British degree abbreviations

Template:Short description Degree abbreviations are used as an alternative way to specify an academic degree instead of spelling out the title in full, such as in reference books such as Who's Who and on business cards. Many degree titles have more than one possible abbreviation, with the abbreviation used varying between different universities. In the UK it is normal not to punctuate abbreviations for degrees with full stops (e.g. "BSc" rather than "B.Sc."), although this is done at some universities.

Overview

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies lays down five levels of qualification with the title of degree: foundation (not in Scotland), ordinary and honours bachelor's (only separate levels in Scotland), master's and doctoral. These relate to specific outcome-based level descriptors and are tied to the Bologna Process.<ref name="FHEQ Titles">Template:Cite book</ref>

It is common to put the name of the awarding institute in brackets after the degree abbreviation, e.g. BA (Lond). A list of standard abbreviations for British universities can be found at Template:Section link.

Note that the lists below include historical degrees that may not currently be offered in British universities.

Anomalies

For historical reasons some universities (the ancient universities of England and Scotland) do not fully adhere to the Framework (particularly with respect to the title of Master of Arts), and degrees in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine are titled as bachelor's degrees despite being at master's level.<ref name="FHEQ Masters">Template:Cite book</ref>

Undergraduate Master of Arts degrees

The usage in the ancient universities is not consistent with the Framework or the Bologna Process. The ancient universities of England (Oxford and Cambridge) grant an MA degree that is not a substantive qualification but reflects the ancient practice of these universities of promoting BAs to MAs (and thus full membership of the University) a few years after graduating (see Master of Arts (Oxbridge and Dublin)). The ancient universities of Scotland award an undergraduate MA (see Scottish MA) instead of a BA. For students to obtain a master's degree consistent with the framework in these ancient English universities, they have created the MSt (Master of Studies) to address this anomaly and differentiate between the degrees, both master's.

The MAs from Aberdeen, Heriot-Watt, Glasgow, Edinburgh and St Andrews are considered bachelor's level qualifications on the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and first cycle qualifications under the Bologna Process, while the Oxbridge MAs are considered "not academic qualifications" (the actual qualification being the BA).<ref name="FHEQ Masters"/>

Master's level bachelor's degrees

Conversely, some bachelor's degrees in the "higher faculties" at the older universities in the UK (e.g. those other than arts at Oxford and Cambridge) are postgraduate qualifications (e.g. the BCL and BMus at Oxford). Many have been changed to the corresponding master's degree (e.g. BSc is now MSc at Oxford), but only within the last generation. The BD (Bachelor of Divinity) remains a higher degree at some universities (e.g. Oxford, Cambridge, St Andrews and, until recently, Durham) but is an undergraduate degree at most (e.g. London, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow).

Bachelor's degrees in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, while undergraduate degrees, are longer courses and are considered to be master's level qualifications in the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and second cycle qualifications under the Bologna Process.<ref name="FHEQ Masters"/>

Bachelor/Master/Doctor of Philosophy

There is an international (but not universal) custom that certain degrees will be designated '.... of Philosophy'. Examples are the BPhil (Bachelor of Philosophy), MPhil (Master of Philosophy) and PhD or DPhil (Doctor of Philosophy). Most recipients of such degrees have not engaged in a specialised study of academic philosophy – the degree is available for almost the whole range of disciplines. The origins lie in the ancient practice of regarding all areas of study as elements of 'philosophy' with its Greek meaning, 'friend of wisdom'. Thus holders of an MPhil degree may have earned it in any academic discipline.

Foundation level qualifications

Foundation degree qualifications are at level 5 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. They are classified under the Bologna Process as short cycle (within or linked to the first cycle) qualifications.<ref name="FHEQ Table">Template:Cite book</ref>

The prepositions in the qualifications' names as awarded vary between institutions and are sometimes omitted.<ref name=lboro>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=HESA>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

• FdA, FDA, FDArts – Foundation Degree [in/of/of the] Arts
• FdEd, FDEd – Foundation Degree [in/of] Education
• FdEng – Foundation Degree [in/of] Engineering
• FDS, FDSc – Foundation Degree [in/of] Science

Bachelor's level qualifications

These qualifications sit at level 6 (bachelor's level) of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and are first cycle (end of cycle) qualifications under the Bologna Process.<ref name="FHEQ Table"/>

Most British bachelor's degrees are honours degrees and indicated by putting "(Hons)" after the degree abbreviation. A student achieving a pass grade, below honours standard, may be awarded an "ordinary degree" or a "pass degree" and may not add "(Hons)".

