Taught Masters vs Research Masters: What’s the Difference?

If you’re thinking about continuing your studies in the UK after your bachelor’s degree, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to pursue a postgraduate taught master’s programme or a postgraduate research master’s programme. At first glance, the distinction may seem obvious—one involves more teaching, the other more independent work—but in reality, the difference between postgraduate taught and postgraduate research shapes everything from daily study routines to long-term career options.

Many students feel unsure about what each pathway truly involves. What is postgraduate taught? How independent is research study, really? And how do you know which path will lead you towards your goals?

This guide breaks down the postgraduate taught vs research decision in a clear and relatable way, drawing on how UK universities typically structure these degrees. We’ll explore what each route looks like in practice, how they differ, and how to decide which option suits your ambitions.

What Is a Postgraduate Taught Master’s Degree?

A postgraduate taught master’s degree, often abbreviated as PGT, is the more familiar type of Master’s programme in the UK. If you’ve recently completed an undergraduate degree, the rhythm of a taught Master’s will feel recognisable—though the expectations are higher and the intellectual pace significantly faster.

Common postgraduate taught degrees include:

A typical taught Master’s combines lectures, seminars, workshops, guided readings, and a substantial dissertation at the end. You follow a clear timetable, move through several modules over the year, and build knowledge progressively, supported by regular feedback. For many students, this approach offers a reassuring level of structure—especially as the shift to Master’s-level work can feel demanding if you’ve only just completed your undergraduate studies.

So, what is a postgraduate taught degree in simple terms? It’s a Master’s-level programme designed to deepen your expertise in a particular subject through guided learning. You’ll follow a set timetable, move through predetermined modules, and receive regular feedback as you progress.

PGT courses are ideal if you enjoy structure, want to develop knowledge across several areas within a discipline, or need a recognised qualification to advance professionally.

➡️ If you want to know more about how that transition looks in practice, our guide on how Master’s study differs from undergraduate provides a helpful overview.

What Is a Postgraduate Research Master’s?

A postgraduate research Master’s, often called a PGR Master’s, is a very different academic experience. Instead of taking multiple taught modules, you spend the majority of your time working on a single, substantial research project. Research Master’s are typically offered as:
MRes degrees often include a mix of taught components and research projects. They are particularly valued in sciences, social sciences, and applied fields.

Postgraduate Taught vs Postgraduate Research: The Key Differences

Although both are Master’s-level qualifications, the difference between postgraduate taught and postgraduate research becomes easier to understand once you look at how each degree works day to day.

Structure and Academic Experience

A taught Master’s is structured around modules. You move through your programme in stages, with regular contact hours, set readings, and timetabled classes. Your learning is guided throughout, and you build your understanding of the subject gradually, module by module.

A research Master’s is far more open. You’ll meet your supervisor regularly, but beyond that, there is little structured teaching. You set your own goals, create your own timetable, and take responsibility for the direction of your research. This independence is energising for some students and daunting for others, so it helps to be honest about how you like to work.

Assessment Style

Assessment is another key difference. Taught Master’s degrees typically involve essays, exams, presentations, and then a dissertation. You receive feedback throughout the year, which helps you track your progress and refine your skills.

A research Master’s is usually assessed through one major project: the thesis. In some cases, you may have an oral examination, depending on your institution. Because the assessment is concentrated at the end, you need to be comfortable working towards a long-term goal without frequent checkpoints.

Duration and Pace

Most taught Master’s degrees in the UK last one year full-time or two years part-time. They move quickly, but the structure makes the pace manageable.

A research Master’s can also be completed in a year, but the pace feels different. Research takes time to develop, and depending on your topic, your progress may speed up or slow down at different stages. That unpredictability is part of the research experience.

Skills You Develop

A postgraduate taught degree helps you develop a wide, well-rounded understanding of your subject. You learn across multiple areas, build critical thinking skills, and become confident in academic writing through regular assessment.

A postgraduate research Master’s develops a different set of skills: independence, project design, advanced analysis, academic reading at scale, and the ability to manage a long, complex piece of work. These skills are especially valuable if you think you might want to continue into a PhD.

Career Direction

Both pathways open up strong career options, but in different ways. Taught Master’s degrees support careers in fields where specialist knowledge is valuable—business, public policy, education, media, the creative industries, healthcare management, and many more.

Research Master’s degrees tend to be more closely aligned with roles that involve analysis, investigation, or research. They’re common among students applying for research assistant roles, policy research positions, technical research jobs, or early-stage academic posts. They’re also an excellent stepping stone to doctoral study.

➡️If you’re still deciding what you want from postgraduate study, our guide on choosing the right postgraduate course can help you refine your priorities.

How to Choose Between Taught and Research Master’s

Choosing between a Master’s by research vs Master’s by coursework isn’t simply about whether you enjoy taking classes or writing independently. It’s also about what kind of experience you want, what motivates you academically, and the trajectory you imagine for yourself after your degree.

It’s worth thinking about whether you prefer working across several topics or diving deeply into one. Consider how well you structure your own time, how much independence you want, and whether you already have a clear research idea.

If your goal is career-focused—developing expertise or advancing professionally—a taught Master’s may be the most appropriate. If you’re leaning towards research-intensive roles or a PhD, a research Master’s may give you the ideal foundation.

How About PhDs?

Although taught and research Master’s degrees share the same academic level, they sit on very different pathways when you look ahead to doctoral study. Understanding how a PhD fits into the postgraduate landscape can help you decide whether your Master’s should focus on structure or research depth.

Is a PhD Taught or Research?

In the UK, a PhD is also considered a postgraduate research degree. It involves several years of independent investigation, supervised by an academic expert, and concludes with a substantial thesis and a viva voce examination. While some programmes include short training modules—on research methods, project planning or professional skills—these are designed to support your development, not to deliver traditional taught content. The core of the PhD remains original, self-directed research.

How Do Master’s Degrees Lead to a PhD?

Master’s-level study is one of the most common routes into a PhD, but the preparation you gain depends on the type of Master’s you choose.

A postgraduate taught Master’s gives you excellent grounding in advanced subject knowledge and academic writing. Through a structured programme and a final dissertation, you develop many of the skills needed for doctoral study, such as critical analysis, sustained argument, and familiarity with academic literature. Some students begin a taught Master’s unsure whether a PhD is right for them and discover their research interests during the dissertation stage.

A postgraduate research Master’s (such as an MRes or MPhil) goes a step further by offering direct experience of designing and managing a research project. You learn how to formulate research questions, navigate methodological issues, gather evidence and produce a thesis that demonstrates independent thinking.
Because these are core doctoral skills, research Master’s degrees often act as a bridge to PhD study.

Can You Do a PhD After Either Type of Master’s?

Yes, you can apply for a PhD with either a taught or research Master’s. The difference lies in how ready you feel, and what evidence you can present in your application:

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose a taught or research Master’s, the most important thing is selecting the pathway that aligns with your goals, your work style, and the kind of academic experience you want. Both routes offer valuable opportunities to develop as a scholar and as a professional, and both can lead to fulfilling postgraduate journeys.

FAQs

Which is better, postgraduate taught or postgraduate research?

Neither is universally “better.” A taught Master’s is ideal if you want structured learning and broad subject coverage, while a research Master’s is best if you want depth, independence, and preparation for research-based careers or a PhD.

Is a PhD taught or research?

A PhD is entirely research-based. You work with a supervisor on an original project, produce a thesis of about 80,000-100,000 and defend your findings in a viva.

What is PGT and PGR?

PGT stands for Postgraduate Taught (e.g., MA, MSc). PGR stands for Postgraduate Research (e.g., MRes, MPhil, PhD).