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Master’s vs bachelor’s degrees

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Master’s vs bachelor’s degree: Quick summary

  • Both programmes can prepare you for the professional world and demonstrate your academic ability, but they sit at different qualification levels. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, bachelor’s degrees are usually Level 6 and master’s degrees are Level 7.
  • A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate qualification. It introduces you to the main ideas, methods and debates within a subject, and sometimes allows you to choose modules that reflect your interests.
  • A master’s degree is a postgraduate qualification, and allows you to study a subject at a more advanced level, often with a clearer specialism.
  • Your current experience can help you choose the right route. If you have not studied at an institution or university before, a bachelor’s is usually the appropriate route. If you already have a degree or relevant professional experience, you may be ready for a master’s.
  • A master's may support a new career direction or prepare you for a senior role, helping you gain specialist knowledge and leadership skills.

Are you deciding between a bachelor’s and a master’s degree?

Bachelor’s and master’s degrees are both valuable qualifications and can often enhance employability and prepare you for the professional world. A bachelor’s degree usually provides your first detailed introduction to a subject at degree level, while a master’s builds on existing knowledge and asks you to examine a subject in more depth.

The best choice for you might be straightforward if you are leaving school or college and applying for a degree programme for the first time. In that case, you will normally look at undergraduate courses. But it can feel less clear if you are returning to education, changing careers, or deciding whether further study is worth the time and cost. If you have substantial professional experience but don't have a related bachelor’s degree, a conversion master's course could be an option, depending on its entry requirements.

You may also be asking yourself: could postgraduate study make a meaningful difference to my career path? Or, would a bachelor's degree be the right first step for me? At the end of this guide, you'll have a clear idea of the main differences between each, the requirements of each, and what each degree typically involves.

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What are the key differences between a bachelor’s and a master’s degree?

The main difference between each is that the bachelor’s teaches you the core areas of a subject and gradually introduces more detailed study, while a master’s assumes that you already have knowledge gained through a related degree, workplace experience, or both. Master's courses often also ask you to engage with more complex ideas and work more independently. The qualification levels of each are also different, and in Wales and Northern Ireland, bachelor’s degrees are usually Level 6 and master’s degrees are Level 7.

There are also differences in course length, entry requirements and assessments for each. A bachelor’s usually takes longer because it starts with the fundamentals and foundational knowledge before moving on to more detailed study. A master’s is often shorter, but this does not mean it is less academically challenging. Instead, postgraduate courses cover advanced material within a more concentrated period.

Our summary table below offers a clear view of the main differences between each:

Bachelor's degree vs master's degree: summary table

Bachelor's degreeMaster's degree

Type of study

Undergraduate

Postgraduate

Qualification level at graduation

Level 6

Level 7

Typical full-time length

Three years in most of the UK and usually four years in Scotland.

Usually one year, although some courses take longer.

Typical part-time length

Often four to six years,

Often two years, but this can vary depending on the programme and institution.

Usual entry point

A levels, T Levels, BTECs, an Access to HE Diploma or equivalent qualifications.

A related bachelor’s degree, relevant professional experience, or another accepted route. This depends on whether your programme is a conversion course, as some conversion courses accept applicants who have an unrelated bachelor's degree or relevant experience, for example.

Subject coverage

Foundations followed by more detailed study.

Advanced study, often focused on a particular field.

Approach to learning

Guided teaching and independent study.

Often greater emphasis on independent reading, analysis and research.

Common awards

BA (Bachelor of Arts), BSc (Bachelor of Science), BEng (Bachelor of Engineering), LLB (Bachelor of Laws).

MA (Master of Arts), MSc (Master of Science), MBA (Master of Business Administration), MEd (Master of Education), LLM (Master of Laws).

Typical final assessment

Dissertation, project, examinations or coursework.

Thesis, research project or applied project.

You can check where different awards sit in the UK qualification levels. Scotland uses a separate framework, so its level numbers are different even where qualifications are comparable.