As noted above, the MAs of the ancient universities of Scotland are also at this level and may also add "(Hons)" after their acronyms. Both these and bachelor's degrees with honours at Scottish universities are four-year courses at level 10 of the Framework for Qualifications of Higher Education Institutes in Scotland. Scottish bachelor's degrees without honours (including non-honours MAs from the ancient universities of Scotland) are three-year course with less specialisation (an Ordinary Degree or a General Degree) at level 9 of the Framework for Qualifications of Higher Education Institutes in Scotland.<ref name="FHEQ Scotland">Template:Cite book</ref>

Some of the following are postgraduate degrees in a few universities, but generally bachelors are undergraduate degrees.

• AgrB – Bachelor of Agriculture<ref name=Shaw>Template:Cite book</ref>
• BA – Bachelor of Arts<ref name=lboro/>
  • BA(Admin) – Bachelor of Arts in Administration<ref name=Shaw/>
  • BACom – Bachelor of Arts in Commerce<ref name=Shaw/>
  • BAEcon – Bachelor of Arts in Economics<ref name=Shaw/>
  • BA(Ed) – Bachelor of Arts in Education<ref name=Shaw/>
  • BA(FS) – Bachelor of Arts in Financial Studies<ref name=Shaw/>
  • BAI – Bachelor of Arts in Engineering (Arte Ingeniaria)<ref name=Shaw/>
    • BAI(Elect) – Bachelor of Arts in Electrical Engineering<ref name=Shaw/>
    • BAI(Mech) – Bachelor of Arts in Mechanical Engineering<ref name=Shaw/>
  • BALaw – Bachelor of Arts in Law<ref name=Shaw/>
  • BAO – Bachelor of Arts in Obstetrics (Arte Obstetricia)<ref name=Shaw/>
  • BARelSt – Bachelor of Arts on Religious Studies<ref name=Shaw/>
  • BASc – Bachelor of Arts and Science<ref name=HESA/>
  • BASoc – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology<ref name=Shaw/>
  • BATheol – Bachelor of Arts in Theology<ref name=Shaw/>
• BA/BSc – Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science<ref name=HESA/>
• BAcc – Bachelor of Accounting<ref name=Shaw/>
• BAdmin – Bachelor of Administration<ref name=Shaw/>
• BAgr – Bachelor of Agriculture<ref name=Shaw/>
• BAH – Bachelor of Animal Health<ref name=Shaw/>
• BArch – Bachelor of Architecture<ref name=Shaw/>
• BArchSc – Bachelor of Architectural Science<ref name=Shaw/>
• BBA – Bachelor of Business Administration<ref name=Shaw/>
• BBLS – Bachelor of Business and Legal Studies<ref name=Shaw/>
• BBS – Bachelor of Business Studies<ref name=Shaw/>
• BBus – Bachelor of Business<ref name=Shaw/>
• BChem – Bachelor of Chemistry<ref name=Durham>Template:Cite web</ref>
• BCL – Bachelor of Civil Law<ref name=Shaw/>
• BCLD(SocSc) – Bachelor of Community Learning and Development in Social Sciences<ref name=Shaw/>
• BClinSci – Bachelor of Clinical Science<ref name=Shaw/>
• BCom – Bachelor of Commerce<ref name=Shaw/>
• BCombSt – Bachelor of Combined Studies<ref name=Shaw/>
• BCommEdCommDev – Bachelor of Community Education and Community Development<ref name=Shaw/>
• BComSc – Bachelor of Commercial Science<ref name=Shaw/>
• BD – Bachelor of Divinity<ref name=Shaw/>
• BDes – Bachelor of Design<ref name=Shaw/>
• BDiv – Bachelor of Divinity<ref name=HESA/>
• BEconSc – Bachelor of Economic Science<ref name=HESA/>
• BEconSci – Bachelor of Science in EconomicsTemplate:Citation needed
• BEd – Bachelor of Education<ref name=lboro/>
• BEng – Bachelor of Engineering<ref name=lboro/>
• BES – Bachelor of Engineering Studies<ref name=Shaw/>
• BEng(Tech) – Bachelor of Engineering in Technology<ref name=Shaw/>
• BEng/BSc – Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Science<ref name=HESA/>
• BFA – Bachelor of Fine Art<ref name=Oxford/>
• BFin – Bachelor of Finance<ref name=Shaw/>
• BFLS – Bachelor of Financial and Legal Studies<ref name=Shaw/>
• BFST – Bachelor of Food Science and Technology<ref name=Shaw/>
• BH – Bachelor of Humanities<ref name=Shaw/>
• BHealthSc – Bachelor of Health Sciences<ref name=Shaw/>
• BHSc – Bachelor of Health Science<ref name=HESA/>
• BHy – Bachelor of Hygiene<ref name=Shaw/>
• BIBA – Bachelor of International Business Administration<ref name=Shaw/>
• BJur – Bachelor of Jurisprudence<ref name=Shaw/>
• BL – Bachelor of Law<ref name=Shaw/>
• BLE – Bachelor of Land Economy<ref name=Shaw/>
• BLegSc – Bachelor of Legal Science<ref name=Shaw/>
• BLib – Bachelor of Librarianship<ref name=Shaw/>
• BLing – Bachelor of Linguistics<ref name=Shaw/>
• BLitt – Bachelor of Letters<ref name=Shaw/> or Bachelor of LiteratureTemplate:Citation needed
