A master’s degree is usually counted as a Further Education degree that some students may take to specialise in a particular area or if they feel like changing career paths and learning something new. However, a master's degree has two variations: a taught master's degree and a research master's degree. So, before deciding on a post-graduate university, you should know the difference between these two.

1. The Difference between
Taught VS
Research Masters

2. The Difference between
Taught VS Research Masters
A master’s degree is usually counted
as a Further Education degree that
some students may take to specialise
in a particular area or if they feel like
changing career paths and learning
something new.
However, a master's degree has two
variations: a taught master's degree
and a research master's degree. So,
before deciding on a post-graduate
university, you should know the
difference between these two.
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Taught Master’s Degree
A Taught Master’s
degree is more
focused upon
multiple
assessments,
assignments, and
modules for the
students..
These taught degrees
usually require the student
to complete a dissertation
or a research project before
they graduate.
Think of it as the next part
of your undergraduate
degree.
Taught Master's degrees are more
popular around the world – such as a
MA (Master of Arts) or an MSc
(Master of Science). However, some
institutes offer specific post-graduate
certifications or diplomas that allow
you to not go through the degree
process.

4. Research Master’s Degree
Compared to a taught master's degree, a research master's is
quite different in terms of course and structure.
The progression of a research master's is more flexible. It does
not require you to pick up multiple modules and take
assessments for them.
In the beginning, it is most likely that you will have a basic
introductory module to get a hang of the basics, but once
done, it is mostly just focused on your work, and there are no
timetables as such.
Throughout the degree, you will primarily focus on your
research projects and carry out different studies to achieve
your objectives.
An MRes (Master of Research) and MPhil (Master of
Philosophy) are among the most common types of Master's
degrees.

5. The Differences between the Two
There are significant differences between
a taught master's degree and a research
master's degree when it comes to the
course and even the structure.
A taught degree is more of a team-
building experience since you get to work
with your peers. However, a research
degree focuses more on your individual
work/research.
If you enjoy being in other people's
company and have a lot of friends, then a
research degree may be too asocial for
you.
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A taught master's requires you to
have relevant interest and some
work in the particular field, but a
research master's is more
complicated.
In a research master's, you will first
need to draft a research proposal.
This proposal should lay out the main
research question that you want to
be answered in the degree. Not only
that, but you will also need to prove
why you should be selected to
perform this research and show high
knowledge and information
regarding the subject.
Moreover, a research degree is more
subject-specific, so if you want to learn a
combination of things, you should choose
a taught degree.
Whereas in a Research Master’s degree,
you get the option to choose one subject
and perform extensive research upon it.
So, it does require a lot of commitment
before deciding on a research master's;
you need to be sure of it.
Even though both degrees require a 2:1
undergraduate experience or some
equivalent work experience, the
application process for both differ.

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Should You Choose a
Taught Master’s Degree?
A taught degree has more variety; it allows you to choose
pretty much any subject to study and has a similar schedule
and outline to your undergraduate degree – so it isn't much
change either.
A taught master's degree is excellent if you have a specific
career path in mind and the employment has certain eligibility
criteria. Moreover, it is a perfect option for you to extend
your knowledge on these subjects.

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Benefits of a Taught Master’s
 Multiple options available in terms of subjects
 More opportunities for employment
 More socialisation time with teachers and fellow mates
 It does not have to be compulsory for the degree you want
 It is costlier as compared to a Research Master’s
 There isn't much flexibility in the schedule
Drawbacks of a Taught Master’s

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Should You Be Choosing
a Research Masters?
A research master's is seen as a way to obtain a PhD. Most students
enrolled in an MRes or MSc program have done so to move up to the
doctorate level and pursue a PhD degree.
As mentioned before, a research master's provides you with more
flexibility in your studying schedule and allows you to focus on the
subject you have chosen entirely. It is also beneficial if you are choosing a
career that requires expert research skills.

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Benefits of a Research Master’s
 It is built upon one subject that you chose.
 Provides you with a small tutorial on how PhD life is
 It helps if you are pursuing a research-driven career path
 It is a lonesome experience
 There isn't much variety of options available
 Your skillset isn't as vast as a taught master's degree.
Drawbacks of a Research Master’s

10. PhD programs usually require applicants to have any
relevant Master's degree in the subject. So yes, if you have
completed a Taught Master's Degree, then you can enrol for
a PhD.
However, if you have already decided on what you want to
do a PhD in, it makes more sense to do a Research Master's
degree since it will be more relevant. An MRes is most
recommended because it allows students to conduct
extensive research on a particular subject and learn
appropriate methods. Or you could register for an MPhil
degree and then for a PhD.
Can We Pursue a PhD after
a Taught Master's Degree?
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Does the Tuition for a Taught Master’s
Differ from a Research Master’s?
Mostly, a Research Master’s degree
is cheaper than a Taught Master’s
degree. Especially when it comes to
subjects such as Humanities, an
MRes degree is more affordable
than an MA degree.
Furthermore, tuition fees for a PhD program
are also cheaper than a Master's degree.
However, if you choose science subjects, the
fee isn't much different; in most cases, an
MSc and MRes for science have the exact
cost.

12. The table below shows tentative fees schedules for different Master's
degrees to give you an idea:
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TYPE E.G. UK / EU OVERSEAS
Taught (classroom) MA (Arts / Social Sciences) £6,482 £14,096
Taught (laboratory) MSc (Science / Engineering) £7,555 £16,222
Research MRes / MPhil £4,000+ £10,000+
Mostly, the funding for a taught master's degree and a research master's degree is the same. You can also check out research
master's degree or taught Master's degree funding online.
Moreover, in the UK, you can easily apply for and receive a loan for post-graduate education, including an MPhil. However, if
you are an MPhil student but do not intend to pursue a PhD, you are not available for the PhD loan, but if you intend on
applying for a PhD, you may be eligible for this loan in the UK.
Do Taught Master’s Degrees and Research Master’s Degree Have the Same Funding?

13. Final Thoughts
All in all, pursuing a master's degree is an essential aspect of further education,
and it allows you to learn and explore a lot more in the field of your choice.
Are still you confused between a Taught Master’s degree and a Research Master’s
degree? Reach out to us, and our experts will guide you through it.
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Thanks!
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