phd vs masters

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Master’s vs. Ph.D.: What’s the Difference and Which One to Choose?

If graduate school is on your radar, one of the first things to consider is what type of degree you should pursue . While a bachelor’s degree is required for any postgraduate study, many people think you need a master’s to pursue a Ph.D., but that isn’t always the case. While there are benefits to receiving your master’s degree before your Ph.D., it’s not always necessary or required. However, there are important differences to note when deciding which type of program to apply to.

Master’s degree

A master’s degree usually takes about two years to complete full time. There are programs that allow a student to attend on a part-time basis, but that of course extends the completion time. Many master’s programs require a thesis to be completed, but not all. A thesis is a research project that is completed during the final year of a master’s program under the guidance of your program chair or advisor.

Under the master’s umbrella, there are quite a few specific degrees you can obtain. Your professional path will determine which of these you pursue.

• Master of Arts (MA) is given for disciplines in the arts and social sciences.
• Master of Science (MS) is given for sciences, health, engineering and statistics.
• Master of Research (MRes) is focused on training students to become researchers. This is advantageous to a student if they’re pursuing a research-based career or planning to apply for a Ph.D. program.
• Master by Research (MPhil) is similar to a MRes but is more advanced and focuses on research topics to be explored in depth. It’s often considered a precursor to a Ph.D. program.

Specialized master’s degrees

There are numerous specialized master’s degrees that are categorized by profession. These are often (not always) preceded by some professional experience prior to undertaking these types of advanced degrees.

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Library Science (MLS, MLIS, MSLS)
• Master of Public Administration (MPA)
• Master of Public Health (MPH)
• Master of Social Work (MSW)
• Master of Laws (LLM)
• Master of Education (MEd, MSEd, MIT, MAEd, MAT)
• Master of Engineering (MEng)
• Master of Architecture (MArch)
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
• Master of Divinity (MDiv)

Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)

There are many Ph.D. programs and, in general, it’s considered the most advanced type of research degree you can obtain. Ph.D. candidates are required to complete a dissertation to obtain their degree. Unlike a thesis, a dissertation is longer and consists of original research conducted throughout the entire doctoral study. In some cases, students may be awarded a stipend, or pay, to complete the doctoral program and dissertation.

Ph.D.’s take a considerably longer time to complete than a master’s, five to eight years on average, and they carry a rather high rate of noncompletion due to time and financial commitments. Many Ph.D. programs have stipends available, so it’s important to inquire about that when researching a particular program.

Specialized doctorate programs

As with master’s degrees, there are several specialized doctorate programs specific to different disciplines and areas of study:

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• Doctor of Engineering (EngD/PhD)
• Doctor of Education (EdD/D.Ed)
• Doctor of Social Science (DsocSci)
• Doctor of Professional Studies (DProf)
• Doctor of Architecture (DArch)
• Doctor of Theology (Th.D)
• Doctor of Divinity (DD/DDiv)
• Doctor of Science STEM (Dsc/ScD)
• Doctor of Science Arts & Humanities (DLitt/LitD)

When deciding which one to get, consider your immediate or long-term career goals — which degree would serve you best? In some cases, you can obtain a Ph.D. with just a bachelor’s degree, but often it’s recommended you get a master’s first for the research experience that will be required for a Ph.D.

As with anything, there are exceptions. Students in law school obtain a J.D. (Juris Doctor) but can then further obtain a master’s in a sub-specialty like tax or immigration law. The health care occupations of physical therapist and pharmacist are also doctorate programs obtained post undergrad.

Making your choice

As with any decision, weigh your options, list pros and cons, and go from there. Once you’ve narrowed your options , you’ll have a precise list of programs and institutions generated for your specific goals.

What Is The Difference Between A Masters And A PhD? 

One thing many may wonder is the differences between a masters and a PhD, and how difficult is it to get a PhD done. What is the difference between a Masters and A PhD?

