'MSc' and 'MA' are abbreviations of postgraduate degree qualifications Master of Sciences and Master of Arts. Typically, an MSc covers fields such as sciences, mathematics, medicine, and allied health professions, while an MA is usually in arts, humanities, social sciences, and business-related subjects.
MSc vs MA: which is better?
The more important question is, what is your motivation for studying a postgraduate degree and what are you hoping to gain? It’s worth having a purpose in mind before you apply for a postgraduate degree, for example:
- Are you applying for a job in a new field, and it requires you to hold a specific qualification?
- Do you want to enhance your knowledge and skills in your field so you can progress in your current role?
- Are you ready to finally pursue a passion and study a master's degree in a topic you've always been interested in?
Once you know the answer to these types of questions, you’ll be able to start doing your research and find the degree you need to study.
For what it’s worth, one postgraduate qualification cannot be judged as ‘better’ than another – it all comes down to which course is best for you and your goals.
What other postgraduate qualifications are there?
As well as MAs and MScs, you could study for one of the following:
- MBA (Master of Business Administration)
- LLM Law (Master of Laws). A quick Latin lesson – LLM stands for ‘Latin Legum Magister’!
- PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
- MPhil (Master of Philosophy)
- DProf (Professional Doctorate)
Can I apply for an MSc if I hold a BA undergraduate degree (and vice versa)?
Yes, you can! It’s a misconception that you can only study a postgraduate course that is related to your undergraduate degree. It’s all about doing your research and checking the entry requirements carefully to see what is required.
In fact, many people come back to university to study for a postgraduate degree in a completely new area. For example, Jason Ortega came to Sunderland all the way from Tampa, Florida in the United States to study MA Design after working at Disney World for 13 years as an Entertainment Manager. He says, "Like many people, the Covid-19 pandemic took a big hit on my personal and work life. I found myself out of work from the company I had been part of for 13 years and so decided that going back to school was a great choice. I didn’t want to study for multiple years, and I knew that England offered one-year master’s courses which would not only keep me away for just one year but would also provide me with a change of scenery. This was something I needed in my life."
You too could change career direction by studying a conversion course, a postgraduate course where the entry requirements often state you can hold an undergraduate degree in any subject or use related work and life experience to back up your application – perfect for a new start. Find out why a career change is easier with a conversion course.
How can I find out more?
Learn more about postgraduate degrees via our postgraduate study page, or join us at our next postgraduate Open Day.
Published: 8 October 2024