At the University of Aberdeen we offer a wide range of options for Postgraduate Study. including various types of taught and research courses. Below is in outline of the different types of degree study to help you choose which one suits your needs.
Taught Courses
(MSc, MBA, LLM, MMus, MSc Econ, MLitt, MTh, MEd)
Taught postgraduate courses are probably the most similar to to undergraduate degrees in that you will take a series of 'taught' courses and be assessed on them. They may also contain a research project, practical project, dissertation or placement. They can usually last from a third of a year to a whole year (if studied full-time), but may last two or three years if studies part-time. Taught courses can help you study a discipline in greater depth, enhance employment prospects or change your academic career path.
- Taught courses most commonly come in the form of a masters degree
- One to two years full time
- Two to three years part time
- Includes seminars, lectures, tutorials, project work, oral work, some research, a thesis/dissertation and exams. The balance between these varies
- You may also have the option of leaving out the dissertation/thesis and gaining a Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip), useful if you want to specialise in a certain area.
- Most Taught programmes start in Semptember though some programmes also have a January start date.
Research Courses
Research courses are usually where the main aim of the course is to produce one (or possibly more) pieces of original research. Depending on the subject you study the format of this can vary widely. The depth of your study may also vary depending on the length/type of your course, which can vary from a year to three or more years of full-time study.
In some instances you need to attend certain undergraduate or taught postgraduate courses - though you will usually not be assessed and any grades will not 'count' towards your qualification. This is often likely in science in maths based subjects where you may need specialist knowledge from an area you haven't studied before.
Doctorates (PhDs)
- PhDs can be started immediately after your first degree or a Masters course. They involve research into a chosen topic under the supervision of an experienced academic
- Three to four years full time
- Five to six years part time
- Considered very intellectually challenging
- Includes a thesis of around 100,000 words and usually an oral presentation.
Masters programmes by research (MSc by Research, MPhil, MRes)
These are masters programmes that rely on your own private research, supervised by an experienced academic, as opposed to a taught programme.
- One to two years full time
- Two to four years part time
- Similar in structure to a doctorate, only shorter
- Includes the production of a thesis and usually an oral presentation.
Professional courses and qualifications
Professional courses are aimed at people who have experience of working in a specialist area wanting to further their career and development. You don't always need an undergraduate degree for these courses. Degrees of this type are oftened offered as distance learning or flexible learning.
Specialist Courses
As well as the main postgraduate degree types which covers most subjects, it is also possible to study on specialist postgraduate courses. These are often aimed at people looking to enter in to specific careers.
Many will be similar to a taught masters course, but often they will contain theoretical, taught aspects alongside lengthy on the job placements. Often some aspect of research may also be incorporated.
MBA
The Masters in Business Adminstration (MBA) is an international postgraduate qualification that is respected by employers all over the world. At Aberdeen we offer several MBA brogrammes through our Graduate Business School.
PGDE
The PGDE (professional Graduate Diploma in Education) is a postgraduate qualification for those wanting to train to be a teacher. The PGDE lasts one year and Aberdeen offers both Primary and Secondary routes through our School of education.
Law Diploma
The Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (DPLP) is a one-year course which all intending solicitors must take before they start work as trainee solicitors. A popular programme which is offered by the School of Law at the University of Aberdeen.