Masters degree and PhD can differ in several ways:

Purpose and Focus

Research depth, independence, professional outcomes, financial investment and return, admission requirements.

In this post, we explore what is the difference between a masters and a PhD. We also look at some common questions about the subject, such as if you can get a PhD without a masters degree.

What Is A Masters Degree?

A master’s degree centers on advanced knowledge and skills within a particular discipline. Embarking on a master’s degree is a pivotal step for many aiming to deepen their expertise in a specific field.

This degree can serve as a stepping stone for those considering a PhD or as a terminal degree for certain professions. A master’s degree can significantly boost your career prospects and salary potential in many fields, particularly in specialized or advanced roles. 

Master’s programs offer a blend of coursework and research, with some requiring a thesis, a comprehensive project that showcases the student’s ability to conduct independent research and present their findings.

The journey to complete a master’s degree varies, typically ranging from one to two years, contingent on the course load and whether you’re attending full or part-time; part-time degrees usually take longer.

The application process for a master’s program can be rigorous, often requiring:

• an undergraduate degree,
• letters of recommendation, and
• sometimes relevant work experience.

This process is designed to ensure candidates are well-prepared for the challenging coursework and research components ahead.

For many, the choice to pursue a master’s degree hinges on the desire to:

• gain a competitive edge in the job market,
• increase salary prospects, or
• delve deeper into a beloved discipline.

Whether you’re fresh from undergrad or a seasoned professional looking to pivot or advance in your career, a master’s degree can offer the specialized knowledge and credentials needed to achieve your goals.

What Is A Doctorate / Ph.D?

A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is the highest academic degree you can get. It embodies a rigorous journey of: 

• original research,
• critical thinking, and
• contribution to a specific field.

This path isn’t merely an extension of graduate studies but a deep dive into uncharted territories of knowledge. Embarking on a PhD can profoundly influence your career path, opening doors to academia, research institutions, and high-level positions in various industries.

The heart of a PhD program is the dissertation, an extensive, detailed document that presents the PhD candidate’s original research. This task requires a blend of creativity, analytical skills, and perseverance, often spanning years.

The process starts with identifying a unique research question, followed by exhaustive study, experimentation, or theoretical analysis under the guidance of a supervisory committee.

Unlike master’s degrees, which combine coursework with some research elements, a PhD degree is predominantly research-oriented. Coursework in a PhD program, where present, serves to augment the student’s research capabilities and domain knowledge.

The duration to complete a PhD can vary widely, generally taking anywhere from three to even ten years, depending on the:

• research field,
• complexity of the dissertation, and
• the student’s pace.

The application process for a PhD program is notably competitive, demanding a strong academic record, often a master’s degree, detailed research proposals, and letters of recommendation.

The journey shapes students into independent researchers, equipping them with skills to tackle complex problems and contribute novel insights to their field.

PhD graduates are revered for their expertise and often lead the charge in innovation, policy-making, and strategic decision-making in their respective domains.

For those passionate about research and committed to advancing knowledge, a PhD offers an unparalleled opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Masters and PhD are both advanced degrees, with some major differences. Here’s some for you to think about:

A master’s degree is designed to deepen your knowledge in a particular field, building on what you learned during your bachelor’s degree. It’s about advancing your understanding and enhancing your skills, often with a mix of coursework and research.

In contrast, a PhD is centered around original research. It’s about creating new knowledge, not just learning what’s already known.

PhD students work on a dissertation, a substantial piece of independent research that contributes new insights to their field.

Time is a significant factor. A master’s degree typically takes one to two years to complete, depending on whether you’re studying full-time or part-time.

A PhD can take anywhere from three to six years, sometimes as long as 10 years. The duration of a PhD is less predictable because it’s tied to your research project’s complexity.

Many students also started their PhD studies at a more mature years, were responsibilities like family and relationships are heavier.

