phd with merit in masters

Scholarships

Graduate School scholarship awards are merit-based scholarships offered for students in many academic programs. Master’s and Ph.D. students receiving scholarship-only awards may have a portion or all of their tuition covered in a given semester or year.

Please review the Recipient Obligations Statement posted on the Financial Support Policies page  for detailed information on policies and procedures for scholarship awards.

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Requirements

Extent of coverage, withdrawals, retaking courses, language scholarships, special notes.

• Students must make satisfactory progress toward a Graduate School degree as determined by their academic program and the Graduate School.
• Ph.D. students are required to be enrolled full time as a condition of their scholarship award.
• Master’s students should verify with their program the number of credit hours required as a condition of their scholarship award and maintain that enrollment status. 

Unsatisfactory degree progress or violations of academic integrity may result in termination of your award and retroactive revocation of the entire Graduate School Scholarship award for the current semester. In other words, you may become responsible for the full tuition and fees for that semester .

Graduate School scholarships only cover coursework applied towards your degree. Courses from which you withdraw are not applied towards your degree, therefore scholarships do not cover courses from which you withdraw.

What happens when you withdraw? Here is an example for a 3-credit course for the 2023-2024 academic year:

The entire scholarship for that course is revoked. The student becomes responsible for the pro-rated cost of the course.

The same policies and procedures apply each semester.

Graduate School scholarships do not cover courses retaken to fulfill degree requirements. If you did not receive a passing grade for a required course and, therefore, must retake that course, you would not receive a scholarship for that course again. The cost of retaking that course would be your responsibility.

The Graduate School currently provides tuition scholarships to graduate students who need to develop language skills for their research or to meet proficiency requirements. A language scholarship will be provided to cover enrollment in one approved language course per semester.

Please review the language scholarship policy in the Graduate School Bulletin, Section II.E.3 .

Register for the language course online via MyAccess .

You should expect to see a charge to your student account for the language course.  The Graduate School will review enrollment and apply the language scholarship if applicable per the language scholarship policy. 

If the scholarship is not applicable, you must pay for the course using your own resources or drop the course during add/drop.

Summer Language Scholarships

Summer language scholarships are available to Graduate School students who are enrolled in a Ph.D. program, including those who are pursuing a dual master’s/doctoral program. Summer language scholarships are not available to students who are enrolled only in master’s programs.

The process for recommending students for Summer language scholarship support and the terms of the awards will be identical to those currently in place for such awards in the Fall and Spring semesters, as described in the Graduate School Bulletin, Section II.E.3 .

Basic Rules:

• Ph.D. students only
• Scholarship for 1 language course per session
• May receive a scholarship for a language course in Session 1 AND may receive a scholarship for a language course in Session 2
• If a course straddles sessions, the scholarship will be enough to cover the cost of that 1 course

Summer language scholarships follow the same process noted above, which is used for language scholarships during the academic year.

Students must communicate their registration immediately to their program. It is important to act quickly because students are only able to drop classes without penalty during add/drop. If a language scholarship is not approved, students will either have to pay for the language course tuition charge in full or withdraw from the course and pay at the refund rate established by the Registrar.

Language scholarships will be posted on a regular basis throughout the semester.

How to Find Scholarships for Graduate School

Like for undergraduates, many scholarships and fellowships are available to students seeking a master's degree.

Finding Scholarships for Grad School

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Scholarships are usually merit-based – such as for a certain GPA, athletic ability or hobby – or based on a student's specific area of study or identity.

While it's well known that financial aid exists for undergraduates, many students are unaware that scholarships also are available for those seeking a graduate degree.

At San Diego State University , for instance, 29% of total scholarships were awarded to graduate students during the 2022-2023 cycle, says Kari Hooker, director of scholarships in the university's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Funding amounts and availability of scholarships for graduate students – who make up about 15% of the higher education student population, according to a 2020 Center for American Progress  report  on graduate school debt – vary by program. But every dollar counts, experts say.

"Not surprisingly, private colleges and universities are able to fund more scholarships due to their hefty endowments," Nellie Gaynor, a graduate school and MBA admissions counselor at Ivywise, an educational consulting firm, wrote in an email. "However, students need to review these scholarship ‘discounts’ in relation to the overall package that is being presented to them including academics, student life, location , fit and cost. Ultimately, scholarships are one piece of a larger puzzle when deciding which admissions offers to accept."

The application process differs depending on the graduate scholarship, but may require filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA , writing an essay and submitting a letter of recommendation .

For prospective professional and graduate students, here are some points to consider when tracking down scholarships to pay for an advanced degree .

The Difference Between Grants and Scholarships

Grants and scholarships are forms of financial aid that don't need to be paid back, also known as "gift aid."

Northern Arizona University 's Louis H. and Betty J. Quayle Scholarship, for instance, provides up to $4,000 per semester to part- and full-time graduate students who are members of a federally recognized Native American tribe or nation.

"Scholarships can come in all kinds of amounts and students can apply for several at a time to help cover the cost of tuition," Suzanne T. Ortega, president of the Council of Graduate Schools, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving and advancing graduate education, wrote in an email.

Grants, however, are typically awarded at the college , state or federal level based on financial need, like the federal Pell Grant for low-income students. Pell Grants are generally for undergraduate students, but graduate students may be eligible for other federal grants.

Where to Look for Graduate School Scholarships

As aspiring graduate students start their search process, it's important to "really focus on the scholarships that are most appropriate for them and not put effort into scholarships where they are not truly eligible," Hooker says.

Different types of national graduate school scholarships are listed on database search websites, like Fastweb , Cappex and Unigo . GoGrad is another online resource that lists niche scholarships for prospective and current grad students.

"Often, what is called a scholarship in the undergraduate sphere is frequently called a fellowship in the graduate sphere," Ortega says. "So be sure to look for fellowships as well."

Institutional Scholarships

Students can reach out to the school's financial aid office or talk with a program department head or adviser to learn about degree- or research-specific scholarships, like teaching. As part of the Urban Teaching Apprenticeship Program's Humanities Teaching Fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania , for example, fellows are awarded a $32,000 scholarship.

"Most students will have to supplement their financial aid package with student loans (both federal and private), graduate assistantships, or work-study programs, Gaynor says. "With that being said, we have seen an increase in graduate and adult programs therefore leading to an increase in applications for graduate school admissions. Given the competitiveness in this space, schools are using school scholarships as a way to attract talent to their school."

Local Scholarships

Graduate students should not look past applying to local scholarships , which are usually less competitive than national scholarships, experts say. A student's employer , parent's employer or even place of worship, like a church or synagogue, may offer scholarships.

Another option is to find and join professional associations in a field of interest. For instance, undergraduate and graduate members of the National Black MBA Association, Inc., can apply for an award of up to $5,000.

The American Bar Association also awards $15,000 of financial aid over three years to underrepresented first-year law school students. About 10 to 20 incoming students receive the Legal Opportunity Scholarship each year.

When to Apply for Scholarships for Grad School

Deadlines for scholarships vary, but Ortega advises students to start their search as soon as they're accepted into a graduate program – if not before.

"You can apply to scholarships year-round, so always be on the lookout for new ones that pop up," she says. "Even if you planned to take out a student loan , you can still apply for scholarships to help reduce the amount of loan you need."

What's the Best Strategy to Win a Scholarship?

If there are short answers or essay questions in the application, Hooker advises students to write about what makes them unique.

"Try to be sincere and share what you are going through and how a scholarship would benefit you," she says. "We have a lot of students that work 20 plus hours a week. They need to let those committees know because those are the students that we want to support."

Before submitting a scholarship application, have a peer or undergraduate adviser review the application for grammar mistakes and other errors, experts say.

"An advantage of applying for scholarships as a graduate student versus an undergraduate is that you have more life and educational experience to draw from when writing a scholarship essay ," Ortega says. "Since graduate school programs are more focused on a specific area, it’s easier to speak to why you are pursuing this degree or area of research, which may be a compelling story for the scholarship application."

Searching for a grad school? Get our  complete rankings of Best Graduate Schools.

Grad Degree Jobs With $100K+ Salaries

Tags: scholarships , graduate schools , financial aid , students , education , paying for graduate school

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Search NYU Steinhardt

Scholarships and Grants

Paying for your education.

We award millions of dollars in scholarships to graduate-level students each year to recognize need and merit. While our scholarships may not completely cover your costs, they can be part of a multi-source financial aid package that helps you gain access to NYU Steinhardt’s academic and professional opportunities.

We strongly encourage all US citizens and permanent residents to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be eligible for the greatest range of aid. We must receive a FAFSA by March 1 for summer/fall enrollment or November 1 for spring enrollment in order to consider you for School-based scholarships.  Learn more about applying for financial aid .

Unless otherwise noted, our scholarships are for full-time, on-campus, US citizen or permanent resident students. Students receiving Tuition Remission from NYU are not eligible for school-based scholarships.

