ma phd meaning

BA, BSc, MA, MSc, PhD - what do they all mean?

BA, BSc, MA, MSc, PhD (and more) are abbreviations of British degrees.

They reflect the specific level and discipline of a qualification achieved at university.

While most courses are conducted on a full-time basis, there are options for part-time, distance learning and other flexible learning arrangements.

Here is a breakdown of some of the most common qualifications and ones that Aberystwyth University offers.

• BA = Bachelor of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences;
• BSc = Bachelor of Sciences;
• BENG = Bachelor of Engineering (Software, Robotics and Physics);
• LLB = Bachelor of Law.

Achieved after 3 to 4 years of study. The extra year (for a 4 year course) can be from a year studying abroad or a year working in industry.

Integrated-Masters:

• MARTS = Masters of Arts;
• MBIOL = Masters of Biology;
• MCOMP = Masters of Computer Science;
• MENG = Masters of Engineering;
• MMATH = Masters of Mathematics;
• MPHYS = Masters of Physics;
• MSCI = Masters of Sciences and Humanities.

4 years course (3-year Bachelors, 1 year Masters) that enables you to secure a loan for the full duration rather than having to fund a Masters degree separately.

• MA = Masters of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences;
• MSc = Masters of Sciences;
• MBA = Masters of Business Administration;
• MPhil = Masters of Philosophy: Advanced research Masters degree;
• MRes = Masters of Research: Contains some taught and research elements;
• LLM = Masters of Law.

Achieved after graduation from Bachelors level, usually 1-2 years duration.

• PhD = Doctor of Philosophy: for a range of disciplines.

Achieved after graduating from Masters level, usually 3-8 years duration.

A wide range of Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Further-Research courses – across the Arts and Sciences – are available at Aberystwyth.

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What Does BA, MA & PhD Mean in Degrees?

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College students have several options when choosing which type of degree to pursue. For some careers, only an undergraduate degree is necessary, while others may require a more advanced degree. It is essential for students to have a general understanding of each type of degree in order to choose the one that is best for their career goals. This article discusses the three main types of college degrees in the United States.

Bachelor's Degrees

There are two different types of bachelor's degrees: a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.). Both are considered undergraduate degrees and require about four to five years of study. Those who study humanities or liberal arts earn a Bachelor of Arts and might work in education, journalism or psychology. Those who study in math or science fields earn a Bachelor of Science and might have careers in accounting, nursing or computer science.

Master's Degrees

A graduate, advanced or master's degree is the next step. A Master of Arts (M.A.) or a Master of Science (M.S.) degree usually takes about two additional years to earn, and it often requires students to perform original research and write a thesis. Holding a master's degree can make job seekers more competitive in their field or lead to increased salaries. For some positions, such as school administrator, librarian and clinical psychologist, a graduate degree is a necessity.

Doctoral Degree

Ph.D. is an abbreviation for "Doctor of Philosophy," commonly called a doctoral degree. It is typically the highest academic degree awarded and requires at least four years of study and extensive original research. Doctoral degree candidates must also complete and defend a dissertation on their research, and often they publish portions of this dissertation during their studies. University professor, scientist and researcher are examples of positions that may require a doctoral degree.

Choosing the Right One

Choosing a degree is an important process and can be overwhelming. Students should research careers they are interested in and seek the help of a college advisor to help determine which type of degree is preferred or necessary in their desired field. It is also important to make sure that the degree is earned from an accredited institution.

• The College Board: Quick Guide: Your College Degree Options
• The College Board: Matching Careers to Degrees
• College Atlas: Types of College Degrees

Houston area native Marie Anderson began writing education articles in 2013. She holds a Bachelor of Science in exercise and sports science and a Master of Science in education administration. She has seven years of teaching and coaching experience within the Texas public school system.

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What is the difference between a postgraduate taught master’s and a postgraduate research master’s?

Pgce, mres, ma, msc or phd if you’re considering postgraduate study, use this guide to learn the difference between the kinds of postgraduate degrees on offer.

Richard Carruthers

Postgraduate courses come in many formats, ranging from vocational diplomas and certificates through to master’s and doctoral qualifications.

The two most common categories of postgraduate study are postgraduate taught (PGT) courses and postgraduate research (PGR) courses.

As you shop around potential postgraduate courses, you may also come across the PGCE, the LLM, the MRes, the MPhil and the PhD.

But what is the difference between all these acronyms?

Below is a guide explaining the differences between all the postgraduate degrees on offer, including how the application process varies between them.

Postgraduate taught (PGT) courses

Postgraduate taught courses are sometimes called level 7 qualifications and are one of the most common kinds of master’s degrees. When people refer to master’s courses, they usually mean a postgraduate taught course.

These courses are typically one year in duration if studied full-time, or two years if studying part-time.

The course will usually comprise several months of taught classes, much like undergraduate study, followed by an intensive independent research project for the final few months.

These courses have highly specialised content, making them great launchpads for careers where specialist knowledge is required. They are also often used as a stepping stone to more advanced research degrees.

What’s the difference between an MSc and an MA?

Postgraduate taught courses will usually lead to either an MSc or an MA qualification, depending on the subject you choose.

An MSc stands for a “master of science” and will focus on advancing a particular aspect of scientific research across the sciences, engineering, mathematics or a similar field that involves logic, scientific research or numbers.

An MA refers to a “master of arts”, and covers postgraduate taught degrees in the arts and humanities, such as literature, languages, history, cultural studies and some social sciences.

Applying for a postgraduate taught course

To apply for a postgraduate taught course, you will normally be asked to provide transcripts showing your academic performance on your undergraduate degree, a personal statement and a CV.

Your CV should focus on your educational achievements and interests and discuss any project work that shows you have the technical and academic skills needed to be a successful and independent postgraduate student.

Your personal statement can be tackled in a similar way to a cover letter, where you introduce yourself and convey your interest, enthusiasm and motivation to study the subject. It is also advisable to tailor your statement to each course you apply for and to explain your interest in some of the modules offered by that specific course.

It can also be beneficial to demonstrate some thought around where the course will lead you in the future, whether that’s into a new career or towards further study.

With postgraduate taught courses, you often won’t have to submit a research proposal for your research project as part of your application, as the taught elements of the course are meant to help inform your research proposal.

However, some postgraduate master’s courses may ask for you to submit a research proposal or at least have an idea of the topic you want to do your master’s dissertation on, even if this changes later.

Applying to master’s courses is generally done through a decentralised system, meaning you apply individually to each course and university. Each institution will set different entrance and application requirements. Check the exact requirements your course is looking for, and get in touch with the institution’s postgraduate admissions office with any questions.

What are MRes and MPhil degrees?

The MPhil stands for “master of philosophy”. The MRes course option, which is relatively new but has grown in popularity in recent years, stands for a “master of research”.

Much like postgraduate taught courses, both the MPhil and the MRes are technically classified as level 7 qualifications, and typically take one year to complete.

The main difference between an MRes or MPhil and a postgraduate taught course is that MRes and MPhil courses place much more focus on individual research, with as much as 60 per cent to 100 per cent of either degree consisting of a personal research project.

Given the heavy research focus, MRes and MPhil courses tend to contain fewer taught classes, but you will usually receive training in research techniques. As a result of the research focus, an MRes or an MPhil may help prepare a student for a doctoral programme (PGR) or a career that requires specific research skills and techniques.

Applying for an MRes or MPhil course is very similar to applying for a postgraduate taught course, but you may be asked to submit a research proposal as part of your application, so it’s important to have an idea of the kind of research project you would like to pursue.

Doctorate courses

Postgraduate research (PGR) courses are sometimes called level 8 qualifications and usually refer to doctorate courses.

These courses take about three to four years of full-time study to complete, but the exact duration of a doctorate course depends on whether you get involved in teaching, how long your research takes to complete and how long it takes you to write your doctorate thesis.

Successful PhD candidates are awarded doctoral qualifications such as doctor of philosophy (PhD) or doctor of engineering (EngD), depending on their field of research.

Research is the core component of a PhD programme, and you will be expected to produce original work on a specific subject topic, usually in the form of a thesis.

Doctorate qualifications are often a prerequisite for a career as a university academic, researcher or scientist in industry.

Applying for a doctorate (PhD) programme

To apply for a doctorate degree, you’ll need to submit a personal statement and a CV, both providing evidence of your academic experiences and passion for the subject.

Some PhD programmes will expect you to have already completed a postgraduate taught programme, but this isn’t always essential.

For a PhD, you may also be asked to submit a detailed research proposal outlining a specific research question you would like to address, the subject area you will work in, and the approach you would take to solving this.

Your proposal should demonstrate your current knowledge and discuss how your research idea could develop or challenge existing knowledge. You should also mention the potential significance of your research and why it would be a useful contribution to your chosen field.

Usually, you will be expected to apply individually to each PhD programme you’re interested in. Places will usually be dependent on your academic achievements, but also on the funding available in your chosen university department and whether the university can provide an appropriate supervisor.

If you’re considering applying for a PhD, it may be worth contacting academics individually to discuss whether they’d be interested in supervising you and asking about any funding opportunities.

Other postgraduate courses

Aside from the categories discussed above, there are many other classifications of master’s degrees, including postgraduate diplomas and certificates.

Often these lead to a vocational qualification that is used to gain entry to a specific profession.

Examples include the postgraduate certificate of education (PGCE), which leads to a career in teaching, the graduate diploma in law (GDL) or master of law (LLM), which opens the door to the legal professions, or the master of business administration (MBA), which is a common choice for business professionals looking to gain entry to C-suite positions.

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If you’re nearing the end of college or you’ve completed college, you’ve probably heard the term “graduate school” thrown around by your peers and teachers. In fact, you’ve probably heard all kinds of graduate-school related terms, like “graduate degree,” “Masters,” “PhD,” and more.

But what is a graduate degree? What is a PhD? What is a doctoral degree? What’s a doctorate? We’ll demystify it all here. (Hint: those last three are all the same thing.)

In this article, we’ll discuss what graduate school is, what graduate degrees you can get, and the difference between graduate and professional school. Then we’ll move on to discussing the benefits and drawbacks of graduate school, funding graduate programs, and how to apply to grad school.

What Is Graduate School?

What is grad school? Well, it’s not so much a specific “school” as a catchall term for some types of academic programs.  Graduate degree programs offer advanced training (beyond a bachelor’s degree) in a specific academic discipline. They very much focus on advancing your subject-specific academic knowledge as opposed to preparing you for a specific career or job. Graduate degree programs often include opportunities to complete original research in the field.

