Master's Degree: Meaning, Types, Benefits and Career Outcomes
A Master’s degree is a postgraduate qualification that builds advanced knowledge and career-ready skills. This guide explains what a Master’s degree is, the main types available, and the career benefits it can offer.
What is a Master's degree?
A Master's degree is a postgraduate academic qualification awarded after completing advanced studies. It builds on what you learned during your undergraduate degree and demonstrates deeper expertise in a specific field.
Most Master's degrees combine lectures, research, and practical work. They usually include a dissertation or final project, which allows students to demonstrate critical thinking, analytical skills, and subject mastery. Some programmes are more practice-oriented, while others focus on theory and research.
France is widely recognised for the academic quality and international recognition of its Master’s degrees, particularly in business, management, and engineering. French institutions combine rigorous academics, strong links with industry, and an international learning environment, making France a leading destination for graduate studies.
Level of education
A Master’s degree sits above a Bachelor's and below a Doctorate in the UK qualifications framework. So, it belongs to Level 7 qualifications in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, it aligns with SCQF Level 11.
You must complete an undergraduate degree before applying. This is because most universities expect a strong academic foundation. Some may ask for professional experience, depending on the course.
What types of Master’s degrees are there?
There are many types of Master’s degrees. Each one is tailored to suit different interests and career goals. Let’s explore the most common ones.
Master in Management (MiM)
The Master in Management (MiM) is a graduate degree for students with little or no work experience, offering a strong foundation in business, leadership, and management through a hands-on learning approach.
Discover EDHEC Business School’s Master in Management and its four specialised tracks.
Master of Science (MSc)
The Master of Science (MSc) is a specialist graduate degree designed for students seeking advanced knowledge and expertise in a specific field, with a strong focus on analytical and practical skills aligned with industry needs.
MS
The MS title often applies to Master’s degrees in the United States. In the UK, this is more commonly known as MSc.
However, MS can also refer to Mastère Spécialisé® in Francophone countries, particularly in France. These are postgraduate programmes accredited by the Conférence des Grandes Écoles (CGE) and are distinct from standard Master’s degrees. It is aimed at those who already hold a Master’s degree or a Bac+4 with at least three years of professional experience. The programme lasts 12 months and includes at least four months of in-company experience, offering advanced expertise and strong professional relevance.
Masters of arts (MA)
An Master of Arts focuses on humanities, social sciences, or arts. Courses include history, philosophy, languages, and literature. It develops analytical and writing skills. So, it's ideal for careers in research, teaching, or communication.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
An MBA, or Master of Business Administration, is for professionals seeking senior management and leadership roles. It suits those with work experience because it emphasises real-world business strategies. It is specificaly designed to accelerate career progression.
Discover EDHEC Business School's MBA programmes.
Master of Laws (LL.M.)
A Master of Laws is designed for law graduates or practising lawyers. It helps students specialise in areas such as international law, human rights, or commercial law. It often attracts professionals from around the globe.
Other Master's degrees
There are also other specialised Master's degrees worth knowing. These include the Master of Letters (MLitt), often focused on research in the humanities; the Master of Music (MMus), which centres on advanced musical performance or composition; the Master of Philosophy (MPhil), known for its research intensity and often used as a path to a PhD; the Master of Technology (MTech), which focuses on practical skills and innovation in engineering or computing fields; the Master of Architecture (MArch), which prepares students for professional practice in architecture through design and technical training; the Master of Education (MEd), which explores teaching methods, educational leadership, and psychology for those working in the education sector; and the Master of Social Work (MSW), which combines theory and practical placements to prepare students for roles in social care, counselling, and community work.
Why students pursue a Master’s degree
Students pursue a Master’s degree to clarify their career direction, specialise in a chosen field, or change career paths. Many see it as a way to acquire targeted skills that are not always accessible at undergraduate level, gain international exposure, and position themselves for roles that require advanced qualifications. A Master’s programme helps students align their academic background with their long-term professional goals.
Benefits of a Master’s Degree
A Master’s degree delivers tangible career advantages, including stronger employability, higher-level professional skills, and access to more specialised or senior roles. It enhances professional credibility, supports career progression or transition, and prepares graduates to perform effectively in competitive and international job markets.
Many programmes also provide access to expert lecturers and faculty, allowing students to learn from experienced professionals and gain insights grounded in real-world practice.
Career opportunities with a Master’s Degree
A Master’s degree expands career opportunities by providing advanced knowledge, specialised skills, and recognised qualifications valued by employers. Many programmes include a work placement, internship, or applied project, allowing students to gain professional experience, strengthen their profile, and better understand industry expectations.