Scholarship deadlines are firm, so do not wait for your admissions decision before submitting your FAFSA and/or scholarship application. Applying after the deadline delays the processing of federal aid and may result in you being ineligible for Steinhardt scholarships.

Scholarships for Underrepresented Populations

Scholarships recognizing service, steinhardt mission scholarships: recognizing inclusion, innovation, or impact, global study scholarships, scholarship for non-us citizens and non-permanent residents, scholarships for part-time students, scholarships for online students.

Diversabilities Scholarship

Steinhardt believes that inclusive education is central to achieving high-quality education and experiences for all learners, including those with disabilities. Preference for this scholarship is given first to students eligible for services in the Moses Center for Students with Disabilities,  including hearing and visual impairments, mobility impairments, learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders, chronic illnesses, and psychological impairments. 

Available to newly admitted on-campus master's degree, advanced certificate or diploma programs  students. To apply, submit our new student scholarship application   using the same login credentials you used to submit your NYU Steinhardt on-campus graduate application, and complete the FAFSA. Deadlines for the scholarship application are March 1 for Fall/Summer start and November 1 for Spring.

First Generation Scholarship

Recipients of this award must be in the first generation of their family to have completed a bachelor’s degree and have the potential to excel academically based on demonstrated success.

Available to newly admitted on-campus master's degree, advanced certificate or diploma programs students.  To apply, submit our  new student scholarship application  using the same login credentials you used to submit your NYU Steinhardt on-campus graduate application, and complete the FAFSA. Deadlines for the scholarship application are March 1 for Fall/Summer start and November 1 for Spring.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI), and Tribal Colleges Scholarship

We offer this scholarship on a competitive basis to newly admitted full-time on-campus students who are graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges and Universities. 

Available to newly admitted on-campus master's degree, advanced certificate or diploma  students. To apply, submit our  new student scholarship application  using the same login credentials you used to submit your NYU Steinhardt on-campus graduate application, and complete the FAFSA. Deadlines for the scholarship application are March 1 for Fall/Summer start and November 1 for Spring.

LGBTQ+ Diversity Scholarship

Applicants must have a proven track record of leadership and community involvement, working for the betterment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) communities.  Any interested student, regardless of identity or background, is eligible for this opportunity.

Available to newly admitted on-campus master's degree, advanced certificate or diploma  students. To apply, submit our  new student scholarship application  using the same login credentials you used to submit your NYU Steinhardt on-campus graduate application, and complete the FAFSA. Deadlines for the scholarship application are March 1 for Fall/Summer start and November 1 for Spring.

AmeriCorps Alumni Scholarship

We award up to five partial scholarships per year to AmeriCorps alumni interested in pursuing full-time graduate study in one of our on-campus  master's degree, advanced certificate or diploma programs,  starting in the Fall semester.  We do not match the Education Award . You must complete your service by the start of the Fall semester to be eligible. 

To apply, submit our  new student scholarship application  using the same login credentials you used to submit your NYU Steinhardt on-campus graduate application, and complete the FAFSA. The deadline for the scholarship application is March 1.

City Year Scholarship

We award up to five partial scholarships per year to City Year members and alumni interested in pursuing full-time graduate study in one of our on-campus  master's degree, advanced certificate or diploma programs , starting in the Fall semester.

To apply, submit our  new student scholarship application  using the same login credentials you used to submit your NYU Steinhardt graduate on-campus application, and complete the FAFSA. The deadline for the scholarship application is March 1.

NYU Peace Corps Coverdell Fellowship Program

This program offers a select group of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) leadership development programming and financial support while you pursue a full-time on-campus MA or MS degree, starting in the Fall semester. The Coverdell Fellowship selection process is competitive; a limited number of fellowships are available each year, and availability   varies. The fellowship will provide a 50% tuition scholarship, basic health insurance, and participation in leadership development programming overseen by the NYU Leadership Initiative. Only RPCVs who have successfully completed their term of service by the start of the Fall semester are eligible. For more information visit the  NYU Peace Corps Coverdell Fellowship page .

To be considered, answer “yes” on your online application for admission to the Coverdell Fellowship question, upload a copy of your Description of Service  and an essay (question in admission application) to the Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Description of Service Upload page.

Please note, to be considered for the fellowship  your application for admission must be submitted by the program deadline date or January 15th , whichever comes first.

Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Scholarship

A competitive scholarship is open to newly admitted returned Peace Corps volunteers pursuing full-time graduate study in one of our on-campus  master's degree, advanced certificate or diploma programs . 

To apply, submit our  new student scholarship application  using the same login credentials you used to submit your NYU Steinhardt on-campus graduate application, and complete the FAFSA. Deadlines for the scholarship application are March 1 for Fall/Summer start and November 1 for Spring.

Teach for America Alumni Scholarship

We award up to five partial scholarships per year to alumni of Teach for America who are interested in pursuing full-time graduate study in one of our on-campus master's degree, advanced certificate or diploma programs,  starting in the Fall semester. You must complete your service by the start of the Fall semester to be eligible.

To apply, submit our  new student scholarship application  using the same login credentials you used to submit your NYU Steinhardt on-campus graduate application, and complete the FAFSA. The deadline for the scholarship application is March 1.

Urban Educators Impact Scholarship

We award up to five partial scholarships per year to current or former teachers from urban school districts who are interested in pursuing full-time graduate study in one of our on-campus  master's degree, advanced certificate or diploma programs, s tarting in the Fall semester. 

To apply, submit our  new student scholarship application  using the same login credentials you used to submit your NYU Steinhardt graduate on-campus application and complete the FAFSA. The deadline for the scholarship application is March 1 for Fall.

Steinhardt Graduate Scholarships

We offer this scholarship to on-campus full-time master's and advanced certificate students who are academically talented and show a need for financial assistance. 

Meet all admissions and FAFSA application deadlines, and you will be automatically considered for this scholarship.

21st Century Scholarships

This scholarship is offered to on-campus full-time, newly admitted master's and advanced certificate applicants showing the greatest potential and the strongest fit with the vision and mission of NYU Steinhardt. 

Dorothy Height Impact and Inclusion Award

In honor of distinguished alum and civil rights leader Dorothy Height, Steinhardt recognizes incoming full-time on-campus graduate students who have demonstrated a commitment to inclusion in the field of education and have made an impact in their community.

To apply, submit our  new student scholarship application  using the same login credentials you used to submit your NYU Steinhardt graduate on-campus application, and complete the FAFSA. Deadlines for the scholarship application are March 1 for Fall/Summer start and November 1 for Spring.

NYC Community Impact Scholarship

This scholarship recognizes residents of New York City’s five boroughs who have demonstrated impact in their community and/or their field of study pursuing full-time graduate study in one of our on-campus  master's degree, advanced certificate or diploma programs,

To apply, submit our  new student scholarship application  using the same login credentials you used to submit your NYU Steinhardt graduate on-campus application, and complete the FAFSA. Deadlines for the scholarship application are March 1 for Fall/Summer start and November 1 for Spring.

Global Study Scholarship

We believe that faculty-led graduate-level study abroad can significantly enhance your professional and academic training. To support participation in Steinhardt study abroad programs,  NYU Steinhardt offers select candidates a one-time scholarship of up to $3,000 to be used toward the cost of tuition, housing, and activity fees for a Steinhardt-based graduate study abroad course or program at one of our global sites or approved study away sites.  This scholarship is available to incoming students only.  

Additional Global Study Opportunities

We offer scholarships for current NYU Steinhardt students who wish to study abroad, and for full-time teachers attending NYU to have international academic experiences. Review our  additional scholarship opportunities for global study .

Global Citizen Scholarship

This competitive scholarship is awarded to newly admitted on-campus master's, advanced certificate or diploma students who are  non-US citizens or non-permanent residents (including people who require a visa and DACA applicants) and have demonstrated strong academic achievement in their previous post-secondary education. Several awards are offered on a competitive basis.

To apply, submit the  new student scholarship application  using the same login credentials you used to submit  your NYU Steinhardt on-campus graduate application. Deadlines for the scholarship application are March 1 for Fall/Summer start and November 1 for Spring.

Centennial Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis to new on-campus part-time master's and advanced certificate students with superior academic achievement. 

For automatic consideration, meet all admissions and FAFSA application deadlines and indicate part-time study on your application for admission.

The Mayor's Graduate Scholarship Program

Up to five partial tuition scholarships are available for on-campus part-time students who are full-time New York City employees.  Apply through the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) .

Teacher Residency

Scholarship information is available for the full-time Teacher Residency option  and the part-time Teacher Residency option . You can also contact admissions at [email protected] or 877-710-6381 for more information.

Counseling@NYU

Contact an Admissions Counselor at 855-698-4622 or  [email protected]  to learn about scholarship opportunities.

