Choosing a Course

Before deciding which Postgraduate degree and university to which you wish to apply, discuss your plans with the Pre-Masters Course Coordinator.

Some initial guidance and considerations are set out below:

• MA, MSc, M.Phil or MBA? The title of a British postgraduate degree clearly indicates whether its teaching and academic content is social science or science based. A Master of Arts (MA) would emphasis the social science aspects of a subject. A Master of Science (MSc) would indicate a more scientific, statistical or mathematical approach to a subject. A Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is primarily a research based Masters degree. While a British MBA is generally offered to those with relevant work experience, but a wide range of MBA courses are available that require only a first degree.
• Apart from the MPhil all British masters degrees are taught courses
• A 10,000-12,000 word dissertation is a requirement of all taught British postgraduate degrees
• University league tables are at best a crude guide for selecting a university. A more accurate guide to deciding which university to choose is the rating of the department that teaches the specific subject area you wish to study
• Universities with high ratings for research or who employ well known academics may not be the best option for taught postgraduate degrees as senior staff focus on research, delegating teaching and seminar work to junior colleagues
• Taught British postgraduate degrees include both lectures and seminars. To succeed you must have the specific skills necessary for each teaching environment
• Ensure that you attend the regular presentations given by Admissions Tutors, from specific universities. This will give you a greater insight into just what courses they offer and an opportunity to discuss your specific needs with a qualified person
• Before deciding which university you wish to attend on completion of the Pre-Masters course visit the university buildings and its campus. Admission tutors are happy to arrange visits for potential postgraduate students