• BLittCelt – Bachelor of Celtic Letters<ref name=Shaw/>
• BLS – Bachelor of Library Studies<ref name=lboro/>
• BM – Bachelor of Medicine<ref name=HESA/>
• BM – Bachelor of Midwifery<ref name=HESA/>
• BMedSc – Bachelor of Medical Science(s)<ref name=Shaw/>
• BMedSci – Bachelor in Medical Science<ref name=HESA/>
• BMet – Bachelor of Metallurgy<ref name=Shaw/>
• BMid – Bachelor of Midwifery<ref name=Shaw/>
• BMidWif – Bachelor of Midwifery<ref name=HESA/>
• BMin – Bachelor of MinistryTemplate:Citation needed
• BMS – Bachelor of Midwifery Studies<ref name=Shaw/>
• BMSc – Bachelor of Medical Science<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• BMus – Bachelor of Music<ref name=Shaw/>
• BMusEd – Bachelor of Music Education<ref name=Shaw/>
• BMusPerf – Bachelor of Music Performance<ref name=Shaw/>
• BN – Bachelor of Nursing<ref name=Shaw/>
• BNatSci – Bachelor in Natural Science<ref name=HESA/>
• BNS – Bachelor of Nursing Studies<ref name=Shaw/>
• BNurs – Bachelor of Nursing<ref name=Shaw/>
• BOptom – Bachelor of Optometry<ref name=HESA/>
• BOst – Bachelor of Osteopathy<ref name=HESA/>
• BPA – Bachelor of Public Administration<ref name=Shaw/>
• BPA – Bachelor of Performing Arts<ref name=HESA/>
• BPharm – Bachelor of Pharmacy<ref name=Shaw/>
• BPhil – Bachelor of Philosophy<ref name=Durham/>
• BPhil(Ed) – Bachelor of Philosophy in Education<ref name=Shaw/>
• BPhys – Bachelor of Physics<ref name=Durham/>
• BPhysio – Bachelor of Physiotherapy<ref name=Shaw/>
• BPl – Bachelor of Planning<ref name=Shaw/>
• BRadiog – Bachelor of Radiography<ref name=Shaw/>
• BSc – Bachelor of Science<ref name=lboro/>
  • BScAgr – Bachelor of Science in Agriculture<ref name=Shaw/>
  • BSc(Dairy) – Bachelor of Science in Dairying<ref name=Shaw/>
  • BScD – Bachelor of Science in Dentistry<ref name=Shaw/>
  • BSc(DomSc) – Bachelor of Science in Domestic Science<ref name=Shaw/>
  • BScEc – Bachelor of Science in Economic and Social StudiesTemplate:Citation needed
  • BScEcon – Bachelor of Science in Economic Science<ref name=Shaw/> or Bachelor of Economic and Social Studies<ref name=Cardiff>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • BSc(Econ) – Bachelor of Science in Economics<ref name=Shaw/>
  • BSc(Ed) – Bachelor of Science in Education<ref name=Exeter>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • BSc(Eng) – Bachelor of Science in Engineering<ref name=Shaw/>
  • BScFor – Bachelor of Science in Forestry<ref name=Shaw/>
  • BScHW – Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellbeing
  • BSc(HealthSc) – Bachelor of Science in Health Science<ref name=Shaw/>
  • BSc(Hort) – Bachelor of Science in Horticulture<ref name=Shaw/>
  • BSc(MCRM) – Bachelor of Science in Marine and Coastal Reserve Management<ref name=Shaw/>
  • BSc(Med) – Bachelor of Science in Medicine<ref name=Shaw/>
  • BSc(Mid) – Bachelor of Science in Midwifery<ref name=Shaw/>
  • BSc(Min) – Bachelor of Science in Mining<ref name=Shaw/>
  • BSc(Psych) – Bachelor of Science in PsychologyTemplate:Citation needed
  • BScHSc – Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
  • BScPH – Bachelor of Science in Public Health<ref name=Shaw/>
  • BScTech – Bachelor of Science in Technology<ref name=Shaw/>
• BSocSc – Bachelor of Social Sciences<ref name=Shaw/>
• BSS – Bachelor of Social Studies<ref name=Shaw/>
• BSt – Bachelor of Studies
• BStSu – Bachelor of Deaf Studies<ref name=Shaw/>
• BSW – Bachelor of Social Work<ref name=HESA/>
• BTCP – Bachelor of Town and County Planning<ref name=Shaw/>
• BTech – Bachelor of Technology<ref name=lboro/> (not to be confused with BTEC)
• BTechEd – Bachelor of Technological Education<ref name=Shaw/>
• BTh – Bachelor of Theology<ref name=Oxford/>
• BTheol – Bachelor of Theology<ref name=Glasgow>Template:Cite web</ref>
• BTS – Bachelor of Theatre Studies<ref name=Shaw/>
• EdB – Bachelor of Education<ref name=Shaw/>
• LittB – Bachelor of Literature or Bachelor of LettersTemplate:Citation needed
• LLB – Bachelor of Laws<ref name=Durham/>
  • LLB(Eur) Bachelor of Laws (European)<ref name=Exeter/>
• MA – Master of Arts (bachelor's level at some Scottish universities)<ref name="FHEQ Masters"/>
  • MA(SocSci) – Master of Arts (Social Sciences)<ref name=Glasgow/>
• MusB – Bachelor of Music<ref name="Cam MusB">Template:Cite web</ref>
• ScBTech – Bachelor of Science in Technology<ref name=Shaw/>