There are a few different types of graduate degrees. We’ll review them in the next section.

What Is a Graduate Degree? The 3 Main Types

There are, generally speaking, three kinds of graduate degrees offered by graduate schools: the Master of Arts, the Master of Science, and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The MA and MS offer additional schooling in a discipline beyond a bachelor’s degree. A PhD is the most advanced degree in a given academic field. (Note that this is not true of professional fields—we will discuss the difference in the next section.)

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Master of Arts (MA)

What is a Master’s Degree? The Master of Arts is the typical Master’s graduate program for humanities and social science disciplines. They can be fairly general—for example, an MA in Communication or Anthropology, or even Humanities. They can also be highly specialized, like an MA in Folklore or an MA in History of the Book (a real degree!).

Some MA degrees lead specifically to a PhD, while others stand on their own. There are graduate programs designed for those with no prior academic exposure to a field, while others provide further training to those who studied the discipline (or a closely related one) as undergraduates. Some offer original research opportunities, while others focus more on instruction.

Depending on the specific discipline and program, an MA degree generally lasts 1-2 years for a full-time student. Select fields or disciplines may offer a 3-year Master of Arts.

Master of Science (MS)

The Master of Science is the typical Master’s graduate program for scientific and quantitative disciplines. Like the MA, the MS can be fairly general in its focus, like an MS in Biology or Computer Science. They can also be incredibly specialized, like an MS in Predictive Analytics or Agricultural Economics.

Also like the MA, some are designed for those with bachelor’s degrees in the discipline. Others are designed for those trying to get exposure to a new field. Some more closely focus on the student completing original research, while others focus more on delivering in-depth instruction.

An MS degree also generally lasts 1-2 years for a full-time student. In some select fields/programs, it may take 3 years.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

What is a PhD? PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy. The PhD is the most advanced degree in a given academic discipline. It’s also known as a doctorate or a doctoral degree.

As the most advanced degree in an academic field, it’s considered a terminal degree. The Doctor of Philosophy prepares students to do academic work in their discipline —research and teaching—and for positions at universities and research institutions.

PhD programs generally expect students to have some preexisting academic training in the discipline or a related field, usually from the student’s undergraduate degree. Most PhDs will not expect incoming students to have Master’s degrees, although some might. However, students with an MA or MS in the discipline might be able to complete the PhD more quickly because they may not need to complete as much coursework.

Furthermore, most PhD programs do expect applicants to have some form of previous research experience and preferably some academic publishing credits. They may not require the student to have the experience and publishing credits in the same discipline as the PhD, but almost all PhD programs will expect some amount of previous research and academic publication experience.

The structure of a PhD typically involves some amount of preliminary coursework, followed by a written and oral exam in the discipline. Then students will begin research and work on their PhD dissertation, an original research project. Throughout this time, students generally teach and/or work as research assistants to make money.

How many years is a doctorate degree? A PhD can take anywhere from three years (if you have a master’s degree and write extremely fast!) to eight years (if you have a lot of coursework to complete and a particularly obscure dissertation topic). But the time it usually takes to complete a PhD is in the 4-6 year range.

Graduate vs. Professional School

You may notice a huge number of degrees you could pursue after your undergraduate degree missing from the list of degrees above—like the MD, the MBA, the MPH, the MFA, the JD, the MEd, and many others.

This is because those degrees are professional degrees.

So what’s the difference between a graduate degree and a professional degree? A graduate degree provides advanced training in an academic discipline. A professional degree provides advanced training for a specific profession. For example, a JD trains you to become a lawyer. An MD trains you to become a doctor. So while a graduate degree focuses on an academic discipline or area of inquiry, a professional degree focuses on professional training.

We should be clear that these are not hard-and-fast distinctions. The line between what is a graduate program and what is a professional program is not always crystal-clear. Many institutions will refer to some (or all) of their advanced degrees as graduate degrees, without distinguishing between graduate and professional schools.

Additionally, professional degrees can lead to academia, and graduate degrees can lead to professional careers. For example, an MFA can prepare students both for academic teaching and inquiry and for professional careers as artists. While an MPH trains you to work as a public health professional, many MPHs go on to work for research institutions or receive PhDs and go into academia. Many professional schools offer MS or MA degrees (for example, a business school may offer an MS in Business Informatics). Additionally, some graduate schools offer MA or MS degrees that primarily focus on building professional skills and contacts.

Gray areas aside, the general distinction is that professional degrees focus on building career and professional skills, while graduate degrees focus on building your knowledge in a particular discipline and your skill in academic inquiry.

5 Top Benefits of Graduate School

Now that we’ve answered the question, “what is graduate school,” you may find yourself wondering: Is grad school worth it? Should I go to graduate school?

Here are five potential benefits to graduate school:

Preparation to Work in Academia

A major reason to go to graduate school—particularly to earn a PhD—is to position yourself to work in academia. If you want to be a professor at a university, you will need a PhD. For lecturer or researcher positions at small or community colleges, an MA or MS may be sufficient.

But in general, if you want to teach at a college level and work on research in a given discipline, a graduate degree of some kind is pretty much necessary.

Higher Earning Potential and Expanded Job Prospects (Sometimes)

A graduate degree will often increase your earning potential. More relevant training typically means more pay in that field. You’ll also be eligible for more jobs, like more senior research positions.

However, you shouldn’t assume that a graduate degree will always expand your job prospects and increase your pay. An MA in Middle English may not really lead to much of anything except increased debt, simply because there’s just not a high demand for people with MAs in Middle English. So, that training isn’t likely to be considered valuable enough for you to earn more or be a more attractive job applicant.

Be sure to do some research into the discipline you are interested in so that you have a realistic idea of how it will expand your job prospects and pay, if at all.

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Pivoting Your Skills

Say your undergraduate degree was in English Literature, but now you want to be a sociologist. Getting a master’s degree is a great way to get training in a new discipline you haven’t had much exposure to. Armed with your shiny new master’s degree and associated skills, you’ll be able to work in a field that was previously closed to you.

Get Published

If you need to develop research skills and publish some academic papers, getting an MA or MS can be a good move. This is particularly true if you want to pursue a PhD and need to beef up   your research experience and publication credits. Getting a master’s in a discipline related to your prospective PhD can be a huge help here. It will also help you build contacts to serve as recommendations.

Strengthen an Application to Professional School

In a similar vein, you may want to get an MA or MS to strengthen an application to professional school. Any research and publication credits you amass there, as well as a strong GPA or good recommendations, will help you stand out.

For example, maybe your heart is set on being a doctor but your undergraduate grades aren’t quite at the level you’d like, or you simply want to stand out more. Really excelling in an MS program can boost your application.

2 Potential Drawbacks to Graduate School

We’ve listed the benefits—but don’t put in your application yet. There are also some potential drawbacks to graduate school to consider. We’ll list two of the most major drawbacks here.

Considerable Expenses

Graduate degrees are expensive! Tuition and fees can easily run past $20,000 a semester at a private university, not to mention living expenses. You may have to take out pretty massive loans to cover all of this, so it’s important that you carefully consider how graduate school will increase your earning potential or job prospects. In more esoteric fields, the expense may not ever pay off in realized earnings. This shouldn’t necessarily dissuade you from pursuing a graduate degree but it is something to be aware of.

However, some programs will cover all or most of your tuition. You’ll also most likely be able to work part-time while completing graduate work, which will help offset expenses. For most PhD candidates, and some masters students, part-time work as teaching staff or research assistants is built into the program.

If you’re completing a part-time master’s degree, you can also maintain a full-time job while you complete the coursework.

Finally, keep in mind that the expense of tuition isn’t the only cost—while you’re in graduate school, you could be making a full salary employed in the workforce. In some cases, your PhD might lead to a higher salary, but it’ll take multiple years for you to recover the full salaries that you lost out on while you were in school.

Poor Job Prospects

There are some graduate disciplines that simply don’t lead to many job opportunities. For example, there are far more philosophy PhD graduates than tenure-track positions in university philosophy departments. In fact, academia in general is hyper-competitive, so unless you are attending a top program, getting an academic job at the end may be almost ludicrously difficult.

Especially if you are paying for the graduate degree yourself, if there isn’t much in the way of job offers at the end, the degree may be a poor investment. This is something to research before committing to the course.

Funding: How to Pay for Graduate School

Finding graduate school funding can be difficult. There are, in general, a lot more people who want to go to school than there is money available to fund them. Funding in the forms of grants, fellowships, and scholarships for master’s programs in particular tends to be incredibly competitive. There are few fellowships and scholarships available at this level, though there is more funding available for students in high-demand STEM fields like engineering and computer science.

On the flip side, it’s more likely that you’ll receive partial or full funding for PhD work. But PhD programs are far, far more competitive for admission than master’s programs.

Sometimes you can be admitted to a PhD program without any funding. (This is called a self-funded PhD.) This is not likely to pay off in the long run unless you have some fairly sizable independent income or savings, as you will almost certainly rack up debt in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. The return-on-investment in this case may not be very high, especially given how competitive it is to get a tenure-track position.

Funding for a given program is likely to be some combination of loans, grants and fellowships, and research or teaching positions. Even if you are a fully funded PhD student, you won’t receive a whole lot of money—generally just enough to cover expenses.

In general, people don’t go to graduate school to make the big bucks, but because they have a very intense passion for the discipline.

Applying to Graduate School: How to Get Into Grad School

If you’ve decided to apply to graduate school, what do you need to be a successful candidate? This will of course vary from program to program, but you’ll need a few general qualifications.

Good GRE Score

You’ll need a GRE score that’s reasonably competitive for the programs you’re interested in. (See more on what’s a good GRE score here ). This will usually involve a high score in the more relevant section of the GRE. So for a math or science graduate degree, you’ll need a high Quant score. For a humanities or social sciences degree, you’ll need a high Verbal score.

Relevant Experience and/or Publication Credits

You’ll need to have the requisite relevant experience for admission. For master’s programs, this can take the shape of some kind of work experience, undergraduate experience, research experience, and/or publication credits. However, for PhD programs, you’ll almost certainly need research experience and academic publication credits to be a competitive applicant. The experience and publications won’t necessarily have to be directly within the discipline you are applying in, but you will need them to show that you have academic chops.

Strong Undergraduate Record

A strong undergraduate record makes for a stronger application. Barring that, solid work or research experience and/or strong grades in another master’s or professional degree can also help you get admitted to the program(s) of your choice.

