Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees

The most common taught qualification in higher education is a Bachelor’s degree, often referred to as a first degree, which is earned by studying at undergraduate level.

The main degrees in STEM subjects are abbreviated as BSc (Bachelor of Science), with some variants such as BEng (Bachelor of Engineering). These usually take three years when studied full-time.

In certain STEM subjects integrated Master’s degrees are becoming more common. These degrees take four years (full time) but result in a Master’s level qualification, denoted by a subject-based title MEng, MPhys, MChem or MSci (which distinguishes it from a BSc or a standalone Master’s degree MSc). Typically, the first two years of study for an integrated Master’s course are the same as for a BSc course, and it is sometimes possible to transfer between the two degree options, depending on academic performance.

Performance in these degrees is indicated by grade – First class, Second class (2:1 or 2:2), Third class and Pass.

Taught postgraduate degrees are designed to provide more specialist learning that builds on undergraduate study. These tend to result in an MSc qualification. In the UK many of these are just one year in duration if studied full time, which is shorter than in most other countries. Significant amounts of self-directed study are required to complete the course in a year, which usually includes a large project that is written up as a dissertation. A PGCert is a lower level of postgraduate qualification that may be available instead. Performace in these postgraduate degrees is indicated by different grades than undergraduate degrees – Distinction, Merit and Pass.

It is also possible to undertake a Master’s level qualification in research. The most common qualification types are:

Research Masters (MRes). This is a postgraduate course specifically designed to train researchers, either in preparation for doctoral research or professional research work. It has a combination of taught and research elements and can be defined as either a taught or a ‘pure’ research qualification depending on the university. Although it is a standalone qualification, it can also be offered as an integrated part of a doctoral programme which can be referred to as a ‘New route PhD’ where the first year is the MRes course followed by three years of doctoral research study.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil). This is an unusual qualification that is usually a two-year (full-time) degree that focuses completely on an independent research project, working under the guidance of an academic supervisor. As such, it is very like doctoral study. It can be undertaken as a standalone qualification, or it can be a step towards a PhD or other doctoral qualification – some universities register their PhD candidates for this degree first, and then they transfer/upgrade to the doctorate programme after 12-18 months. It can also offer an exit route for a candidate who wishes to stop their doctoral programme early. It is considered a higher level of study than taught Master’s programmes, but lower than a full doctorate.

Qualifications for progression to PhD/doctoral research

Doctoral programmes require a ‘good’ first degree (getting of a First or 2:1 degree at Bachelor’s level) in a relevant subject. Some will require or prefer a Master’s qualification (which could be an integrated Master’s or a standalone MSc). It is very rare in STEM for a Master’s in research (i.e. an MRes or MPhil qualification) to be required.

Current data suggest that over half of those who start a PhD in a STEM subject do so with a Bachelor’s degree as their highest qualification, and around 40% have a Master’s. However, this varies by subject area to some extent.

In practice, two thirds of those who progress directly from a Bachelor’s degree to a PhD obtained a first class grade in that degree, and all but 5% had a First Class or 2:1 grade.