The top subjects for an MA

A Master of Arts (MA) degree can significantly boost your earning potential, with graduates earning an average of $95,680 annually. This postgraduate qualification deepens your academic knowledge and develops advanced research skills, preparing you for specialized careers in high-demand fields. With employment in master's-level occupations projected to grow by 17%, an MA offers a strong return on investment for students in the humanities, social sciences, and beyond.

If you’re looking to improve your academic knowledge and skills, a master’s degree is a great way of doing so. A postgraduate degree gives you the chance to explore your chosen subject at a deeper level and can help you develop your professional career. However, it’s not always the easiest to decide the academic path you want or the subject that best suit you. We’re here to help. We’ve got a list of the top subjects you can study for a Master of Arts (MA) degree and what each one involves.

What is a Master of Arts degree?

A Master of Arts degree is classified as an advanced postgraduate qualification that usually covers the fields of social sciences and humanities, however, can cover some STEM-related subjects too. MA degrees tend to have a significant academic research focus, while with an MSc, there can be a greater focus on practical and professional skills. You can read more about the difference between an MSc and MA.

A Master of Arts degree is studied in various ways. The most common is by coursework and examination. You’ll be taught several modules, ending in assignments and project work for evaluation. You can also do an MA via distance or online learning and by research only, which involves the production of a dissertation. Usually, an MA will take one year of full-time studies and two years part-time.

Find out what you need to qualify for a master’s degree.

MA Subject Comparison (2026)

MA Marketing and Communications

A popular master’s degree for international students is a qualification in marketing and communications. The degree provides a solid foundation in key areas, from strategy to emerging technologies in the field. You’ll also gain essential technical skills related to branding, design, and digital storytelling.

Some topics that you may cover in a marketing and communications master's degree include:

• Market research
• Branding
• Digital strategy
• Public relations
• Communication strategy
• Digital communication

Graduates with an MA in Marketing can expect to earn an average salary between $106,690 and $161,030 per year, with roles like Marketing Manager being a common career path. Graduates with this type of degree work in industries such as:

• Advertising
• Marketing
• Education
• Technology
• Public service
• Charities and NGO’s

Explore the differences between marketing and PR.

MA Economics 

An MA in economics is the perfect way to develop and refine your understanding of how economies and the market work. You’ll become familiar with essential principles and develop insights into how to design more effective approaches and systems. A postgraduate degree in economics is also about understanding how people interact with markets and how economic policy can contribute to fairer societies.

If you are considering studying for an MA in economics, don’t forget that it’s useful to have an undergraduate background in mathematics, economics, finance, or statistics. This is not always required, and it’s a good idea to check with your prospective university first. A master’s degree in economics will cover a lot of ground, including:

• Macroeconomics
• Microeconomics
• Maths for economic analysis
• Economic development and the environment
• Labour economics
• Risk management
• Finance

Professionals with an MA in Economics earn a median salary of $115,730 annually, with roles like Economist and Financial Analyst being popular career choices. Qualifying with an MA in economics can set you up for a rewarding career across many roles and industries. These can include:

• Auditor
• Asset manager
• Risk analyst
• Investment manager
• Economist
• Client manager
• Consultant

Take a look at the best master’s degrees for graduate employment.

MA Education 

You may be surprised to see education on this list. However, a master’s in education is a rewarding and popular choice. The degree offers several specialist paths, from digital learning to educational leadership. A postgraduate qualification in education will give you skills and insights into issues related to policy, teaching techniques, education theory and education management.

Studying an MA in education means covering a range of topics that can include:

• Education research
• Assessment
• Curriculum development and management
• Education policy and practice
• Development education
• Education technology
• Subject-specific education
• Teaching and learning approaches

While salaries vary by location, teachers with a master's degree can earn significantly more. For example, in New York City, a teacher with a master's degree but no experience starts at $77,455, compared to $68,902 for those with only a bachelor's degree. An MA in education is ideal if you’re looking to work in management or leadership roles. This can be across primary, secondary and the higher education sector. Your potential career path can also depend on the education specialisation you choose to study.

Explore more about how master’s degrees are graded.

MA International relations

If you have a keen interest in current affairs, diplomacy and developments in the political sphere, an MA in international relations could be a good option. The degree focuses on issues that contribute to the political and social challenges faced by governments and societies. This can include security, law, cybersecurity, foreign policy and international organisations.

An MA in international relations encourages critical thinking, research, negotiation, and communication skills. There’s the added element of developing statistical and data analysis skills too. Areas you will cover in the degree include:

• Theories in international relations
• Diplomacy and foreign policy
• War and violence
• International criminal law
• Security
• Crisis management

Graduates with an MA in International Relations earn an average salary of $76,175 to $85,344. Graduates from an MA in this field can go on to enjoy rewarding careers across sectors and roles like:

• Intelligence analyst
• Diplomat
• Risk analyst
• Public servant
• Policy researcher
• Journalist
• Charity sector