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Good Recommendations

Highly positive recommendations, especially from notable people within the field, can provide a real boost to your application. You want recommenders who can speak to your interest in the field as well as your suitability for academic work. If you’re an undergraduate at the time of application, professors you’ve worked with are the best option. If you’re a recent graduate, a combination of professional and academic recommendations will probably best capture your skills. And if you have been out of school for some time, your recommendations may be primarily professional, which is fine.

Clear Articulation of Your Interests and Goals

It’s also important that your application clearly communicates why you’re interested in further training in the discipline and what you plan to do with that training. If you can articulate a real passion for the field and clear goals, and you can connect those things to elements of the specific program you are applying to, your application will be much stronger.

Summary: What Is Graduate School?

“Graduate school” is a catchall term for academic programs that provide training in a specific academic discipline or field beyond the undergraduate level.

There are three primary kinds of graduate degrees:

• Master of arts degrees typically provide further training in the humanities and social sciences.
• Master of science degrees usually provide further training in the sciences and quantitative fields.
• PhDs, or doctorates in philosophy, provide the most advanced training available in a given academic discipline. PhDs prepare you to work in academia.

Graduate school is different from professional school. Professional school describes academic programs beyond an undergraduate degree that train you to work in a specific professional field. For example, lawyers get JDs, and doctors get MDs. There are some gray areas between graduate and professional school, but the general distinction is that graduate school furthers your knowledge of an academic field and professional school trains you for a specific career or class of careers.

Here are some of the main benefits of graduate school:

• Graduate degrees are necessary for work in academia.
• Some fields may give you higher earning potential and expanded job prospects.
• You can gain skills in a new area or discipline than your undergraduate degree.
• Graduate school can help you get research experience and publication credits.
• A graduate degree can help you strengthen your application to professional school.

Here are some of the main drawbacks to graduate school:

• Graduate school is expensive!
• Some graduate degrees won’t give you expanded job prospects or a better salary, making them a poor investment.

It can be difficult to get funding for graduate school. You are more likely to get funding for a PhD than a master’s degree, but PhDs are also more competitive. Overall, most people don’t go to graduate school specifically because they are looking for a very lucrative career.

 If you want to go to graduate school, here’s how to make yourself a strong applicant:

• Get a good GRE score
• Have relevant experience and/or publication credits
• Have a strong undergraduate record
• Secure glowing recommendations
• Clearly articulate your interests and goals in the discipline

That’s our overview of graduate school, folks!

What’s Next?

What GRE score do you need for graduate school? Check out our expert analysis of average GRE scores by school and average GRE scores by major . Or maybe you don’t need to take the GRE to get into grad school at all!

If you are taking the GRE, you want to maximize your chances of success. So consider when to take the GRE  and how to make a GRE study plan .

Think you may need to retake the GRE ? Here’s a surefire way improve your GRE scores .

Ready to improve your GRE score by 7 points?

Author: Ellen McCammon

Ellen is a public health graduate student and education expert. She has extensive experience mentoring students of all ages to reach their goals and in-depth knowledge on a variety of health topics. View all posts by Ellen McCammon

MA, MBA, BS, MS, MSW, PhD – What Does It Stand For?

There are lots of benefits of obtaining a degree, be it associate, B.A., M.A. or Ph.D.

Of course, obtaining a degree can be quite expensive but still, there are lots of people who consider it a good investment.

Nevertheless, making a decision about a degree, you want or need to obtain, you need to understand what all these acronyms mean.

Also, what is the difference between, for example, a B.B.A. and a BSN?

If you want to learn about all these aspects, keep reading the article.

In this article, you can find information about all the available degrees and their specifics.

Article Table of Contents

• 1.1 A.A. Associate of Arts
• 1.2 A.S. Associate of Science
• 2.1 B.A. Bachelor of Arts
• 2.2 B.S. Bachelor of Science
• 2.3 B.F.A. Bachelor of Fine Arts
• 2.4 B.B.A. Bachelor of Business Administration
• 2.5 B.Arch Bachelor of Architecture
• 2.6 BSN Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• 2.7 B.E. Bachelor of Engineering
• 3.1 M.A. Master of Arts
• 3.2 M.B.A. Master of Business Administration
• 3.3 M.S. Master of Science
• 3.4 M.S.W. Master of Social Work
• 4.1 Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy
• 4.2 Psy.D. Doctor of Psychology
• 5.1 What Do Those Letters Stand For?
• 5.2 What Is the Difference Between Arts and Science Degrees?
• 5.3 What Designations Exist for Doctoral Students?
• 5.4 What Other Specialized Degrees Exist?

Associate Degrees

Full-time students can obtain an associate degree in two years but part-time students may need more time to complete their training.

It is an undergraduate degree and it can be obtained at vocational schools, community, and technical colleges as well as some universities.

There are 3 main categories of an associate degree:

• A.A. – Associate of Arts
• A.S – Associate of Science
• A.A.S – Associate of Applied Science

If you are interested in technical or vocational career options, an associate degree is a perfect option for you.

You just need to get some post-secondary education to enroll in one of these careers.

It is a formal degree that can be obtained in the shortest period of time and with minimal expenses.

Also, it is a perfect stepping stone for those who plan to get a four-year degree in the future.

After completing such training program, you can transfer your credits towards a bachelor’s degree.

“Graduates with an associate degree had median annual salary of $50,230, compared with $36,210 for high school graduates. They also had a better unemployment rate.”  *Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015

A.A. Associate of Arts

The associate of arts – it is an entry-level undergraduate degree that can be obtained after completion of two years of training.

It can be obtained at junior or community college, trade school or technical school.

Most students apply for it to make it easier to get a bachelor’s degree in the future.

A.S. Associate of Science

A.S. Associate of Science is similar to A.A and it can be obtained just after two years of full-time training.

To obtain this degree, you need to complete a program related to science or technology.

Read more:  Associate Vs. Traditional Education: Differences & Similarities

Bachelor’s Degrees

Most students tend to apply for a bachelor’s degree.

In other words, it is one of the most popular degree options when it comes to post-secondary education.

Also, it is a minimal training requirement for a whole variety of career options.

To obtain this degree, in most cases, you need to complete a four-year training program on a full-time basis.

Nevertheless, in some cases, you may need more time to obtain this degree or you can apply for an accelerated course and obtain your degree faster.

There are two main types of degree – Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and the Bachelor of Science (B.S.).

Also, there are some other variants usually related to some more specific areas such as Science in Nursing.

Typical Bachelor’s degree course contains 120-semester credits and half of them is general and liberal art disciplines.

The other half – it is subjects related to your majors.

“Bachelor’s degree holders had median annual wages of $70,400 in 2015 — nearly twice the median wages for all occupations and nearly $20,000 more per year than graduates with an associate degree.” *Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015

B.A. Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Arts is a perfect option for those who want to pursue a career in such fields as liberal arts, humanities or social sciences such as English, creative writing, fine arts or political science.

To obtain it, you need to complete a 4-year program provided by a traditional school or university.

B.S. Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Science is a perfect choice for students interested in science and technical areas.

B.F.A. Bachelor of Fine Arts

If you are interested in art history, theater, photography, and film studies, Bachelor of Fine Arts is exactly what you need.

B.B.A. Bachelor of Business Administration

Bachelor of Business Administration is a perfect degree option for anyone who wants to work in such spheres as management, accounting, marketing, etc.

B.Arch Bachelor of Architecture

Anyone, interested in architecture career, should apply for Bachelor of Architecture.

BSN Bachelor of Science in Nursing

This technical and hands-on training oriented degree is an ideal option for those who want to obtain a nursing license.

B.E. Bachelor of Engineering

Those who are interested in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer engineering, should apply for a Bachelor of Engineering degree.

Master’s Degrees

Master’s degree – it is a graduate-level training course.

You need about two years of full-time studies to complete it.

You can apply for this program only after obtaining a bachelor’s degree.

According to the data, most graduate students have a full-time job so colleges and universities tend to offer flexible schedules for them.

In such a case, you need more than 2 years to complete your training but it will allow you balancing between your work and studies.

As we’ve already mentioned, you need to have a bachelor’s degree to be able to apply for a master’s degree.

It is a great opportunity to advance your career options or enter a career field that requires a higher level of education.

There are three the most popular master’s degree options:

• M.A. – Master of Arts
• M.S. – Master of Science
• M.B.A. –  Master of Business Administration

“The BLS predicts 13.8% growth in employment for master’s degree holders between 2014 and 2024 — the highest of any level of education.” *Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015

M.A. Master of Arts

This graduate-level degree is the best option for students interested in the humanities, social sciences or fine arts.

M.B.A. Master of Business Administration

You can obtain the Master of Business Administration after completing business administration or management-oriented training program.

Training programs offered for this degree usually oriented around subjects that are closely related to business disciplines such as marketing, accounting, and analysis.

M.S. Master of Science

If you are interested in science and technologies, the Master of Science is a perfect option for you.

M.S.W. Master of Social Work

The Master of Social Work is similar to M.B.A.  as it is closely related to social work and most programs are based on related subjects.

Usually, these programs comply with a clinical track or practice track.

The first one is related to work with patients while the second one – to policy, politics, and management.

Doctoral Degrees

A Doctoral degree is the highest academic degree and it can be obtained only in a university.

To complete your training, you need from 3 to 8 years and sometimes even more, depending on the field you are interested in.

Some doctoral degree programs are available only to those who have a bachelor’s degree while others can be obtained after completing an undergraduate program.

There is a variety of Doctoral degree options but the most popular is the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).

After completing this degree program, you can work as a teacher in a university or apply for some careers that require extensive training.

For example, psychologists and medical doctors need a doctoral degree if they want to be licensed.

“Workers with a doctoral degree had both the highest median annual salaries — more than $100,000 — and the lowest unemployment of any level of educational attainment.” *Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015

Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy

To begin with, Doctor of Philosophy is a degree that is not only for philosophers.

It is related to a whole variety of disciplines.

Usually, it is programs that are oriented on some intensive researches.

You can apply for it if you already have a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree.

Psy.D. Doctor of Psychology

This doctoral degree is quite similar to the standard doctorate.

However, it is a good choice only for those who are interested in psychology.

What Do Those Letters Stand For?

These letters can be divided into two parts.

The first letter indicates the level of the degree:

• B – bachelor’s degree;
• M – master’s degree;
• D – doctoral degree.

The second part of the abbreviation stands for the field of training:

• S -science;
• Ph – philosophy and so on.

What Is the Difference Between Arts and Science Degrees?

As we’ve said before, there are two main types of degree fields – art and science.

Usually, art degrees cover a wide range of disciplines and issues.

At the same time, being a “science” student means you need to have some deep, technical understanding of your field of interest.

What Designations Exist for Doctoral Students?