What is a bachelor’s degree?

A bachelor’s degree is usually the first full degree studied at an institution. It is an undergraduate qualification and may be awarded as a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) or another subject-specific title. Most courses start with core modules that introduce the foundational knowledge and methods used in the field.

As you progress, you may be able to choose optional modules and focus on the areas that interest you most. If you're a psychology student, for example, you may begin with core topics such as cognitive, developmental and social psychology before selecting more specific final-year modules that better suit your interests and goals.

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Teaching methods and assessments for bachelor's degrees

Teaching methods for your bachelor's degree depend on the subject and institution. Depending on your provider, you could attend lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratories or practical sessions. You will also be expected to complete reading and assignments outside scheduled teaching time. Assessments for your bachelor's degree may include essays, reports, presentations, examinations, portfolios and group projects.

Many bachelor’s degrees include a dissertation or independent project in the final year, providing you with the opportunity to investigate a question in more detail and use the research skills developed during the course. However, the level of independence is generally lower than it is on a master’s, with a master's course often expecting greater independent study.

What is a master’s degree?

A master’s degree is an advanced postgraduate degree that offers a level 7 qualification. This sits above a level 6 bachelor's degree, but is less advanced than a doctorate at level 8. Master’s degrees can be taught, research-based or professionally focused. As a higher education qualification, popular awards include Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc), and Master of Education (MEd). Some master’s degrees are professionally driven, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Laws (LLM).

Master’s study allows you to build advanced knowledge in a specialised field, and some courses extend an area you studied as an undergraduate. You'll also find conversion courses, which are ideal for graduates or experienced professionals who want to move into a different field. An Online MSc Computer Science conversion course, for example, may be open to applicants whose first degree is in another subject. This offers a great opportunity to study a topic you are passionate about in more detail, even if you don't have a related undergraduate degree.

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Teaching methods and assessments for master's level degrees

So, what can you expect once you've started your master's course? You will usually study fewer modules than you would across a bachelor’s, but each module involves more advanced study. For instance, you may be asked to compare competing theories, question established practice, examine evidence and apply ideas to unfamiliar problems. Discussion will often draw on your own workplace experience as well as academic research, particularly on professionally focused courses.

The final assessment is often a substantial piece of independent work, such as a dissertation, research project, consultancy project or applied business project. It usually requires you to define a question or problem, choose an appropriate approach, analyse evidence and reach a reasoned conclusion. Compared with a bachelor’s dissertation, you will generally be expected to demonstrate more advanced critical analysis, independence and specialist knowledge.

Who is a master’s graduate degree suitable for?

A master’s degree may suit you if:

  • You want to develop specialist knowledge in your current field
  • You are preparing for a role where postgraduate study is required or commonly valued
  • You want to change career and have found a suitable conversion course
  • You are moving towards work involving research, policy or advanced professional practice
  • You want to examine your professional experience through a more critical academic lens
  • You have a clear reason for studying and understand how the course supports it
  • You want to complete the master's course as a passion project, even if it is not directly linked to your career.
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You do not need to begin a master’s immediately after graduating. Many people return and start their higher education journey after several years in work. Professional experience can help you relate theories and case studies to situations you have already come across. You can find out more about what to expect in our guide, What is a master's degree?

How long does a bachelor’s or master’s degree take?

A bachelor’s usually takes three years full-time in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, an undergraduate honours degree commonly takes four years. Some programmes are longer because they include a placement year, year abroad or professional training. For a part-time bachelor's degree, you can typically expect this to take four to six years to complete, though this depends on the institution and your specific programme.

A master’s degree, on the other hand, usually takes one year full-time or around two years part-time. Some flexible online courses may allow you to adjust your pace to suit your lifestyle and commitments.

