What is the difference between MA and MSc ?

Hi,

As a swiss fellow, I would like to know the differences between Master in Art, MA, and Master in Science, MSc.
Especially in academical and "recruitment" value .

Thanks,
Stan

 

In UK, in most universities it is simply related to the subject area, there is no difference in status or value.

In Scottish universities MA is the normal first degree in most subjects, with higher degrees in arts being designated as MPhil.

At Oxford and Cambridge all undergraduates take a BA degree and progress almost automatically to MA (as senior members of the university) 3 or 4 years later, so again taught master's degrees there are designtaed as MPhil in arts subjects.

Malcolm S Jenner

 

In UK, in most universities it is simply related to the subject area, there is no difference in status or value.

In Scottish universities MA is the normal first degree in most subjects, with higher degrees in arts being designated as MPhil.

At Oxford and Cambridge all undergraduates take a BA degree and progress almost automatically to MA (as senior members of the university) 3 or 4 years later, so again taught master's degrees there are designated as MPhil in arts subjects.

Malcolm S Jenner

 

In US schools, at least in matters of religion and theology and Bible, an MA differs from the MS in a couple of ways. Usually the MA is considered an "academic" degree whereas the MS is professional or "practical." The MA will often have a thesis or an equivilent element and the MS will more likely have an internship. Sometimes the MA will have language requirements that the MS wont. In our field the MA usually is considered amore difficult and more academic program.

Tom LaHue, BA, MA