Contact an Admissions Counselor at 888-698-0462 or  [email protected]  to learn about scholarship opportunities.

NYU Steinhardt Office of Graduate Admissions Joseph and Violet Pless Hall 82 Washington Square East, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10003-6680 [email protected] Tel: 212-998-5030 | Fax: 212-995-4328

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• Current students
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Funding from The Graduate School

Fellowship programs, fellowships and assistantships, pre-selection for external fellowships, student assistance grants and scholarships, fellowship application faqs.

The Graduate School offers a number of funding opportunities to support our most talented students.

• Royster Society of Fellows
• Weiss Urban Livability Fellowship Program

The Graduate School offers competitive funding packages for incoming students:

• Master’s Merit Fellowship/Assistantship
• Doctoral Merit Fellowship/Assistantship

The Graduate School also offers funding opportunities to assist with timely progress towards degree:

• Dissertation Completion Fellowship
• Off-Campus Dissertation Research Fellowship
• Summer Research Fellowship
• Bridge Beyond Carolina program

The Graduate School conducts a pre-selection review for the following external fellowships:

• Dolores Z. Liebmann Fellowship
• DAAD Grants for Study and Research in Germany
• Graduate Tuition Incentive Scholarship
• Graduate Student Transportation Grant
• Graduate Student Opportunity Fund
• Distinguished Dissertation Award
• Impact Award
• Boka W. Hadzija Award for Distinguished University Service
• Departmental nomination required. Earlier internal deadlines will apply. Check with your department for more information.
• Students cannot apply directly. You must be nominated in the admissions application process.
• Students cannot apply directly. You must be nominated by faculty, staff, or a student.

Online at The Graduate School Online Award Application

• You submit your application through the online award application. Do this early enough for your department to review and nominate your application to The Graduate School by the deadline.
• Once you submit your application, your recommenders will receive an email asking them to submit a letter via the online system.
• At the same time, the fellowship and award approver for your department will receive an email notifying them that you submitted your application.
• Once your letters of recommendation have been submitted, your program may nominate you for the award. If your department selects your application, they must nominate it to The Graduate School by the deadline .
• The fellowship and award approver for your department will receive an email notifying them that you submitted your application.
• If your department selects your application, they must nominate it to The Graduate School by the deadline .

Yes. Your application is not complete without all letters of recommendation (if applicable). The application system will not allow your department to submit an incomplete application to The Graduate School. Letters of recommendation cannot be sent to The Graduate School after the application deadline.

No. The application system can only send the requests out after you submit your application. The submission triggers the emails.

Contact Us Graduate School Fellowships Office [email protected]

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Cost and Financial Aid

Investing in your usc education.

When you decide to pursue graduate studies, you are making a major investment in your personal and professional future. USC offers students an interdisciplinary and globally oriented graduate education of the highest caliber. Once you graduate, you will gain the networking advantages of membership in the Trojan Family. It is therefore important to assess the benefits you will receive throughout your career as a return on your investment.

The cost of earning a graduate degree from USC, as well as funding opportunities, vary by school and degree program. We encourage you to thoroughly research your program of interest and plan your finances accordingly. Most graduate-level funding will be provided in the form of loans.

Please visit the Financial Aid website for estimated program costs and for more details about the types of funding you may qualify for.

Assistantships, Fellowships and Scholarships

Phd students.

The Graduate School works with doctoral programs at USC to support a vast majority of our PhD students with fellowships, teaching assistantships and research assistantships, or some combination of these funding sources.

Master’s Degree Students

USC also offers a variety of merit scholarships for students seeking to earn master’s degrees. However, award amounts and distribution vary by program and are subject to the availability of funds. Please contact your intended school directly to learn more or check with the Graduate School for additional scholarship oppo rtunities .

Loans, Work-Study and Student Employment

U.s. students (citizens and permanent residents).

The USC Financial Aid Office administers a variety of federal financial aid programs for graduate students, including the Federal Direct Loan and Graduate PLUS Loan programs and the Federal Work-Study program.

International Students

Though international students (non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents) are not eligible for federal need-based aid programs, they may receive scholarships, assistantships and fellowships and can seek other on-campus employment opportunities or apply for private loans with a qualified endorser (co-signer).

External Fellowships

Graduate students are encouraged to apply for external funding—funds from sources not affiliated with USC. Sponsors range from government agencies and corporations to private institutions. Funds may be limited to a single year of enrollment or may be renewable for multiple years and may be paid to the student or directly to the university.

It is important for recipients to thoroughly understand the terms and conditions of such fellowships when planning for graduate studies. For more information about external fellowships, please refer to the USC Awards and Fellowships database.

ROTC and Veterans Benefits

ROTC and U.S. military veterans should contact the Veterans Certification Office and the Financial Aid Office to determine how their G.I. benefits will be coordinated with their financial aid.

USC Payment Plan

The office of Student Financial Services also offers graduate students the option to pay their university expenses in five monthly installments, interest free, over each semester. For more information, please visit the Student Financial Services website.

• Second Master’s or PhD? – A Comparison
• Types of Doctorates

A second Master’s degree is best suited for those who want to work in industry, but first either want to acquire additional knowledge in their current field or move to a new one. A PhD is best suited to those who want to gain advanced research skills and expertise in their current field and pursue a career in research or academia.

Introduction

It’s common for Master’s students to be plagued by the thought of what they will do next as they near the end of their current degree. Whether it’s taking a gap year, starting their career or continuing education, one thing is clear: there are many possibilities.

If you decide to stay in education, you’ll likely at some point consider whether it’s better to do a second Master’s or a PhD. You’d be right to give this serious thought, as the two degrees have significant differences, from their costs and durations, to the career paths they offer.

This page explains the differences between a second Master’s and a PhD, the pros and cons of each, and will help you to decide which of the two degrees is best for you.

Second Master’s vs PhD

Level of specialisation, master’s.

A Master’s degree, regardless of whether it’s an MSc, MRes or MPhil, aims to provide you with targeted knowledge that builds on what you would have learnt from your undergraduate degree. Although each type of Master’s degree has its own focus, such as an MSc on practical knowledge and an MPhil on research skills, the specialisation they offer isn’t as in-depth as that offered by a PhD. This is because they have a wider curriculum and usually utilise several teaching methods, including lectures and tutorials, which provide a range of knowledge around several closely related subjects.

PhDs are the highest form of academic qualification you can obtain and offer more specialised knowledge than any Master’s degree. Unlike Master’s degrees, which are based on a mixture of teaching methods and curriculum, PhDs are purely research degrees and focus on a specific research question.

A second Master’s degree will provide you with specialist knowledge in various subjects in your field. A doctoral degree will provide you with research skills and expert knowledge in a single topic within your field.

Programme Duration

Most Master’s courses take one year to complete, with an MPhil two years. However, the exact duration will depend on your specific course, type of Master’s and university.

A PhD lasts on average three to four years , with part-time studies lasting up to eight years.

Since a doctorate lasts several times longer than a Master’s, it requires a much greater commitment.

Programme Cost

The cost of a second Master’s degree will vary depending on its type, subject and host universities. Based on an analysis by FindAMaster’s , which summarises tuition fees from the International and Postgraduate Fees Survey 2019 , the average academic tuition fee per year for a Master’s degree in the UK is:

The average tuition fee per year for a PhD in the UK is £4,407 for home/EU students and £19,600 for international students .

There are other fees associated with doctoral research projects that aren’t present with Master’s studies. These include bench fees, travel costs for collaborations and conferences, and potential writing up fees for late thesis submissions.

Annually, a second Master’s degree is twice as expensive than a PhD for home/EU students, and slightly cheaper for international students. However, considering the typical duration of these programmes, a PhD becomes significantly more expensive; twice as expensive for home/EU students and four times as expensive for international students:

Notes: (1) The tuition fee values for the second Master’s is based on the average fees for an MSc. (2) The above table assumes a second Master’s duration of 1 year and a PhD duration of 4 years. (3) The fees and durations are indicative – the exact values vary depending on the course and university.

It’s also important to bear in mind that many PhD programmes come with funding which covers the cost of their fees. Many funding packages also include a living allowance (known as a stipend) which is comparable to a low salary. It is usually much more difficult to secure non-repayable funding for a Master’s programme unless it’s integrated with a PhD programme.

Employability

The skills and knowledge gained through a Master’s degree are general enough to apply to other relevant disciplines. For example, a Master’s degree in statistics would enable you to work in finance, medical analysis, and specific engineering fields etc. Due to this, a second Master’s could help make you suitable for an even wider range of professional fields.

Because a PhD focuses on advanced research methods and a specific research question as opposed to the broad field, your career path is usually refined to the more advanced positions which require expert knowledge. This doesn’t mean that you cannot apply your skills elsewhere, but most PhD holders remain in their field after completing their studies.

