Integrated masters or bachelors then masters?
11
I applied to university for biological sciences back in September. I currently have offers from for Biological sciences Bsc at Durham (and nottingham), and for biological sciences MBio at Warwick.
For context I meant to apply to all integrated masters courses (because I thought it would be simpler to get it all done in one go lol) but accidentally applied to the 3 year courses at some unis.
After doing more research I’m not too bothered that I made that mistake, but I am curious to know if there is any advantage to doing either integrated masters or doing a separate masters at a different university? Is it more interesting to do it at separate unis? Cheaper? Is there really any difference?
Just any kind of info into the advantages/disadvantages of either would be super helpful
For context I meant to apply to all integrated masters courses (because I thought it would be simpler to get it all done in one go lol) but accidentally applied to the 3 year courses at some unis.
After doing more research I’m not too bothered that I made that mistake, but I am curious to know if there is any advantage to doing either integrated masters or doing a separate masters at a different university? Is it more interesting to do it at separate unis? Cheaper? Is there really any difference?
Just any kind of info into the advantages/disadvantages of either would be super helpful
Reply 1
Original post
by lolz.rxI applied to university for biological sciences back in September. I currently have offers from for Biological sciences Bsc at Durham (and nottingham), and for biological sciences MBio at Warwick.
For context I meant to apply to all integrated masters courses (because I thought it would be simpler to get it all done in one go lol) but accidentally applied to the 3 year courses at some unis.
After doing more research I’m not too bothered that I made that mistake, but I am curious to know if there is any advantage to doing either integrated masters or doing a separate masters at a different university? Is it more interesting to do it at separate unis? Cheaper? Is there really any difference?
Just any kind of info into the advantages/disadvantages of either would be super helpful
For context I meant to apply to all integrated masters courses (because I thought it would be simpler to get it all done in one go lol) but accidentally applied to the 3 year courses at some unis.
After doing more research I’m not too bothered that I made that mistake, but I am curious to know if there is any advantage to doing either integrated masters or doing a separate masters at a different university? Is it more interesting to do it at separate unis? Cheaper? Is there really any difference?
Just any kind of info into the advantages/disadvantages of either would be super helpful
Many standalone masters courses can be more expensive than their integrated alternatives. The main difference imho is the dissertation format, as integrated masters tend to have a final year project whilst standalone MSc courses have longer dissertations.
There are pros and cons to both. For standalone masters the course content can be more targeted to a specific subject area than the Undergrad option. The risk is whether you can get into a top-rated masters course.
Personally, I would suggest the integrated option at unis like Durham (if available).
Original post
by lolz.rxI applied to university for biological sciences back in September. I currently have offers from for Biological sciences Bsc at Durham (and nottingham), and for biological sciences MBio at Warwick.
For context I meant to apply to all integrated masters courses (because I thought it would be simpler to get it all done in one go lol) but accidentally applied to the 3 year courses at some unis.
After doing more research I’m not too bothered that I made that mistake, but I am curious to know if there is any advantage to doing either integrated masters or doing a separate masters at a different university? Is it more interesting to do it at separate unis? Cheaper? Is there really any difference?
Just any kind of info into the advantages/disadvantages of either would be super helpful
For context I meant to apply to all integrated masters courses (because I thought it would be simpler to get it all done in one go lol) but accidentally applied to the 3 year courses at some unis.
After doing more research I’m not too bothered that I made that mistake, but I am curious to know if there is any advantage to doing either integrated masters or doing a separate masters at a different university? Is it more interesting to do it at separate unis? Cheaper? Is there really any difference?
Just any kind of info into the advantages/disadvantages of either would be super helpful
In terms of student finance, an integrated masters attracts undergraduate funding for the duration of the course (so you will receive both a tuition fee loan and maintenance loan for each year). A stand-alone masters is only entitled to postgraduate masters funding, which is currently £12,858. You get the same figure whether your masters takes one year or two, and you need to pay your fees and living costs from this amount.
In terms of loan repayments following graduation, with an integrated masters the current undergraduate rules apply - you will pay 9% of earnings over £25k per year. If you do a separate masters, then you will pay 9% of earnings over 25k for your undergraduate plus 6% of earnings over £21k for your masters loan.
Reply 3
lolz.rx
OP
11
Original post
by normawIn terms of student finance, an integrated masters attracts undergraduate funding for the duration of the course (so you will receive both a tuition fee loan and maintenance loan for each year). A stand-alone masters is only entitled to postgraduate masters funding, which is currently £12,858. You get the same figure whether your masters takes one year or two, and you need to pay your fees and living costs from this amount.
In terms of loan repayments following graduation, with an integrated masters the current undergraduate rules apply - you will pay 9% of earnings over £25k per year. If you do a separate masters, then you will pay 9% of earnings over 25k for your undergraduate plus 6% of earnings over £21k for your masters loan.
In terms of loan repayments following graduation, with an integrated masters the current undergraduate rules apply - you will pay 9% of earnings over £25k per year. If you do a separate masters, then you will pay 9% of earnings over 25k for your undergraduate plus 6% of earnings over £21k for your masters loan.
Thank you for this! Integrated masters would definitely be better for me then. I’ve got in touch with Durham to see if I can rectify it
Reply 4
Original post
by lolz.rxI applied to university for biological sciences back in September. I currently have offers from for Biological sciences Bsc at Durham (and nottingham), and for biological sciences MBio at Warwick.
For context I meant to apply to all integrated masters courses (because I thought it would be simpler to get it all done in one go lol) but accidentally applied to the 3 year courses at some unis.
After doing more research I’m not too bothered that I made that mistake, but I am curious to know if there is any advantage to doing either integrated masters or doing a separate masters at a different university? Is it more interesting to do it at separate unis? Cheaper? Is there really any difference?