Master’s programs often involve a significant amount of coursework, similar to your undergraduate studies. You might: 

• attend lectures,
• complete assignments, and
• take exams.

PhD programs also start with coursework but to a lesser extent. The primary focus quickly shifts to research and writing your dissertation. You will spend time doing more research paper writing, as well as getting your dissertation ready for Viva Voce.

While both degrees involve research, the depth and nature of this research differ. Master’s students might complete a thesis, a project that, while significant, doesn’t require creating new knowledge.

PhD research is more intensive. You’re expected to contribute original ideas that advance your field, culminating in your dissertation. This means delving into areas that not many researchers have explored. 

PhD students enjoy a higher degree of independence in their studies. While you’ll have a supervisor, the expectation is that you’ll guide your own research, from inception to completion. In fact, it is expected that you operate with independence, as that is how you will work as later on after your Ph.D

Master’s students also work independently, especially while working on their thesis, but they often have more structured guidance and a clearer framework provided by their program.

Your career path might influence your choice. Master’s degrees are often more professionally oriented. They can prepare you for advancement in your current field or help you pivot to a new area.

PhDs are academic and research-intensive, ideal for those aspiring to work in:

• research institutions, or
• highly specialized industry roles.

PhD holders also have more job openings that masters holders don’t have, especially in these fields

The cost of tuition and the time you spend not earning a full-time salary are significant considerations. Master’s degrees are shorter, so they’re generally less of a financial and time investment than PhDs.

Masters’ less stringent requirements also means many students can study while working, which helps with the finances.

However, PhD programs often offer financial help, which can offset some of the costs . Many universities understand the commitment required to complete a PhD, and so they help in ways the can financially. These could involve funding opportunities like:

• grants, and
• assistantships.

Admission into a master’s program typically requires an undergraduate degree and sometimes relevant work experience. The competition may not be as fierce, but do not expect to just walk into a program.

For a PhD, the requirements are more stringent. You’ll likely need: 

• a master’s degree in a related field,
• a strong academic record,
• detailed research proposals, and
• letters of recommendation.

The application process is more competitive, reflecting the advanced level of study and research.

These distinctions underscore the importance of aligning your educational pursuits with your personal and professional goals.

Whether you choose to pursue a master’s degree or embark on the demanding journey of a PhD, both paths offer rewarding experiences and the opportunity to significantly advance your knowledge and skills.

Can You Get A PhD Degree Without Masters?

In some cases, you can leap directly to a PhD program with just your undergraduate degree in hand . This possibility hinges on various factors, including:

• the field of study,
• the specific requirements of the PhD program, and
• the policies of the university.

In fields such as the sciences or engineering, some grad schools offer integrated programs that merge master’s and PhD studies. In these programs, you start focusing on doctoral-level work early on, sometimes bypassing the formal requirement of earning a master’s degree altogether.

The coursework you undertake is aimed directly at preparing you for your PhD dissertation, the cornerstone of your doctoral study.

The application process for such direct-entry PhD programs is rigorous. Prospective PhD candidates must demonstrate:

• exceptional academic records,
• a strong research proposal, and often,
• the backing of a potential supervisor

The ability to engage in independent research, a clear vision for your PhD project, and alignment with the department’s research areas are crucial.

Opting for this route can shorten your academic journey, allowing you to focus on your doctoral research and career prospects sooner. It’s a challenging but rewarding path for those with a clear research direction and a passion for diving deep into their chosen field from the outset.

Are There Other Doctoral Degrees Other Than PhD?

While the PhD might be the most recognized doctorate degree out there, it’s just one of many paths that lead to the pinnacle of academic achievement.

Across various fields, there are specialized doctorates tailored to specific careers, each with its own set of: 

• requirements,
• coursework, and
• graduation requirements.

Take, for example, the Doctor of Medicine (MD) for aspiring physicians or the Juris Doctor (JD) for future lawyers. These professional doctorates focus more on practical skills and less on original research, preparing you for specific career paths.

