Health Faculty Publications PG Study and Research 2016 | Page 7

Types of awards
HIGHER DEGREE BY INSTRUCTION
Most taught Master’s degree courses usually last one year when studied full-time, or two to five years when studied part-time.
Courses usually include lectures and seminars and may include examinations. Some courses may be delivered wholly or in
part at a distance, enabling you to work and study at the same time. Training is given in research methods and you will
normally need to write a dissertation.
HIGHER DEGREE BY RESEARCH
All Doctoral and some Master’s degrees are awarded after a period of original research culminating in a thesis
and oral examination. A Master’s degree by research (MPhil) usually takes two years while a Doctorate (PhD
or a professional doctorate) takes at least three years. Part-time postgraduate study is also a possibility.
DIPLOMAS AND CERTIFICATES
Diplomas and certificates are often vocational courses aimed at preparing students for specific
career pathways. Such courses are essential for progression within certain professions, for
example, in medicine and pharmacy. For other professions, further study may be highly
advantageous, even if not mandatory. These courses usually involve both academic
study and practical instruction. Placements can be an important aspect of these
courses.

What class of degree is required?
Requirements vary widely. For postgraduate research a First Class or
Upper Second Class Honours degree is usually required, while for
many Master’s degree courses a Lower Second Class degree
may be acceptable. For vocational courses, personal skills
and experience can be just as important, if not more so,
than degree classification. It is important that you
check with the School concerned what the
individual course requirements are. 

7