When it comes to liberal art disciplines, Ph.D. or Doctor of Philosophy is the highest degree you can obtain.

At the same time, those interested in clinical and counseling psychology can obtain PsyD, Doctor of Psychology degree.

Medical students can apply for an M.D. degree and law students – for J.D. (Juris Doctor) degree.

What Other Specialized Degrees Exist?

Among other degrees, there are Master of Social Work (MSW), Doctor of Social Work (DSW), Master of Education degree (MaEd), Master of Business Administration (MBA), or Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).

After learning about all the available degree options and their specifications, you can make the right choice.

Just make sure to check various school to find the program that suits your needs most of all.

Noteworthy Resources

• Bachelor’s Degree: What Is It?
• List of College Degrees: What Each of Them Mean
• Associate Vs. Traditional Education: Differences & Similarities
• 10 Best Majors for Undecided Students
• 15 Best Jobs for Psychology Majors

PhD vs Masters in Psychology

Key Takeaways

• A master’s degree in psychology takes about 2-4 years to complete, while a PhD takes 4-7 years to complete.
• A master’s degree in psychology prepares graduates for careers in counseling, therapy, or organizational psychology.
• A PhD in psychology can offer a deeper expertise and broader opportunities in research, academia, and specialized fields.

Are you stuck at a point in your career despite having a bachelor’s degree in psychology? Acquiring an advanced degree can help you progress and pursue rewarding career opportunities. This comprehensive guide on PhD vs master’s in psychology covers all that you’ll need to know to make an informed decision.

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Phd vs master’s in psychology.

Individuals seeking an advanced degree in psychology have two options: A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in psychology and a master’s in psychology (either an MA, Master of Arts, or an MS, Master of Science).

Your choice will significantly influence your career trajectory. A PhD is typically research-focused and oriented towards academia, while a master’s program is often more practice-oriented and can lead to licensure for clinical work.

When choosing between a master’s in psychology and a PhD, it’s crucial to consider your career aspirations, academic interests, time availability, and financial resources to make the best decision for your future.

Overview of PhD in Psychology

PhD in psychology , also known as a doctorate in psychology or doctoral degree, is a graduate degree that emphasizes original research and is designed for those aiming to become professors or researchers in academia or clinical psychologists. The program dives deep into complex statistics and research methodologies. You’ll typically need a bachelor’s degree and sometimes a master’s as a prerequisite.

A PhD program will often include comprehensive examinations, a thesis based on original research, and a longer timeline for completion, usually between 4 to 7 years. Due to the rigorous research component, many PhD programs offer various forms of funding, including assistantships, which may cover tuition and offer stipends.

Graduates with a PhD may pursue careers in a range of fields including health services, law, business, and government. Additionally, obtaining a doctoral degree is necessary for those looking to achieve licensure as a practicing psychologist.

Overview of Master’s in Psychology

Master’s in psychology, which can be obtained as a Master of Arts (MA) or a Master of Science (MS), generally takes a shorter time to complete than a doctorate—around 2 to 4 years. A master’s degree  typically requires about 30 credits of graduate-level coursework and may include a capstone project or thesis.

The master’s curriculum focuses on giving you practical experience through fieldwork or internships, preparing you for careers in areas such as school psychology, family therapy, or counseling psychology. With a master’s degree, you can expect to work in varied settings like hospitals, private practice, educational institutions, or business corporations.

Although a master’s degree may provide various career opportunities, for certain positions, especially those in clinical settings where you’re looking to work with patients, further licensure might be necessary. Additionally, those with a master’s degree may also work as research assistants in larger research projects, under the guidance of PhD holders.

A Comparison Between PhD and Master’s in Psychology

Before deciding between a PhD and a master’s in psychology, it’s important to understand how these degrees prepare you for different career paths and involve different financial and time commitment levels.

Similarities

• Prerequisite : Master’s and PhD degrees equip you with a deeper understanding of psychology  and a completed bachelor’s degree  is required to enroll.
• Research : In both programs, you will complete research projects to varying degrees and gain extensive knowledge of psychology.
• Employment : Both programs prepare you for diverse career opportunities within the field of psychology, such as positions in academia, clinical settings, or business.

Master’s and PhD degrees equip you with a deeper understanding of psychology, and require you to have completed a bachelor’s degree . In both graduate programs, you’ll be involved in research projects to varying degrees and gain foundational knowledge that can contribute to diverse career opportunities within the field of psychology, such as positions in academia, clinical settings, or business.

Differences

• Education : A PhD is usually focused on preparing you for a career in academia or advanced research positions. You will spend a significant amount of time conducting original research and completing a dissertation. Whereas, a master’s degree typically takes less time and is often seen as a stepping stone to a doctoral degree or a terminal degree.
• Licensure and career: If you’re aiming for roles that require licensure, like a licensed therapist or clinical psychologist, the path can differ. PhD programs usually include the required internships and practical experiences for licensure. Some master’s programs may also include them but most often require additional supervised clinical hours post-graduation.
• Time required: Completing a PhD can take anywhere from 4 to 7 years, whereas a master’s program can be finished in 1 to 3 years.
• Graduate school demand: Acceptance to PhD programs can be highly competitive due to funding opportunities like assistantships that cover tuition and offer stipends. For master’s programs, funding is less common, and they’re generally in higher demand.
• Tuition and funding : PhD students often receive tuition waivers and stipends through teaching or research assistantships, while master’s students may need to rely on scholarships, loans, or out-of-pocket payments to fund their program.

Major Distinguishing Factor

The most prominent distinction lies in the focus of the degree: A PhD is research-intensive, aiming to produce scholars who contribute original research to the field and may continue to teach or lead advanced studies. On the other hand, a master’s degree is more about direct practical application, preparing you for immediate employment within various psychology-related roles .

Whether you pursue a PhD in psychology for an academic or high-level research career or opt for a master’s to begin work sooner in a practical setting, understanding these differences is vital for aligning your education with your career aspirations.

When to Consider a PhD in Psychology

Enrolling in a PhD in psychology program signifies a commitment to deepen your expertise in the field and is a step in the right direction if your career aspirations include academia or high-level research positions. If you’re driven by a passion for original research and have a strong desire to contribute to the body of knowledge in mental health, a doctoral program is what you should aim for.

• Academic and teaching careers : With a PhD, you become qualified for faculty positions at universities where you can teach, mentor graduate students, and lead significant research projects.
• Higher salary potential : Although it depends on several factors, a PhD graduate may earn a higher salary than a master’s graduate, especially in roles like university professor or specialty researcher.
• Licensure and professional recognition : A PhD is often required for licensure as a clinical psychologist. This credential is important for practicing independently or holding senior clinical positions.

Here’s a quick breakdown of careers where a PhD is particularly beneficial:

With the demand for mental health professionals on the rise, job opportunities also expand. Your contribution to graduate studies could affect change and influence the direction of your chosen field. Additionally, funding for a doctoral program, though competitive, often covers tuition and provides a stipend, easing financial obstacles in your educational journey.

Remember, a PhD is a long-term investment in your education and career. It’s tailor-made for those who envision a future steeped in research, education, and advancing the psychological sciences.

When to Consider a Master’s in Psychology

If you’re contemplating higher education in psychology or aiming to improve and increase your career prospects without the extensive commitment of a doctoral program, a master’s in psychology  could be the right fit for you.

• Career and licensure:  If you desire to start practicing sooner, many roles in counseling, social work, and mental health require only a master’s degree for entry. This path can lead to licensure as a professional counselor or a marriage and family therapist, getting you into the field quicker.
• Education and teaching:  For teaching at a high school or community college level, a master’s degree is often enough. Educational institutions value the focused expertise a master’s program provides.
• Cost and duration:  Financial considerations are vital. Master’s programs generally take less time - typically 2 years - and psychology master’s programs present more affordable tuition options  compared to a PhD, meaning less potential student debt.
• Job opportunities:  With a growing demand for mental health professionals, a master’s degree can open various career opportunities in both government and private practice. Employers appreciate the diversity of skills that graduates bring to a wide array of jobs in the field.
• Funding:  While funding is more limited at the master’s level than for PhD programs, the general investment is often lower. This balances out, especially when considering the earlier salary earning potential due to a shorter education period.

Remember, you want to align your educational choices with your career aspirations. If your goal is to make an impact in the mental health sector without a focus on research or academia, a master’s degree could be your gateway to a rewarding professional journey.

PhD vs Master’s in Psychology: Which is Better?

When deciding between a PhD and a master’s in psychology, consider your career goals and the skills required. Each program equips you with a different set of credentials.

Master’s in psychology:

• Education : Requires less time, typically 1-2 years
• Career opportunities : Primarily suited for those seeking to enter the workforce quickly Job roles may include human resources, market research analysts, and social services managers
• Licensure : A master’s may lead to licensure for clinical practice in some states
• Tuition : Often less expensive due to the shorter duration of the program
• Salary and earnings potential : Pays less than a PhD graduate

PhD in Psychology:

• Education : A more extensive educational journey, often 4-7 years, including a dissertation
• Career opportunities : Ideal if you are aiming for a career in academia, teaching at the university level, or high-level research positions
• Licensure : Offers a pathway to becoming a licensed clinical psychologist
• Tuition : Psychology doctoral programs  can be more expensive, they may also offer more funding opportunities, such as stipends and teaching assistantships
• Salary and earnings potential : Generally higher due to the qualifications for specialized and senior roles

Industrial-organizational psychologists  and clinical psychologists  are examples of roles where a doctorate might significantly impact your earnings potential and job market competitiveness. A doctoral program prepares you for rigorous research and academic responsibilities, potentially in the field of mental health.

Deciding which is “better” between a PhD or a master’s degree heavily relies on your personal career trajectory and how you define success within the area of psychology. If your aim is to quickly join the workforce within a clinical setting or a corporate environment, a master’s could serve your needs. Should your aspirations include teaching at the university level or conducting advanced research, a PhD will offer you the necessary credentials.

Related Questions

Is a master’s in psychology the same as a phd.

Master’s programs in psychology and related fields vary in their emphasis on research. While some may include research components, others may focus more on practical applications. It’s important to research individual programs to determine their research orientation and align them with your career goals.

How long is a PhD in psychology?

Pursuing a PhD in psychology is a rigorous journey , typically lasting between 4 to 7 years. This duration includes advanced coursework, extensive research endeavors, and the completion of a dissertation. The exact timeline can vary based on factors such as program structure, research focus, and individual progress.

Is it better to have a Master’s or PhD?

