The different Masters

Everything you need to know about the English-language equivalent of a Master's degree

If you decide to go abroad after completing a three-year undergraduate degree (Bac +3), you will most likely opt for a Master's program. Depending on the country, these programs last one to two years and are equivalent to a French Master 2 (Bac +5). Here is the important information to remember!

Master of Arts (MA)

Traditionally, a Master of Arts (MA) is awarded upon completion of a five-year undergraduate degree (Bac +5) in an artistic or literary field. We are referring here to the Arts in the broadest sense of the term, not just applied arts. For example, if you wish to pursue a Master's degree in History, you will most likely complete an MA in History.

Master of Science (MSc)

If your background is primarily in science or quantitative fields, you will most likely earn a Master of Science (MSc). For example, if you complete a Master's degree in physics, you would obtain an MSc in Physics. In some cases, the distinction between an MA and an MSc is more nuanced, and the title will depend on the university's internal structure. For instance, some universities award an MA in Business, while others offer an MSc in the same field.

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

The famous “MBA” degree is actually simply a Master of Business Administration. Historically, these degrees were intended for people who had completed studies in another field (engineering, for example) AND who had significant professional experience (a minimum of 5 years). Professional experience remains very important if you decide to apply to an MBA program; it's rare to find one accessible directly after a Bachelor's degree. In fact, it's this professional experience that makes these programs so unique. You're in contact with other experienced professionals, which allows you to develop your network quickly and effectively. This is one of the main reasons why an MBA is often seen as a career accelerator!

Master of Research (MRes)

If you plan to pursue a long career in research, then a research Master's degree is an essential step in your academic path. These programs are generally accessible after completing a traditional Master's degree, such as an MA or MSc. Unlike MA/MSc programs, which involve coursework, the MRes is an in-depth research project that you will conduct independently, with support from the university. An MRes is a prerequisite for doctoral studies.

Conversion Master's degree

These programs are primarily offered in the UK and allow students to change careers. Let's say you studied business but now want to become a psychologist. Well, a Conversion Master's allows you to catch up in your chosen field. This program is usually completed in just one year and aims to make up for three years of study… So expect an extremely intensive year!

Your Master's degree in just 1 year in the United Kingdom

One of the major advantages of the British systemis that a Master's degree is almost always completed in one year. After three years of undergraduate studies, this means you can complete a Master's degree in just one year! Upon your return to France, your qualification is recognized in the same way as a French Bac+5 (five years of higher education). You thus save an entire year of study and enter the job market more quickly!

Be careful with the recognition of the French Bac +3

The distinctive feature of the North American system

In the United States, a Bachelor's degree takes four years to complete. Therefore, Master's programs are often only accessible after completing four years of university studies (equivalent to a French Bac+4), and your Bachelor's degree alone will not automatically grant you access to these programs in the US. At Study Experience, we have negotiated pathways with our partner universities, allowing Bachelor's degree holders to access Master's level programs.

French schools

Most foreign institutions require a Bachelor's degree for admission to their Master's programs. Therefore, we often face two problems within the French system:

• If you have completed a Bac +3 level, but do not have a diploma to support it, it is impossible to directly access a Master level course abroad.
• Some schools award a diploma at the end of the third year. However, be sure to verify that this diploma is recognized by the State (by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research).
• If you have validated a Bac +3 diploma recognized by the Ministry of Labour (RNCP titles), be aware that these diplomas are now rarely accepted and recognized abroad.