What Is a Master’s Degree in the UK?

In the UK, a master’s degree is classified as a Level 7 qualification and is usually pursued after completing a bachelor’s degree. Continuing postgraduate study is not compulsory, as a bachelor’s qualification may be sufficient for many professions.

However, a master’s programme allows students to explore a chosen subject in greater depth, develop advanced academic or practical skills and specialise in a particular area. It may also support career progression, help graduates move into a new field or provide valuable preparation for doctoral research.

It’s typically worth 180 credits. You can get this degree after you prove your expertise with a dissertation or thesis. Once you’re done with a master’s, you can obtain a PhD.

Master’s Degree Length by Study Format

You can always ask someone with a postgraduate degree: “How long is a masters degree UK?". However, the answer largely depends on how the individual approached their studies from the outset.

The essential thing you need to do before taking a step towards a master’s degree is understanding your preferred level of commitment: full-time or part-time. Online options are even more flexible if your schedule still seems too busy for part-time.

Full-Time Study

A full-time master's is a serious commitment you have to consider. This means you’ll have to constantly take part in lectures and classes, as well as spend most of your time working on various projects. Yet, it takes the least time — up to two years in total. People who are younger or don’t dedicate most of their time to a job can try this academic route.

Part-Time Study

Part-time programmes are often two times longer than full-time — 2–4 years. Students don’t have to visit classes and lectures during the day. If you have other commitments like courses, family, or work, but you still want to get a postgraduate, part-time master’s programmes are designed for you.

Online and Flexible Study

Still don’t feel like part-time is a suitable option? Consider online and flexible programmes. They have a wider completion window. Many students can study at a different pace and set their own deadlines to match their busy schedule alongside work.

You can study remotely, too. For example, institutions like IHCL have different master’s courses for busier students. This includes MA in Hotel & Restaurant Business, in Psychology, and other options you might’ve planned to try but couldn’t due to time constraints. During the programme, you can stay fully flexible with weekly check-ins, so you’re able to learn and progress, no matter what.

What Can Affect the Length of a Master’s Degree?

In addition to study formats, the approach to the programme and subject requirements can affect the length of a master’s. “How long does a masters take?” is a valid question, but there’s more you have to learn about it than just the topic you’re interested in. Apart from that, you should evaluate what else you’re responsible for, what your usual schedule is, and whether the study curriculum fits in it.

Taught vs. Research Master’s Degrees

Postgraduate study can be taught or research-based. The one you pursue will depend on your career goals, the approach you prefer, and your general interests in different topics. When compared, the taught master’s curriculum can feel a bit like an undergraduate one. This means you’ll follow a more fixed timetable and learn through:

• lectures;

• seminars;

• assignments. 

Although these programmes involve guidance from academic staff, students are expected to manage much of their learning independently. Most follow a structured timetable and can be completed in around one year of full-time study, making them one of the quickest routes to a postgraduate qualification. Common examples include the Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc) and Master of Engineering (MEng). You can still get degrees like an MA in Psychology within a flexible schedule, though.

Research master’s programmes, on the other hand, may take longer. As these programmes centre on a single research project, they involve more independent study and generally follow a less structured timetable. When you pursue a research degree, you won’t be as closely monitored and can work at your own pace. That’s exactly why they take up to four years to finish.

Subject and Course Requirements

The subject you choose can affect the amount of time you need to complete a programme, too. Factors like placements, practical training, professional requirements, and additional projects play a big role in the topic of “How long does a master's degree take?”.

For example, subjects like humanities and arts might not require extended research or training. An MA in Social Work, however, gives students more time to gain the practical experience required before graduation. Then, they can get hired right after completing the programme.

How Many Credits Is a Master’s Degree?

An average student will also wonder: “How many credits is a masters?” The answer is 180. However, due to the nature of the programmes and the variability of the lengths and options, these credits don’t represent a fixed number of months you’re studying. A student in an MSc programme will complete it faster than an MPhil student.

These credits represent an academic workload instead. You can get them through the combination of research projects, taught modules, and the dissertation or thesis you prepare last. This structure is able to give different students a chance to enhance their skills, gain new knowledge, and pursue a good career path, no matter what their schedule or commitments are.

Which Master’s Study Format Is Right for You?

Now, let’s figure out which format would be right for you. Whether you choose full-time, part-time, or flexible study options will fully depend on the free time you have. Younger students might not work full-time yet. So, they can commit their full schedule to pursuing a degree. Then, they can take up a full-time programme.

Others might not have a job but need to care for their family members or kids, so they can’t leave their homes. Still, they can take up classes without having to commute anywhere. Then, remote flexible study options will be a perfect fit. Students who have a full-time job can try a part-time master’s, where you visit most classes in the evening after your shift.

Your preferred pace of learning will also play a role. Not everyone wants to learn every day and stick to a strict schedule. Some feel that they’re the most efficient and proactive when they have more free time and flexibility. In that case, online courses from institutions like IHCL are a suitable way to broaden your horizons.

Final Thoughts

As you finish your bachelor’s degree, you might feel like it’s not enough. You might want to continue studying, deepen your knowledge even further, and get a perfect skillset for the desired job. Then, many questions arise. “What is a masters degree UK?”, “How long does a master’s take?”, and “How many credits will it earn me?” swarm your head. Thankfully, it’s a straightforward process that’s easy to explain.

Master’s degree duration can vary greatly depending on the course and approach you want to take. For example, full-time education takes around one to two years because you’re constantly visiting classes and learning. Part-time can take two times longer than that, since you combine it with other activities. Flexible options are the most convenient but take the longest.

MA, MSc, and MEng follow a stricter schedule, while research master’s degrees are more project-focused and allow you more freedom. So, the latter may require more to complete. You’ll choose an option based on your personal schedule, responsibilities, and the topic you want to pursue.