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| Types of Graduate Qualifications | In most English-speaking countries, the hierarchy of degrees is the following:
1. Associate's degree
It is usually two years; often an intermediate degree before finishing Bachelor's. Many universities do not propose the Associate's degree.
2. Bachelor's degrees (graduate degrees; first degrees).
It usually takes three or four yearsof studing. In a few cases, a degree called "bachelor" is in fact a graduate degree.
3. Master's degrees
These are sometimes placed in a further hierarchy, sbegining with degrees such as the Master of Arts and Master of Science, then Master of Philosophy, and at last Master of Letters.
4. Doctorates
These are frequently further separated into research and professional doctorates.
In the UK and countries whose education systems were founded on the British model, such as the U.S., the master's degree was for a long time the only graduate degree normally honored, while in most European countries except for the UK, the master's degree almost vanished. In the second half of the 19th century, though, U.S. universities began to follow the European model by awarding doctorates, and this practice increase in the UK. On the other hand, a lot of European universities now suggest master's degrees equivalent to their ordinary system, so as to propose their students better chances to compete in an international market conquered by the American model.
Honorary degrees
The majority of universities award honorary degrees, regularly at the graduate level. These are awarded to a wide range of people, such as artists, musicians, writers, politicians, businesspeople, and so on in appreciation of their successs in their different fields.
Non-degree qualifications
Graduate education engages studying for qualifications such as certificates and diplomas and is usually lower than degrees. It is sometimes used for getting a degree, or as a part of preparation for a particular career.
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