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Let us help you! A master’s degree is a higher postgraduate certificate that generally takes one to two years to complete. It is a specialised graduate programme to gain knowledge in a specific area.
A pre-requirement for a master’s is generally a bachelor’s degree, although there are exceptions.
The two most common titles of master's degrees are the Master of Arts and Master of Science but there is also a third, the Master of Business Administration.
1. Master of Arts (MA)
UK MA degree programmes are usually coursework-based with an element of research. The research component of the MA programme usually comes in the form of a dissertation or a year-end research project towards the end of the course. Most UK masters degrees take only one year to complete compared to those offered in other countries.
Like the title states, you will find many arts or humanities courses being taught for an MA qualification, such as Psychology, Journalism, Communications and certain business areas like Marketing.
2. Master of Science (MSc.)
An MSc degree is based on scientific learning, which means that it deals with a lot more facts and figures that already exist compared to an MA that deals with concepts and ideas. Master of Science degrees are usually earned in economics, accounting, finance, management, engineering, etc.
A bachelor's degree in the chosen area of study is normally required for admission. Some universities may offer an MA and MSc in the same subject.
It is best to have a look at the subjects taught in each programme and clarify this with your chosen university before applying.
3. Master of Business Administration (MBA)
One of the most popular postgraduate programmes coveted by many is the MBA. This degree is a little different from an MA and MSc as it focuses a lot on developing one’s skills in business management and preparing one for a senior management role. Thus, most accredited MBA courses usually require their students to have a couple of years of professional work experience in their chosen fields.
The syllabus is usually focused on general business, with some elective courses for additional knowledge in a specific field. The course is more often practice than research-oriented because most of the students would have had the technical knowledge already from their work experience.
But, there’s a lot more to a Master’s degree than what we can fit in here. So if you’ve been putting off furthering your studies, give yourself that little extra push by checking out the 'MSc, MBA & MA: Which One Do I Master?' seminar at the Study UK Malaysia exhibition March 2018 on 4th March 2018 from 4.30pm to 5.30pm at Hall 1 Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (Seminar Room 2).
The seminar will be conducted by Madeleine Tan from University of Reading Malaysia, and will explore the reasons for studying a Master's degree and the different types and typical characteristics of UK Master's degree. Attendees will also learn what to expect from a taught Master's and how to choose the right MA, MSc, or MBA.
Admission to Study UK Malaysia exhibition March 2018 is free of charge. For full list of seminars happening in KL and Penang visit: https://www.facebook.com/pg/StudyUK.BritishCouncil/events/. Online pre-registration is encouraged. To register, visit: https://my.edukexhibition.org/en. Attendees who have pre-registered will stand a chance to win a round trip to London.