So, you’ve decided to get a master’s degree. Congratulations! As you explore the options, you’ll find a wide range of title types, and it’s important to make sure you choose the one that best suits your end goal.
As most of you know, first comes the bachelor’s (or bachelor’s) degree, usually a four-year program of study leading to a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts. Next up is the master’s degree (also called a graduate degree), which is awarded after completing a 2- or 3-year program (longer if you’re going part-time).
How many credits are there in a master’s degree?
In this system, a UK master’s degree carries 180 CATS points (1800 study hours) at level 7. By contrast, bachelor’s degrees carry 120 CATS points for each academic year of study at full time. CATS points are used in conjunction with the score to accredit programs and certifications.
UK university qualifications use a CATS points or credit system to measure the number of hours studied in a course. This system allows you to compare courses. All UK accredited courses measure the number of study hours required to achieve the qualification. This process means that every 10 hours of study is equivalent to 1 point or CATS credit.
This article contains more information about CATS points and nominal learning.
Academic levels
What is a basic qualification? The Higher National Diplomas (HND) and the Basic Diplomas are double level 5 courses, which is equivalent to two years at university. They can lead directly to a career or be “promoted” through further study to a full bachelor’s degree.
How long will it last? Full-time HND/basic degrees take about two years, and part-time courses take longer.
What is coaching and mentoring?
3000 years ago, Telemachus had an advisor whom Homer called Mentor.
The main objective of this person was to advise the youngest; the prefix “men” indicates an association with the art of thinking – mentors – in any form – support and ability to think.
Research-oriented degrees
Research-oriented degrees require students to carry out their own research projects in a specific area of study. The student does not have a structured set of courses to follow, so they have longer projects. Research students have advisors and mentors to guide them in their work, but they often work alone. By their nature, research-based degrees take more time than course-based degrees.
In addition to the general difference, there are also other types of master’s degrees based on subjects or areas of study.