It’s worth noting, however, that there is a growing trend for PhD holders to use the transferable skills they acquired during their degree to successfully reposition themselves in careers outside of academia. In fact, STEM PhD holders are particularly sought after in the financial sector because of their proven ability to perform complex tasks under strict deadlines.

Both a second Master’s and a PhD offer excellent employment opportunities. However, a second Master’s usually offers greater career flexibility across industries, especially at the beginning of a career. A doctorate opens up the more demanding positions within a field, but can sometimes make it more difficult to change industries.

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

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Second Master’s

Improving skills:  A second Master’s can strengthen your skills within your current field. For example, suppose you have an MEng in Biomedical Engineering. Here, you know of the technical aspects and their application, but you do not necessarily know how to innovate and develop them further. You could fill this skills gap with an MRes or an MPhil that would provide you with complimentary research and investigatory skills. Improving your skills won’t only help you advance faster in your career faster but may also open up future roles that would not otherwise be available to you.

Career change:  After completing your first Master’s degree, you may decide that the field is no longer suitable for you. In these scenarios, a second Master’s degree can facilitate career changes. This will have obvious limitations, for example, you shouldn’t expect to be able to do a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering with a Master’s in Classical Literature, however, if you already have a Master’s in another type of engineering, this transition would be possible.

Bridge between different Industries: In STEM subjects, there is extensive interaction between different industries. Although this interaction has always existed, it has grown steadily as more industries try to innovate and tackle more ambitious projects. There’s an obvious need for multidisciplinary roles, and a second Master’s degree in a relevant subject can make you desirable for this reason.

Disadvantages

Perception: If you carry out a second Master’s in a field unrelated to your first, even if to facilitate a career change, it can lead to potential employers perceiving you as unfocused. Although this shouldn’t be the case for large multidisciplinary organisations, it may deter the more specialised companies.

Salary: While a second relevant Master’s in the same subject field may increase your earning potential, a second unrelated Master’s is unlikely to. Although an unrelated second Master’s isn’t a disadvantage if being used to facilitate a career change, it will probably be an unnecessary use of time and money if you intend to stay within your current career path.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a PhD

Establishing yourself as an Expert: Any individual who holds a doctorate is considered an expert in his or her field. Therefore, a PhD has not only a prestigious status but also opens up roles in advanced research and academia.

Commitment: A PhD shows your willingness, commitment and motivation to learn. This makes you highly desirable for employers, as a strong passion for continuous learning usually correlates with the potential to become industry leaders.

Less freedom:  Taking three to four years to complete, a PhD is a huge commitment. As a result, many feel pressured to stay in their field to ensure that their PhD was ‘worth’ it, even if they no longer feel that the field is the right one for them. Although it is still possible to change paths after your doctorate, and many do so successfully, many feel ‘locked’ into their path after they finish their studies.

Over-qualified: You may find it difficult to find a job outside of research or academia, as employers may consider you over-qualified and therefore believe that you will quickly leap from the role to a more challenging one. They may also believe you lack practical work experience compared to your counterpart, who has a Master’s degree and has been working in the industry whilst you were working on your academic studies.

Cost: While PhD programmes can come with funding that helps to finance tuition fees and living costs, the funding usually covers only the first 3.5 years of full-time programmes and the first seven years of part-time programmes. You may be determined to complete your doctorate within this timeframe, but it is not uncommon for students to experience setbacks in their research that take them beyond the period for which they’re funded for. This means they have to pay the rest of the fee themselves, which can be a significant burden for some, especially if they lack the savings to do so.

Deciding between a second Master’s and a PhD may seem like a tough decision, but ultimately it depends on what your career goals are. Therefore, the first thing to do is to ensure you’ve thought about your future and have a good idea of where you want to go after your education.

A second Master’s is best suited to those who want to either gain more specialised knowledge in their current industry or make a job change by transitioning into a new industry. A PhD is best suited for those who want to gain advanced research skills and knowledge in their field and pursue a career in research or academia.

Either way, both options offer great opportunities and will open new doors for you. Which of the two degrees is better for you depends on which door you would like to open.

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Education, Practice and Society MPhil/PhD

London, Bloomsbury

IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society offers world-leading doctoral programmes in education and related social sciences. Our MPhil/PhD students undertake research projects, working closely with their supervisors to develop each stage of their research, and undertake a tailored programme of training courses and activities. This programme is available to study both face-to-face and online.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

• Entry requirements

The normal minimum requirement is a Master’s degree from a UK university in a subject appropriate to the programme to be followed, or a qualification of equivalent standard appropriate to the programme to be followed awarded by a university (or educational institution of university rank) outside the UK. The majority of our successful applicants hold a Merit at Master’s level, and may have additional relevant experience.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 4

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

The Department of Education, Practice and Society has a range of innovative, research-active staff able to supervise post-graduate research in the following areas: international development; sociology of education; history of education; philosophy of education; higher education; comparative education; post-14 education.

We also have a number of research centres including the Centre for Global Youth; Centre for Research on Learning and Life Chances (LLAKES); Philosophy at the Institute; the Centre for the Sociology of Education and Equity; the Centre for Education and International Development (CEID); the Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES); the Centre for Post-14 Education and Work; the International Centre for Historical Research in Education (ICHRE); and jointly the Centre for Engineering Education.

Who this course is for

The MPhil/PhD is for applicants with a strong interest in an aspect of educational and social research, which may be understood broadly across the life course, in relation to other subject areas and wider social, economic, political and cultural changes. You should normally have completed an MA to merit level and want to develop a specific area of research. You may have a background in education or a cognate area of study. It is suitable for both recent graduates and those progressed in a career.

What this course will give you

IOE is a world-leading centre for research in education and related social science. We host the UK's largest doctoral cohort in these areas. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2023), the institute was ranked first for education for the tenth year running, ahead of Harvard, Stanford, Oxford and Cambridge. In the UK's recent Research Excellence Framework (2021), we were ranked first for research strength and research power in Education, according to the Elsevier REF 2021 Results Analysis Tool. We attract extensive research funding each year and host many prestigious research centres and projects.

Doctoral students at IOE have access to the wider UCL community as well as the education cluster constituting the UBEL Doctoral Training Partnership . The Institute's programme has been designed to provide comprehensive and broadly based research training and to meet the requirements of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the UK Researcher Development Framework.

Students work closely with their supervisor(s) to develop each stage of research; supervisors also help put together a programme of additional courses and activities to support progress towards completion of the final thesis. 

Doctoral students at the Department of Education, Practice and Society can participate in the department's Research Students Seminar Group which further enriches learning.

The foundation of your career

Students gain experience of planning and implementing research methodologies, academic writing and presentation, management of their own research projects, and engagement with a wide range of researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and other groups relevant to their chosen topic.

The research training at IOE and in the rest of UCL has been excellent. I began this process knowing very little about how to conduct primary research, and I feel this is something that I’ve really been supported in developing. Jonathan James Education, Practice and Society MPhil/PhD Q&A with Jonathan James

Employability

Department of Education, Practice and Society doctoral graduates progress to careers in education, university teaching, educational research, and policy and curriculum development. They can be found in almost every occupational field, and there are a wide variety of career paths.

The Department of Education, Practice and Society pioneers research collaborations with external partners to diversify the contribution that educational research can make academically, professionally and practically for individuals and communities. We also strive to provide solutions to current and emerging pressure points in societies, such as economic change and social injustice, by creating networks and partnerships to support knowledge transfer between education, work and communities.

Teaching and learning

In addition to UCL's Doctoral Skills Development Programme, IOE's Centre for Doctoral Education provides a comprehensive Research Training Programme.

The Core Course aims to meets the needs of early stage doctoral students.

There is a wide range of introductory, advanced methods, advanced theoretical, and generic academic skills courses, as well as student-led workshops and reading groups.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) consists of a piece of supervised research, normally undertaken over a period of three years full-time or five years part-time. Assessment is by means of a thesis, which should demonstrate your capacity to pursue original research based upon a good understanding of the research techniques and concepts appropriate to the discipline. It must also represent a distinct and significant contribution to the subject, whether through the discovery of new knowledge, the connection of previously unrelated facts, the development of new theory, or the revision of older views. It should reflect the exercise of critical judgement with regard to both your own work and that of other scholars in the field.

For those who decide not to pursue the full PhD, or are unable to do so, the degree of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) consists of a piece of supervised research, normally undertaken over a period of three years full-time or five years part-time. Assessment is by means of a thesis, which should represent a contribution to the subject, either through a record of your original work or a critical and ordered exposition of existing knowledge.

You must ensure you have adequate time to devote to this research, at least six hours a day (2-3 days a week part time).

