bachelors vs masters vs integrated masters

I’m all most done with y12 and started thinking about my university application but I’m just confused. I heard of people talking about integrated master. I know bachelors are a three year course and a masters is a four year course (getting a better qualification) but what is an integrated masters? Is it better or worse than a master

Reply 1

Admit-One

Universities Forum Helper

A bachelors is typically (but not always) 3 years leading to a BSc or BA.

A standalone Masters is a postgrad qualification which typically takes one year, or 2 if completed part time.

An integrated Masters is (confusingly) technically an undergrad qualification, but actually leads to the award of Masters.

An integrated Masters is a better route if you were thinking about a Masters anyway, because importantly it charges undergrad fees for the entirety. Postgrad fees are much higher, (and the student loan won't cover all of it), so best avoided if you can.

You can nearly always sign up for an integrated masters and then drop back to a Bachelors if you change your mind and want to finish early.

Reply 2

Hash7701

When I looked up masters for the course I want to study (comp sci) it says 4 years. I searched online and it sometimes talks about doing a master in one or two years. Is this talking about postgraduate (after bachelors?)

Reply 3

Hash7701

If integrated masters exist then what’s the point of a normal masters? U get the same qualifications for cheaper

Would u recommend doing a masters/integrated masters like advertised at universities or bachelors and do masters afterwards.

I really want to do a masters (better qualification in my opinion) but if I don’t get the right grades I will do a bachelors.

Reply 4

Admit-One

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by Hash7701

Yes. The four year options is an integrated Masters. The 1-2yr options are standalone Masters.

Original post by Hash7701

If integrated masters exist then what’s the point of a normal masters? U get the same qualifications for cheaper

There are much fewer options for integrated Masters. Some unis don't do Masters in the corresponding subject. Other times a student is changing subject area. Sometimes they'll take a few years away from education to save money.

Original post by Hash7701

Would u recommend doing a masters/integrated masters like advertised at universities or bachelors and do masters afterwards.

I really want to do a masters (better qualification in my opinion) but if I don’t get the right grades I will do a bachelors.