What is a postgraduate degree?

A taught Master’s degree follows a set curriculum, similar to an undergraduate degree. 

A taught Master's degree can lead to the following awards:

• Master of Arts (MA)
• Master of Science (MSc)
• Master of Music (MMus)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA), or
• Master of Surgery (MCh).

From Photography to Physiotherapy, we offer a range of taught Master's degrees to suit your lifestyle. Search our PG taught courses here. 

A Master's by Research degree is awarded entirely through independent study. You can complete a Master's by Research full-time or part-time: 

• Full-time: one year
• Part-time: two years. 

In this case you follow your own research interests, guided by a supervisory team. You can register for either an MA or MSc by Research depending on the academic subject area.

Sometimes studied as a stepping stone to a PhD, this course involves undertaking a research project and will include training in research methods relevant to your chosen discipline. 

Read about our research subject areas and find an appropriate supervisor to help you during your application process and throughout your study. 

Some Master's courses are linked to specific professional careers and are an essential part of the qualification route. For example, a Master of Engineering (MEng) is taken after you complete an undergraduate engineering course, which is usually needed to become a chartered engineer.

Other careers, such as in healthcare or medicine, allow you to focus or specialise your skills in a particular aspect of that profession. For example, if you want to be a surgeon you might pursue this aim by taking an MCh in Surgery.

There are also Master's degrees that allow graduates with a first degree to change their career path by retraining in another subject. In these cases, transferable skills from a previous undergraduate degree, or from your life experience, will be taken into account.

We offer a range of postgraduate degrees that will allow you to change careers without previous study or experience. These include: 

• Nursing (Adult, Child, Minetal Health)
• Physiotherapy 
• Social Work 
• Occupational Therapy 
• Psychology 
• Speech and Language Therapy. 

A postgraduate certificate (PGCert) and diploma (PGDip) are two separate qualifications that are the same level as a Master's degree. However, these qualifications are usually shorter in length and worth fewer credits. 

A certificate is shorter than a diploma, but both qualifications allow you to study more in-depth in a particular area, allowing you to gain specialist knowledge that will enhance your skillset and/or career. 

We offer a range of ceritificates and diplomas in healthcare and psychology, including: 

• Clinical Reporting 
• PGDip Clinical Neuropsychology 
• PGCert Clinical Neuropsychology Practice
• Healthcare Practice 
• Healthcare Practice (Neonatal) Cert
• Musculoskeletal Ultrasound PGCert
• Psychological Therapies: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy PGDip

You can undertake a PhD either full-time or part-time:

• Full-time: five years
• Part-time: three years. 

However, this may take longer depending on your personal circumstances. A common route is part-time study as this allows you to study alongside your profession. 

There are three routes to the PhD: 

1. The PhD by thesis is the usual route and requires completion of a single substantial piece of original research which contributes new knowledge to a subject in which you have a passionate interest.
2. The PhD by portfolio requires completion of a portfolio of research (normally 4-8 distinct pieces) in an area of professional practice which taken together makes an original contribution to the subject.
3. The PhD by publication is for candidates who are already published researchers and have made a distinct contribution to knowledge in their particular field.