Qualification Types

Our flexible and professional courses are tailored towards the varying needs of our students.

Taught

Master’s Degrees

The main types of taught Master’s degrees awarded at Chester are Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MSc), which cover a wide range of subjects across most of our academic departments. We also offer a range of department specific Master’s degrees, including the following awards: • Master of Business Administration (MBA) • Master of Public Health (MPH)

Please note that some Master’s degrees also offer the awards of Postgraduate Certificate and/or Postgraduate Diploma. If you are not sure about your qualifications or the award you can apply for, please contact the relevant Admissions Service or Programme Leader for advice and guidance.

Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas

A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) will provide you with Master’s level knowledge without requiring you to submit a dissertation. You will earn 60 credits which may be used towards a Master’s degree with a PGCert, whilst a PGDip is worth 120 credits. Many of these courses are available part time, making them easier to fit alongside your work and/or life commitments.

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

If you are a graduate looking to train as a teacher, we currently offer one-year PGCE and PGCE School Direct pathways to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). The PGCE core pathway is a University-based programme working with partnership schools to support the training of teachers.

Research

Master’s by Research

Generally, our Master’s by Research (MRes) courses can feature between two and four 20-credit modules that aim to provide you with the necessary research skills to complete your extensive research project.

Research Degrees

The University welcomes enquiries for Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). These awards are assessed on the basis of a thesis reporting individual research. Studying for an MPhil or a PhD is very much an individual activity, and research topics vary widely, according to personal interests.

Professional Doctorates

In addition to traditional research degrees such as PhD and MPhil, the University offers a range of professional doctorates. You will find opportunities within Education (EdD), Business (DBA), Public Health (DrPH) and a wide range of professional areas (DProf ) that can be studied either full-time or parttime, drawing on advanced practice, based in commerce, industry or the professions.