Following an undergraduate programme the graduate has a number of options to gain further higher academic awards. The higher awards are normally at Masters Level 7[1] but could also be at Doctorate level (Level 8). The Masters awards at L7 are varied and provide a number of opportunities for graduates from fully taught programmes to full research. These are explained below:
The Integrated Masters - an Integrated Masters joins a four year undergraduate programme. Normally an additional year to the typical three-year undergraduate programme with 120 credits at Level 7 added after the undergraduate programme. Despite having Level 7 modules, the Integrated Masters are still deemed to be undergraduate courses. An Integrated Masters may have a separate UCAS number so students enrol straight away on to the four year programme.
Students are normally expected to perform well in the earlier years before going on to the more specialised study.
Examples of Integrated Masters are, Masters in Biology (MBiol), Masters in Chemistry (MChem), Masters in Engineering (MEng), Masters in Sciences (MSci) and Masters in Physics (MPhys). Graduates gain a single award and do not have a formal BSc exit award in addition to the MSci award. Generally each year of the Integrated Masters runs from September/October to May/June.[2]
The traditional postgraduate taught Masters Award differs from the Integrated Masters as it is a standalone award, again at Level 7 but with an additional 60 credits making 180 credits in total. Generally the 180 credits cover a full calendar year. Many universities offer the opportunity to study part time as well.
There are three main examples (i) a taught Masters (MSc) which can either focus on discipline depth or breadth (the latter often being referred to as a Conversion Masters); (ii) a MRes - an advanced postgraduate research degree in a specific academic discipline (and generally includes some taught elements) which, in many cases, is designed to prepare students for doctoral research; and (iii) a MPhil which is designed for individual graduate students after completing several years of original research and usually serves as a provisional enrollment for a PhD.
The traditional Masters award at 180 credits results in an MSc award and graduates would normally have two degrees – BSc (Hons) and MSc. So the key differences between the MSci and the MSc generally relate to the project aspect of the two programmes with the MSc having a much greater proportion (typically about 60 credits) compared to a 30 or 40 credit project. The MSci has the L7 year as 120 credits and the MSc has the L7 as 180 credits.
Masters level and Educational Accreditation - the Society accredits taught Masters courses. For those courses that deliver a Level 7 PG Certificate (60 credits) or PG Diploma (120 credits) as distinct exit awards then there will generally be insufficient academic/professional content to enable full Educational Accreditation. In these situations the ‘Recognition’ award may be more relevant.
As the MSci awards are an integrated course then accreditation can be sought for the full course (full time or part time). Often universities convert their BSc (Hons) programme into the MSci by adding an additional year to the BSc (Hons) programme. If the BSc (Hons) had been accredited then it is generally accepted that the MSci will become accredited although it is expected that a mapping to the Component Standards is also carried out to ensure continued forensic science is incorporated.
[1] Level 7 is referred to in England, Northern Ireland and Wales and as Level 11 in Scotland. There will be other Levels in other Countries.
[2] For further information on your Masters level awards and Educational Accreditation please email accreditation@csofs.org
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