Which Masters Degree - MRes or MA/MSc? (2024)

FAQs

Which is better MRE or MSc? ›

If you are looking to become an expert in a particular field of study, an MSc might be better suited to you. However, if are interested in pursuing a career in academic research or a PHD, an MRes degree might be a better option.

There's no difference in level of study or prestige between an MA and an MSc, so which you choose will ultimately depend on your chosen discipline.

What master's degree is most in demand? If you search for lists of in-demand master's degrees, you'll usually find accounting and computer science at the top. Other master's degree graduates employers seek are those in dietetics and nutrition, human resources, library science, and mechanical engineering.

The MPhil on the other hand, is a single research project. An MRes degree can prepare you for a PhD, whereas an MPhil may actually be part of one. Some universities do award an MRes to PhD students who exit their programme early, but this is quite rare. Others award the MRes within a longer '1+3' PhD programme.

A Master of Research (MRes) degree is designed to provide training in how to become a researcher.

MA - Master of Arts

The Master of Arts is one of the most common degree denominations, the “bread and butter” of the academic world. You can pursue an MA degree in almost any subject – although it is more common in the Arts and Humanities, you will find it also in the Social Sciences and related fields.

An MSc is a prestigious qualification, recognised worldwide, and is a 'second cycle' degree. This means you usually take an MSc course after an undergraduate degree, but before a pure research degree such as a PhD.

An MBA degree is well-suited for students looking for job roles related to management, executive, or leadership within the business sector. In contrast, an MSc would be a better option if you envision yourself excelling in research and development or a highly specialised and technical role.

What's the easiest masters degree to get? ›

The worst master's degree for job prospects was found to be counseling with a median mid-career salary of 50,676 U.S. dollars in 2021.

Advanced Dentistry is the highest paying master's degree according to the Dept. of Education. Graduates earn a median salary of $202,140. Engineering, healthcare, computer science, and mathematics are all master's-level programs that unlock high salaries.

An MRes is often understood as a stepping stone towards a PhD, greatly emphasising the importance of self-directed study with a sizeable research project. The independent nature of an MRes means that you'll usually have fewer contact hours than an equivalent MA or MSc in the same subject.

Masters by coursework is usually a better option if you want to improve your employability by gaining advanced knowledge of a subject. However, a masters degree by research can give you more flexibility and freedom to know about the study areas for which you are passionate.

If you prioritize convenience and want meals that require no preparation, MREs may be your better choice. However, if you don't mind the extra step of rehydrating freeze-dried foods and prefer a broader range of flavors and meals, freeze-dried foods may be more appealing.

The MSc programme includes eight taught modules (each worth 15 UCL or 6 ECTS credits), all of which are compulsory. The research project is worth 60 UCL or 24 ECTS credits. The MRes programme consists of four taught modules, two of which are compulsory and two of which can be chosen according to your interests.