What is an MA Degree?

The Master of Arts (MA) is a postgraduate degree focused on the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. Because it covers a number of subjects, the MA degree tends to be a popular master's degree, along with the Master of Science (MSc).

By earning your MA degree, you may be able to gain specialised knowledge, further develop your skills, advance in your career, and qualify for higher salaries.

Discover the subjects you can study if you're interested in earning an MA degree, how long it takes to earn this degree, and how it compares to other types of master's degrees. 

What is an MA degree?

An MA is a type of postgraduate degree that can help you deepen your knowledge of a subject in the humanities, social sciences, and arts.

MAs typically take around two years to complete when you're able to attend full-time, and in-person, while part-time MAs can take up to four years to complete. Postgraduate degrees usually cost between £4,900 and £30,000 per year, with the average around £11,000 per year, depending on factors such as university and degree type [1]. Typically, MA degrees are less expensive than other master’s degrees, such as MBA or Master of Science degrees. You may find that online master's degrees are more affordable because each programme's overheads tend to be lower. On top of that, you don't have to relocate to attend.

MA degree subjects

You can earn your MA degree in a number of subjects, including English literature, creative writing, art history, political science, and more. You don't have to earn your MA degree in the same subject as your bachelor's degree, but it’s helpful if you do, and may be a requirement for many MA degree programmes.

In an MA programme, you can choose to study:

• Anthropology

• Art and Science

• Communication

• Economics

• Education leadership

• History

• International relations

• Literature

• Philosophy

• Politics 

• Psychology

• Sociology

• Theatre

What does earning an MA degree involve?

As a taught master’s degree, the MA degree programme includes a combination of coursework and a master's dissertation or research project that allows you to showcase your research skills on a topic of your choice.

Your classes will likely include lectures and seminars that allow you to interact with your professors on specific topics and subtopics. You can also expect to spend time working with other students on group projects and taking various assessments. 

How does an MA degree differ from other types of master’s degree?

The biggest difference between an MA degree and other master's degrees has to do with what you study and how. The type of master’s degree you earn typically reflects the subject you majored in (or in the case of master's programmes specialised in).

Another difference is that earning an MA is less likely to lead to a predetermined career path compared to other kinds of master's degrees. For instance, earning your master's degree in philosophy can prepare you for a number of roles, whereas earning your Master of Education (MEd) prepares you to advance your career in education.

Other master's degrees, such as the Master of Fine Arts (MFA), are considered terminal degrees in their fields, meaning that it is the highest degree you can earn in that subject. Once you graduate, you may apply to teach at the university level if you hold that degree. 

Here's how master's degrees compare:

• A Master of Science (MSc) usually applies to science fields, including nursing, engineering, biology, and statistics, but some schools offer this degree in certain social sciences subjects, such as psychology. MSc degree coursework may include more of an emphasis on technical skills development.

• A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is an incredibly popular master's degree for those who are interested in deepening their understanding of business, finance, marketing, and management. In addition to getting a foundational overview of business, you can typically choose to specialise in an area (e.g., marketing or international business).

• The Master of Social Work (MSW) is a master's degree for those interested in a career as a licensed clinical social worker, substance abuse counsellor, counsellor, and more. These degree programmes typically include courses designed to help you prepare to become a qualified social worker, and may include fieldwork.

• The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is designed to prepare students for careers in public service administration. This degree shares many similarities with the Master of Business Administration, but people who choose this degree typically plan to pursue work with government or non-profit agencies.

• A Master of Education (MEd) applies to the field of education. Students who choose this degree may work as classroom teachers or pursue careers as administrators, policy makers, or school improvement leaders. 

• A Master of Science in Nursing (MSc) programme is typically used by nurses or individuals with a bachelor’s degree in nursing who want to advance their careers. With this degree, you may be able to seek leadership positions within a health care facility.

• The Master of Law (LLM) was developed for people who have a first degree in law but want to pursue further legal studies. Many universities offer specialist degrees that allow you to earn an LLM in a specialist area. This is helpful if you want to practise a specific type of law, such as corporate law. 

What are the entry requirements for an MA degree?

The entry requirements for an MA degree can vary, but in many cases, you will need at least a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree.

Other requirements may include the following:

• Application

• Supporting documents (e.g. a portfolio) 

• Essay or writing sample

• Letters of recommendation

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam scores if English is not first language

• Transcripts from previous schools, certificates, or other degrees

In some cases, you may also attend an interview with the university. 

What can I do with an MA degree?

After completing your MA degree, you can pursue new career opportunities, seek career advancement opportunities, or continue your education by earning a PhD.

The careers you can pursue will ultimately depend on what you study. For example, if you study English, you can go on to become a copywriter, content writer, editor, or social media manager, among a range of other roles. This is because subjects in the humanities and social sciences emphasise valuable workplace skills, such as analytical thinking, creativity, and resilience, which are among the most desired skills in the workplace according to the World Economic Forum [2].

In fact, students tend to appreciate MA and MSc degrees because of the career flexibility they offer. Rather than pursuing one set path, they can use the degree to explore a few different options with the specialised knowledge and advanced skills they've acquired.

Get started on Coursera

An MA degree focuses on advanced studies in the humanities, social sciences, and arts, offering career flexibility and opportunities for specialisation in a variety of fields. If you’re looking for greater flexibility as you consider earning your master's degree or other postgraduate degree, then a completely online master’s degree from a leading university on Coursera could be a good fit. Many programmes offer open courses that you can try for free before applying to the full degree programme. One example is an MA in International Relations, Security & Strategy, offered by the O.P. Jindal Global University.