Both degrees are valuable. A PhD offers deeper expertise and broader opportunities in research, academia, and specialized fields. A master’s degree provides valuable skills for careers in counseling, therapy, or organizational psychology.

When choosing between a PhD and master’s degree, it’s important to reflect on your professional aims and the kind of educational experience you prefer. While a master’s program provides foundational knowledge and professional skills, a PhD will allow you to go deeper into research methodologies and advanced scholarly study.

Guide to Masters degrees: MA, MSc, MBA, LLM, ... - Glossary

MMath - Master of Mathematics

This is a four-year undergraduate and postgraduate integrated degree in Maths.

MMus - Master of Music

The Master of Music is a specialised postgraduate qualification in the field of Music. It can be similar to an MA in Music, but an audition may be required for students to be admitted to an MMus.

MPharm - Master of Pharmacy

The Master of Pharmacy is a four-year integrated degree in the field of pharmacy. In the United Kingdom , it is the qualification leading to professional registration as a pharmacist.

MPhil - Master of Philosophy

The MPhil can be taken as a standalone qualification or as part of a PhD. It is a research-based postgraduate degree of usually two years with no taught modules. In certain instances, a master’s degree is a requirement to be admitted to an MPhil.

MPhys - Master of Physics

The Master of Physics is a four-year integrated undergraduate and graduate degree in Physics.

MPA - Master of Public Administration

This is the qualification for those interested in leadership positions in the public sector – often seen as an equivalent of the MBA, but for government, public service, and nonprofit organisations. It usually lasts one year and can have different areas of specialisation.

MPH - Master of Public Health

The Master of Public Health is a postgraduate degree specialising, you may have guessed it, in a range of disciplines around public health: for example, epidemiology, health policy etc. The difference between an MPH and an MSc in this case is that while a traditional Master of Science in public health will be more research-oriented, an MPH will include more practical training around applied public health and prepare graduates for a career in the field.

MRes - Master of Research

Quite common in the UK but not many other countries, a Master of Research is a research-based postgraduate degree. That means you complete it by doing research and research training, and not taught modules (or at least not only). It can be awarded in any subject where research can be conducted.

MSc - Master of Science

Alongside the MA, the Master of Science is probably the most common degree awarded at the postgrad level. An MSc degree is typically awarded in disciplines like Natural Sciences, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (or “STEM” for short), as well as related fields and subjects that to some extent rely on a scientific or mathematical foundation, like certain subjects in the area of Business; and it can also be awarded for other disciplines. The dissertation (thesis) will often be a piece of original research.

MSci - Master in Science

Not to be confused with the MSc (Master of Science), the MSci (Master in Science) is a UK-specific four-year integrated undergraduate degree in a scientific subject equivalent to a BSc plus MSc.

MSt - Master of Studies

Awarded by a handful of universities, including Cambridge, Oxford and Dublin, the Master of Studies is a postgraduate master’s degree usually in an arts or humanities field. It is close to what other universities would call an MA.

MTh - Master of Theology

The Master of Theology is a postgraduate degree in the field of Theology, which can be either general or specialised in fields such as Church Ethics or Biblical Studies.

PgDip Postgraduate Diploma

A postgraduate diploma (PgDip) is postgraduate degree qualification which gives specialised training in a subject or professional field; typically offered by British universities. It isn’t quite equivalent to a Master’s degree as it is usually shorter and doesn’t require the completion of a thesis or dissertation to graduate.

Author: Claudia Civinini

Claudia has many years of experience as a reporter and writer on international education and student mobility. Originally from Italy, she holds a BA in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Genova; a Graduate Diploma in Education, Secondary Education and Teaching from the Australian Catholic University; and a joint MSc in Educational Neuroscience from UCL and Birkbeck, University of London. Claudia has previously worked as Chief Reporter for the English Language Gazette, as Senior Reporter for the PIE News (Professionals in International Education), and as Reporter for Tes.

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What to expect from a PhD/ MA by Research

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest level of qualification awarded by universities in the UK, typically aimed at students who have successfully completed a Masters programme.

A  PhD  is awarded for the outcomes of intensive, independent study that demonstrates an original and significant contribution to knowledge in your chosen subject. You will be assessed at the end of the programme by a thesis of 80,000 words which will need to be deemed suitable for publication, in whole or in part in a learned journal or equivalent by your examiners. You will need to defend your thesis and demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of your subject at a  viva voce  (oral examination) before a panel of expert examiners.

By comparison, an  MA by Research  is a research-based Masters programme assessed by a thesis of 40,000 words. An oral examination may be held at the discretion of the examiners.

Unlike our postgraduate taught programmes, there are no formal lectures or seminars in a PhD or MA by Research, and your work is not formally examined until after your thesis has been submitted. Instead, our postgraduate research programmes provide you with the opportunity to undertake research under the expert guidance of a primary supervisor, co-supervisor and mentor, supported by complementary research training.

PhD and MA by Research programmes may start at any time of the year, though we strongly encourage students to begin their studies at the start of the UK academic year (September). We also offer flexibility in our programmes so that you can choose the mode of study that works for you - full-time, part-time, or distance learning . It usually takes three years (full-time) or six years (part-time) to complete a PhD, while the standard duration for an MA by Research is either one year (full-time) or two years (part-time).

Distance learning students will receive the same level of support and supervision as on-campus students, the only difference being that supervisory sessions will take place via audio and visual communication services such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom, rather than in person. You will be funded to make one compulsory visit to the University per year of study (or every other year for part-time students), enabling you to meet your supervisory team, undertake intensive research skills training and make a start on your doctoral studies. You may also be invited to attend the University for annual meetings which give you the opportunity to interact with other research students both socially and academically, undertake important progress-review meetings and carry out any necessary training. For those studying a PhD, you will also generally be required to be present on campus for your viva voce (funded for travel and accommodation).

What is involved in a PhD/MA by Research?

Before you start.

One of your main sources of support, inspiration and encouragement throughout your PhD/MA by Research programme will be your supervisory team. Establishing an effective working relationship is important for staying on top of your work and making the most of your research.

If you are planning to apply for a PhD/MA by Research programme, you should first make sure that the relevant department within the College of Arts and Law offers the necessary expertise. We ask that you identify an appropriate supervisor before you submit your application and contact them in the first instance to discuss your research proposal. If you experience any difficulties with the application process and contacting potential supervisors, please email: [email protected]

Your research proposal should be a short written document (approximately 1,000-1,500 words) which sets out the central issues or questions that you intend to address. It should outline the general area of study within which your research falls, referring to the current state of knowledge and any recent debates on the topic, as well as demonstrate the originality of your proposed research. For further advice, please refer to our research proposal guidance pages .

During your studies

Your supervisory team will meet with you at regular intervals throughout your PhD/MA by Research programme in order to offer guidance on how best to approach, implement and report on your research. Supervisory sessions for distance learning students will take place via audio and visual communication services such as Skype or Facetime, rather than on campus.

Although your supervisory team are there to help you to complete your research, postgraduate research students are expected to take full responsibility for their work. Therefore, you will need to develop your own timetable for academic study, planning and managing your research so that you can successfully complete your thesis on time.

The first year (or part-time equivalent) of a PhD usually consists of a literature review specific to your thesis and topic, along with any other relevant work or training that will prepare you for undertaking the bulk of your research in the second year, which is normally then written up in the third year. For an MA by Research, these timescales are condensed into one year (or two years if studying part time).

During the course of your studies your supervisory team may also encourage you to present your research to the wider academic community and to the general public at seminars and conferences, or even submit work for publication in specialist journals. You will also have opportunities for teaching, networking, and playing an active role in the College's vibrant  postgraduate research community .

If you wish to proceed and submit an application, please refer to our six-step process for applying for PhD and MA by Research opportunities in Arts subject areas.

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MA PhD Integrated Course, Eligibility, Admission, Syllabus, Scope & Career

• What is MA Ph.d?

The MA PhD programme, or the Master of Arts - Doctor of Philosophy integrated program, is a four-year or five-year (depending on the university) educational programme which begins with studying for a Master of Arts degree and ends with you receiving your Doctorate in Philosophy.

Different universities offer different specialisations under the MA portion of the programme, which we will get into a bit later. Aside from this, in this guide about the MA Ph.D. integrated degree course, we will be exploring the following main points about the course. MA Ph.D. dual degree combines both MA and Ph.D. MA or Master of Arts is a postgraduate programme. While, Ph.D or Doctor of Philosophy is a doctoral degree programme. MA takes two years and the duration of Ph.D is five to seven years. The duration of the integrated MA Ph.D. programme is five years.

What is MA Ph.D. full form?

Ma ph.d highlights, ma ph.d fee structure, why choose ma ph.d, ma ph.d eligibility, ma ph.d skills required, ma ph.d admission process, ma ph.d entrance examination, ma ph.d. cut off, ma ph.d syllabus, ma ph.d specialisation, what after ma ph.d dual degree, careers opportunities after ma ph.d dual degree, expected salary after ma phd, top private ma ph.d colleges, top government ma ph.d colleges.

MA Ph.D. stands for Master of Arts- Doctor of Philosophy. It is a combined programme with postgraduate MA and doctoral integrated Ph.D. MA Ph.D dual degree programme is offered in the humanities discipline. Candidates who want to enroll in the MA Ph.D integrated course are required to successfully complete BA (bachelor of arts) with a minimum of 55 per cent marks from a recognised university.

In a tabular form for you to understand the basics, here’s what you need to know about the course, in brief:

The following is the approximate semester-wise fee structure for MA PhD integrated courses.

MA M.Ed fee

Pursuing a MA Ph.D. dual degree has a lot of advantages for students. If you are still doubtful about the degree, here are certain advantages of pursuing this integrated programme.

Dual Degree: After successful completion of Master’s, students have the opportunity to complete their doctoral degree. This will save time and the hassles of applying for a dual degree separately.

Rich Field of Opportunity: The course provides students with interesting opportunities in literary fields. This will also help you get better job opportunities as the number of students with dual degrees in MA Ph.D. is less.

Better Qualification Graph: As Ph.D. is one of the most honoured degree programmes in India, it will improve your qualification graph and help you have a stable career ahead.

The eligibility criteria required for an MA Ph.D. integrated course is as follows:

Class 10 or equivalent pass from a recognised institution

10+2 or equivalent pass from a recognised institution

Holder of a Bachelor’s degree (of Arts or other) from a recognised institution

All in all, the candidate aspiring for the MA Ph.D. dual degree must have completed her 10+2+3 or 10+2+4 or equivalent education from a formally recognised institution.

