This guide provides a broad overview of the subjects covered, format, duration and entry requirements for MAs.
What is an MA?
MA is short for Master of Arts. It’s a postgraduate degree awarded for arts, humanities and social science subjects. It is an academic qualification at Level 7 NFQ (National Qualifications Framework).
MA degrees, along with MSc (Master of Science), are the most common master’s qualifications awarded by UK universities.
Master Of Arts Subjects
MAs cover a broad range of subject areas in arts, humanities, social sciences, and business-related subjects.
Click the links below to opens the full lists of subject and links to courses.
Be aware, some subjects can be taught as an MA as well as as Msc. Psychology is an example- An MA in Psychology primarily looks at applying psychological and counselling techniques in clinical environments. While an MSc in Psychology has a focus on researching psychological concepts, scientific methods, and the underlying science rather than applying these techniques in clinical settings.
Humanities and Arts:
- 3D Design and Product Design
- Animation, Interactive, Film and Sound
- Classics
- Creative Writing
- Cultural Studies
- Curation and Culture
- Design Studies
- Fashion
- Fine Art
- Graphic Design
- History
- History of Art
- Illustration
- Journalism, PR, Media and Publishing
- Language Studies
- Literature in English
- Music
- Performance and Design for Theatre and Screen
- Philosophy
- Photography
- Textiles and Materials
- Theology and Religious Studies
MA Compared to Other Master’s Degree Qualifications
MA vs MSc :
The key difference between an MA and an MSc (Master of Science) is the subjects they cover – an MA is a master’s degree typically awarded for creative subjects, while an MSc is a master’s degree usually awarded for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects.
MA vs MBA:
An MBA (Master of Business Administration) focuses on leadership and business management.
MBAs are typically designed for those seeking to lead an organisation or manage their own business. They can combine a range of subjects from the Arts and Sciences.
MA Law vs LLM:
While both of these Master’s degree awards are focused on law, an MA in Law is generally a law conversion course aimed at non-law graduates who want to start a career in law, while LLM are mainly designed for law graduates who wish to specialise in specific areas of law.
MA vs MRes/MPhil:
MA programmes are classed as taught programmes, with learning led by academics. In contrast, Master of Research (MRes) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil) programmes tend to be research-based Master’s degrees with a greater focus on research. Research degrees are typically a stepping stone towards taking a PhD.
How Long Does an MA Take?
MAs from UK universities take one year full-time and up to five years part-time to complete.
Online MAs can be taken full-time or part-time. However, this varies between universities. Some may not offer full-time options for their online programmes as most online students are juggling other commitments while studying.
An MA consists of 180 credits or CATS points, which can be notionally thought of as 1,800 hours of study. We have created a part-time study calculator to help you understand how you could fit an MA part-time into your schedule.
MA Structure
All MA’s are classified as taught Master’s degrees. The programme structure for an MA can be split into three main components: core modules, electives, and a final dissertation.
In a very simplified way, core modules cover the fundamentals. The electives build on the core modules, looking at more specific areas, and the final dissertation is an independent piece of research in contrast to the taught structure of the core modules and electives.
MA Dissertation
The dissertation on an MA typically makes up the final third of the degree and is an independent piece of research. Unlike the taught component, the student sets the question or topic to investigate. They work with a supervisor to ensure that the subject is suitable and that they are on the right track. This piece of work is weighted to reflect its importance and is the culmination of all the learning and areas covered in the core and elective modules.
Difference Between an MA, PgDip and PgCert
It is possible to take all the taught modules of an MA without completing the independent research project. Students can graduate with a PgCert or PgDip, depending on the number of modules completed.
| Certificate Awarded | Credits |
|---|---|
| Master of Arts (MA) | 180 |
| Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) | 120 |
| Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) | 60 |
Entry Requirements for an Online MA
To apply for an online MA with a UK university, you’ll usually need:
A relevant undergraduate degree
An IELTS score of 7.0 or above if English isn’t your first language.
Do You Need a Degree to Take an Online MA?
Suitable, qualified, or experienced candidates who do not hold an undergraduate degree can gain admission to a Master’s degree programme. However, it is at the university’s discretion to accept non-standard applications.
For non-standard applications, some UK universities offer admissions tests or accept students onto the first module, allowing them to progress if their work meets a suitable standard.
Some universities are transparent about how they process non-standard applications. Others only offer places on a case-by-case basis and have minimal information publicly available to prospective students.
Because of this, if you find your ideal course and there is no mention of non-standard applications, it is worth asking the admissions team if you would be considered.
For example, if you work as copywriter and have a portfolio of work you might be eligible to join a MA in creative writing as:
- your career experience is directly relevant
- you can demonstrate your experience
- It is clear taking the course would have a positive impact on your practice and career
- the insights you bring to the course would be valuable in the discussions and group work.
If you are unsure about your suitability, the best thing to do is contact the admissions teams on a number of courses you are interested in to get their feedback.