Then there’s the Doctor of Education (EdD), which is ideal for those aiming to lead and innovate in educational settings, focusing on applying research to solve real-world problems in education.

In the world of business, the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) stands out. It’s designed for executives looking to apply research and advanced practice to business challenges, differing from a PhD in Business, which is more theory and research-oriented.

For those inclined towards engineering and technology, the Doctor of Engineering (DEng) offers an avenue to contribute to technological advancements through applied research projects, often in collaboration with industries.

Each of these doctoral degrees has its own set of prerequisites, from the application process to the years required to complete. What they share is a commitment to advancing knowledge and skills in their respective fields.

Whether through a dissertation, thesis, or a series of practical projects, these programs push you to the forefront of your discipline, opening doors to advanced career prospects and, in many cases, a path toward teaching and research at the highest levels.

Difference Between Masters And PhD: Explained

While both master’s and PhD degrees mark significant academic achievements, they cater to different goals and career paths. A master’s degree focuses on enhancing knowledge and skills within a specific field, offering a blend of coursework and research.

In contrast, a PhD is centered on original research, contributing new knowledge to a discipline.

Your choice between the two depends on your professional aspirations, commitment to research, and the level of expertise you wish to attain in your field.

Dr. JW Ong holds academic degrees, including a Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics from universities in New Zealand, Malaysia, and the UK. He started PhDPursuits.com as a way to share the experience he wish he would have had known before embarking on his PhD.

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Master’s vs PhD — These are the Main Differences

Updated: October 24, 2024

Published: October 31, 2019

The consideration between earning a master’s vs PhD is not always an easy choice. While many careers and personal aspirations may be complete with just an undergraduate degree (Associate’s or Bachelor’s), a lot of people continue their higher education to obtain graduate degrees. These include a master’s and/or a PhD.

Neither a master’s degree nor a PhD is considered to be a walk in the park. Therefore, it’s useful to understand why you would earn either and then decide how far to go.

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Definitions: master’s vs phd.

Bost a master’s and PhD are defined as postgraduate degrees, but they require different commitments and styles of learning.

1. Master’s Degree:

Mostly all master’s degrees will require the completion of an undergraduate bachelor’s degree to enroll. They generally all share the same common requirement for a thesis or dissertation to graduate.

Earning a master’s degree through a taught program will result in the completion of a Master of Art (MA), Master of Science (MS), or Master of Philosophy (MPhil). For those who earn their master’s degree through research, they will earn a Master of Research (Mre), in a tailored field of study. There are also degree-specific master’s programs like Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Education (M.Ed).

After earning a master’s degree, the next step is a PhD, which entails both working and performing research at an institution. A PhD is an abbreviation for “Doctor of Philosophy.” It is the highest academic degree one can achieve. As such, it is a time-consuming pursuit that requires a lot of studying and research.

You may be wondering, “Do you need a master’s to get a PhD?”

Technically, the answer is not always. Some students skip a master’s and go straight for their PhD, but they may lack research experience. While it could save money, the transition between a bachelor’s and a PhD is incredibly sharp. It may be harder to complete a PhD without the experience from a master’s.

Yet, some institutions may allow for the possibility to earn both your master’s and PhD in conjunction with one another. This will alleviate the transition between skipping a master’s and going straight to earning a PhD.

Should You Get a Master’s or PhD?

There are many considerations to factor when deciding between a master’s of PhD. For starters, it’s useful to consider the amount of time it will take, the cost, and the benefits and disadvantages of each. It is also of utmost importance to explore your own personal goals and reasons for wanting a graduate degree.

If your desired career of choice requires a PhD, like becoming a university professor, then you have your answer. If you want to start a business and benefit by networking while in school, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) could be a good idea. Consider what you want to pursue as a career and find out the requirements first.

Another useful thing to note is that a master’s degree can be used for a shift in careers. For example, if you attended college and earned a bachelor’s degree in humanities, but now you want to pursue science, you can still earn your master’s degree in a scientific discipline. On the other hand, a PhD is tailored to your field of study and specialty, so it will require that you are sure of your direction when you first earn your master’s degree.

Length of Time

A typical master’s degree program takes about two years full-time. However, there are accelerated programs that can be completed in just a year or so.

A PhD, in general, requires five to six years of studying, teaching, and research. However, it may even take some students up to eight or nine years to graduate. With this significant investment in time, it’s necessary to know if a PhD is right for you before starting.

The cost of both programs varies by institution and enrollment status of part-time versus full-time. However, since a PhD takes longer to complete, it will end up costing more. With that said, if you look into your return on investment, a PhD could end up yielding a higher salary, and therefore end up “costing less.”

Additionally, there is also the possibility of being paid to complete your PhD. Some students may receive an academic stipend, a university fellowship or apprenticeship or a reduced fee to earn their PhD while completing research (or teaching) at an institution. It’s also possible to get financial aid through a scholarship or grant.

As tuition rates continue to rise, it’s useful to look into alternative institutions for affordable education. For example, the University of the People offers a tuition-free master’s program in Business Administration and Education. This means you can study 100% online and graduate for less than the cost of most programs.

Weighing the Benefits

When comparing the two degree types, here are some benefits of each:

• Career-oriented
• Can open the door for more job opportunities
• Costs less than a PhD
• Takes less time than a PhD
• Helps you stand out from those with only an undergraduate degree
• You can perform research in your field of choice
• You become an expert in your field
• The prefix Dr. is added to your name
• You can teach in academia at the highest level

Required Commitment and Reasons to Pursue

Both a master’s and a PhD require a huge amount of hard work and utter commitment. You must be dedicated and motivated to complete either degree. Since most careers only may require a bachelor’s degree, having a master’s or PhD will set you apart from the competition. However, this should not be the sole reason to pursue either.

You may be wondering why would you earn either degree. Here’s a look at some motivational factors:

Reasons to Study for a Master’s

• Your career requires it (see next section)
• You want to advance your subject knowledge
• You want to experience graduate school and network with peers

Reasons to Study for a PhD

• You want to contribute new research to your field of choice
• Your career requires a PhD
• You want to earn the title of Dr.

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Required degrees by career.

Most people are motivated to pursue higher education because their desired careers require they do so. Here, we will break down those fields that require the completion of a master’s degree as it’s high on the list of reasons why to get one.

• Education Administration: To work as an administrator in an educational institution, you need to hold an advanced degree. A Master’s in Education (M.Ed) will provide you with the necessary knowledge and required skills to succeed in the field.
• Executive Level Business: A Master’s in Business (MBA) will not only place you ahead of the competition to land high-level positions in the field of business, but it can also be the jumping off point for becoming your own boss.
• Environmental Science: With issues in climate change and technological advancement, careers in Environmental Science are growing. As with most scientific careers, it requires a master’s degree where you will learn Applied Ecology, Environmental Policy, Environmental Chemistry, and more.
• Mental Health: To become a licensed practitioner and assist in mental health counseling, you will continue your education through a master’s degree in the field.
• Physical Therapy: Employers of physical therapists often prefer them to obtain a master’s degree in the discipline as the field is highly specialized.

Of course, some careers require a PhD. These careers are easy to spot because they have the prefix Dr. in front of them or the suffix like J.D. (Juris Doctor). To become a lawyer, doctor of medicine, veterinary medicine or psychologist/psychiatrist, you must obtain a PhD in the respective field.

Salary Differences Between Master’s and Ph.D. Graduates

According to a study performed by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce , the overall evidence shows that the higher the degree you have, the higher your salary potential. However, the differences vary by subject level and field.

