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Types of courses

Master’s level study at Imperial is designed to be challenging.

It is a progression from undergraduate study and is usually more specialised, interdisciplinary, or orientated to a specific profession.

It often involves learning new technical skills, and requires you to think about concepts and methods more critically and more deeply than at undergraduate level.

Explore the different types of postgraduate taught courses we offer at Imperial.

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 modules with a research project, which typically lasts around four months.
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?

A globally recognised degree that equips professionals with leadership, strategic thinking, and management skills to accelerate their careers or transition into new industries.

Offered within Imperial College Business School as a one year full-time programme, a weekend and an Executive MBA lasting 23 months, and a Global Online MBA lasting 21, 24 or 32 months.

Postgraduate Certificates and Postgraduate Diplomas

A Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) and Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) are postgraduate qualifications at the same level as a Master’s degree, but they consist of fewer credits.

They offer a flexible way to gain advanced knowledge without the time commitment of a full Master's degree.

What is a PG Cert?

A PG Cert is a short postgraduate qualification that typically includes a selection of taught modules. It allows you to gain specialist expertise in a focused area.

At Imperial, a PG Cert consists of at least 30 credits (ECTS). This makes it a valuable option for professionals looking to upskill or explore a subject at an advanced level.

What is a PG Dip?

A PG Dip builds on the PG Cert, offering a more in-depth course of advanced study.

It typically includes additional taught modules and/or research modules and consists of at least 60 credits (ECTS). This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a deeper understanding of their subject area without undertaking a full Master’s degree.

Entry routes, progression opportunities and exit awards

Depending on your choice of course, you may be able to:

Start with direct entry into a PG Cert or PG Dip.
‘Top up’ your studies, progressing from a PG Cert to a PG Dip, and potentially to a full Master’s degree by completing further credits.
Exit with a PG Cert or PG Dip if you begin a Master’s but decide not to complete the full degree.

The availability of these options varies by course, so we recommend checking individual course pages for details on entry routes, progression opportunities, and exit awards.

Whichever path you choose, a PG Cert or PG Dip provides a recognised qualification that can enhance your career prospects and academic development.

Research project

We place great emphasis on the integration of our Master’s level courses with our world class research portfolio.

Your course will normally include a significant piece of research that will be submitted as a report or dissertation.

You may also undergo a viva (oral examination) on your work. MRes students may undertake more than one project, with this component accounting for more than 50 per cent of the final degree award.

The quality of your own understanding, thinking and initiative are very important in the research project, demonstrated by posing questions and seeking answers, using and applying techniques and research skills, analysing data, and reviewing literature.

On most courses, there is a period of several months with little scheduled teaching when the bulk of the research project is carried out, requiring you to plan your time effectively.

Your project will normally be supervised by an academic member of staff. However, they may delegate some of the day-to-day supervision to a member of their team, such as a PhD student, who can give you more practical advice.