A Complete Guide to Types of Master’s Degrees for International Students

A Master’s degree is the perfect opportunity to deepen your expertise in a specific subject, explore entirely new academic disciplines, or pivot your career toward a more rewarding path.

But with so many options available, how many different types of Master’s degrees can you actually choose from?

We break it all down in this guide. 

What types of Master’s degrees are available?

Master’s programs vary in format to suit diverse goals, ranging from highly structured classroom learning to independent research or hands-on professional training. 

Degrees are generally classified by their teaching style, academic focus, or professional objective:

Learning format

• Taught Master’s
• Research Master’s

Academic orientation

• Academic Master’s
• Professional Master’s

Specialised formats

• Conversion Master’s
• Integrated Master’s
• Executive Master’s

Master's programmes typically take between one and two years to complete, depending on the country and the specific curriculum structure. 

Many universities now offer online or hybrid options that blend virtual and in-person learning. These flexible formats are ideal for students balancing their studies with work, family, or other professional commitments. 

Learning format: taught vs research Master’s degrees

The primary distinction between a taught and a research Master’s degree is the level of student autonomy and independence. 

A taught Master’s follows a structure similar to an undergraduate degree, making it better suited for students who prefer a guided, classroom-oriented experience. 

A research Master's centers on independent investigation and methodology, culminating in a significant research project under the supervision of a faculty expert. 

To help you compare the two, here is a breakdown:

The most common types of taught Master’s are the Master of Arts (MA) for humanities and social sciences, and the Master of Science (MSc) for STEM-related subjects.

While a taught Master’s is designed to build practical skills for entering the workforce, a research Master’s centers on a specific subject, often serving as a pathway to a PhD or a career in research and academia. 

Examples of Research Master’s degrees include the Master of Letters (M.Litt) and the Master of Philosophy (M.Phil). Many institutions, such as the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, offer diverse Research Master’s programmes in fields like Legal Studies and International Relations. 

Academic focus: academic vs professional Master’s degrees

The main difference between academic and professional Master’s degrees lies in their primary focus and intended career outcome. 

A professional Master’s degree is specifically designed to develop practical skills and specialized industry knowledge for a particular career path. 

For example, in the US, becoming a licensed social worker often requires a Master of Social Work (MSW). Similar requirements exist across many other regulated professional fields. 

These programs emphasize applying theoretical frameworks to real-world scenarios to ensure graduates are prepared for the professional challenges of their chosen field. 

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is another prime example of a professional degree, offering advanced training in business operations, strategy, and leadership for those aiming for management roles.

Conversely, an academic Master’s degree focuses on developing strong analytical and research skills within a specific discipline, rather than training for direct professional practice. 

Specialised Master’s degrees

A specialized Master’s degree effectively combines rigorous coursework with hands-on practical experience. 

It is an excellent way to enhance your qualifications without taking a long break from your career, as many universities provide flexible options, including part-time and online learning.

Conversion Master’s degrees

A Conversion Master’s degree helps students pivot into a new career field by providing intensive, foundational training in a new discipline. These programs condense the core curriculum of an undergraduate degree into a fast-paced Master’s level format. 

Full-time conversion Master’s programs usually take one year, while part-time tracks typically span two years. 

For example, business graduates might convert into financial services or economics, while humanities students may transition into fields like psychology to pursue teaching or clinical work.

Integrated Master’s Degrees

An Integrated Master’s degree is typically a four-year program that combines both undergraduate study and a Master’s qualification into one continuous course. 

This type of degree is primarily offered in Science and Engineering disciplines and is not available in every subject area. 

The Master’s of Engineering (M.Eng) is one of the most popular integrated options for students planning a career in engineering. Another example is the Master of Science (MSci), which is commonly awarded in various STEM fields. 

Both options are widely available and highly valued in the United Kingdom. 

Executive Master’s Degrees

An Executive Master’s degree is a specialized qualification tailored for experienced working professionals.

Unlike a general MBA which covers broad business topics, an Executive Master’s focuses on a niche area of study to build deeper expertise. 

It is an ideal choice for established professionals looking to elevate their current role or accelerate their career growth. 

Thesis vs non-thesis Master’s: does it affect career outcomes?

A thesis-based Master’s requires students to conduct original research on a specific topic, often leading to potential publication in an academic journal. This path is essential if you plan to pursue a PhD or a long-term academic career, as it fosters advanced research and analytical skills. 

In contrast, a non-thesis Master’s focuses primarily on coursework and practical training designed to be applied immediately in the workplace.

Choosing the right Master's programme depends heavily on the career path you intend to follow. 

If you aim to work in higher education and eventually become a professor, a thesis-based Master’s is usually the preferred option. However, if your goal is to land a job quickly after graduation, a non-thesis program will provide you with the most relevant, job-ready skills. 

Final thoughts

As you can see, there is a Master’s degree to match every ambition, whether you want to specialize in a new field, gain deep subject knowledge, or boost your earning potential. Furthermore, flexible formats like part-time or online study are readily available to accommodate your personal needs.

When I pursued my MA, all my courses were scheduled in the evenings, which allowed me to successfully balance my professional commitments with my studies. By the second year, the evening class format was instrumental in helping me manage both my career and my education simultaneously.  

Additional resources

• What is a pre-master programme
• What are the best places to study a Master’s