Masters degrees can be taught programmes of study (MA or MSc) or research-based programmes (MRes or MPhil). In a MA or MSc programme you will typically complete an independent piece of research as your dissertation in addition to completing your taught modules, while in a MRes or MPhil programme your course will be focusing on one or more extended projects and may not contain any formal teaching. Depending on your chosen course and your preferences a Masters course can vary from between 1-3 years.