But it's important to look beyond total course length when comparing options, as weekly study time matters too and should be taken into consideration. A one-year master’s can be intensive because it covers Level 7 material within a shorter period, but can also allow you to graduate faster and apply your knowledge to your new role sooner.

How do entry requirements differ?

The minimum requirement for each differs by provider and programme, but here are the key differences between the requirements for each and what you can expect:

  • What bachelor's programmes require

    Entry requirements for a bachelor’s usually focus on qualifications gained at school or college. Institutions may ask for particular grades, a certain number of UCAS Tariff points or previous study in a relevant subject. Some courses also require an interview, portfolio, admissions test, work experience or background checks.

    Requirements for bachelor's degree courses vary. For example, a course leading towards a regulated profession may have more specific conditions than a general academic degree. Mature applicants may be considered through an Access to Higher Education Diploma or relevant previous learning.

  • What a master's degree requires

    For a master’s, some institutions ask for a bachelor’s degree at a stated classification, and they might sometimes ask for this in a relevant subject area. But some master's programmes accept graduates from any discipline as part of their admission requirements, particularly if the master's is intended as a conversion route. Others may require technical knowledge or several years of relevant work experience instead of a qualification.

  • Can you do a master’s without a bachelor’s degree?

    It can be possible to do a master's without a bachelor's degree, but it depends on the provider and course. Some institutions may consider substantial professional experience, senior responsibility or relevant professional qualifications in place of a bachelor’s degree. This is more common on professionally focused programmes than on courses requiring specific academic or technical foundations.

    Be ready to explain how your experience has prepared you for Level 7 study. A detailed CV, references or evidence of previous learning may be required. You will still need to show that you can manage postgraduate reading, analysis and written work.

How much do bachelor’s and master’s degrees cost?

Degree costs depend on where and how you study, and tuition fees vary by institution, course, study mode and fee status. Costs can also sometimes vary depending on whether you're an international or UK student. You should also consider costs for travel, accommodation, equipment, software, and books, as some institutions may require you to purchase your own books.

A bachelor’s normally has fees for each academic year, so make sure to research the full course rather than just one year. Eligible UK students may be able to apply for undergraduate tuition fee and maintenance support, with arrangements differing across the four UK nations.

Master’s fees are set by individual institutions and can vary considerably. Eligible students in England may be able to apply for a postgraduate master’s loan. Unlike the undergraduate tuition fee loan, this is a contribution paid to the student rather than a guarantee that the full fee will be covered. Rules and amounts can change, so check current government guidance before making a financial decision. If you're considering an MBA, you can read our useful guide on how much an MBA costs.

A lower fee does not tell you whether a course is right for you. Equally, a higher fee does not guarantee a better career outcome. Compare content, teaching arrangements, assessment, student support and recognition alongside cost. You can find out more about UK master's degree tuition fees in our useful guide.

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Is a master’s degree better than a bachelor’s degree?

A master’s is a higher academic qualification, but that does not make it the better choice in every situation. For example, if you need the foundational knowledge of a profession or subject, a bachelor’s is likely to be more appropriate. A master’s cannot always replace the undergraduate qualification required for a regulated career. For instance, a postgraduate course related to psychology does not automatically provide every qualification or accreditation needed to practise as a psychologist. Similarly, an undergraduate medical degree cannot be replaced by a master’s in a medical subject if you are looking for career opportunities that require you to qualify and register as a doctor.

If you already have relevant knowledge and a clear reason to develop it further, a master’s may be the logical next step. It could help you gain specialist knowledge and advanced expertise in the topic, develop research skills and critical thinking skills, or understand challenges you encounter at work.

Additionally, think about the outcome you need rather than choosing the highest available qualification. Job descriptions, professional body requirements and conversations with people in the field can help you understand whether a master’s will be useful to your career ambitions. You can explore the most employable master's degrees for guidance on choosing the best course for your goals.

Is a master’s degree worth it after a bachelor’s?

