Understanding different types of online master’s degrees

Are you thinking about studying a master’s-level degree programme?

Today’s modern job market is fast paced, highly competitive, and increasingly globalised. While there are plenty of opportunities out there for the taking, job seekers and career changers must be on their best game to be in with a chance of landing their dream role. In practice, this means thinking carefully about how to add extra value, increase personal employability, and stand out from the crowd.

An online master’s degree could be the answer. As well as developing your in-depth subject knowledge and acquiring new skills, postgraduate qualifications demonstrate commitment to learning and professional development, self-discipline and self-motivation, and passion for a particular field of study.

But, with so many options out there, how do you know which master’s programme to choose?

What different types of master’s degrees are there?

Master’s degrees can be taught, research-based, or a combination of the two. As well as general master’s-level degrees spanning all disciplines, there are more specialised options available that are geared towards specific career paths or areas of professional development or interest.

While variations exist between institutions, some of the most common postgraduate courses include:

Master of Arts (MA) – MAs generally cover arts, social sciences and humanities subjects, for example English literature, creative writing, languages, history, and media and communications.
Master of Science (MSc) – these degrees (sometimes known as MS), cover scientific disciplines such as physics, biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, statistics, and healthcare. Certain subjects, such as economics, can fall into either MA or MSc categories depending on how much of a research/mathematics/science focus they contain.
Master of Research (MRes) – As the name suggests, MRes programmes have a heavy research focus and are designed for learners intending to enter research-related careers or to pursue doctoral study.
Master by Research (MPhil) – These advanced research-focused degrees – often regarded as PhD preparation – are a way for students to gain experience completing a large, in-depth independent research project.
Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Designed to support individuals with career progression in business, management and leadership-related roles, learners receive a comprehensive grounding in the core aspects of running businesses. Many also offer specialisms depending on career ambitions and specific areas of interest, for example cybersecurity, human resource management, or data science.
Master of Education (MEd) – MEds prepare students for careers spanning all aspects of education and pedagogical practice. Learners can focus on certain aspects of education – such as special education, mental health and counselling, or leadership – and many courses are suitable for student teachers and experienced practitioners alike.
Master of Laws (LLM) – Following an undergraduate degree in law, aspiring lawyers combine their legal knowledge with further, specialist expertise in specific areas of the discipline.

This list is not exhaustive. Other types of master’s and postgraduate-level qualifications include Master of Engineering (MEng), Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert), Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip), Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Public Administration (MPA), and Master of Architecture (MArch).

What are the benefits of choosing an online master’s degree?

Distance learning is growing in popularity. Data shared by the World Economic Forum (WEF) indicates that learners are ‘increasingly accessing online courses to help them navigate today’s ever-changing labour market.’ Countries among those with the most online learners include the United States, India, Mexico, Brazil, China, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

So, why are so many individuals opting for online courses rather than traditional, on-campus courses? As well as critical knowledge and skill acquisition, online courses offer a whole host of advantages. They transcend geographical borders, meaning you can choose to join a university or business school based anywhere in the world, expanding your options and allowing you greater freedom to select a programme that best suits your requirements. Many people enjoy the ease of access that online study offers, studying in the comfort of their own homes, at times that suit them, and at their own pace. As online master’s tend to feature highly flexible structures, learners with work, caring, or other commitments find they can fit studying around their lives – something that in-person sessions can render impossible. Additionally, higher education online learning could save you money, as many of the costs associated with campus-based seminars and lectures – such as accommodation or travel – are removed.

And don’t forget the broader benefits of postgraduate study:

Higher earnings. Postgraduate degree holders out-earn those without master’s-level qualifications.
Increased employability. Those with master’s degrees are 11% more likely to be in full-time employment than those with bachelor’s degrees.
Meeting job requirements and professional standards. While master’s degrees aren’t an essential requirement for all jobs, some industries and specialist roles do require them – for example, in architecture – and they can also help you to land more senior positions.
Transferable skill development. As mentioned, studying at postgrad level equips you with far more than subject-specific knowledge. You can expect to enhance your time management, communication, prioritisation and writing skills.

How long does an online master’s programme take to complete?

Generally, most master’s degrees can be completed within one year, although some do run over two years or more. The duration of the programme depends on the mode of teaching and learning (whether it’s full-time, part-time or flexible, and whether it’s a postgraduate taught or postgraduate research programme), the balance with other commitments (such as work), and the student’s individual preference (the pace at which they’d like to complete their studies).

What online master’s degrees are available at St Mary’s University?

Convinced of the advantages of studying your master’s degree online?

At St Mary’s University, we’re passionate about setting you up for professional success. This is why we offer a wide range of online MBA programmes: the gold standard of business management degrees.

As well as the core aspects of business management practice – including economics, marketing, operations and supply chain management, strategy, accounting, and data analytics – you have the option to complete specialist modules with our range of pathways: