There is a wide range of postgraduate programmes available at the University of Edinburgh. What is the difference between them?

When you graduate from a postgraduate programme at the University of Edinburgh, you receive a formal qualification. The type of qualification you receive depends on the programme you studied, how long you studied for, and the final outcome of all your assessed work.

Flexibility is a key part of our postgraduate offering. You can choose between full-time and part-time commitments, and between online and on-campus study.

Many online programmes offer different qualifications depending on how much time you want to spend studying. Three of the most common options available are PgCert, PgDip and masters degrees.

What is a masters degree?

A masters degree is a postgraduate qualification worth 180 credits. When you successfully complete a masters degree, you will receive a Master of Science (MSc) award, or an equivalent specialist award such as  Master of Veterinary Science (MVetSci), Master of Surgery (ChM) or Master of Public Health (MPH).

Masters programmes are designed to give you in-depth knowledge and expertise in a specialist field. Courses on taught masters programmes usually include a combination of lectures, tutorials, discussion sessions, group work and presentations. If you want to seriously enhance your career opportunities and gain in-depth, specialist knowledge of a particular subject area then a masters degree could be the right choice for you.

You can study for a masters degree either online or on-campus, depending on whether you’d like to take a year out to study full-time in Edinburgh, or work towards the MSc around a job or family commitments. Whichever method of learning you prefer, all of our students have access to the same resources.

On campus masters programmes

We offer a range of masters programmes taught on our campuses in Edinburgh.

These programmes give you the opportunity to learn from experts in your field. Teaching is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials and seminars. Some programmes may also include practical elements in a lab or in the field.

You will complete your programme by undertaking independent work, which is normally submitted as a thesis or dissertation.

Online masters programmes

With an online masters, you’ll study remotely at your own pace. But the degree you receieve will be exactly the same as if you were studying here in Edinburgh.

You will have the same access to resources as our on-campus students. This includes the University library and academic research collections, computing support through our Information Services helpline, student support services and much more.

This means that wherever you are in the world, you can achieve a distinguished academic degree from the University of Edinburgh without having to relocate or put your life on hold.

Our online masters programmes are also designed to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Our graduates are already having a noticeable impact around the world.

Masters by research

Masters by Research (MSc by Research or MScR) programmes are research degrees. These programmes give you more freedom to pursue a research project in a lab.

An MScR degree is often considered a ‘stepping stone’ towards a PhD.

Research masters programmes are different from ‘taught’ masters degrees, which are structured around lectures and tutorials rather than independent research projects. An MScR programme can either be completely research-based, where you spend the whole programme working on your research, or it can include some taught components alongside a research project.

How long does a masters degree take?

Most of our campus-based masters degrees take 12 months to complete, with the exception of taught dentistry programmes (MClinDent and DClinDent) which take between 24 and 36 months.

Our online masters degrees typically take three years to complete.

You can also study for our online masters programmes with even more flexibility through part time intermittent study. Masters degrees take usually take six years through intermittent study. See the ‘intermittent study’ section at the bottom of the article for more information.

A masters by research usually takes 12 months to complete.

What is a PgDip?

A PgDip, or a postgraduate diploma, is a postgraduate qualification worth 120 credits. You may also see it written as a PG Dip, PGD or PgD.

This type of award may be for you if you’re looking to advance your career or if you want a more affordable qualification than a full masters degree.

How long does a PgDip take?

Most PgDip qualifications take two years (24 months) to complete. However, this can vary for some programmes, so you should always check the ‘Programme Structure’ section of the programme’s degree finder page.

You can also study a PgDip more flexibly through part time intermittent study. Most PgDip qualifications take four years through intermittent study. See the ‘intermittent study’ section at the bottom of the article for more information.

What is a PgCert?

A PgCert, or a postgraduate certificate, is a postgraduate qualification worth 60 credits. You may also see it written as PG Cert, PGC or PgC.

This type of award is ideal if you’re looking to take the next step in your career or if you want a more affordable qualification than a PgDip or a full masters degree.

Some of our programmes are only available to study to PgCert level, such as our Anatomical Sciences programme. There are also some masters programmes that allow students who successfully complete one full year of the programme (60 credits) to graduate with a PgCert.

How long does a PgCert take?

Most PgCert qualifications take one year (12 months) to complete. However, this can vary for some programmes, so you should always check the ‘Programme Structure’ section of the programme’s degree finder page.

You can also study a PgCert more flexibly through part time intermittent study. Most PgCert qualifications take two years through intermittent study. See the ‘intermittent study’ section at the bottom of the article for more information.

Intermittent study

Online programmes are also available to study on an intermittent basis. This allows you to study for the length of time that best suits your needs.

Students are expected to complete each level of the programme within a 24 month period, and the qualification you earn is awarded at the point of exit from the programme.

Continuous and intermittent study options for online learning

Find the qualification that’s right for you

Whether you intend to gain a PgCert, a PgDip or a masters degree, you can view all our postgraduate programmes on our degree finder. The qualifications available from each programme are listed after the programme’s title.

Postgraduate degree finder