Are you unsure whether a master's is a good next step after a bachelor's course? A master's degree may be worth it for you after a bachelor's if it provides knowledge that appears regularly in roles you want in the job market, or if you want to move into a research field or prepare for doctoral study. It might also be worth looking at after your undergraduate degree if it supports a recognised professional route, or gives you access to a field that accepts conversion graduates.

Additionally, if you want to develop management skills, some master's degrees, such as an online MBA, are particularly useful for developing the advanced skills and knowledge required in management roles. Read our guide Is an MBA worth it? for some tips on whether it could be a good choice for you.

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Does a master's course offer promising outcomes?

The UK shows positive postgraduate outcomes in recent years. The government's Graduate Labour Market Statistics 2024 found that 90% of working-age postgraduates in England were employed, compared with 87.6% of graduates. Postgraduates were also more likely to be in high-skilled employment, at 79%, compared with 67.9% of graduates. This reflects a labour market where higher education skills remain in demand – and helps explain why the UK continues to be a popular route for students.

However, it's worth noting that there are limits to what a degree can do - for example, a master’s does not guarantee a promotion, job title or salary. Some employers may place equal or greater weight on experience, professional qualifications, technical skills or evidence of results. If you're choosing what master's degree to study, reading about career outcomes can also be useful. Read about the most employable master's degrees.

How could each degree support your career?

Unsure how each option could support your long-term goals? Here is how each course could support your career:

  • Bachelor's

    A bachelor’s level degree can sometimes help you meet requirements for entry-level professional roles, training schemes and professions that require degree-level knowledge. Skills developed during your degree, such as presenting skills and critical thinking skills, may also benefit you in the workplace. For some senior roles, however, you may still need work experience, professional training or further qualifications after graduating.

  • Master's

    A master’s, on the other hand, can serve several purposes. For instance, you could develop specialist knowledge in your current field. Or, you might want to study a conversion course to prepare for a change. If you're aiming to move into doctoral study, you might want to build relevant independent research skills. Some courses also help you develop leadership and decision-making skills, which can be ideal if you are preparing for greater responsibility.

    Some master's courses also offer online study so you can still continue your work experience and don't need to put your career on hold, allowing you to apply what you are learning to your workplace much faster. Find out more about the benefits of choosing an online master's course.

How to choose between undergraduate and postgraduate study

So, how do you choose which qualification best suits your current situation? Here is our advice for selecting your ideal course:

  • Consider your current qualifications

    If you have not completed a bachelor’s or gained equivalent knowledge through another route, undergraduate study is normally the place to begin. On the other hand, if you already have a degree or substantial relevant work experience, or want to study a topic in more depth, you could compare conversion postgraduate programmes against your next goal.

  • Check the requirements for your intended career path

    If you're choosing a course to support your career goals, look at several current job descriptions and guidance from the relevant professional body, if applicable. Note which qualifications are essential, and which qualifications might help you progress further and stand out in the workplace.

  • Consider the module content and depth

    Read the module descriptions and check whether they address the knowledge and skill development you're hoping to achieve. If you are returning to education and want to study the core topics in finance rather than a specialised advanced degree, for example, a bachelor's in finance may be ideal for you as opposed to a master's degree.

  • Look at how you will be assessed

    Everyone works differently, and assessment types can impact what your week will look like and how you demonstrate learning. Consider whether you thrive more when critical thinking is required, which is largely expected in a master's, or whether you prefer more of a varied mix of assessments and group and discussion projects.

How postgraduate study at Walbrook works

Walbrook’s online master’s degrees are studied through eight-week modules, with full-time and part-time routes available. Online study can remove the need to travel and make it easier to remain in work, so you don't need to leave everything behind to focus on your studies.

Every programme is created by experienced academics and industry professionals, backed by our global network of experts and alumni. You'll also enjoy affordable prices, flexible start dates, and a choice of where and when you study.

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FAQs: Master’s and bachelor’s degrees

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*National Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2024