In general, the expected lifetime earnings of those with each degree level is as follows:

• High School Diploma: $973,000
• Bachelor’s Degree: $1.3 million
• Master’s Degree: $2.7 million
• Doctorate Degree: $3.3 million

The Bottom Line

Aside from the financial cost and length of time, the opportunity to earn a master’s and a doctorate degree can offer several benefits.

However, it is an undertaking that requires a lot of dedication and motivation on behalf of the student. As such, it’s important to perform research on your desired career’s requirements, as well as your personal interest in pursuing either a Phd vs master’s.

In this article

At UoPeople, our blog writers are thinkers, researchers, and experts dedicated to curating articles relevant to our mission: making higher education accessible to everyone. Read More

• Masters vs PhD – Differences Explained
• Types of Doctorates

The decision of whether or not to pursue a Masters or PhD (or both) after you complete your undergraduate studies is not necessarily a straightforward one. Both are postgraduate degrees but are different in terms of the academic experience and the career paths taken afterwards.

In short, a Masters degree involves a year of study, primarily through taught lectures and a final dissertation research project, whilst a PhD (also referred to as a doctorate degree) is a three-year commitment of independent research on a specific subject.

There’s more to it than that, however – read on for more information.

What Is a Masters Degree?

A Masters degree is the next level of education after the completion of an undergraduate degree, commonly known as a Bachelors.

These degree levels are often referred to in terms of cycles so that a Bachelor’s is a first-cycle degree, a Masters is a second-cycle and finally, a PhD is the third-cycle of higher education (and the highest).

Masters degrees demand an intense period of study, usually centred around a core series of lectures and taught modules, coupled with coursework assignments and exams, followed by the completion of a contained research project usually taking students 3-4 months to complete.

These types of degrees are attractive to recent graduates who want to delve deeper into their specific field of study, gaining some research experience and more specialised knowledge beyond what an undergraduate degree can offer.

Equally, some pursue a Masters degree program in a subject that is only tangentially related to their Bachelors degree, helping them gain a broader depth of knowledge.

These degrees also serve as a significant stepping stone for those already in employment who want to progress their current career development and earn a higher salary. They can also be an excellent method for helping in changing careers completely by learning new skills and subject knowledge.

What Is a PhD Degree?

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest academic degree that can be awarded and is the third and final cycle in the progression of higher education.

A doctoral degree is earned on the basis of producing a significant, independent and novel body of work (a Thesis) that contributes new knowledge to a particular research topic.

These are research degrees that are a significant investment of a candidate’s time, resources and energy and are all but a pre-requisite for anyone considering a career in academia, such as eventually becoming a professor.

There are some exceptions to this, such as those with a medical background who may earn an MD (Doctor of Medicine), which is the equivalent of a PhD.

Doctoral degrees can also have a significant positive impact on career development outside of academia, especially in fields such as engineering, business and finance that have a high demand for highly qualified and capable people.

A graduate student engaged in PhD study is commonly known as a PhD student, PhD candidate or doctoral student.

What are the Benefits of a Masters Degree?

There are several reasons one might consider doing a Masters degree rather than a PhD in their graduate education. These include:

• It takes approximately a third of the time to do compared to a doctorate degree and costs less too.
• It’s a good way to differentiate yourself from those that hold only an undergraduate degree without having to commit to a substantial research degree.
• The end goal is more career-focused as opposed to research-focused. For example, it is practically an ‘easier’ route to changing or progressing your career if that aligns with your professional goals.

What are the Benefits of Doing a PhD?

You may continue on into a doctoral program after a Masters or you may even dive straight in after completing your undergraduate studies. So, what are the advantages of completing this third-cycle?

• You’ll have developed a wealth of transferable skills at graduate school, such as effective communication of complex concepts, multi-tasking time-management and the ability to adapt to and solve unexpected problems.
• A doctorate helps to establish you as an expert within your chosen subject area; your work will hopefully have furthered the knowledge in this.
• It will open up career paths and teaching positions within academia that may otherwise be very difficult to get a hold in (although these career paths will still be very competitive).
• You can add the title ‘Dr’ in front of your name!