The eligibility criterion begs the question of whether it is necessary to have a Bachelor of Arts degree to pursue the Master of Arts - Doctorate of Philosophy integrated course. The answer to this question is ‘no’:

Although it is a dual degree course, it is not necessary that the Bachelor’s degree has to be a Bachelor of Arts degree to be eligible for the MA Ph.D. integrated course. Although it is definitely a plus, a BA is not a requirement. However, a Bachelor’s degree, such as a BBA , BCom and BSc. all fit the eligibility criteria for MA Ph.D.

Alternatively, Srishti allows for candidates to meet additional criteria for their MA Ph.D. courses. These pertain to the educational institutions alternative to the ones that only offer regular bachelor programs:

Four year undergraduate diploma from a recognised design institute.

Five year Bachelor’s degree from a recognised professional institute.

Since the MA Ph.D integrated degree combines two degree programmes, it means double the work that either of the standalone courses would have to offer. Aside from this, it is a course where the world of social sciences and humanities completely takes you over.

The admission process for enrollment in MA Ph.D dual degree may vary from institution to institution. We have provided below the MA Ph.D admission process of top colleges in India.

Individuals are required to register for admissions on the official website of colleges.

They may take physical forms from university premises, submit it after filling for registration.

Candidates are required to appear in the entrance examination conducted by the universities and colleges.

They must qualify the entrance examination and get seat allotment.

Complete the documentation process

Pay the academic fee.

Ensure successful completion of the enrollment in MA PhD dual degree programme.

Once again, it is necessary to note that different institutions have different enrolment processes for MA Ph.D. integrated courses. The entrance exams for MA Ph.D. integrated degree programme work according to the admission process of the respective institution.

In most cases, the only available option for registering for the entrance exam is via an online application, although some institutions offer offline applications.

IIT Bombay conducts written examination and personal interview to select eligible candidates to provide admissions in MA Ph.D integrated course. Candidates are requested to visit the official website of college for more details.

A cut off varies from institution to institution depending on various factors such as number of candidates appearing in the entrance examinations, difficulty level of examination, total availability of seats and demand of getting admission in the institution. A minimum score, percentage or rank is announced by college authorities to select eligible candidates to provide admissions. Those who secure higher rank or scores than the cut off or equivalent to it are eligible for enrolling in the course.

MA Colleges by Location

We have provided below a table to locate colleges offering MA courses in various cities. Candidates seeking admission in MA may find colleges in their cities with the help of table. The admission process, fee structure and eligibility criteria for enrollment in MA college may vary from college to college.

Ph.D Colleges by Location

Aspirants who wish to pursue a Ph.D may check colleges in their cities offering the same with the assistance of table provided below. The admission process, fee structure and eligibility criteria for enrollment in Ph.D may vary from college to college.

The syllabus of MA Ph.D. courses differs according to the institution offering it. For example, the courses for MA Ph.D. offered at Srishti Institute of Art & Design are different from the MA Ph.D. courses offered at Pondicherry University and in MCPH. We will go into the syllabus for all of these courses.

We have mentioned below M.A.-Ph.D. Humanities and Social Sciences Integrated Programme syllabus of Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay.

MA Ph.d Syllabus for Semester 1 & 2

MA Ph.d Syllabus for Semester 3 & 4

MA Ph.d Syllabus for Semester 5 & 6

MA Ph.d Syllabus for Semester 7 & 8

MA Ph.d Syllabus for Semester 9 & 10

MA Ph.d Syllabus for Semester 11 & 12

Master of Arts courses specialise in a number of disciplines. We have listed below the major specialisations of MA.

Internships with MA PhD

Since all MA, as well as PhD courses, require students to take up one or more internships, MA PhD Integrated courses also require the same. Experiential learning through internships is just as important as learning within the institution, and thus the importance of internships.

Internships with archivists, in research and development companies, policy research analysis companies, content writing, and development internships, etc. are excellent choices for MA PhD internships.

The following are the career options that you can pursue after receiving an MA PhD integrated degree:

Research & development in the area of humanities and philosophy - With an in-depth knowledge of all things humanities following the completion of an MA PhD programme, individuals will be well-equipped to contribute to the philosophical, historical, political, and sociological research and development processes in the country.

Impact assessors - Heritage impact assessments (HII) and Environmental impact assessments (EII) are critical roles to be filled in the contemporary world, for assessing various impacts around the preservation of historic structures and artefacts, and in the construction of new infrastructure in countries.

Teaching - Teachers and educators play one of the most important roles in developing societies. With an integrated MA PhD qualification, individuals are eligible to become teachers and educate the young and bright.

Social work - Social workers are the need of the hour, especially when governments fail to meet the needs and necessities of their people. Social workers work towards reformation, providing the underprivileged with what they can, and myriad other vital services.

Urban planning - Once again, with an in-depth knowledge of humanities through an MA PhD integrated degree, individuals can contribute manifold to the planning of cities and towns as urban planners .

Policy maker/facilitator - The MA PhD course helps individuals critically analyse what kinds of policies to introduce, when, where and why. A critical analysis of the same not only encourages individuals to influence or facilitate policy making, but it can also provide the opportunity for the person to be a direct part of the process of policy making.

The expected salaries after MA PhD vary according to the job that the degree -holder avails. Of course, the demand for high degree-holders is quite high, thus, for MA PhD degree-holders, the market is usually always open.

Here is the breakup of salaries according to the previously mentioned career options. Please note that because of varying levels of experience at the job, salaries also vary accordingly. Also note that the mentioned salaries below are average salaries of all the jobs mentioned.

Job Profile & Salary in MA Ph.D.

There are various colleges that offer academic programmes in humanities. But, there are only a few colleges that offer integrated MA Ph.D. course. MA Ph.D. is the combined degree of postgraduate MA and doctoral Ph.D. programme. We have listed below top private MA Ph.D. colleges.

MA Ph.D is the combination of master of arts and doctor of philosophy degree programmes. It is an integrated dual degree programme. The course is offered by very few colleges in India. We have listed below such top government MA Ph.D colleges.

MA colleges by States

Candidates seeking admission in MA course may check colleges in their states with the assistance state wise MA colleges table provided below. An MA is a postgraduate programme in the arts discipline. Candidates are required to complete a BA in any specialisation to enroll in the programme.

PhD Colleges by States

We have provided below state-wise list of colleges offering PhD. A PhD is a doctoral degree research based programme. It provides opportunities to pursue academic careers such as lecturer, professor or researcher in universities and colleges.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

No, you can apply for an MA PhD integrated course, you must have a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline/subject to pursue the course. 

Yes, it is possible to leave the institution with only an MA degree after meeting all the same requirements if you wish not to pursue the PhD after you finish your MA studies. In this way, you do not lose your Master’s degree if you wish not to continue further after.

Seacom Skills University, Manipal Centre for Philosophy & Humanities, Srishti Institute of Art & Design, Techno India University, and Pondicherry University are the institutions where MA PhD integrated courses are available.

There are several jobs which consider granting positions to MA PhD integrated degree-holders, such as impact assessors, urban planner, policy maker/influencer, educator/teacher, social worker, etc. The salaries vary from job to job, but the range lies between Rs. 2.9 lakhs per annum to even Rs. eight to nine lakhs per annum.

Courses which are similar to the MA PhD integrated course are as follows:

MDes + PhD (Master’s program in Design, Postgraduate Integrated Doctoral Program)

BA + MA (Bachelor of Arts + Master of Arts Integrated Undergraduate + Postgraduate course)

MSc + PhD (Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy Integrated Program)

MBA + PhD (Master’s in Business Administration, Integrated Doctoral Program)

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Ma, msc, mres, phd, eng d... different types of postgraduate courses.

targetjobs editorial team

25 Jan 2023, 13:36

If you're at a crossroads between employment and further study, take the time to consider the huge variety of postgraduate courses on offer.

From one-year taught courses to three-year research PhDs, choosing the right postgraduate course can give you the edge in a jobs market already crowded with first degree holders. Find out what's available, what's involved and which type of course will best suit your needs. When weighing up the pros and cons of going into work or further study remember that you need not limit yourself to just one of the two.

Take a look at the lists below to find a qualification and a study method that works around you...and your career. Once you've short-listed your favourites, it's a very good idea to have a chat with potential employers to find out how they view the qualification, or even the university, you are considering. Your main options are:

Taught courses

Master of arts (MA) or Master of science (MSc)

• Taught courses most commonly come in the form of a masters degree
• One to two years full time
• Two to three years part time
• Includes seminars, lectures, tutorials, project work, oral work, some research, a thesis/dissertation and exams. The balance between these varies.

Research degrees

Doctorates (PhDs)

PhDs can be started immediately after your first degree or a masters course. It’s more common for students of sciences than arts to start a PhD straight after an undergraduate degree. They involve research into a chosen topic under the supervision of an experienced academic.

• Three to four years full time
• Four to six years part time
• Considered very intellectually challenging
• Includes a thesis of around 100,000 words and usually an oral presentation.

An EngD (engineering doctorate) is an alternative to a PhD for students looking for a career in engineering. Like those studying for a PhD, EngD students will conduct in-depth research. However, they will also spend up to 75% of their time gaining direct experience in the industry by working for a company.

Masters programmes by research (including MSc, MPhil, MRes)

These are known as MRes (master of research), MPhil (master of philosophy), MSc by research or MA by research. Put simply, these are masters programmes that rely heavily on your own private research, supervised by an experienced academic.

• Two to four years part time
• Usually involves training in research methods, but less teaching than a taught masters
• Similar in structure to a doctorate, only shorter
• Includes the production of a thesis and usually an oral presentation
• Good preparation for a PhD
• Fees usually lower than for taught masters.

targetjobs editorial advice

This describes editorially independent and impartial content, which has been written and edited by the targetjobs content team. Any external contributors featuring in the article are in line with our non-advertorial policy, by which we mean that we do not promote one organisation over another.

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What's an MD, DO, NP, PA and MA?

Health and wellness.

The initials floating behind your healthcare provider's name can be confusing. Here are some insights on what the letters mean:

MDs: Medical doctors

Medical doctors practice the classical form of medicine called allopathic medicine. Making up 90% of today's practicing physicians, MDs diagnose and treat disease. They practice independently.

• Four-year college degree
• Four years of medical school
• Three to seven years of residency training, depending on the specialty
• Fellowship training for one or more years in some specialties

What an MD does:

• Diagnoses and manages acute and chronic illnesses
• Orders, performs and interprets diagnostic tests, such as lab work and X-rays
• Refers to other specialists and healthcare providers as needed
• Prescribes medications and other treatments
• Manages a patient's care
• Performs operations (surgeons)

DOs: Doctors of osteopathic medicine

DOs practice osteopathic medicine, which is more holistic. The focus is on seeing the patient as a whole person instead of treating just the symptoms. They practice independently.

