Which type of master's suits my goals, a professional one or a research one?
A professional master's focuses on coursework that builds practical skills for a specific profession. A research master's adds a research project to the coursework and builds expertise in a discipline, including how to teach it. A PhD is a doctoral-level qualification for deep research.
A professional master's is for building a particular skill set to practise a profession, while a research master's adds a research project and prepares you to gain expertise in a discipline. A PhD goes deeper still. Check each programme page for its structure.
Three Graduate Paths Compared
| Degree | Who it suits | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Professional master's | Those who want to develop a skill set to practise a specific profession | Coursework that imparts learning and practical skills |
| Research master's | Those who want expertise in a discipline and know how to teach it | Coursework plus a research project, with knowledge of research and scholarship |
| PhD | Those who want deep research in a chosen study area | Research that contributes significantly to existing knowledge |
Choosing Between Them
- A PhD is the highest scholastic degree awarded in any discipline.
- PhD graduates can work in academia and research, and also in teaching and data analysis for government, industry and non-profit organizations.
- A master's usually takes two years, while a PhD may take three to six years.
My Advice
Start from your career goal. If you want to practise a profession soon, a professional master's may fit. If research or teaching excites you, look at a research master's or a PhD. Check the official page for the latest rules.
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