide students with extensive knowledge and skills. They can also help you make meaningful industry connections.
According to the Graduate Labour Market Statistics report (2024), postgraduate degree holders earn an average of GBP 5,000 per year more than undergraduate degree holders. In the US, the unemployment rate of those with a postgraduate degree is significantly lower than the national average (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023).
Master’s degrees
A master’s degree can open doors to career progression and allow students to achieve their professional goals more quickly. This is especially true of professional master’s degrees.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023), master’s graduates have average weekly earnings of USD 1,737. This rises to USD 2,206 for those with a professional degree.
PhDs
PhDs immediately set candidates apart in the job market, as they signal a wealth of knowledge and expertise. For those who wish to pursue a career in academia as a professor or a researcher, a PhD can be essential.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023), doctoral degree holders have average weekly earnings of of USD 2,109.
Explore the top jobs for PhD graduates.
What are the benefits of master's and PhDs?
Benefits of a master’s degree include:
- Career focus: a master’s can quickly boost your understanding of your field and help you climb the career ladder. This is especially true of professional master’s degrees.
- Skills upgrade: a master’s offers numerous opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge in your chosen area.
- Time and cost: a master’s can be completed in one to two years. It is much quicker and often less expensive to complete a master’s degree than a PhD.
- PhD pathway: a master’s offers an excellent path to a PhD, if that is your goal.
Benefits of a PhD include:
- Research skills: you will develop many in-demand skills with a PhD, such as problem-solving, organisation and communication.
- Subject mastery: a PhD will set you up as an expert in your field. You will be able to use the title of doctor to show this.
- Research contribution: a PhD will lead you to make meaningful contributions to your discipline.
- Academic focus: a PhD is vital for those aiming for a career in academia.
To determine whether a master’s degree or PhD will be more valuable to you, consider how the benefits of each may align with your ultimate goals.
If you want to pursue an academic career or establish yourself as an expert in your field, a PhD is likely your best course of action. But if you are hoping for immediate career progression in a competitive industry, or simply want to pursue a personal academic interest, a master’s degree may be enough.
Get to know more about the different types of master's with our MA vs MSc comparison.
FAQs
Can I apply for a PhD without a master’s?
Yes. Although a master’s degree is a common entry requirement for a PhD, some universities accept applicants without one. Those with a strong bachelor’s degree or significant professional or research experience are most likely to be successful.
In the USA, it is more common than elsewhere for students to study a PhD without a master’s degree. This is mostly due to the longer duration of PhDs in the country.
Is it worth getting a PhD over a master’s?
Whether it is worth committing to a PhD over a master’s degree will depend on your personal and career goals.
PhDs are essential if you want a career in academia. They give you the respected title of doctor, which can also open doors in industry. However, for simple career advancement or personal interest, the lesser time and financial commitments of a master’s degree may be all you need.
Does a master’s give you a title?
No. Unlike a PhD, which grants the title of doctor, a master’s degree will not give you a title. However, you may be able to use an abbreviation after your full name to highlight your degree, e.g. Fatima Ibrahim MBA.
Is a PhD much harder than a master’s?
Yes, a PhD is generally considered harder than a master’s. This is because of the high level of independent research and specialised coursework, the large time commitment, and the need for strong self-organisation.
How competitive is PhD admission compared to a master’s?
In general, PhD admission is more competitive than master’s admission, especially for funded placements. This is due to the level of knowledge and skill required, as well as the lesser availability of places. However, popular master’s degrees can also be very competitive, so it is important to polish your application in every case.
Now you know more about the differences between master's and PhDs, it might be time to explore further. Discover postgraduate courses of all kinds with our simple search tool.
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