What is the difference between a taught and a research master's?

A taught master's is mainly classes and assessments. A research master's centers on an independent research project with a supervisor.

Which is better for a PhD?

A research master's gives more research experience, but a strong taught master's with a good dissertation can also prepare you.

Is a research master's funded?

Sometimes, particularly in some countries and fields. Taught master's students more often pay fees themselves.

Which is more flexible?

Taught degrees usually offer more structure and variety, while research degrees offer independence in one topic.

Can I switch from one to the other?

Sometimes, depending on the institution, so ask about progression routes.

Taught vs Research Master's: Structure, Funding, Careers, PhD Route

The words "taught" and "research" are used most in the UK and countries with similar systems, but the distinction exists everywhere under different names. In a taught master's, you spend most of your time in classes, doing coursework and sitting exams, usually finishing with a dissertation. In a research master's, you spend most of your time on an independent project under a supervisor, with fewer classes. The two feel very different, and they lead to different places. Choosing wrongly can mean a year of work that does not match what you wanted.

Terms, structures and funding differ by country and institution. This guide uses no figures and is general information. Read each program's own description.

At a glance

Factor	Taught master's	Research master's
Main activity	Classes, coursework, assessments	Independent research project
Dissertation	Usually a smaller final project	A larger thesis, often the main part of the degree
Supervision	Light, mostly for the dissertation	Regular, central to the degree
Structure	Defined modules and deadlines	Flexible, set by you and your supervisor
Assessment	Exams, essays, projects	Thesis, sometimes viva or defense
Typical aim	Specialize, change field or gain professional skills	Prepare for research or a PhD
Funding	Often self-funded	Sometimes funded or partly funded
Entry	Good degree in relevant field	Strong degree plus research potential and a supervisor match

Names differ. In some systems, the research master's is called an MPhil, MRes or a thesis-based master's. Check the program's own terminology.

How a taught master's works

Modules or courses make up most of the degree, some required and some optional.
Teaching includes lectures, seminars, labs and group work.
Assessment uses essays, exams, presentations and projects throughout.
A dissertation or capstone at the end, typically a smaller piece of research or an applied project.
A cohort, so you study with a group of classmates.
Professional focus, with links to employers, industry projects or placements in many programs.

Taught degrees suit people who want structure, a broad grounding or a professional qualification. Our guide to one-year vs two-year master's explains how length affects the experience.

How a research master's works

A supervisor guides your project, meeting you regularly.
A research question is developed, often with a literature review, methodology, data collection and analysis.
Some training in research methods, which may be coursework or workshops.
A thesis, which can be a substantial document defended in an examination.
Greater independence, which suits self-starters and can feel isolating.
A department community, rather than a class cohort, in many cases.

Research degrees reward curiosity, discipline and the ability to manage a long project. Our guide to contacting potential supervisors explains how to find and approach a supervisor.

Entry requirements

Taught master's programs typically ask for a good bachelor's degree in a relevant subject, a statement of purpose and references. Research master's programs usually look for stronger academic records, relevant research experience, a clear research proposal or interest, and a supervisor who agrees to take you. Some programs require you to have a supervisor identified before you apply.

Funding

Funding differs between the two.

Taught master's students commonly pay tuition and living costs, though scholarships, loans and employer support exist.
Research master's students may be eligible for funding, such as studentships, assistantships or research council awards, in some countries and fields, but not all.
Fees may differ between the two.

Always check each program's policy.

Preparing for a PhD

If you hope to do a doctorate, think about which master's will help most.

A research master's gives hands-on experience of a long project, a thesis and a supervisor relationship, which can strengthen a PhD application and show that you can do research.
A taught master's can still help, especially if it includes a substantial dissertation and strong grades, and it may suit those who want to deepen knowledge or change fields before specializing.
Some doctoral programs accept students directly from a bachelor's, and some expect a master's.

Preparing for careers

Taught master's degrees are often designed to prepare for professions, such as management, data, public policy and engineering management, and may include employer links.
Research master's degrees prepare for research roles in universities, laboratories, policy institutes and industry research.
Some employers value research skills such as analysis and writing, and others prefer practical experience.

Ask programs where graduates work, not just how many continue to study.

Who each tends to suit

Taught often suits people who:

Want a defined curriculum and deadlines.
Want to change fields or build professional skills.
Prefer learning in a group.
Are not sure about a research career.
Want links with employers.

Research often suits people who:

Enjoy independent, in-depth work.
Want to test whether a PhD is right.
Have a specific research question.
Are comfortable with ambiguity and self-direction.
Want funding opportunities that exist for research degrees.

Differences by country

In the UK, the distinction is explicit, and taught master's degrees are often one year. In the US, many master's degrees mix coursework with an optional thesis, and a research-oriented master's may be a stepping stone within a PhD program. In continental Europe, master's degrees often include a substantial thesis, and research is integrated. In Canada, you may choose course-based, project-based or thesis-based routes.

Always read the program details, since labels can mislead.

Questions to ask programs

How is the degree assessed, and how much is coursework versus thesis?
What supervision is provided, and by whom?
How many students have done a PhD afterward, and where?
What funding is available?
Where do graduates work?
What research training is included?
Can I switch between taught and research routes?

A worked example

Imagine a student who loves sociology but is unsure whether a PhD is for her. She compares a taught master's and a research master's in her field. The taught program offers a broad range of modules and a short dissertation. The research program offers a year-long project and a supervisor who studies a topic she cares about, and has some funding. She decides to try the research route to test her fit, and finishes with a thesis, a clear view that she enjoys research and a strong application for a PhD.

She used the degree as an experiment, and learned what she needed to know.

Switching and progression routes

Some institutions let you start on a taught program and move to a research route if you do well, or transfer between them in the first term. Ask about progression and any conditions. If you want the option of a PhD, check whether the master's counts toward doctoral entry requirements.

Making the dissertation count

In a taught degree, the dissertation is your best chance to show research ability. Choose a topic you care about, find a supervisor who engages with your work and aim to produce something you could discuss at an interview or a PhD application.

Talking to people

Speak to current students on each type of program, and to a supervisor if you are leaning toward research. Ask how much support they get, how they spend their weeks and what they wish they had known.

Time commitment and rhythm

Taught degrees run to a calendar of classes and deadlines that keeps you moving. Research degrees depend on your own rhythm, with fewer fixed points, so build your own schedule with weekly goals and regular meetings with your supervisor. Many research students say that setting a routine early was the most important thing they did.

Common mistakes

Choosing a research degree without knowing what research involves.
Choosing a taught degree when you want research training.
Not checking supervision arrangements.
Assuming research degrees are always funded.
Relying on labels that vary between countries.
Ignoring career outcomes.
Not asking about progression to a PhD.

A quick checklist

Do I want structure and breadth, or independence and depth?
Have I tried research, and enjoyed it?
Do I understand how the degree is assessed and supervised?
Have I checked funding and costs?
Does the program prepare me for what I want next?

Final thoughts

Taught and research master's degrees serve different purposes. Choose a taught degree for structure, breadth and professional skills, and a research degree for independence, depth and preparation for research. Read each program's structure carefully, ask about supervision and funding, and be honest about how you like to work.