Research areas and structure

There is a wide range of expertise including:

• Comparative Education, including Education Policy Borrowing
• Education, Democracy and Diversity : citizenship education; civic participation; social cohesion; nation building; civic and ethnic identities
• Education and Wellbeing : health; sexual identity; education psychology; behaviour and disaffection; learning, studying and homework
• Further Education, Post-14 Education, and Post-Compulsory Education
• Global Youth
• Higher Education (HE) : academic and professional identities; national, global and international HE; management, governance and leadership
• Sociology of Education : education policy; gender, ‘race’, and social class; migration, refugees and marginalisation; social justice; human rights
• History of Education : cultural, social and economic history of education and learning; universities; adult, popular and informal education; historiography and methodology
• International Development : economics, education, and education planning; education in developing countries
• Lifelong Learning, and Adult Learning, Literacy and Numeracy
• Philosophy of Education : disability ethics; personhood; theories of mind; theories of justice
• Post-Conflict / Peacebuilding Education
• Professional Development, Vocational Education, and Workplace Learning

Research environment

As a research student in the Department of Education, Practice and Society a wide range of research seminars will be available to you. Each of the research centres in the Department run regular seminars which further enriches learning.

Since October 2014, we have also - in addition to the campus-based mode - offered the option to study online in a distance-learning mode. Choosing the distance-learning mode means that there are no residency requirements and it is not necessary to attend during doctoral study, the viva examination take place in-person at UCL or online. However, you are welcome to visit and use campus facilities including the library, attend seminars etc. In the first year of full-time study (and first two years of part-time study), distance learners take a series of compulsory research methods modules that are studied online. This typically involves provision of materials (articles, eBooks, videos etc.), forums to facilitate discussion of various tasks, and synchronous sessions to discuss the activities. Alongside these you will work with your supervisors on your research (e.g., using Teams/Zoom and email). In addition, there are other resources and training opportunities to support distance-learning students, e.g., sessions to develop generic skills.

The length of registration for the research degree programmes is 3 years for full-time.

You are required to register initially for the MPhil degree with the expectation of transfer to PhD after successful completion of an upgrade viva 9-18 months after initial registration.

IOE Centre for Doctoral Education provides an extensive Research Training Programme. A mandatory core course is provided that aims to meet the needs of early-stage doctoral students. There is also a wide range of introductory, advanced methods, advanced theoretical, and generic non-credit bearing academic skills courses, as well as student led workshops and reading groups which you can attend.

Full-time MPhil/PhD students are required to fulfil minimum 20 'points' of training activity in their first year, and are encouraged to fulfil the same in their subsequent years of study. This training can be selected from the UCL Doctoral Skills Development Programme, IOE faculty's Research Training Programme, the multi-institutional Bloomsbury Postgraduate Skills Network, and from other sources. Each point is worth approximately a half-day of face-to-face training, or an online equivalent. Other activities such as attending and presenting at conferences also count towards research training. Students may undertake additional training beyond these minima, as relevant to their research and/or as agreed with their supervisors.

You are expected to upgrade from MPhil to PhD status towards the end of your first year of study if full-time. Students whose performance is satisfactory will transfer from MPhil to PhD status.

Processes aimed at assisting you during your course of study include the Research Student Log (an online project management tool), and periodic reviews of students' progress.

Upon successful completion of your approved period of registration you may, if necessary, register as a completing research status (CRS) student while you finish writing your thesis.

The length of registration for the research degree programmes is 5 years for part-time.

Part-time students are required to fulfil minimum 12 'points' of training activity in each year of study. This training can be selected from the UCL Doctoral Skills Development Programme, IOE faculty's Research Training Programme, the multi-institutional Bloomsbury Postgraduate Skills Network, and from other sources. Each point is worth approximately a half-day of face-to-face training, or an online equivalent. Other activities such as attending and presenting at conferences also count towards research training. Students may undertake additional training beyond these minima, as relevant to their research and/or as agreed with their supervisors.

You are expected to upgrade from MPhil to PhD status at around 18 months if part-time. Students whose performance is satisfactory will transfer from MPhil to PhD status.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team .

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

Students should take into account any travel, accommodation and expenses involved in their thesis.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding webpage: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/scholarships/funding-students-postgraduate-research-courses

UCL's Research Excellence Scholarships (RES) are available annually to prospective and existing UCL research students from any country: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/scholarships/research-excellence-scholarship . The UCL, Bloomsbury and East London Doctoral Training Partnership offers studentships annually. More information is found here: https://ubel-dtp.ac.uk/

UBEL, RES and other funding programmes are not available to online and non-resident students.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

After choosing a programme to apply for, you should develop a research proposal and identify a potential supervisor. For more information, visit our website to find a supervisor and get in touch with departmental graduate tutors.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Got questions get in touch.

Education, Practice and Society

[email protected]

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• Postgraduate scholarships

International Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarship 2024

We are delighted to offer 125 International Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarships in 2024.

Each scholarship is a competitive award worth £5,000 towards the original tuition fee for a postgraduate taught programme starting in September 2024. The scholarships are available to all new international students who meet the eligibility criteria.

You must hold an offer to study at the University of Sheffield.

Key dates .

• Applciations are now closed. The deadline for scholarship applications was 1pm (UK time) on Monday 13 May 2024.
• Scholarship results will be announced on Monday 10 June 2024.
• If you are offered the scholarship, we’ll ask that you confirm acceptance of your scholarship and your offer by a fixed date.

Eligibility criteria

Your programme must commence at the University of Sheffield in autumn 2024.

• Distance learning courses are ineligible for a merit scholarship.
• You must receive an offer for a course studied in full at the University of Sheffield. Masters programmes split between the University of Sheffield and a partner institution are not eligible to apply for a scholarship.
• All Crossways courses and Erasmus Mundus courses are ineligible for a merit scholarship.
• For tuition fee purposes you must be self-funded and required to pay the overseas tuition fee.
• You must not be a sponsored student*.
• For scholarship purposes all MArch programmes are considered as postgraduate taught programmes and are not eligible for undergraduate scholarships.
• Anyone studying a Masters/integrated PhD programme is eligible for a merit scholarship in the Masters element of the programme only.
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• MClinDent in Paediatric Dentistry
• DClinDent Periodontics
• MMedSci in Diagnostic Oral Pathology
• DClinDent Prosthodontics
• The University of Sheffield reserves the right to review and change scholarship provision.

How to apply

Applications are now closed. The deadline to apply was 1pm (UK time) Monday 13 May 2024.

Selection criteria

This is a competitive process and not all applications will be successful. A panel of senior members of staff will select the strongest applications and will be looking for the following:

• Applicant has given examples of achievements which represent excellence and initiative in educational, voluntary, or professional areas.
• Applicant has shown how these achievements relate to the course they have applied for at the University of Sheffield and connected that to their future ambitions.
• Applicant has a strong academic profile.

Award criteria

• You must commence your programme at the University of Sheffield in autumn 2024.
• International Postgraduate Taught Scholarship 2024
• NCUK Postgraduate Taught Scholarship 2024
• Professor David Locker Scholarship in Social Science, Oral Health and Dentistry 2024
• Sir Sze-yuen Chung Postgraduate Merit Scholarship 2024 
• MBA Scholarship 2024
• GREAT Scholarship 2024 for Egypt and Malaysia
• In the event that you are selected for any of the above scholarships the most valuable award will take precedence.
• The scholarship can be awarded in conjunction with any available scholarships from the Department or Faculty you will be studying in, subject to not becoming a sponsored student*. Please use the funding calculator to find out if any scholarships are available from your Department/Faculty.
• The scholarship cannot be awarded in conjunction with any funding from an external sponsor**, excluding a loan, which has to be paid back in full.
• If you are receiving a loan (which has to be paid back in full) from an organisation to which we offer a discount, you are not able to combine this scholarship with the discount - the most valuable award will take precedence.
• If you are studying a 2 year Masters programme the scholarship will be available in the second year of your studies subject to successful completion of year 1, and all remaining eligibility and award criteria.
• The scholarship is not applicable to any years in industry or study abroad years that are compulsory or optional elements of your course.
• If an offer of a place of study requires a deposit to be paid by a set date you must pay this deposit to continue to be eligible for the scholarship and to hold your offer for a place of study.
• If you are selected for a merit scholarship and you fail to meet the conditions of your offer you will no longer be eligible to receive the award.
• If you change your Masters programme during your studies your merit scholarship may be forfeited.
• The merit scholarship can be provided for a maximum of 2 full-time academic years. This does not include years in industry or year(s) abroad. For part-time students on programmes that last longer than one year the scholarship will be split pro-rata for a maximum of 4 years.
• Part-time students will receive the full value of the scholarship split pro-rata over the duration of the course.
• The scholarship will be applied as a tuition fee discount only, there is no cash alternative.
• The decision of the scholarship panel is final. No scholarship applications or decision appeals will be considered.
• All decisions made by the University are made in good faith. If a scholarship is awarded on the basis of predicted grades and you do not achieve the predicted grades or if the information provided is false, the University reserves the right to remove the scholarship.
• If you are selected for the scholarship, you will be required to pay a tuition fee deposit by a fixed date.