This combination of academic depth and practical exposure helps graduates:
- Access specialised or higher-responsibility roles
- Support career progression or a career change
- Improve employability in competitive and international job markets
- Build relevant professional experience before graduation
Work placements play a key role by helping students test a career path, build industry-relevant skills, and understand workplace expectations before graduation. By combining theory with real-world application, a Master’s degree helps graduates enter the job market with stronger positioning and clearer career direction.
Some universities also offer structured career support and placement reporting to help students make the most of their Master’s degree. For example, EDHEC Business School’s Career Centre provides personalised guidance, access to exclusive job boards, career coaching and industry events designed to connect students with employers. Their placement reports show that a large proportion of Master’s graduates secure employment aligned with their goals, and many contracts are signed before or shortly after graduation. This ongoing support helps students clarify career goals, build professional networks and improve their chances of finding roles that match their aspirations.
Skills gained from a Master’s Degree
Master’s degrees build many skills. Students learn to manage time, meet deadlines, and plan long projects. These abilities are valuable in the workplace.
Graduates also become stronger communicators. Presenting research and writing essays help develop clear and structured expression. Working with classmates further strengthens teamwork skills.
Many degrees include work placements or case studies. These experiences demonstrate how theory can be applied to real-life situations, allowing practical skills to develop alongside academic knowledge.
Critical thinking is another key outcome. Students learn to question ideas, identify weaknesses, and support arguments with evidence. These skills are valuable across a wide range of careers.
Master's degree grades
In the UK, taught Master’s degrees are commonly graded using classifications rather than the honours system used for undergraduate degrees. Typical classifications include Distinction, Merit and Pass, with a Fail if the minimum academic standards are not met.
Across Europe, grading systems differ due to national frameworks and the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). Many institutions use ECTS grades from A (excellent) to F (fail) alongside local marks to improve comparability. For example, in France, Master’s degrees are graded on a 0–20 scale. A score of 10/20 is the minimum passing mark.
At EDHEC Business School, our Master's programmes award the state-recognised “Grade de Master”, which makes graduates eligible for the APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) — allowing them to stay and work in Europe after graduation, an important advantage for international students.
These grades reflect your coursework, exams, and dissertation. They show how well you understand your subject. So, employers often consider them when hiring.
Because systems vary across the world, it’s wise to check how your Master’s grade is awarded and interpreted — especially if you’re applying for further study or international roles.
FAQs about Master’s degrees
A Master’s degree typically takes between one and two academic years to complete, depending on the country, the programme structure, and the study format.
The duration may also vary based on whether the programme is full-time or part-time, includes an internship or professional experience, or requires a thesis or capstone project. Some flexible or online formats allow students to progress at their own pace, which can extend the overall timeline.
Ultimately, the length of a Master’s degree reflects the balance between academic depth, professional exposure, and the educational system in which it is delivered.
An MSc (Master of Science) is generally considered more technical and data-driven, which can be particularly attractive to employers in finance, consulting and tech-related roles.
An MA (Master of Arts) focuses more on strategic thinking and conceptual understanding, preparing students for leadership, management and advisory positions.
Typical subject areas:
MA degree: Humanities, Social Sciences, Languages, Communication, Business & Management.
MSc degree: Finance, Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Economics, Marketing Analytics, Marketing Management, Sustainability, Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics.
A Bachelor’s is an undergraduate degree, and it provides broad knowledge. A Master’s is more advanced and focused. It develops deep understanding and research skills.
An undergraduate degree is your first step. A postgraduate degree, like a Master’s, comes after. It explores topics in more depth and may involve research.
A postgraduate degree is any academic course taken after a Bachelor’s. It includes Master’s degrees, doctorates, and certain professional diplomas.
Yes, pursuing a graduate programme is worth it for students who want to deepen their expertise and strengthen their career prospects.
A graduate programme helps develop advanced, job-ready skills, improves employability, and gives access to more specialised roles. Many programmes include internships or real-world projects, allowing students to gain practical experience and connect with employers.
Beyond career benefits, graduate studies also support personal growth and international exposure, making them a strong investment for long-term professional development.
A Master’s thesis is a research project completed at the end of a Master’s degree.
It requires students to explore a specific academic or professional topic in depth, formulate a research question, and produce a structured written paper based on theoretical analysis, data collection, and critical evaluation. The thesis demonstrates a student’s ability to conduct independent research, apply academic methods, and communicate complex ideas clearly.
Yes, many universities offer online Master’s courses through distance learning, letting you study while working or living abroad. For example, EDHEC Online offers online Master programmes in areas like finance, marketing, data management and international business management. These programmes combine the same academic quality as on‑campus degrees with flexible, distance learning designed to fit around your work commitments.