Just any kind of info into the advantages/disadvantages of either would be super helpful
For context I meant to apply to all integrated masters courses (because I thought it would be simpler to get it all done in one go lol) but accidentally applied to the 3 year courses at some unis.
After doing more research I’m not too bothered that I made that mistake, but I am curious to know if there is any advantage to doing either integrated masters or doing a separate masters at a different university? Is it more interesting to do it at separate unis? Cheaper? Is there really any difference?
Just any kind of info into the advantages/disadvantages of either would be super helpful
Good afternoon,
The main difference between an integrated master's and a BSc followed by an MSc is the price, usally an integrated master's costs the same as undergraduate fees, whereas a master's alone is usally £2,000-£3,000 more. Additionally, the integration means you do not have to reply to the masters, making the transition easier. However, some students prefer to change universities after three years, as it may be beneficial to experience a new institution.
All the best,
Ella
BSc Ecology
Reply 5
Original post
by lolz.rxI applied to university for biological sciences back in September. I currently have offers from for Biological sciences Bsc at Durham (and nottingham), and for biological sciences MBio at Warwick.
For context I meant to apply to all integrated masters courses (because I thought it would be simpler to get it all done in one go lol) but accidentally applied to the 3 year courses at some unis.
After doing more research I’m not too bothered that I made that mistake, but I am curious to know if there is any advantage to doing either integrated masters or doing a separate masters at a different university? Is it more interesting to do it at separate unis? Cheaper? Is there really any difference?
Just any kind of info into the advantages/disadvantages of either would be super helpful
For context I meant to apply to all integrated masters courses (because I thought it would be simpler to get it all done in one go lol) but accidentally applied to the 3 year courses at some unis.
After doing more research I’m not too bothered that I made that mistake, but I am curious to know if there is any advantage to doing either integrated masters or doing a separate masters at a different university? Is it more interesting to do it at separate unis? Cheaper? Is there really any difference?
Just any kind of info into the advantages/disadvantages of either would be super helpful
At Warwick the integrated masters is a nice option because everything is built to flow from the undergraduate years into the fourth year. You stay with the same department, the same support system and the same style of teaching, which makes the final year feel more connected to what you have already learned. Many students like that it is all planned as one pathway, so the research training and the advanced modules link together quite naturally.
Reply 6
Original post
by lolz.rxI applied to university for biological sciences back in September. I currently have offers from for Biological sciences Bsc at Durham (and nottingham), and for biological sciences MBio at Warwick.
For context I meant to apply to all integrated masters courses (because I thought it would be simpler to get it all done in one go lol) but accidentally applied to the 3 year courses at some unis.
After doing more research I’m not too bothered that I made that mistake, but I am curious to know if there is any advantage to doing either integrated masters or doing a separate masters at a different university? Is it more interesting to do it at separate unis? Cheaper? Is there really any difference?
Just any kind of info into the advantages/disadvantages of either would be super helpful
For context I meant to apply to all integrated masters courses (because I thought it would be simpler to get it all done in one go lol) but accidentally applied to the 3 year courses at some unis.
After doing more research I’m not too bothered that I made that mistake, but I am curious to know if there is any advantage to doing either integrated masters or doing a separate masters at a different university? Is it more interesting to do it at separate unis? Cheaper? Is there really any difference?
Just any kind of info into the advantages/disadvantages of either would be super helpful
Hi there,
Both an integrated master’s (like the MBio) and doing a separate master’s afterwards are strong routes, it really depends on what you want from the experience.
Integrated master’s advantages:
•
Often cheaper overall, as you continue with undergraduate funding for the extra year.
•
You don’t need to go through a separate application process after your BSc.
•
You stay in a familiar department with staff, facilities and research areas you already know.
•
You get more freedom to specialise, because standalone MSc courses tend to be more focused.
•
You can choose a completely different university or department to match your interests.
•
Some employers may view a specialist MSc slightly more favourably, depending on the field.
Reply 7
lolz.rx
OP
11
Original post
by UoW JosephHi there,
Both an integrated master’s (like the MBio) and doing a separate master’s afterwards are strong routes, it really depends on what you want from the experience.
Integrated master’s advantages:
Separate master’s advantages:
At Warwick (and many other universities), it’s also really common for students to switch between the BSc and integrated master’s once they’ve started, provided they’re performing well academically. So don’t feel pressured to make a final decision now, you’ll usually have flexibility later.
Both an integrated master’s (like the MBio) and doing a separate master’s afterwards are strong routes, it really depends on what you want from the experience.
Integrated master’s advantages:
•
Often cheaper overall, as you continue with undergraduate funding for the extra year.
•
You don’t need to go through a separate application process after your BSc.
•
You stay in a familiar department with staff, facilities and research areas you already know.
•
You get more freedom to specialise, because standalone MSc courses tend to be more focused.
•
You can choose a completely different university or department to match your interests.
•
Some employers may view a specialist MSc slightly more favourably, depending on the field.
Thank you so much! I think the MBio sounds like a better option for me. Do you know if either route are better for possibly doing a PhD afterwards, or does that just depend on the amount and quality of postgrad research you do???
Reply 8
Original post
by lolz.rxThank you for this! Integrated masters would definitely be better for me then. I’ve got in touch with Durham to see if I can rectify it
Reply 9
lolz.rx
OP
11
Original post
by MerrineGexko27Hiya! Just so you know, some unis allow you to switch to an integrated masters after the first year. I know that Durham allows a Bio BSc student to switch to an integrated masters like this (but you need to be doing well in your course so far)
Ohh thank you! I probably didn’t need to send an enquiry into them then 🤣 oh well
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