The Masters degree uses many approaches to attain effective learning, but when it comes to key teaching methods, seven have become universal.
Since most Мasters courses last only one year, the academic experience can be quite intensive compared to an undergraduate degree. As a Masters student you will begin to specialise in topics that interest you, or explore a particular area of research which you may wish to undertake for further study.
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Curricular approaches
Teaching and learning methods, and the type of Masters degree coursework you will be expected to complete, can be very different at postgraduate and undergraduate level. How you are taught will largely depend on your course content, level of study, and your academic tutor, although in all cases you will be required to undertake a significant amount of independent study.
Studying at Masters level involves a greater emphasis on self-directed learning than at undergraduate level. You will need to think and study independently, conduct more extensive background reading, and defend your ideas in seminars and tutorials.
Self-directed learning is a key element of the Masters journey. You will be expected to take responsibility for your own learning and you will need to manage your time effectively to fit this around your academic timetable, and all your other activities.
Independent study doesn’t mean studying alone. There are plenty of opportunities to study in groups, and many courses actively promote peer mentoring and peer-assisted study schemes.
Learning support
Faculty and staff, at any university, have appointed office hours when you can ask for their help in transitioning to postgraduate study. You can get help developing your skills in academic writing or research, or any other skills specific to your degree programme.
One key thing to look for in a good Masters programme is access to professors and staff you can actually talk to and build a relationship with. You should be able to approach your professors and university staff with any questions about your course, your study or any aspect of your work.
Peer support
Peer support schemes are support structures led by students, for students. They aim to give you a sense of belonging and identity with the university and, ultimately, to enhance your student experience.
Also read: How to Choose the Elective Courses in Your Master's
Many subject areas have dedicated postgraduate drop-in sessions and there are frequent opportunities for Masters students to network with their peers.
Your personal academic account
Nowadays it has become a staple that all universities have their own information management systems where students log in with their own accounts. There, you will usually have access to your schedule, workshops and online support on academia, employability, and well-being. Such programmes can help you hone the skills you’ll need to successfully manage your Masters degree coursework and complete your programme, including how to research, reference, and write in an academic style.
The seven key teaching methods
But how exactly is the Masters taught? What are the tools and methods used to teach you? Here are the “holy seven”.
#1. Discussions
Students are encouraged to discuss anything they have read in class or independently, weighing its merits or considering its application in the professional world.
Discussions are an important part of the overall Masters experience, giving you not only access to other viewpoints on the subject, but also helping you understand different ways of thinking – skills that are just as valuable in your career as in the classroom.
Classes sometimes include students hailing from more than 40 countries, creating a genuinely multicultural learning environment that makes group work richer and more dynamic.
#2. Laboratory and practical learning
Learning by doing – or experiential learning – is an essential part of many courses, particularly if you are studying for a science, engineering or health-related degree. These sessions aim to give you an insight into a working environment, knowledge of experimental methods, and techniques and an understanding of the academic material taught on the course.
You may be asked to work independently, in pairs or as part of a small team and for most courses, where a practical element is incorporated, you will be required to submit a piece of work which will count towards your overall result.
#3. Field trips
Fieldwork or field trips are a compulsory element of some courses. Similar to laboratory and practical work, fieldwork can help you put your theoretical knowledge into practice. Trips can range from one-day sessions to longer, more in-depth expeditions, both domestically and abroad, that allow you to explore specific areas or learn particular techniques.
Each course differs but you may need to pay extra for your field trips, so keep that in mind when budgeting for the year.
#4. Problem-based/Enquiry-based learning (PBL/EBL) and simulations
PBL or EBL groups are presented with a real-life problem or scenario and you will need to work as a team to investigate potential solutions while working out what skills or knowledge you need to solve it. It’s another form of experiential learning.
Closely related to this method is the use of business simulation games, which are increasingly common in management and business Masters programmes. Some tools place students in the role of a decision-maker navigating competitive markets.
Real-world simulations provide a hands-on, interactive learning experience that allows students to apply the theories and concepts they have learned in the classroom to real-world scenarios. MIT Sloan (US) was among the pioneers of this approach.
#5. Projects
You will be asked to complete a final project. You will normally be able to choose, within the parameters of your project, how much time to spend on it. In some cases you may be asked to give a formal presentation of your project’s results.
Also read: Theoretical vs. Practical Knowledge in Masters Studies
The final project – whether a dissertation, research paper, or consultancy report – is typically the most substantial and independently driven piece of work you will produce during your Masters. It is your opportunity to demonstrate everything you have learned, and in many cases it becomes a valuable talking point in job interviews or applications for doctoral study.
#6. E-learning, hybrid learning, and AI in education
The role of digital tools in Masters education has expanded dramatically in recent years. What was once described as an “online component” of an otherwise in-person course is now a fundamental part of how postgraduate programmes are designed and delivered. Hybrid models which blend in-person and online instruction have become the norm rather than the exception at institutions worldwide.
AI in education is also reshaping how programmes are taught. Most prospective students now expect artificial intelligence to be part of their curriculum, the Graduate Management Admission Council reported in 2026. Leading business schools are responding by integrating AI tools into coursework – from data analysis and forecasting exercises to AI-assisted case study research.
7. Co-curricular activities
Involvement in co-curricular activities is another way for students to complement what they are learning in the classroom and develop practical, people-focused skills. Student, career and professional clubs, internships, voluntary activities, work projects, diversity and multicultural events, and academic competitions are the most common co-curricular activities in which students are involved.
Study-abroad modules, international consulting projects, and diversity events remain popular choices, and many schools now actively structure these opportunities into the programme calendar.
Originally published: 2 May 2017
Updated: 10 August 2026