Which Degree Is More Impactful: A Masters or a PhD?

On paper, the answer should be clear: A doctorate degree is the highest degree you can earn, so has more impact than a Masters, which in turn has more impact than a Bachelors.

The reality is that the size of the impact (if any) really depends on the subject area and the career path you choose (if the measure of impact is how it positively improves your career prospects, that is).

For someone with aspirations of becoming a professor, a PhD will be of greater value than a Masters alone.

Equally, it’s also possible that someone with a PhD entering a different field or one that doesn’t require a PhD may find that their degree has no bearing on their career or in some cases may even be seen as a ‘negative’ with a concern of the person being ‘over-qualified’ for a position. There are many scenarios in which professional experience would be more valuable to an employer than a doctorate degree.

Check out the links below to our interviews with Prof. Debby Cotton and Dr Nikolay Nikolov to read their experiences of when a going through a PhD program has had a clear benefit (Prof. Cotton) and when it hasn’t been helpful (Dr Nikolov).

Do You Need to Have a Masters to do a PhD?

This really depends on the university, department and sometimes even the project and supervisor.

From a purely application process perspective, some institutions may formally require you to hold a Masters degree relevant to the subject of the PhD project before you can enter their doctoral program.

In another scenario, most universities are unlikely to accept candidates that were awarded below a 2:1 (in the UK) in their undergraduate degree but may consider someone who has ‘made up’ for this with a high-grade Masters.

Lastly, some universities now offer PhD programmes that incorporate an additional year of study in which you would complete a Masters degree before carrying directly on into a PhD project. As you’d expect, even if a university doesn’t formally require you to hold one, a Masters degree can help separate you from other applicants in being accepted on the project.

Check out our detailed guide to doing a PhD without a Master’s .

Why Do a Masters before Your PhD?

Even if you don’t need to have one, it could still be beneficial to begin your postgraduate study by doing a Masters first before you embark on your doctorate journey.

As mentioned previously it’ll help you stand out from applicants that don’t have one, but beyond that, it’ll give you a taster of what research life could be like, especially if you stay at the same university and department for your PhD.

The one-year commitment (in the UK at least) of carrying out a Masters first, and in particular your research project, will help you better understand if this is truly something you want to commit the next three or more years to.

You’ll learn some of the skills of independent research, from performing detailed literature searches to more complex, analytical writing.

At the end of it, you should be in a stronger position to consider your options and decide about whether to continue into a PhD at graduate school.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Masters Degree?

In the UK, a full-time Masters degrees take students one calendar year to complete: The programme of study usually starts in September, the final research project the following April and final project viva around August. Part-time degrees are usually double the time.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD?

In the UK, most PhD projects take 3-4 years to complete , as reflected by the majority of funded projects offering stipends to cover living expenses of about 3.5 years.

For many reasons, projects may end up taking longer to complete, however. This might be because of difficulties in collecting enough data, or if the project is being done part-time.

Which One is More Expensive to Do?

As you’d expect, as a PhD takes three times as long to complete as a Masters degree, it will cost you more to do as far as university fees are concerned.

Another thing to consider is that many PhD projects come with some level of funding equivalent to a low salary, which may cover the cost of tuition fees and living expenses, whilst it is usually more difficult to obtain funding for Masters study.

Conversely, a Masters graduate may progress into a higher (versus PhD funding) salary sooner whilst a PhD student will endure three years of a comparatively low income.

A Masters vs a PhD: Conclusion

If you’re considering continue further graduate study after your undergraduate degree, the question of doing a Masters vs a PhD is likely to come up. They are both considered an advanced degree, each with their own advantages.

There are benefits to doing either of these graduate programs or even both of them; your decision here can be easier if you have an idea of the career you want to follow or if you know you have a love for research!

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