12 Alternatives to “Master’s Degree”

Good options include “Graduate degree”, “Postgraduate degree”, “Advanced degree.” The best choice depends on a master’s-level qualification in the appropriate academic context.

Choose the Term by Academic Context

  • Graduate degree
  • Postgraduate degree
  • Advanced degree
  • Master’s qualification
  • Graduate-level degree
  • Postgraduate qualification
  • Master’s-level qualification
  • Advanced academic degree
  • Taught master’s degree
  • Research master’s degree
  • Professional master’s degree
  • Second-cycle degree

Graduate degree

“Graduate degree” is a useful alternative when you want to emphasize a master’s-level qualification in the appropriate academic context. Choose it when that nuance matches the meaning you intend.

Example: She completed a graduate degree before moving into research.

Postgraduate degree

“Postgraduate degree” is a useful alternative when you want to emphasize a master’s-level qualification in the appropriate academic context. Choose it when that nuance matches the meaning you intend.

Example: She completed a postgraduate degree before moving into research.

Advanced degree

“Advanced degree” is a useful alternative when you want to emphasize a master’s-level qualification in the appropriate academic context. Choose it when that nuance matches the meaning you intend.

Example: She completed an advanced degree before moving into research.

Master’s qualification

“Master’s qualification” is a useful alternative when you want to emphasize a master’s-level qualification in the appropriate academic context. Choose it when that nuance matches the meaning you intend.

Example: She completed a master’s qualification before moving into research.

Graduate-level degree

“Graduate-level degree” is a useful alternative when you want to emphasize a master’s-level qualification in the appropriate academic context. Choose it when that nuance matches the meaning you intend.

Example: She completed a graduate-level degree before moving into research.

Postgraduate qualification

“Postgraduate qualification” is a useful alternative when you want to emphasize a master’s-level qualification in the appropriate academic context. Choose it when that nuance matches the meaning you intend.

Example: She completed a postgraduate qualification before moving into research.

Master’s-level qualification

“Master’s-level qualification” is a useful alternative when you want to emphasize a master’s-level qualification in the appropriate academic context. Choose it when that nuance matches the meaning you intend.

Example: She completed a master’s-level qualification before moving into research.

Advanced academic degree

“Advanced academic degree” is a useful alternative when you want to emphasize a master’s-level qualification in the appropriate academic context. Choose it when that nuance matches the meaning you intend.

Example: She completed an advanced academic degree before moving into research.

Taught master’s degree

“Taught master’s degree” is a useful alternative when you want to emphasize a master’s-level qualification in the appropriate academic context. Choose it when that nuance matches the meaning you intend.

Example: She completed a taught master’s degree before moving into research.

Research master’s degree

“Research master’s degree” is a useful alternative when you want to emphasize a master’s-level qualification in the appropriate academic context. Choose it when that nuance matches the meaning you intend.

Example: She completed a research master’s degree before moving into research.

Professional master’s degree

“Professional master’s degree” is a useful alternative when you want to emphasize a master’s-level qualification in the appropriate academic context. Choose it when that nuance matches the meaning you intend.

Example: She completed a professional master’s degree before moving into research.

Second-cycle degree

“Second-cycle degree” is a useful alternative when you want to emphasize a master’s-level qualification in the appropriate academic context. Choose it when that nuance matches the meaning you intend.

Example: She completed a second-cycle degree before moving into research.

Choose the Most Accurate Wording for “Master’s Degree”

Some terms are broader than “master’s degree.” Use the exact degree name on a CV, application, or formal academic record whenever accuracy matters.