DOs also receive training in osteopathic manipulative treatment — moving a patient's muscles and joints with stretching, gentle pressure and resistance — to diagnose, treat and prevent illness. DOs make up 10% of practicing physicians in the U.S. today.

• Internship, residency and fellowship lasting three to eight years
• Special training in the body's musculoskeletal system

Included in DO education is special training in the body's musculoskeletal system of muscles, nerves and bones.

Medical licenses are governed at the state level by state boards of medicine. In addition, there are 24 medical specialty boards that certify physicians in specialties and subspecialties.

To become board-certified, a physician needs to spend several years after medical school receiving supervised in-practice training followed by written and sometimes oral exams.

What a DO does:

• Orders, performs and interprets diagnostic tests such as lab work and X-rays
• Conducts manipulative treatment of muscles and joints

NPs: Nurse practitioners

Nurse practitioners practice in primary, acute and specialty healthcare services. They treat the whole person and guide each patient to make smart health and lifestyle choices. NPs practice independently.

• Bachelor's and master’s degrees in nursing
• Most graduate programs require more than five years of experience in the medical field before a candidate can apply
• PhD and/or doctorate in nursing (DNP) degree for some nurse practitioners

What an NP does:

• Refers to specialists or other healthcare providers as needed
• Focuses on health promotion, disease prevention and health education and counseling
• Practices under the rules and regulations of the state in which they're licensed and are nationally certified in the specialty areas

NPs do not need physician supervision to make clinical decisions.

PAs: Physician assistants

The first PAs started training in 1967 at Duke University in North Carolina as part of a program that helped Vietnam vets who had served as medics.

PAs work in primary and specialty care under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician.

• Prior healthcare experience is not always required.
• PA programs typically include at least 2,000 hours of clinical rotations

What a PA does:

• Diagnoses and treats common illnesses and injuries
• Performs certain procedures and minor surgeries
• Prescribes a limited number of prescriptions
• Orders and interprets diagnostic and lab tests (analyzes results with physicians)
• Offers guidance about health and nutrition
• Tracks medical histories and symptoms
• Treats minor injuries or sicknesses
• Refers patients to a specialist and other healthcare providers

Licensing and certification: Although laws vary by state, all PAs need to complete an accredited education program and pass a national exam.

MA: Medical assistants

A medical assistant performs both clinical and administrative jobs at doctors' offices, urgent cares and clinics.

Clinical duties may include:

• Taking a patient's medical history
• Explaining treatments to patients
• Preparing a patient for examination
• Helping the physician during exams
• Collecting and preparing lab specimens
• Performing basic lab tests
• Preparing and administering medications as directed by a physician
• Drawing blood
• Doing electrocardiograms
• Removing sutures and changing dressings
• Transmitting prescription refills as directed

Administrative duties may include:

• Updating patient medical records
• Coding and filling out insurance forms
• Using computer applications
• Answering telephones
• Scheduling appointments
• Arranging for hospital admissions and lab services
• Handling correspondence, billing and bookkeeping

Many employers prefer that medical assistants be certified by the American Association of Medical Assistants.

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MA/PhD Degree Requirements: Master's Degree

Students who enter the MA/PhD program without an MA in English or a related field are required to earn an MA in the first two years of the program. (Note that the UW Department of English does not admit students for a terminal MA degree.)

The degree requirements for the MA in English Language and Literature at the University of Washington are:

• Language requirement : Evidence of ability to make scholarly use of at least one language other than modern English
• Coursework : At least 40 graded credits of coursework
• Master’s essay : Graduate students who intend to continue on to the fully-integrated PhD program must complete a Master's Essay (5-10 credits) as part of their coursework

The requirements are detailed below.

Language requirement

Students are required to demonstrate intermediate-level reading competency in a language other than modern or Middle English. This requirement can be fulfilled up to three years prior to entering graduate school at UW. Students completing their MA in English Language & Literature at UW must satisfy the language requirement prior to earning their MA.

Options for completing this requirement are:

• A 3.0 or higher in the final course of a second-year college-level course sequence (or more advanced), taken within three years prior to entrance; or
• A score on a   UW language test   that demonstrates competency at the level of the final course of a second-year college-level course sequence; or
• Native-speaker ability in another language; or
• Completion of Advanced Old English language and literature ( Engl 513 ) with a grade of 3.0 or better

All credits earned in fulfilling the language requirement by coursework at the 100-400-level are in addition to the graduate credits required for the degree. 

At least forty (40) credit hours in graded graduate courses are required for the MA degree, including:

• English 506: Introduction to Graduate Study in English (5 credits)
• English 590: Master's Essay (5-10 credits)

Students who decide to leave the program with a terminal master's degree may substitute five (5) graduate seminar credits for the master's essay. If they subsequently decide to continue toward the PhD, they must complete the master's essay.

What counts for coursework:

• 500- & 600-level graded English graduate courses
• Credit for courses taken outside of the department require approval by the DGS
• Students may petition the DGS to transfer up to five (5) credits taken as a graduate student at another institution

What does not count for coursework:

• 100- through 400- level courses
• Creative writing workshops
• Internships

Master’s Essay

The master’s essay is a scholarly paper that allows students to demonstrate the research skills and knowledge they have gained throughout their master's studies. It often develops from a paper written for a course and follows the form of an article for a scholarly journal. The particulars of its argumentation and format will vary depending on a student's academic area(s) of specialization. The master’s essay is the final component of the MA degree.

The following three options are available for completion of the master’s essay:

• One quarter, 10 credits;
• Two quarters, 5 credits each. First quarter would culminate in the submission of an annotated bibliography and abstract (max. 500 words) OR an equivalent, approved by the master’s essay director;
• One quarter, 5 credits. Student would select a particular paper from a seminar and develop and expand it to publishable length.

The master’s essay is not a thesis and is not submitted to the UW Graduate School to be filed in the library.

The master’s essay director is selected by the student and must be a member of the English graduate faculty. A second reader is selected in consultation with the master’s essay director. After securing the agreement of the director, the student registers for 5-10 credits of English 590.

Specifications

The usual length of the master's essay is that of an article in a scholarly journal. It should be prepared according to the citation scheme appropriate for one's area of specialty, such as MLA, Chicago Manual, or APA.

Both the director and the second reader evaluate the essay and send copies of their evaluations to the student and to the English Graduate Advising Office. The grade for the essay (and for Engl 590) is assigned by the director.

The Director of Graduate Studies serves as advisor for all degree requirements. A student entering the program should meet as soon as possible with the Director of Graduate Studies. At this meeting the Director will review degree requirements, discuss coursework choices, and appoint a graduate faculty member who shares the student’s research interests to serve as entrance adviser to counsel the student on academic matters, including scholarship, course selection, and professional preparation. This role will continue until the student chooses a Master’s Essay Director who then assumes mentorship.

Applying for the Degree

Students wishing to graduate with the Master of Arts degree must submit an on-line application to the Graduate School. Students must be registered for a minimum of two credits during the quarter the degree is conferred. Note that the MA degree is a “non-thesis” degree option.

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• Integrated Masters with PhD – Explained
• Types of Doctorates

An Integrated Masters with a PhD (iPhD) is a four-year postgraduate level programme that combines a one-year Masters course with a three-year PhD course. They allow students to familiarise themselves with their chosen topic, research methods and academic writing techniques before embarking on their own independent research project. An Integrated Masters with a PhD is particularly popular with international students and students who initially lack specialised knowledge or research skills.

Introduction

An Integrated Masters with PhD, also commonly referred to as either just an Integrated Masters degree or an Integrated PhD, offers a relatively new way to undertake postgraduate training. They maintain the depth and focus of a conventional PhD but offer a more comprehensive doctoral training experience.

Due to their growing popularity, both the number of universities offering these newer forms of PhD and the number of students applying to them has steadily increased.

This page describes what Integrated Masters with PhDs are, who they are for, their advantages and disadvantages, how they differ from conventional PhDs and how they are structured in terms of programme, eligibility and costs. This page is for you if you are considering applying for an integrated course, or simply want to know more about them.

What is an Integrated PhD?

An Integrated PhD is a four-year postgraduate programme. They involve undertaking a one-year Masters degree (MRes or MSc) in your first year, followed by a three-year PhD programme in your second to fourth year. Although the courses run back-to-back, a student can only progress to the second year if they show satisfactory performance in their first year. The one-year Masters and the three-year PhD are considered separately in terms of qualifications; therefore, a student who completes an Integrated PhD will receive both a Masters degree (MRes or MSc) and a PhD as opposed to a single postgraduate qualification.

The aim of an Integrated PhD is to provide a structured approach to doctoral studies, combining advanced PhD research with formal teaching in relevant subjects, research methods and communication skills.

As Integrated PhDs are relatively new compared to more regular doctoral pathways such as stand-alone or MPhil-upgraded PhDs, some professors informally refer to them as ‘New Route PhDs’.

Difference Between Integrated PhD and Regular PhD

The most significant difference between an Integrated PhD and a regular PhD is the addition of the one-year Masters degree at the beginning of the programme. This results in an Integrated PhD typically lasting four years, as opposed to the three years as with regular PhDs.

Integrated PhDs are structured in such a way that they provide students with a broader range of foundational skills than a regular PhD. The first year introduces you to a combination of taught elements, practical experience and advanced research skills. In a regular PhD this mode of teaching is missing as it is assumed you already have this level of knowledge.

The last significant difference between the two types of doctoral programmes is the ‘group’ aspect associated with the Integrated version. Since the Masters programme also includes other students enrolled in Integrated PhDs, you will have a small cohort with whom you will work closely alongside during your studies.

Who are Integrated PhDs suitable for?

Integrated PhDs can be an effective pathway for any student, but they stand out in two situations:

Scenario 1: International Students

The Higher Education system differs across countries , although not by a large amount, enough to where an unfamiliar student may struggle, especially when working independently. An Integrated PhD allows you to adapt to the UK education system by offering a more guided and hands-on approach to your learning and research process before you embark on your three-year research project.

It also has visa benefits. If an international student seeking a Masters degree in the UK already knows they want to follow it up with a PhD, enrolling in an Integrated PhD will save them from having to leave the country and re-apply for a visa after completing their initial postgraduate degree.

