Masters programmes

Anyone know the difference in a MRes and MSc and how your postgraduate experience might change depending on what you pick?

Reply 1

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Original post

by MiaLockard

Anyone know the difference in a MRes and MSc and how your postgraduate experience might change depending on what you pick?

Hi @MiaLockard,

At it's simplest level, one (the MRes) is a research degree whereas the other (an MA/MSc) is likely to be a taught course.

That isn't to say that MRes students don't get any classes during their programme. Depending on the nature of the MRes, there may be research training undertaken alongside the production of the dissertation. However the majority of 'taught' content will come in the form of meetings between the student and their thesis supervisor/supervisory team.

On an MA/MSc however, you'll probably still have taught modules - one of which is likely to be a dissertation - with seminars/labs/classes.

In terms of the experience, I'd say that on an MRes you're likely to be more independent in terms of your research. It's essentially akin to a mini-PhD. An MA/MSc is a little more structured so tends to be the more usual 'stepping-stone' for moving from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

In terms of outcomes, however, both of them are Masters programmes and students progress to PhDs and other research programmes via both routes. So it's really about which programme of study appeals more to you and better suits your circumstances. For example, I chose to undertake an MA (with a thesis option) because I'd been out of academia/study for a decade so I wanted a more supported and structured programme. Plus I didn't really have an idea for an MRes-length thesis at the commencement of my Masters year. I'm now in the final year of my PhD programme and feel my MA was great preparation for that.

Hope that helps!

Amy Louise
PhD Candidate & Student Ambassador, Keele University