* Sponsored student is defined as an individual who is in receipt of a total sum of funds that matches or exceeds the original tuition fee required by the University.

** Government or governmental organisation – international, national or regional; research council; charity; private enterprise; or any similar organisation.

Upcoming events for offer holders and enquirers

We're running a series of information sessions, student panels and virtual activities to help you understand what Sheffield has to offer.

We offer a generous package of financial support for international students, including undergraduate and postgraduate taught scholarships towards the annual tuition fee. Applications are open for existing offer holders.

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Masters degree grades.

A typical masters degree will be graded using four terms:

• Distinction: a final grade of 70% or above
• Merit: a final grade of 60-69%
• Pass: a final grade of 50-59%
• Borderline pass/fail: a final grade of 40-49%

In the UK, masters degrees are usually graded in a different way to bachelors degrees, with the system being Distinction, Merit and Pass rather than 1st, 2.1, 2.2 and 3rd.

This table illustrates approximately how the two different grading systems can be compared:

However, although masters degree grades are usually different to undergraduate degree grades, this does depends on what masters course you are studying. Here, we’ll look at the most common three:

Integrated masters degree grades

An integrated masters is one that follows directly on from your undergraduate course. This is most common in the sciences , where you apply for a four year course in your chosen subject and then in your second year make a decision on whether to follow the path to a BSc or to an MChem, MPhys, etc.

This is graded like an undergraduate degree, in that the classification you receive will be either;

First (1st);

Second class honours upper division (2.1);

Second class honours lower division (2.2);

Third (3rd) or;

In these cases, the later stages of study are weighted more than the earlier.

Standalone masters degree grades

Taught masters degree.

Taught masters degrees require 180 credits worth of work, made of a combination of taught modules, projects and a dissertation. The individual masters modules are usually worth between 10 and 30 credits each, depending on their length and the amount of assessment required. In some cases taught masters are merely graded as a pass or fail, but commonly taught masters degree grades are fail, pass, merit (or credit) and distinction. The boundaries for this are usually 50% for a pass, 60% for a merit and 70% for a distinction, as the above table illustrates. This masters degree grading system will be covered in greater detail later. 

Masters degree by research

A masters by research (an MPhil or MRes, and sometimes MLitt) is usually graded as pass or fail, with occasional universities offering distinction as a classification as well.

Masters grading system in the UK

The final masters grade is based on a ‘weighted’ score. For an integrated masters, this means your marks in your final two years are worth more than in your first two. 

On other masters courses , it can depend on which proportion of the mark is made up by taught aspects or research aspects. In general though, as well as having to aim for a certain weighted average, you also need to have marks within a certain range. Generally, this means for a pass, no marks under 40; a merit, none below 50; and for a distinction, none below 60.

If your course involves a dissertation, the mark that you achieve for this will also impact your final masters grade. Often, to achieve a certain classification, you are required to achieve that mark as minimum on your dissertation, for example, for a merit, your dissertation needs to score 60 or above, and for a distinction, 70 or above. If this sounds intimidating, try not to worry, we have plenty of helpful advice for you from writing your dissertation proposal to various ways to avoid dissertation drama .

Whilst these classifications are pretty much standard, they do vary between courses as well as between universities, so do check out your particular university and find out how it works out its masters degree grades. Some universities, whilst sticking to the pass/merit/distinction boundaries for their final grades, may use a variety of ways to mark your work throughout the year – percentages, letter grades (A, B, C, etc), so do make sure you know how it all adds up!

Also, remember that university guidelines, whilst strict, do have an element of leniency. Often there is a boundary (commonly 2% under) that if your final average is in, you may be able to persuade yourself up a class! This is most common if you excelled on your dissertation, but perhaps were let down by an earlier taught module. So don’t be afraid to ask.

Pass, merit and distinction

As an estimate of what quality of work you’re looking for, take a look at some example guidelines below:

Again, these are general guidelines, and looking at your particular university will give you much more specific information on their masters grades. If it all looks a bit much, don’t worry – we have a guide on how to get a first class postgraduate degree here .

You may have noticed that, despite the official classifications being distinction, merit and pass, that there is a tendency towards continuing with undergraduate language. This is because they roughly match up –  a first is roughly a distinction, a second class honours, upper division a merit, and a second class honours, lower division a pass. This can be helpful to bear in mind when thinking about masters degree grades, as, after all by this stage you should have a great understanding of how the undergraduate system works!

Masters degree assessments

Masters degrees are assessed in various different ways to determine the student’s overall grade – methods of assessment can include coursework , essays , presentations and exams . These will all be used to evaluate the masters student understanding of their core subject. Practical placements and internships may also contribute to the masters degree grading in certain subjects.

Assessment weighting is likely to differ for each module of the course, which means that some assessments may carry different significance than others. For instance, a module might comprise an exam and coursework, each contributing 50% to the final grade. In such a scenario, if a student scored 65% in the exam and 55% in the coursework, the module's final grade would be 60%. In other modules the overall assessment could be a smaller proportion of the final masters degree grade.

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How can you get a distinction in your masters degree?

1.  High academic standards throughout – aim to achieve consistently high grades across all modules and assessments from the very start and strive to excel in all aspects of your academic work. Make sure you produce high-quality coursework assignments, essays, reports and projects that all demonstrate critical thinking, originality and depth of analysis.

2.  Engagement and participation – actively participate in class discussions, seminars and group projects. Engage with course materials beyond the required readings to ensure you to gain a thorough understanding of the subject matter.

3.  Conduct independent research – be sure to conduct independent research and produce original research papers or a dissertation that contributes new insights to your chosen field.

4.  Networking and collaboration – try and build professional relationships with faculty members, fellow students and professionals in your field. You can do this by collaborating on research projects, attending conferences and engaging in academic and professional networking opportunities.

5.  Feedback and improvement – actively seek feedback from your supervisors and lecturers, as well your peers, then incorporate their suggestions for improvement into your work.

6.  Demonstrate leadership and initiative – take on leadership roles in group projects and participate in relevant extracurricular activities. Show initiative in pursuing opportunities for professional development, internships and/or research grants.

7.  Be organised and manage time effectively – develop strong organisational and time-management skills, prioritising tasks and ensuring you allocate sufficient time for studying, research and preparation.

What if you are failing your masters degree?

1. Retake a module to bring your masters grades up

As previously discussed, a masters degree is divided up into several modules, which are usually are worth between 10 and 30 credits each. If you’ve only failed one or two modules there is likely to be the opportunity to re-sit some assessments within these modules to increase your overall masters grade.

2. Revise your dissertation to improve your grades

 If you fail your dissertation, contact your supervisor to see if you can submit a revised version later in the year. If this is allowed it could be enough to raise your overall masters degree grade.

3. Switch to a Postgrad Certificate or a Postgrad Diploma

If your masters program is going completely wrong and you are almost certainly going to fail, there may still be a chance of you achieving a different postgraduate qualification, for example a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma . These PG qualifications require less credits to complete than a masters degree, and by achieving one of these you can rest assured that your postgraduate studies were not in vain!

4. Re-sit exams or extend deadlines for extenuating circumstances

If your academic achievement (or lack of it) has been affected by extenuating circumstances – such as illness or bereavement – speak to your supervisor as soon as possible as they may allow you to submit your dissertation at a later date or re-sit some exams before submitting your work to the official examining board.

5. Submit an appeal for a remark

Finally, if you feel that the official examining board’s grade is an unfair reflection of your work, you may be able to submit an appeal for a remark.

Questions about the masters grading system

How are masters degrees graded in the uk.

Everything at masters level is double-blind marked, so two of your lecturers or tutors will mark your work and then agree on the grade between them. It depends on the assignment and how it is presented as a piece of work, as an essay or an exam will be marked differently from a presentation.

Is a masters grade the same around the world?

A masters degree has the same weighting across Europe as European universities have agreed that all university qualifications are worth the same number of credits. This means that the qualifications are transferable all over Europe . Generally, the same can be said for many other countries, especially in the English-speaking world, but if you are planning on continuing your education in another country, you should check with the institution you are planning on attending with regards to the transferability of your qualifications. See the section below for further information about how the grading systems work in the United States and Europe.

Do grades matter at masters level?

At postgraduate level, there is more emphasis on the content of your essays and research rather than on the masters grades you received. If you are planning on moving into a specific field of work after you graduate, then you should ensure that the modules you study and essays you write are all geared towards that field. The only time the grade truly matters is if you are considering a PhD after completing the masters program. However, showing that you have improved your skills across the course is just as important as getting the best grades right from the start.

What else is important?

Once you get into searching for a job you will quickly realise that extra-curricular activities and work experience are just as important as your masters grades, as is trying to meet the right people through networking. Showing you can work efficiently and are a self-reliant person is an important addition to your CV.