Scenario 2: Lack of undergraduate research experience or a relevant Masters degree

An Integrated PhD is useful for students who have academic abilities but lack the necessary background to be considered for a standard-route PhD. This usually occurs under one of three scenarios:

• The applicant is currently an undergraduate student or only holds a Bachelor’s degree,
• The student has a Masters degree, but in a subject only loosely related to the discipline they wish to pursue at doctoral level,
• The student has a relevant Masters degree, but the programme lacked a research focus, leaving the student with underdeveloped research skills.

Advantages and Disadvantages of an Integrated PhD

The advantages of an Integrated PhD are strongly linked to the international and inexperienced students they cater for. They offer students an effective means of gaining more confidence, knowledge and research skills in their field before starting a doctorate, and also provide visa benefits to international students who will be undertaking prior postgraduate study.

Integrated PhDs also enable students the possibility of receiving funding for the Masters phase of their programme, as will be explained in more detail in the ‘Funding Opportunities’ section.

Integrated doctorates have no obvious disadvantages, but are generally not suitable for those who already have a Masters degree or well-developed research skills in their chosen field. For these students, the additional costs and duration of an Integrated PhD can be avoided by opting for a traditional PhD for which they will already be suited for.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

The programme of study is naturally divided into two parts, the first for your Masters studies and the second for your PhD studies.

Your Masters studies will usually be divided into 180 module credits, half of which will focus on taught components and the other half on research components.

The modules will be tailored to your course, but they will include a variation of:

Taught modules:

• Subject-specific module – You choose one or two modules from a predefined list of topics within your subject area. Your selection should reflect the research area you want your PhD to focus on.
• English and Communication – Academic language and communication skills will be taught to prepare you for the ‘writing-up’ phase of your doctorate. A common misconception is that this module is similar to the English language requirement tests required to apply to a iPhD. In reality, the module will focus on learning how to critically evaluate research sources, write abstracts, literature reviews and conclusions, communicate in lab-based environments and present to audiences.
• Research Techniques  – You’ll receive in-depth training to familiarise you with the different research methods and analytical techniques available to modern researchers.
• Research Proposal Development  – You’ll work with your intended PhD supervisor to prepare a research proposal for your three-year PhD research project.

Research Modules:

You will carry out one or two small laboratory research projects under supervision for practical experience.

If you complete these modules with satisfactory performance, you will be awarded a Masters degree and will be considered for the following three-year PhD programme.

Each university has its own process for making this consideration, but most invite you to an interview with the supervisor you wish to conduct research with. The interview is used to confirm that you have acquired the specialised knowledge and research skills expected at masters level, and beyond that of someone capable of completing doctoral study.

If your interview goes well, you will be enrolled in your PhD programme. From this point on, your path will be the same as a regular PhD student. During your doctoral phase, you will conduct independent research and laboratory work for two years, followed by a final year of writing up and formally submitting your findings as a thesis. Your thesis, expertise and research competence will be assessed in an oral examination known as a viva. Upon successful completion of your viva, you will be officially awarded a PhD, and your studies will come to an end.

It should be noted that aside from the above, your university may offer optional modules which can equip you with a wide range of transferable skills.

Eligibility

Entry requirements for an integrated masters degree in the UK will vary from university to university, but the typical requirement is an Upper Second Class (2:1) honours Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject. Equivalent international qualifications are also accepted.

If you are an international student and English is your second language, most universities will require proof of your English language proficiency through an exam certificate. It’s best to check directly with the universities which certificate types they accept, but the most common English language qualification requirement is an IELTS certificate, with a minimum overall score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each category.

The typical annual tuition fee for an Integrated PhD in the UK is £4,712 per academic year for home/EU students (or £2,356 for part-time study) and £19,596 per academic year for international students (or £9,798 for part-time study).

As with all doctoral programmes, there are likely to be additional costs associated with your studies, such as bench fees for lab work, travel costs for collaborating and potential write-up fees for students who need more time to submit their thesis. You can get more information about these additional costs on our cost breakdown page .

Funding Opportunities

You can obtain funding for Integrated PhDs in the same way as for regular PhDs. Funding is usually provided by one of the seven UK Research Councils  and research charity organisations such as the  Wellcome Trust ; grants, scholarships and funded opportunities can be found directly in our searchable database .

Funding can either be partial (tuition fees only) or full (tuition fees and living costs). Most funding providers also cover the tuition fee for the Masters degree programme due to being integrated with the PhD, however, you should confirm this on a case-by-case basis.

As with regular PhD funding, the fully-funded opportunities are generally limited to home and EU students.

It’s also worth noting that PhD programmes which include an integrated Masters degree are eligible for a Doctoral Loan , even if you already have a postgraduate Masters degree from a previous university. Applications for Doctoral Loans must be made directly to Student Finance England and you must first be registered for a full doctoral degree. Due to application restrictions, you won’t be able to apply for a separate Postgraduate Masters Loan for the integrated Masters phase of your degree.

Availability

You can search for Integrated PhDs in three ways:

• Our Search Page  – Search for the term ‘Integrated’ in our  comprehensive database of STEM PhDs .
• University Search Pages – Universities advertise their Integrated PhDs on their postgraduate search pages. You can find them by searching the name of the university followed by “ search postgraduate courses ” directly in Google.
• Funding Body Websites – Funding bodies which provide studentships for Integrated PhDs sometimes advertise the positions on their website. A list of the most common funding providers can be found here: PhD Studentships .

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“M.D.” vs. “Ph.D.” vs. “Dr.”: Are They Synonyms?

Quick: when you hear the word doctor , what do you picture?

Most would probably describe someone in a white lab coat with a stethoscope hanging around their neck or someone in medical scrubs—someone you would seek out if you have a deep cut that needed stitches.

That word doctor , however, is a title assigned to many who don’t come close to that description, many of whom you wouldn’t want stitching up that cut. Take your English professor, for instance. No offense, Dr. Barrett. 

It can all be a bit confusing, which is why it’s important to know who and why someone might be called a doctor , as well as what all those initials and abbreviations after their name mean. Here we break it all down.

What does Dr. mean?

Let’s start with doctor or D r . for short. While the first definition of the word is “ a person licensed to practice medicine,” that doesn’t mean you want to take medical advice from anyone who calls themselves a doctor . There are many looser definitions of the word that follow and, frankly, make things a bit confusing.

For example, the third definition is older slang for a “cook, as at a camp or on a ship,” while the seventh entry is “an eminent scholar and teacher.” Bugs Bunny didn’t help matters either by plying anyone and everyone with his famous greeting,“What’s up, doc?” 

The term doctor can be traced back to the late 1200s, and it stems from a Latin word meaning “to teach.” It wasn’t used to describe a licensed medical practitioner until about 1400, and it wasn’t used as such with regularity until the late 1600s. It replaced the former word used for medical doctors— leech , which is now considered archaic. 

WATCH: When Did The Word "Doctor" Become Medical?

Physician vs. doctor : are these synonyms.

While the term physician is a synonym for doctor , it’s typically used to refer to those who practice general medicine rather than those who perform surgery, aka surgeons . 

A quack , on the other hand, is defined as “ a fraudulent or ignorant pretender to medical skill.”

What does M.D. mean?

Moving on to initials that carry more weight than a nod from Bugs, let’s look at M.D.s .

M.D. , which can be used with or without the periods ( M.D. or MD )  is the designation for a medical doctor. This is earned by attending medical school (typically a four-year program after completing at least one undergraduate degree, plus a residency program), and learning to diagnose patients’ symptoms and offer treatment. 

The initials M and D stem from the Latin title  Medicīnae Doctor. There are many different types of doctors, with different specialties, but if you have a physical ailment, visiting a doctor with the initials M.D. is a good place to start.

Specialty doctors may add even more initials to their title, such as DCN (doctor of clinical nutrition), DDS (doctor of dental surgery), or countless others they acquire with additional training. To make things even more confusing, some may add abbreviations from medical associations they belong to, such as FAAEM (Fellow of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine). 

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What does Ph.D. mean?

As for Ph.D. , this stands for “doctor of philosophy.” It stems from the Latin term Philosophiae Doctor.

You can get a Ph.D. in any number of subjects, from anthropology to mythological studies. It’s not an easy feat, however, as to earn one, you must do original research and write a dissertation . 

Ph.D. vs. M.D .: are these synonyms?

There are two big differences between Ph.D. s and M.D .s. When it comes to medicine, M.D.s can prescribe medications, and Ph.D.s can’t. And yes, it’s possible to be both an M.D. and a Ph.D. In fact, some med schools offer programs in which you can achieve both simultaneously. 

You can also get a professional doctorate degree in a number of fields. For example, you might receive a doctorate of education, an  Ed.D . 

So, in a nutshell, both M.D.s and Ph.Ds can be referred to as doctors . If you’re looking for someone to treat what ails you physically, then you want at least an M.D. following their name. If you want to dig deep into a subject and get advice from someone who has done their own research and who likely knows the latest and greatest developments in a particular area, then you’re probably looking for a Ph.D. And if someone has both, even better—depending on your needs, it may be just what the doctor ordered.

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What does BA, BSc, MA, MSc, PhD, DPsych, PGDip mean after a therapist’s name?

These letters refer to the therapist’s professional qualifications.

• BA  – Bachelor of Arts (BA or AB) is a bachelor’s degree awarded for an undergraduate program in the arts and sciences. A Bachelor of Arts is generally completed in three or four years, depending on the country and institution.
• BSc  – A Bachelor of Science (BS, BSc, SB, or ScB) is a bachelor’s degree awarded for programs that generally last three to five years.
• MA  – A Master of Arts (MA or AM) is a master’s degree in the field of humanities and social sciences awarded by universities in many countries.
• MSc  – A Master of Science (MS, M.S., MSc, M.Sc., SM, S.M., ScM or Sc.M.) is a master’s degree in the field of science awarded by universities in many countries or a person holding such a degree.
• PhD  – A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD, Ph.D., DPhil) is the highest university degree that is conferred after a course of study by universities in most countries. PhDs are awarded for programs across the whole breadth of academic fields. As an earned research degree, those studying for a PhD are usually required to produce original research that expands the boundaries of knowledge, normally in the form of a thesis or dissertation, and defend their work against experts in the field.
• PsyD  – Like a PhD in Psychology, the Doctor of Psychology degree (PsyD) prepares trainees to practice psychology in a wide range of clinical settings. A PsyD, however, focuses more on clinical practice and less on research.
• PGDip  – A postgraduate diploma (PgD, PgDip, PGDip, PG Dip., PGD, Dipl. PG, PDE) is a postgraduate qualification awarded after a university degree, which supplements the original degree and awards them with a graduate diploma.