BA, BSc, MA, MSc, PhD (2024)

BA, BSc, MA, MSc, PhD (1)

BA, BSc, MA, MSc, PhD (and more) are abbreviations of British degrees.

They reflect the specific level and discipline of a qualification achieved at university.

While most courses are conducted on a full-time basis, there are options for part-time, distance learning and other flexible learning arrangements.

Here is a breakdown of some of the most common qualifications and ones that Aberystwyth University offers.

Bachelors:

  • BA = Bachelor of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences;
  • BSc = Bachelor of Sciences;
  • BENG = Bachelor of Engineering (Software, Robotics and Physics);
  • LLB = Bachelor of Law.

Achieved after 3 to 4 years of study. The extra year (for a 4 year course) can be from a year studying abroad or a year working in industry.

Integrated-Masters:

  • MARTS = Masters of Arts;
  • MBIOL = Masters of Biology;
  • MCOMP = Masters of Computer Science;
  • MENG = Masters of Engineering;
  • MMATH = Masters of Mathematics;
  • MPHYS = Masters of Physics;
  • MSCI = Masters of Sciences and Humanities.

4 years course (3-year Bachelors, 1 year Masters) that enables you to secure a loan for the full duration rather than having to fund a Masters degree separately.

Masters:

  • MA = Masters of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences;
  • MSc = Masters of Sciences;
  • MBA = Masters of Business Administration;
  • MPhil = Masters of Philosophy: Advanced research Masters degree;
  • MRes = Masters of Research: Contains some taught and research elements;
  • LLM = Masters of Law.

Achieved after graduation from Bachelors level, usually 1-2 years duration.

PhD:

  • PhD = Doctor of Philosophy: for a range of disciplines.

Achieved after graduating from Masters level, usually 3-8 years duration.

A wide range of Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Further-Research courses – across the Arts and Sciences – are available at Aberystwyth.

BA, BSc, MA, MSc, PhD (2024)

FAQs

BA, BSc, MA, MSc, PhD? ›

Common abbreviations include BA and MA for Bachelor and Master of Arts, BS/BSc and MS/MSc for Bachelor and Master of Science, MD for Doctor of Medicine and PhD for Doctor of Philosophy.

What is the order of degrees from lowest to highest? ›

In order of level of education, they rank as associate degree, bachelor's degree, master's or graduate degrees, and doctorate or professional degrees.

What is the difference between BSc MSc and PhD? ›

BSc covers existing knowledge and helps students “learn how to learn”; MSc goes into more depth and have a greater focus on a particular area within the field (some courses are specifically designed as “conversion” courses, to enable students to transfer into a new area, different from their first degree); PhD has been ...

Is a PhD higher than a BSc? ›

These degree levels are often referred to in terms of cycles so that a Bachelor's is a first-cycle degree, a Masters is a second-cycle and finally, a PhD is the third-cycle of higher education (and the highest).

What degree is 4 years of college? ›

A four-year college degree is called a bachelor's degree. Another term for this degree type is a baccalaureate degree. Many careers require a bachelor's degree for entry-level roles. For example, most careers in business require you to hold a bachelor's degree.

What is a better degree BA or BS? ›

Neither degree ranks as better than the other, but one might better suit specific career goals. For example, if you're interested in technical careers, you may need a BS for graduate school applications. In some majors, you may choose between a BA and a BS. Many psychology programs, for instance, offer both options.

What is an 8 year degree called? ›

An “eight-year degree” typically refers to a doctorate degree or PhD.

What is the meaning of BA BSc MA MSc PhD? ›

Common abbreviations include BA and MA for Bachelor and Master of Arts, BS/BSc and MS/MSc for Bachelor and Master of Science, MD for Doctor of Medicine and PhD for Doctor of Philosophy.

What is higher PhD or MSc? ›

Because doctorate degrees are one of the highest academic achievements you can earn, they are generally considered superior to master's degrees. Although a master's degree may provide a variety of career opportunities, a PhD typically provides more opportunities in the workforce.

Is a MSc higher than a BSc? ›

An M.Sc., or Master of Science, is a postgraduate degree program that is typically more specialized and focused than a B.Sc. program. It typically takes two years to complete and often involves coursework, research, and a capstone project.

Can I skip Masters and do PhD? ›

Do you need to get a Masters to do a PhD? The short answer is that it is possible to do a PhD without a Masters. The long answer is that it is dependent on your personal experience, your subject area, the duration of your PhD programme and the location, as requirements can vary by country.

Does a PhD make you a doctor? ›

A PhD is a Doctor of Philosophy. In answer to the question, “Is a PhD a doctor,” the answer is yes. Both a PhD and a professional doctorate like an EdD earn you the title of “doctor.” But there are differences between the types of doctoral degrees. Learn more about a PhD vs.

Does a Masters make you a doctor? ›

There are problems with such logic, namely, a degree past a bachelor's degree could potentially be a master's degree, but not a doctoral degree. A doctoral degree (PhD) is a degree that one earns after a master's degree. A PhD entitles a person to use the title doctor.

What degree is 7 years of college? ›

Doctoral degrees can take up to 7-years of intense study to complete. After completing doctoral degree coursework, you might sit for comprehensive subject matter exams.

What degree is 6 years of college? ›

Types of academic degrees
Academic degreeTypical completion time
Bachelor's degreeFour years
Master's degreeTwo years
Doctoral degreeFour years
Professional degreeBetween four and seven years
1 more row
Oct 17, 2023

What is the highest degree in the world? ›

A doctoral degree (Ph. D.) is the highest level of degree, often requiring several years of research and study beyond a master's degree.

What are the degrees highest to lowest? ›

In terms of level of study, the college degree programs in order are:
  • Associate degree.
  • Bachelor's degree.
  • Master's degree.
  • Doctoral degree.
Mar 31, 2022

What are the 4 degrees in order? ›

The four types of college degrees are associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral. Each level varies in duration, depth of study and the potential career opportunities they may offer.

What is the correct order of degrees? ›

The levels of college degrees, in order, are:

Associate degree. Bachelor's degree. Master's degree. Doctoral degree.

What are the degrees in order of years? ›

Types of academic degrees
Academic degreeTypical completion time
Associate degreeTwo years
Bachelor's degreeFour years
Master's degreeTwo years
Doctoral degreeFour years
1 more row
Oct 17, 2023

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