How many people have a masters degree in the US?

Here’s a table showing the percentage of adults over the age of 25 with a masters degree in the United States.

Masters grading in other countries

Masters grades are calculated differently across the world – here is a brief overview on the grading systems used in the United States and Europe.

Masters degree grades in the USA

In the United States, universities employ the Grade Point Average (GPA) system to evaluate students' academic performance in masters degrees. Under this system, students receive a grade on a four-point decimal scale for each assignment or assessment they complete. The accumulated points from all coursework are then added up and divided by the number of courses or assessments completed, and this gives the final GPA score. Unlike grading methods in other countries, the GPA system calculates the final grade continuously as students progress through their course. While the highest GPA score achievable is 4.0, maintaining such a perfect score throughout a full masters degree program is very difficult. Typically, a GPA of 3.67 or higher in a masters program is considered equivalent to achieving a Distinction in the UK.

Masters degree grades in Europe

Most universities in Europe use the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) for masters degree grading. The ECTS assigns values to courses and/or modules, and each course has clearly defined learning outcomes and grades available. Although HEIs in different European countries use different grading systems, the ECTS facilitates the portability of academic qualifications, enabling credits to be easily transferred between institutions and countries within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) if the student moves between institutions, for example if they are on the Erasmus scheme.

Related articles

What Is A Masters Degree?

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PhD Education / Entry requirements

Year of entry: 2024

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Academic entry qualification overview

• Bachelor's (Honours) degree at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); and
• Master's degree in a relevant subject - with an overall average of 60% or above, a minimum mark of 60% in your dissertation (or overseas equivalent)

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• IELTS test minimum score - 7.0 overall, 7.0 in writing, 6.0 in other sections.
• TOEFL (internet based) test minimum score - 100 overall, 25 in all sections.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) UKVI/SELT or PTE Academic minimum score - 76 overall, 76 in writing, 70 in other sections.
• To demonstrate that you have taken an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a majority English speaking nation within the last 5 years.
• Other tests may be considered.

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Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the programme.

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We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see entry requirements from your country.

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IUPUI offers over 250 graduate degrees to students interested in pursuing a Ph.D., a professional degree, a master's degree, or a graduate certificate. Several of these degrees are not offered by any other public institution in the state.

In addition, current IUPUI undergraduates have the opportunity to explore many different accelerated bachelor’s to master’s degree programs . Accelerated bachelor’s to master’s degree programs allow ambitious IUPUI undergraduate students the opportunity to earn both a bachelor’s degree AND a master’s degree in a shorter time frame than if pursued independent of each other (i.e., 5 years vs. 6 years).

IUPUI Graduate & Professional Programs by School

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Programs with an asterisk (*) are IU degrees offered through Purdue University at IUPUI and are administered through the Indiana University Graduate School.

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RIT graduate pursues Ph.D. across time zones

Nastaran Nagshineh, center, defended her Ph.D. thesis at RIT in April. Faculty from RIT’s Rochester and Dubai campuses served on her thesis committee and include, from left to right, Kathleen Lamkin-Kennard, Steven Weinstein, Nathaniel Barlow, and David Kofke (a professor at the University at Buffalo). Mohamed Samaha participated remotely and appears on the video screen behind the group and alongside Nagshineh’s picture.

Nastaran Nagshineh is one of the first Ph.D. candidates to bridge RIT’s Rochester and Dubai campuses. Her accomplishment creates a path for future students at the university’s international campuses.

Nagshineh completed her Ph.D. in mathematical modeling while working full time as a mathematics lecturer at RIT Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, teaching as many as five classes a semester. She described her Ph.D. journey as “an exercise in perseverance” due to competing demands and long days. Rochester is eight hours behind Dubai, and the time difference meant many late-night classes and meetings.

“I saw this collaboration as an opportunity, rather than as a challenge, because my primary adviser, Dr. Steven Weinstein (RIT professor of chemical engineering), and my co-adviser, Dr. Mohamed Samaha (RIT Dubai associate professor of mechanical engineering), both have the same area of research interest,” she said. “They both worked toward my success.”

Nagshineh is one of 67 RIT Ph.D. students who defended their thesis this academic year and who will earn their doctorate. RIT awarded 63 Ph.D. degrees in 2023.

In 2020-2021, RIT’s Graduate School met and surpassed the university’s goal of conferring 50 Ph.D. degrees during an academic year. That number will continue to grow as students cycle through the seven new Ph.D. programs that RIT has added since 2017, said Diane Slusarski , dean of RIT’s Graduate School.

Meeting these goals puts RIT on a path toward achieving an “R1,” or research-intensive designation, from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning. RIT is currently ranked as an R2 institution . Many factors go into changing a university’s status, including research investment and maintaining a three-year average of 70 Ph.D. degrees awarded per year, according to Slusarski.

“We have met the goals of the strategic plan, and now we look forward to contributing to the research innovation in the future,” Slusarski said. “We want to help the new programs thrive and win national research awards.”

RIT’s emphasis on high-level research is seen in Nagshineh’s Ph.D. work. She applies mathematical modeling to the field of fluid dynamics. Her research has been published in top-tier journals and has gained notice, said Weinstein, her thesis adviser.

Weinstein describes Nagshineh’s accomplishments as “a testament to a fantastic work ethic and commitment” and is inspirational to younger students at Rochester and Dubai.

“The collaboration between RIT Dubai/Rochester has continued,” he said. “Another paper was submitted a few weeks ago with Mohamed Samaha and Nate Barlow (RIT associate professor in the School of Mathematics and Statistics) as co-authors, as well as Cade Reinberger, a younger Ph.D. student in my research group.”

Mathematical modeling is one of RIT’s newer Ph.D. degree programs, and Nagshineh is among its earliest graduates. The program has doubled in size since it began accepting students in 2017, Slusarski said. This past fall, the mathematical modeling program had 35 students, with two graduating this year.

Altogether, RIT has 13 Ph.D. degree programs currently enrolling 438 students, with computing and information sciences accounting for the largest with 117 students. RIT’s other Ph.D. programs include astrophysical sciences and technology , biomedical and chemical engineering , business administration , color science , electrical and computer engineering, imaging science , mechanical and industrial engineering , microsystems engineering , and sustainability .

New programs in cognitive science and physics will launch in the fall.

The growth in RIT graduate education—with more than 3,000 master’s and doctoral students—reflects a demographic change in the student population, Slusarski said. “We have a higher percentage of women in the graduate programs than we have for RIT undergraduate programs.”

RIT’s graduate programs enroll 42 percent women, according to Christie Leone , assistant dean for the Graduate School.

Nagshineh, who also holds an MS in electrical engineering from RIT Dubai, welcomes her role as a mentor to other women students on both campuses.

“As a young woman in an Arabic country, the power of women is often underestimated and undervalued, and I hope to serve as a role model to female students, especially those that question their path,” Nagshineh said.

She plans to continue in her career as a professor and a researcher. “I would like to pursue a research program where I can advise my own students and teach them more deeply.”

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Exercise Physiology

Boost your career and prepare for corporate, clinical, and fitness roles. Thesis and non-thesis options available.

Home » Program » Exercise Physiology, M.S.

Exercise Physiology, M.S.

The Master of Science in Exercise Physiology, offered through the College of Behavioral and Health Science at MTSU, prepares students for career opportunities in corporate, community, and private fitness sectors, as well as clinical exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, and doctoral programs. Thesis and non-thesis tracks are available for students.

This four-semester degree offers advanced coursework that prepares candidates for certifications in personal training, strength and conditioning, exercise physiology, and clinical exercise physiology. This degree also prepares candidates to enter terminal Exercise Physiology degree programs. Career opportunities include employment in clinical exercise physiology and corporate, community, or private fitness sectors. The Exercise Physiology Lab contains state-of-the-art equipment to facilitate both student and faculty research, including a DEXA, metabolic carts, an EKG system, land and underwater treadmills, leg and arm ergometers, a hydrostatic weighing tank, bioelectrical impedance, a lactate and cholesterol analyzer, isokinetic dynamometry, and a telemetry EMG system. The non-thesis option requires completion of 36 semester hours including an internship. The thesis option includes 30-33 hours of coursework. The degree prerequisite is two semesters of human anatomy and physiology.

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News Briefs

Kenny Bennett receives Distinguished Alumni Award

Middle Tennessee State University is proud to highlight the accomplishments of Kenny Bennett, a distinguished graduate of our Exercise Physiology Master's Program in the College of Health and Human Performance. Since earning his M.S. in Exercise Physiology in Human Performance in 2016, Kenny has made significant strides in the field as the founder of Train 36ixty Sports Performance and Fitness, where he applies his expertise to train professional and collegiate athletes during their off seasons. His impact extends to his successful role as a High School Strength and Conditioning coach, where he has led his teams to five district titles in Clarksville, TN, and as a Performance Specialist for Puma Hoops' "The Basketball Tournament" over the past three years. In 2023, his achievements were further recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Health and Human Performance Department.

