What is the difference between an MA and an MSc? - University of Sunderland (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between an MA and an MSc? - University of Sunderland? ›

Put simply, an MSc (Master of Sciences) is a postgraduate degree in the fields of science, mathematics, medicine, and healthcare, while an MA (Master of Arts) is a postgraduate degree typically covering the fields of arts, humanities, social sciences, and business.

There is no correct answer to whether an MA or an MSc is better. Both degrees carry academic prestige and are extremely well respected by employers.

A master's degree can be either a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) and provides in-depth learning beyond a bachelor's degree. The key difference between the two degrees is that the former focuses on arts and humanities while the latter is geared more toward scientific and technical fields.

Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MSc) degrees are largely taught courses and Master of Research (MRes), while containing some taught elements, focuses more on research skills. That's not to say that there aren't taught and research elements in both degrees.

What is an MSc? The MSc is is the most common qualification awarded for taught courses in Science, Technology and Mathematics subjects. It stands for Magister Scientiae, which means 'Master of Science' in Latin. These types of taught Masters have been studied for centuries.

There's no difference in level of study or prestige between an MA and an MSc, so which you choose will ultimately depend on your chosen discipline.

The Master of Arts (M.A. degree) is the most common Master's degree besides the Master of Science (M.Sc.), awarded by most universities worldwide. The study duration of a Master of Arts degree is between 1-2 years, depending on the subject and how intensive classes are.

Put simply, an MSc (Master of Sciences) is a postgraduate degree in the fields of science, mathematics, medicine, and healthcare, while an MA (Master of Arts) is a postgraduate degree typically covering the fields of arts, humanities, social sciences, and business.

In terms of qualification and recognition, the Master of Engineering (M. Eng.) is equivalent to the Master of Science or Master of Arts. The M. Eng. is often awarded at Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) for study programmes that are more practice-oriented. Unlike M.Sc.

Which is better MRE or MSc? ›

While earning an MSc can still provide you with useful skills and knowledge that can prepare you for more advanced qualifications, an MRes can provide you with extensive research training and experience, which can be useful if you want to focus on research.

An MSc or MA is primarily a taught Masters degree, with lecturer-led lessons, seminars and laboratory work. An MPhil, on the other hand, doesn't involve any teaching – the entire qualification is made up of an independent research project. Both MSc / MA and MPhil programmes are excellent preparation for a PhD.

There was no real need to successfully gain a Master's degree before embarking on this mammoth task of empirical research. Whilst some undergraduate degrees still lead to a Master's qualification, and many people still complete Master degrees, it is possible to do a PhD without a Masters degree.

An MSc is a prestigious qualification, recognised worldwide, and is a 'second cycle' degree. This means you usually take an MSc course after an undergraduate degree, but before a pure research degree such as a PhD.

Taught Master's degrees can develop your expertise in a field you're passionate about, and give you the skills required to put your knowledge to work. Whether you've finished your undergraduate degree or you're currently in the workforce, Master's degrees can give you plenty of options.

A PhD is the highest of the university degree levels (level 8).

Registered Nurses do earn more than medical assistants, but must complete more training, and they are tasked with more responsibility.

Medical assistants can advance to RN by earning an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing, then passing the NCLEX-RN. Or, they can take a shorter path by going from MA to LPN and start working as a practical nurse before pursuing the RN path.