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Updated: 27-Nov-2008

Degrees and degree classification - postgraduate

As at other British universities, successful students at Buckingham are awarded qualifications. The validity of these qualifications is based on recognition by relevant professional bodies and by our Royal Charter (1983).

Although some certificates and diplomas are awarded (see details for individual courses) our main qualifications are known as degrees. In ascending order of seniority these are:

Masters' Degrees

Masters' degrees can be awarded for taught programmes or for research.

The titles of these degrees are also related to the subjects studied

  • Master of Arts (MA) Humanities Subjects
  • Master of Science (MSc) Science and Business Subjects
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • Master of Laws (LLM)

Master's degrees are classified as follows:

  • pass - MA, MSc, MBA, LLM
  • merit - MA (Merit), MSc (Merit), MBA (Merit), LLM (Merit)
  • distinction - MA (Distinction), MSc (Distinction), MBA (Distinction), LLM (Distinction)

Doctoral Degree

The degree of Doctor of Medicine (MD) is awarded for the MD in Clinical Medicine programme.

Only one title of degree is awarded to successful doctoral students in other subjects - Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil), although the name of the subject is added afterwards - for example DPhil in English Literature.

See also: