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What is a Master’s Degree? Types, Benefits, and How to Choose the Right One
18-02-2026
Earning a master’s degree can open doors to career growth, higher earning potential, and deeper subject knowledge. If you are exploring postgraduate study options, you should know the answer to the question: What is a masters degree?
This blog helps you understand what a master’s degree is all about. It also discusses the types and benefits of this degree and guides you in choosing a programme that aligns with your career goals.
What is a Master’s Degree?
A master's degree is an advanced academic credential that enhances your expertise in a particular discipline. It builds on your prior knowledge of the subjects you studied in your bachelor's degree. A master’s degree allows you to study a subject in greater depth, often with a stronger emphasis on analysis, application, and independent thought.
Before applying, you usually need to have completed an undergraduate degree in a related discipline. Master’s programmes are designed to move beyond introductory concepts and help you gain subject confidence, specialised skills, and academic maturity.
In most cases, a master’s degree can be completed in around two years of full-time study. If you choose to study part-time, the duration may be longer, allowing you to balance learning with work.
What are the Various Types of Masters Degrees?
When exploring postgraduate study, it helps you to know that master’s degrees are not all designed the same way. Broadly, they fall into a few main categories, depending on how you prefer to learn and what you want to achieve.
| Types of Masters Degrees | What It Focuses On | Common Examples |
| Taught master’s degree | Structured learning through lectures, seminars, assessments, and a smaller research project | MA (Master of Arts), MSc (Master of Science), MBA (Master of Business Administration) |
| Research master’s degree | Independent research with limited taught content, leading to a substantial dissertation | MRes (Master of Research), MPhil (Master of Philosophy) |
| Professional or executive master’s degree | Designed for working professionals, often flexible and career-focused | Executive MBA, Master’s in Public Administration |
| Integrated master’s degree | Combines undergraduate and postgraduate study into one continuous programme | Integrated BA–MA, Integrated BBA–MBA |
Benefits of a Masters Degree
This degree offers multiple advantages. If you are curious to know the key benefits of a masters degree, glance through the table below.
| Reason | How It Benefits You |
| Subject interest | You can specialise, conduct deeper research, or prepare for academic or PhD-level study. |
| Career development | Many careers require postgraduate qualifications for progression or transition. |
| Employability | A master’s degree can help you stand out, improve confidence, and strengthen professional value. |
| Change of direction | It allows you to shift into a new subject area or industry through structured learning. |
| Professional specialisation and networking | You gain industry exposure, build networks, and access work-based opportunities. |
| Flexibility of study | Many programmes offer part-time, online, or blended study modes. |
| Industry requirement | In some fields, a master’s degree is essential or strongly preferred for career growth. |
Now that you have found an answer to “why study for a masters degree?”, read below and find out how to choose the right master’s degree.
How to Choose a Masters Degree?
Choosing a master’s degree is not a small decision. You are investing time, money, and effort into a programme that should support where you want to go next. That is why it helps to be clear about your priorities before making a choice.
- Define Career Goals
Start by defining your career goals. You need to consider the job you want to do in the future and choose a master's programme that best prepares you. - Decide Mode of Study
Consider how you want to study. Online programmes can be a good option when you want to manage work with your studies. On the other hand, if you learn better through discussions and face-to-face interaction, an on-campus programme may be a better fit. - Check University Accreditation
It is also important to check whether the institution is properly accredited. Accreditation signals academic credibility and ensures your qualification is recognised by employers. - Consider the Cost and Return
Cost plays a major role in decision-making. Do not look at tuition fees alone. Consider the total investment, including living expenses and programme duration. At the same time, think about long-term outcomes. Will this degree strengthen your career prospects or open specialised opportunities? Weigh the overall cost against realistic professional growth before deciding. - Review the Curriculum and Specialisations
Finally, examine the curriculum carefully. Look for specialisations and subjects that match your interests and strengths, as the right courses will help you achieve the right career direction.
How to Apply for a Master’s Degree?
Applying for a master’s degree can feel overwhelming at first, especially with different universities following different admission processes. Knowing the basic steps in advance helps you stay organised and avoid last-minute confusion. While requirements may vary across universities, you generally need to follow the steps shown in the table below.
| Steps | What You Need to Do |
| Shortlist courses and universities | Choose programmes based on eligibility, subject background, and career goals. |
| Check official admission details | Visit university websites for application dates, requirements, and selection criteria. |
| Complete the online application | Register on the university portal and submit academic and personal details. |
| Prepare required documents | Keep mark sheets, degree or provisional certificates, and identity proof ready. |
| Appear for entrance exams | Most universities require an entrance test. For example, CUET-PG is used for many postgraduate courses, and IIT JAM is required for science-based master’s programmes. Some institutions may also accept international qualifications or conduct their own admission tests. Note: Not all master’s programmes require passing entrance exams. |
| Attend counselling or interviews | Shortlisted candidates may be called for counselling, interviews, or document verification. |
| Confirm admission | Complete fee payment and admission formalities after seat allocation. |
Conclusion
Choosing the right master’s degree is about aligning your interests, career goals, and learning style with a programme that supports long-term growth. Once you understand your options and objectives, you can make a confident decision to select a particular master’s programme. If you are exploring postgraduate study that balances academic depth with practical exposure,JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) master’s programmes help you build relevant skills while preparing you for real-world careers.
FAQs
Q1: Is masters a postgraduate degree?
A1: Yes, a master’s degree is a postgraduate degree.
Q2: How many years is a master's degree?
A2: A master’s degree typically takes one to two years.
Q3: What's the difference between a master's degree and a Ph.D.?
A3: Both a Ph.D and a master’s degree demonstrate advanced knowledge of a subject. However, a master's degree focuses on gaining existing knowledge in a chosen field, while a Ph.D focuses on generating original knowledge that contributes to that field.
Q4: Can I work while pursuing a master's degree?
A4: Yes, you can pursue a master’s degree while working full or part-time. Your work experience is a valuable addition to your resume and helps you gain better opportunities in future.