About our Master's qualifications
Explore your postgraduate study options
Types of qualification
We offer the following postgraduate qualifications, which are awarded on the results of examinations (usually consisting of both written papers and the submission of a dissertation or report) following a course of advanced study.
Find out more about the Master's study experience at Imperial, including how you are taught and assessed.
Showcase area
Master of Science (MSc)
What is it?
- Provides in-depth training in a specialist subject as well as an opportunity to hone your expertise and develop your research and/or technical skills.
- Combines taught material with an element of independent research, normally assessed in the form of a substantial dissertation or report.
Career path
Very flexible, providing the foundation for specialisation or diversification into a different sector/industry.
Also often the route onto a graduate programme or into a more specialised role.
Imperial MSc alumni include:
- Formula 1 aerodynamicist
- Researcher/scientist
- Antibiotic pharmacist
- Investment banking analyst
- Energy sector field engineer
- Engineering consultant
- Entrepreneur
Master of Research (MRes)
What is it?
- A research orientated route which offers greater independence of learning and increased specialisation for those intending to undertake extensive research.
- It provides a good foundation for doctoral study or a research career in industry or in the public sector.
Career path
Further research either as a research assistant or PhD student. Many of the courses offered at Imperial are science based and therefore lead to scientific positions.
Imperial MRes alumni include:
- Development engineer
- Marine conservationist
- Biomedical scientist
- Research technician
- Medical scientist
Master of Public Health (MPH)
What is it?
- Combines taught material with a compulsory dissertation and placement as a public health professional.
- Includes a specialist stream in Global Health for students who want to understand the health, economic, political, social and bio-medical challenges and innovations associated with poor health worldwide.
Career path
Public health practice and related fields.
Imperial MPH alumni include:
- Medical educator
- Public health specialist
- Environmental health officer
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
What is it?
- For people in a demanding job who want to accelerate or change their careers.
- Offered within Imperial College Business School as a one year full-time programme, a weekend version, a two-year Executive MBA, and a two-year Global MBA, delivered online.
Career path
Requires prior three years or more work experience. The Imperial MBA is ideally suited to those with a strong specialised or technical background, now seeking to progress into strategic and leadership roles.
Imperial MBA alumni include:
- Business development manager
- Senior consultant
- Project manager
- Product strategy
- Entrepreneur
Master of Education (MEd)
What is it?
Founded in research but also includes taught material and a compulsory dissertation. At Imperial, the MEd is offered in University Learning and Teaching, aimed primarily at College and associated staff.
Career path
Progression in an established career in the field.
Imperial MEd alumni include:
- Surgical registrar
- Consultant anaesthetist
- Doctor
- Medical researcher
European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System
The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is an academic credit system for higher education widely used throughout the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). It is a central tool in the Bologna Process, and increases the transparency and understanding of qualifications within the EHEA.
How does ECTS work?
ECTS credits express the volume of learning based on the achievement of defined learning outcomes and their associated workload. The credits you accumulate are transferable, meaning you may be able to use them towards another programme offered by the same institution or by another institution.
The ECTS value of our degrees is displayed on our course pages. The typical credit ranges are 90-120 units for Master's degrees. The ECTS does not apply to doctoral programmes.