About postgrad study : Taught courses

The two main types of taught courses are Masters degrees and postgraduate certificates/diplomas. They cover a wide range of subject areas.

Masters

• Masters of Arts (MA) courses are normally in arts, social sciences, business or humanities subjects.
• A Master of Science (MSc) is awarded for science and social science courses.
• Universities often offer both MA and MSc courses in the same subject area. This will often be because the approach to the subject is slightly different. It is important to check.
• Other taught Masters courses include the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and the Master of Education (MEd).
• There are an increasing number of Masters of Research (MRes) courses for science and social science subjects. Although a taught course, 60% of its content has to be individual research project work. It is therefore particularly useful for prospective PhD candidates or those who wish to pursue a research career.
• A Masters is usually offered either full time over one year or part time over two years.
• Courses can include placements, practical or research projects and supervised lab work.
• Assessment includes exams, group or course work and assessed projects.

Postgraduate diplomas/certificates

• These courses can provide the professional qualifications needed for a specific career. 
• Certificates take about four months to complete, while diplomas take about nine months.
• These courses can provide a stepping stone to a Masters degree. Conversely they can be awarded to those who do not fully complete a Masters degree. For example, if you complete all the taught units of a Masters, but not the dissertation you could be awarded a diploma.

Flexible learning

• Apart from full and part time courses, there are increasing numbers of distance learning or e-learning courses available. These allow you to progress at your own pace and from your own home.
• Teaching materials are either sent to you by post, email or are available over the internet.
• You may or may not have a tutor or a network of other students who you can access for support.
• The course may require you to attend residential or day workshops.
• It typically takes two to five years to complete a taught Masters course via this mode of study.
• The Open University (OU) is the most well known provider of this type of course but many HE institutions and private organisations increasingly offer this option.

Issues to consider

• Time: you may need to fit study alongside other commitments, such as work or childcare. Consider whether a part-time or distance learning option may be better for you.
• Cost: courses can vary widely in cost especially if they involve using specialist equipment or facilities. It may be easier to finance a course by working and studying part time.
• Peer interaction: some people who study via distance learning may feel isolated and miss the benefits of having access to a postgraduate community, and so may be better suited to a taught course.

Future prospects

A taught course may provide a professional qualification necessary for your chosen career. You may gain specialist knowledge and a qualification to give you the edge over an increasing pool of graduates competing for the same jobs. Do not be complacent however and assume this alone will get you into your chosen career as you may still be up against people who have the same postgraduate qualifications as you. Show employers that you have other transferable skills that they value, such as time management, presentation skills, critical thinking and teamwork. Emphasise any relevant work experience you have gained and ensure it is represented on your CV alongside your postgraduate qualification. Make use of the network of professional contacts you have gained during the course to find potential job opportunities.