What is an MA degree? A full guide

A Master of Arts (MA) degree is a graduate-level academic qualification awarded by universities worldwide. It signifies advanced knowledge and skills in a specific field of study, typically within the humanities and social sciences. 

The MA degree serves as a stepping stone for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding, enhance their career prospects or transition into new professional domains. It’s primary purpose is to offer students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge, acquire specialised skills and enhance their career prospects.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore everything from the nature of an MA degree and its purpose to the application process and potential career paths.

What is “Master of Arts”?

Put simply, it’s one of the two primary types of master’s degrees, the other being the Master of Science (MS). While the MA often focuses on liberal arts, humanities and social sciences, the MS typically focuses on scientific and technical fields. MA courses encourage critical thinking, research and analytical skills, allowing students to engage with theoretical frameworks and practical applications within their chosen discipline.

What does MA stand for?

MA stands for “Master of Arts”, a term that has its roots in Medieval European education systems. The MA degree meaning reflects a commitment to critical analysis, theoretical understanding and research skills, building upon the foundational knowledge gained during a bachelor’s degree. Nowadays, it’s a graduate-level degree awarded by universities, typically in fields related to the humanities, social sciences and sometimes fine arts.

What does an MA degree cover?

The structure and content of this postgraduate qualification varies between universities but they generally share several core components. Below is an overview of what an MA degree in the UK typically covers:

• Theoretical Frameworks: students engage with key theories and concepts that underpin their discipline, helping them to understand foundational perspectives.
• Research Methods: this module typically covers both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, equipping students with the skills to conduct independent research. This is essential for completing a thesis or project.
• Critical Analysis: students learn to critically assess literature, theories and empirical data, which is crucial for both academic writing and professional practice.

Types of MA degrees

MA degrees encompass a wide range of disciplines and many universities offer the flexibility to choose elective modules or specialisations, allowing students to focus on specific interests. Common areas of specialisation include:

• MA in English: this course often includes literary analysis, creative writing and critical theory. Students may study various genres, historical contexts and critical approaches to literature. Graduates can pursue careers as authors, editors, educators, literary critics or in publishing and communications.
• MA in History: students examine specific historical periods, themes and methodologies, often engaging with primary sources and historiographical debates. Career options include historians, museum curators, archivists, educators or roles in public history and cultural preservation.
• MA in Psychology: this course typically explores theoretical frameworks in psychology, research methods and applications in areas like counselling, social psychology or organisational psychology. Graduates may work as mental health counsellors, human resources specialists or in market research and organisational development.
• MA in Sociology: this degree examines social behaviour, institutions and structures, addressing topics like race, class, gender and social change. Career opportunities include social workers, community organisers, policy analysts and researchers in various sectors.
• MA in Communication: this degree explores communication theories, media studies, public relations and organisational communication strategies. Graduates may decide to pursue careers in public relations, marketing, corporate communication, journalism or social media management.
• MA in Political Science: students study political theory, international relations, comparative politics and public policy analysis. Graduates can work as policy analysts, political consultants, diplomats or in roles within government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

MA degree requirements

Still eager to pursue an MA degree? To move forward, you’ll need to meet certain academic and administrative requirements. Although these can differ depending on the institution and course, most MA degrees have a set of common criteria. Here’s a breakdown of the typical requirements you’ll need to fulfil:

• Bachelor’s Degree: most MA courses require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The degree does not always have to be in the same field as the MA course but relevant academic background can be advantageous.

• Application Form: applicants must complete an application form provided by the university, which usually includes personal details, academic history and course choice.
• Statement of Purpose: a written statement outlining the applicant’s reasons for pursuing the MA, academic interests, career goals and why they are interested in that specific course.
• Letters of Recommendation: most courses require two (or sometimes even three) letters of recommendation from academic or professional references who can speak to the applicant’s abilities and qualifications.
• Core Modules: MA courses typically require students to complete a set of core modules that cover foundational knowledge in their chosen field. These modules usually focus on theoretical frameworks, research methods and critical analysis.
• Research Component: Most MA courses require the completion of a dissertation or a major project, which involves conducting original research or practical application of knowledge in the field. This component usually constitutes a significant portion of the total credits required for the degree.

What can you do with an MA degree?

This type of degree opens up a diverse assortment of career opportunities across various fields. Graduates typically gain advanced skills in critical thinking, research and communication, making them attractive candidates for all sorts of professions. 

Below is an outline of potential career paths and opportunities available to MA degree holders:

Education

• Teaching: many MA graduates pursue careers in teaching at various educational levels, from primary and secondary schools to colleges and universities. An MA is often required for higher education teaching positions.
• Educational Administration: positions such as school administrators, academic advisors or educational consultants may be available to graduates, focusing on improving educational policies and practices.

Psychology and Counselling

• Counsellor or Therapist: an MA in psychology can lead to careers in mental health counselling, school psychology or therapy, often requiring additional qualifications.
• Human Resources: graduates can work in HR roles, focusing on employee well-being, organisational behaviour and training programmes.

Arts and Humanities

• Writing and Editing: graduates with an MA in English or Creative Writing can pursue careers as authors, editors or content creators for various media, including publishing houses, magazines and digital platforms.
• Cultural Management: opportunities in museums, galleries or cultural organisations, focusing on exhibitions, programming and community outreach.
• Journalism: an MA can pave the way for careers in journalism, including reporting, editing and multimedia storytelling.

Communication and Media

• Public Relations: graduates with an MA in communication can work in public relations, managing communication strategies for businesses, non-profits or government agencies.
• Marketing: roles in digital marketing, content strategy or brand management, using communication skills to promote products or services.
• Broadcasting and Media Production: opportunities in radio, television or online media production, including roles in writing, production and management

How to get an MA degree

Obtaining a Master of Arts degree is a structured process that involves several key steps, from preparing for your application to completing the course requirements. It’s important to reflect on your interests to determine which field you want to pursue for your MA before researching universities and the MA courses on offer. 

Once you’ve found a few courses that look like the right fit for you, start to familiarise yourself with the application processes. Craft a personal statement that outlines your academic background, motivations for pursuing an MA and career aspirations. Remember to tailor it to each course you apply to.

Need some financial aid? Explore your funding options, including scholarships and grants that may be available through the universities you are applying to. Some courses may require interviews as part of the application process but if not, the next step is to submit your application and await the admissions decisions. Typically, these decisions will be communicated via email or through an online portal.

Can you get an MA degree online?

Yes, earning an MA degree online is not only possible but also offers significant flexibility. One of the key advantages of online MA courses is that students can often access coursework from anywhere, allowing them to balance their studies with work, family or other commitments. 

Many universities around the world now offer fully online or hybrid MA courses, providing the opportunity to pursue advanced education remotely without the need to attend on-campus classes, making higher education more accessible to those with busy schedules.

Online MA courses typically use learning management systems such as Moodle, Canvas or Blackboard. These platforms host lectures, reading materials, assignments and discussion forums, allowing students to access coursework at their convenience. They also tend to offer a mix of asynchronous (self-paced) and synchronous (real-time) learning. 

Final thoughts

Earning an MA degree is a significant step toward achieving both personal and professional milestones. It not only deepens your expertise in a specific field but also enhances critical thinking, research abilities and problem-solving skills that are valuable in today’s ever-changing and competitive job market. 

Whether you choose to study full-time, part-time or online, an MA degree provides you with the advanced skills, knowledge and critical thinking needed to excel in a wide range of fields. From expanding career opportunities to deepening your expertise in a particular area, an MA degree equips you to make meaningful contributions to your chosen profession.