Kenny attributes his success to the robust education he received at MTSU, which emphasized essential testing and programming techniques, the application of research, and prepared students for key certification exams (CSCS, NSCA-CPT, NASM-CES, etc.). The program's comprehensive approach and exposure to a broad spectrum of exercise science topics have not only prepared him for a fruitful career but also positioned him as a leader in promoting fitness and athletic excellence. Kenny Bennett's story exemplifies the profound impact of MTSU's Exercise Physiology program on its graduates, enabling them to excel and contribute significantly to the health and fitness industry.

Jorden Gaccione, a distinguished graduate of our Exercise Physiology Master's Program

Middle Tennessee State University is proud to highlight the accomplishments of Jorden Gaccione, a distinguished graduate of our Exercise Physiology Master's Program in the College of Health and Human Performance. Since earning her M.S. in Exercise Physiology in 2022, Jorden became a member of the Harvard Sports Medicine team, serving as an athletic trainer for the university’s varsity Division l Wrestling and Women’s Volleyball programs. Within her role, she provides encompassing healthcare to Harvard’s student-athletes on a daily basis treating both acute and chronic conditions ranging from joint dislocations and concussions to biomechanical insufficiencies and post-operative rehabilitation.  Jorden works collaboratively alongside orthopedic surgeons, registered dieticians, and mental health providers to ensure she is providing the most wholesome and evidence-based care to her student-athletes.

Jorden attributes her achievements and ability to attenuate growth in her career field to the education she received at MTSU. Her time spent within the program gave her the tools to combine her Athletic Training background with essential concepts of Exercise Physiology, resulting in her love for research and evidence based clinical practice. She continues to promote this dual approach at Harvard as she assists in a monthly journal club bringing new topics and research discussions to the athletic training staff. The education she received within the Exercise Science program was not limited to her two years spent at MTSU, as Jorden’s story is an example of the continued possibilities awarded to a graduate of the program as they progressively navigate their future enabling them to make a positive impact on athletic healthcare.

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Graduates gain expertise to advance in positions in fitness and wellness, cardiac rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, corporate fitness, and research. The degree also helps prepare candidates to gain certifications through the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association and to enter a doctoral degree program in Exercise Physiology. Graduates can also continue their education in other health care professions. Potential occupations include, but are not limited to:

• Bariatric exercise specialist
• Cardiac rehabilitation specialist
• Diabetes educator
• Educator/professor
• Employee fitness director
• Exercise physiologist
• Fitness center/gym owner or manager
• Health coach
• Occupational therapist
• Oncology exercise rehabilitation specialist
• Personal trainer
• Physical therapist
• Pulmonary rehabilitation specialist
• Strength and conditioning specialist
• Wellness coach

Employers of MTSU Exercise Physiology M.S. alumni include

• Acuff & Associates, Inc.
• Bowling Green University
• Brooklyn Nets
• Cross-fit Rampage
• Cumberland University
• DaVita Renal Dialysis
• Journeys In Community Living
• Middle Tennessee State University
• National Federation of the Blind
• North Carolina State University
• OnLife Health
• Orthotics Manufacturing Co., Chicago, Ill.
• Physiotherapy Associates
• Southern Tennessee Medical Center
• Steadman Orthopedic Group
• Tennessee State Governor’s Foundation for Health and Wellness
• Tri-Fit Athletics
• University of California-Santa Clara
• University of Tennessee-Martin
• Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute
• Vanderbilt Orthopedic Institute Fitness Center
• Well Fit Medicine and Nutrition
• Williamson Medical Center/Cardiac Rehabilitation

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Master of Science in Public Policy and Human Development

💥  Are you interested in addressing society’s most complex public policy challenges? 💥  Curious about how we can develop and change the policy landscape to create a better world? 💥  L ooking for an international career, committed to realising the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals ?

In this rigorous, fast-paced one-year Master’s programme, you’ll be trained in designing, monitoring and evaluating policy , equipping you to change the status quo. Gaining a variety of quantitative and qualitative skills, tools and knowledge, you’ll be able to work in policy-related fields in public, private and non-profit organisations the world over.  

Send me a digital brochure!

⚡ Fast facts 

• Unique partnership: the MSc in Public Policy and Human Development (known as MPP for short) is an innovative collaboration between United Nations University (UNU) and Maastricht University (UM)
• Duration of programme: 1 year – resulting in two diplomas, one from UM and the other from UNU
• Location: Maastricht, The Netherlands
• Intensity: full-time (10-14 contact hours and 30-40 hours independent study per week)
• Next start date: September 2024
• Application deadline: 1 May 2024 for non-EU applicants, 1 June 2024 for EU applicants
• Tuition fees for 2024/25 are: statutory fee €2,530; institutional fee €16,600. Find out the tuition fee that applies in your specific situation here , and learn more about your financial aid and scholarship options
• Diversity: 40+ nationalities represented across students and faculty  
• Student profile: various academic backgrounds and ages, ranging from bachelor’s students to mid-career professionals
• Personalised teaching: you can expect training in small international groups, personal guidance and access to 1-on-1 sessions with our MPP Study Advisor
• Learning method: Problem-Based Learning , an innovative, active way of learning that improves knowledge retention and encourages critical thinking
• 5 specialisation options: Social Protection Policy; Migration Studies ; Risk & Vulnerability; Governance of Innovation ; Global Governance for Development
• Student association : DEMOS UNU-MERIT aims to facilitate student bonding, professional capacity enhancement and network development
• Autumn semester focus : strongly quantitative – you’ll learn how to use tools and software that are essential for policy analysis (e.g. statistics, STATA, RA)
• Spring semester focus : your chosen specialisation and writing your thesis

Ready to apply? This blog post can help you with the MPP application process, giving tips on how to write a good application.

Once you’re admitted, you are invited to join one of two online onboarding sessions to help you decide if our programme is right for you, on 23 May and 20 June . 

Our MPP Student Ambassadors will be present at the onboarding events above to answer your questions and provide insight into their MPP experiences. In the meantime, you can follow them on Instagram , TikTok and Facebook to see what student life is like at a UN institution.

💡 What will you learn?  

Our MPP prepares students to be agents of change , with all the necessary skills to analyse current societal problems and assess policy solutions. You’ll be trained in formulating, implementing, monitoring and evaluating policy in order to be able to give recommendations for improving or replacing ongoing policies.

Students  are immersed in small and diverse discussion groups, workshops, trainings, simulation exercises, presentation and debates, with regular networking and learning opportunities at various events with guest speakers.  

To tailor learning journeys to individual interests, students can choose one of the following specialisations for the spring semester – click the links below to learn more:

Social Protection Policy (in cooperation with the ILO )

Migration studies, risk & vulnerability (in cooperation with unu-ehs ), governance of innovation, global governance for development, 🌍  your future.

This year’s (2023-24) MPP cohort

The programme’s year-long Employability Track helps students develop their personal, academic and professional plans through workshops and mentoring sessions.

Our graduates have found positions at public and private institutions, including international, regional, national and local governments, ministries, pension funds, market authorities, NGOs, international organisations, academia and consultancies, including:

• Asian Development Bank, India
• European External Action Service, Brazil
• Deloitte Barcelona, Spain
• International Labour Organisation (Switzerland, Thailand)
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Finland
• Ministry of Welfare, Germany
• UNICEF (various global locations)
• UNOCHA, Burundi
• World Bank, United States

Read these stories from eight of our alumni to hear how our MPP programme helped launch their careers around the world.

Our Student Ambassadors

From left to right: Kendra Larach, Lucas Boh, and Carmen Duran

Meet Kendra, Lucas and Carmen , the 2023-24 Student Ambassadors for the MPP programme! On the MPP student ambassador Instagram  account and  Facebook  page, they share their study experiences during their student journey, moments of their lives in Maastricht, and much more. Follow them to get a sneak peek of your possible future!

If you have questions about the programme and/or about student life in Maastricht, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Kendra, Lucas and Carmen through the MPP ambassador social media accounts; they’re happy to help you – you can ask them questions on Instagram  or  Facebook . They have also recently launched a TikTok account !

‘Master’s Voice’ blog series

This MPP-specific blog series tracks the latest news and views from students, alumni and staff of our Master’s programme – you can even find a Student Ambassador podcast there!

For more information about programme details, admission requirements and how to apply, visit our pages on the Maastricht University website by clicking on the button below.

Learn more and apply.

View this year’s UNU Rules for the MPP Programme (2023-2024) here .

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Marie Fowler, 83, becomes Howard University's oldest doctoral graduate

Fowler earned her doctoral degree in ministry over the weekend. She already has her bachelors and two masters but wasn't sure at her age she could manage the work. She stayed the course.

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