Applying for a master's degree will set you on the way to subject expertise. This gives you a great advantage when entering the workplace, or further study. But depending on your future plans and current situation, your choice of qualification may still need thought. Not all postgraduate courses are the same, and some may be better suited to you than others. Get to know two key options now, as we explore the differences between taught and research master's degrees.
What is a taught master's degree?
Taught master's degrees are the most common type of postgraduate qualification. They are offered for a very wide range of subjects, and are often denoted by the letters MA (Master of Arts) and MSc (Master of Science). Others you may see include MPhil (Master of Philosophy), and subject-specific terms such as MEng (Master of Engineering).
The structure of a taught master's course is often similar to that of a bachelor's degree. Students participate in lectures, seminars and lab work, guided by academic staff. A research project may also be required, and this is sometimes written up as a dissertation. However, much of the degree will be assessed on coursework and exams.
What is a research master's degree?
Research master's degrees are a postgraduate qualification with focus on independent, in-depth and original research. They are most common in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland, and are often denoted by the name MRes (Master of Research). You may also see them described as an MA, MSc or MPhil by Research.
While research master's courses can include taught modules with classes such as lectures and seminars, students spend more time on their own investigations. These are supported by experienced academic supervisors, making the degree a great form of preparation for PhD study. It can be assessed largely or solely on an extended dissertation.
Which is more flexible?
In general, research master's courses are more flexible in terms of study options than taught master's. This is because they centre on your choice of research topic. With the help of your supervisor, you can identify a specific subject area of your chosen field that interests you most.
Unlike on a taught master's, you will not have to choose from an existing list of module options to fill your timetable. Indeed, you are likely to have fewer in-person classes, and more time to spend on independent study and research. However, there are some subject-related constraints. As taught master's are much more common, it may be easier to find one of these that suits you.
Overall, postgraduate study is marked by the opportunity to specialise. So, whether you choose a taught or research master's, you can expect to focus on your areas of interest more closely than on an undergraduate degree. Moreover, you will do so for a shorter period of time. Both types of master's typically take one or two years to complete, when studied full-time.
Discover how to qualify for a master's degree.
Which is best for graduate employability?
As postgraduate degrees, both taught and research master's indicate high-level academic ability. This means that both are well respected by employers.
However, taught courses are more commonly taken by students who wish to enter the workplace post-graduation, as opposed to progressing onto doctoral research and academia. Accordingly, they are more likely to feature a work placement, although these can be a feature of a master's by research.
There are also practical differences with post-study work visas. In Australia, research master's graduates are able to stay for longer than taught master's graduates. The Temporary Graduate visa can last for up to three years for the former, but only two years for the latter.
Explore some of the best master's degrees for employment.
Which is best for further study?
One advantage of research master's vs taught master's is the preparation they provide for doctoral study. If you intend to progress to a PhD after completing your course, the experience of undertaking independent research to a high standard could be invaluable. Your research skills are sure to benefit from this stepping stone.
At some universities, master's by research are designed as a pathway to a PhD. These are sometimes integrated into a single course, and are occasionally the only way onto a PhD programme. The University of Nottingham, for example, makes its MRes in Economics an entry requirement for PhDs in the subject.
Nonetheless, a research master's is not usually needed for a doctoral degree. Most students begin PhDs after having only previously studied taught courses. You do not need to go into research at this level if you are not yet sure you wish to pursue it further.
Take our advice on how to prepare for a PhD.
Which costs more?
In many cases, tuition fees for comparable taught and research master's at the same university are identical. For example, this is the case with the Management MSc and Management Science MRes at Lancaster University. It is also true of history and psychology courses at Northumbria University, and linguistics at the University of Edinburgh.
However, postgraduate research courses can sometimes be less expensive. This is in part due to the lesser amount of classroom-based learning they provide. Examples of where MRes courses have lower fees than their taught counterparts include the management programmes at the University of Liverpool and economics at the University of Bristol.
More generally, tuition fees at master's level can vary widely. As such, the biggest differences you will see may not be between research and taught courses, but between subjects and universities.
Get more information on how much it costs to study abroad.
Which is best for scholarships?
Many scholarships are available to both research and taught master's students. However, some are only offered to one of the groups. For example, the University of Southern Queensland in Australia provides a scholarship that is solely for MRes students.
Notably, the UK government's fully funded Chevening Scholarship is only available to students on taught master's courses. MRes degrees are ineligible.
Discover more fully funded scholarships for international students.
Which is best for bringing family?
The rules around bringing family while studying abroad are different in every country. Often, they do not vary greatly for taught and research master's students. In Australia and New Zealand, all student visa holders can be joined by dependants. In Ireland, only government-sponsored and PhD students are eligible for this.
However, there is a key difference in the UK. There, international students on research master's courses may arrive with family, but those on taught courses may not. Further, dependants who come to the country may work full-time. While this should not be your main reason to study an MRes, it is a valuable benefit.
Additionally, research master's have an advantage for dependants in Australia. There, partners and children of international students on MRes courses may work full-time. By comparison, taught students and their dependants may only work for 48 hours in every 14-day period during term time. During holidays, they may work unlimited hours.
Learn more about studying abroad with family.
Which is best for part-time employment?
In many popular university destinations, the rules around working as an international student do not differ between taught and research master's courses. However, there are exceptions in Australia and New Zealand.
In Australia, research master's students may work full-time. Taught master's students may only work for up to 48 hours in every 14-day period during term time. In the holidays, they may work full-time.
In New Zealand, research master's students can also work full-time. They must study full-time while doing so, unless their university agrees to suspend their enrolment. In that case, they must apply for another visa.
You should always ensure that you can balance your education with any work you undertake while studying abroad.
Get to know your international student work rights around the world.
Now that you know more about the differences between taught and research master's degrees, why not explore further? You could read our comparison of master's and MBAs, or learn all about pre-master's courses. Alternatively, you can start looking for your ideal postgraduate course with our simple search tool.
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