a research project on a topic within the area of interest that makes up the majority of the overall assessment and is normally undertaken with little structured learning.
(adapted from QAA, 2009)
Furthermore, in the UK three broad and different ‘types’ of Master’s degrees are often described and have been defined by the QAA in their publication Master’s Degree Characteristics (QAA, 2010). These types are:
| 1. | research Master’s; | |
| 2. | specialised/advanced study Master’s; | |
| 3. | professional/practice Master’s. |
The QAA classifies them using:
| • | programme characteristics; | |
| • | programme purposes; | |
| • | intended entrants; | |
| • | relation to further study or employment; | |
| • | characteristics of graduates. |
The following descriptors are adapted from the QAA’s document Master’s Degree Characteristics (QAA, 2010).
1. Research Master’s – for example, the MPhil
| • | The characteristics of the programmes in this category are that they are typically of one to two years’ duration, with two years being most common (based on a full-time mode of study). The research component is larger than the taught component and the student normally conducts a research project through independent study with the inclusion of a smaller ‘taught’ element like, for example, research methods modules. Assessment is often specific to the individual and likely to be via oral examination that involves discussion/defence of a thesis, dissertation or other output such as an artefact, performance or musical composition. Research Master’s are less common than other types in health and social care. | |
| • | The purpose of the programme is to prepare students for the next stage in their careers, whether pursuing further research or entering employment of different kinds, and to enable those undertaking the programme to contribute towards research in the discipline. | |
| • | The type of entrant (or admission requirement) is defined by the institution but often requires a Bachelor’s degree with honours in a cognate or closely related subject, although experience through work or other means may also be considered appropriate. | |
| • | In terms of further study or employment, graduates of Research Master’s programmes will normally be prepared to enter a variety of types of employment or to continue to doctoral study. | |
| • | Graduates typically have subject-specific attributes including an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the discipline informed by current scholarship and research, the ability to study independently in the subject, and the ability to use a range of techniques and research methods applicable to advanced scholarship in the subject, plus generic attributes such as communication skills. |
2. Specialised/advanced study Master’s – for example, the MSc, MA, MRes and integrated Master’s
| • | The characteristics of the programmes in this category are that they are often ‘taught’ although, frequently, at least a third of the programme is devoted to a research project or dissertation. They are typically of 9 to 18 months’ duration based on a full-time mode of study. These programmes include integrated Master’s degrees (integrated with study at the level of a Bachelor’s with honours degree within a single programme) and they also include the MRes, where the student develops the ability to conduct research through a programme of structured learning. | |
| • | The purpose of the programme is to prepare students for the next stage in their careers, whether that is further academic or professional study, or entering employment of different kinds. | |
| • | The type of entrant (or admission requirement) is again defined by the institution, but entrants often have a background in the subject or a cognate subject area acquired through previous study (a Bachelor’s with honours degree or equivalent) or experience. | |
| • | In terms of further study or employment, graduates of specialised/ advanced Master’s programmes will normally be equipped to enter doctoral study in their discipline or to take up employment in both subject-related and generalist environments. | |
| • | Graduates typically have subject-specific attributes and an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the discipline informed by current scholarship and research, including a critical awareness of current issues and developments in the subject as well as a range of generic abilities and skills. |
3. Professional/practice Master’s – for example, the MBA and MEd
| • | The characteristics of the programmes in this category are that learning tends to be very structured and this programme structure may be developed in collaboration with the relevant professional, statutory or regulatory body and may include practical elements, such as fieldwork, placements or other opportunities for work-based learning. They are typically of 9 to 24 months’ duration based on a full-time mode of study and may be a prerequisite for registration or entry to a profession in accordance with the requirements of the professional, statutory or regulatory body that recognises or accredits the award. In addition, other awards, such as postgraduate certificate and postgraduate diploma, will often be offered alongside professional Master’s programmes to facilitate continuing professional development at different stages of a professional career. | |
| • | The purpose of the programme is to enable graduates to qualify for entry into a profession, subject to any further conditions required by the professional, statutory or regulatory body and/or provide continuing professional development opportunities related to particular professions or employment settings. | |
| • | The type of entrant (or admission requirement) is defined by the institution, taking into account the relevant professional, statutory or regulatory body’s requirements, and programmes often attract entrants with a Bachelor’s degree with honours (or equivalent) or experience, which may or may not be directly relevant to the particular profession. | |
| • |
In terms of further study or employment, graduates will normally be equipped to enter a variety of types of employment and, in particular, will possess the skills and experience necessary for the specific
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