Master's level qualifications

These qualifications sit at level 7 (master's level) of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and are second cycle qualifications under the Bologna Process.<ref name="FHEQ Table"/>

Undergraduate-entry degrees

Undergraduate-entry "Integrated master's" degrees are offered with honours, and so may add (hons) after the degree abbreviation. These are substantive master's degrees integrating undergraduate and master's level study, with the final qualification being at the same level as postgraduate master's.<ref name="FHEQ Masters"/>

Primary qualifications in medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine are taken as undergraduate-entry courses and are denominated bachelor's degrees, but are normally offered without honours These are also qualifications at the same level as postgraduate master's degrees, but retain the name of bachelor's for historical reasons.<ref name="FHEQ Masters"/> The Bachelors of Medicine and Surgery are always taken together as the primary medical qualification in the UK, equivalent to the American MD.

Note that where there is a similarly titled postgraduate master's degree, the formulation " Master in ..." is used for the undergraduate degree and "Master of ..." for the postgraduate degree (e.g. MArt/MA, MSci/MSc). Where there is no equivalent postgraduate degree, either "in" or "of" is used.

Integrated master's degrees

• MAcc – Master in Accountancy<ref name=Durham/>
• MAccFin – Master of Accounting and Finance<ref name=HESA/>
• MAnth – Master in Anthropology<ref name=Durham/>
• MArabic – Master of Arabic Studies<ref name=HESA/>
• MArc – Master of Archaeology<ref name=HESA/>
• MArch – Master of Architecture<ref name=Cardiff/>
• MArt – Master in Arts<ref name=Durham/>
• MART – Master of Art<ref name=HESA/>
• MBio – Master of Biomedical Sciences, Master of Biological Sciences<ref name=HESA/>
• MBiochem – Master of Biochemistry<ref name=Oxford/>
• MBiol – Master of Biology<ref name=HESA/> or Master in Biological Sciences<ref name=Cardiff/>
• MBiolSci – Master of Biological Science<ref name=HESA/>
• MBiomed – Master in Biomedical Sciences<ref name=Cardiff/>
• MBioMedSci – Master of Biomedical Science<ref name=HESA/>
• MBioms – Master of Biomedical Sciences<ref name=HESA/>
• MBus – Master in Business and Management<ref name=Durham/> or Master of Business<ref name=HESA/>
• MChD – Master in Dental Surgery<ref name=HESA/>
• MChem – Master of Chemistry<ref name=lboro/>
• MChemPhys – Master of Chemical Physics<ref name=HESA/>
• MChiro – Master of Chiropractic<ref name=HESA/>
• MClass – Master of Classical Studies<ref name=HESA/>
• MClassL – Master of Classical Languages<ref name=HESA/>
• MComp – Master of Computer Science<ref name=lboro/> or Master of Computing<ref name=HESA/>
• MCompPhil – Master of Computer Science and Philosophy<ref name=HESA/>
• MCompSci – Master of Computer Science<ref name=HESA/>
• MComSC – Master of Community and Social Care<ref name=HESA/>
• M.CMAc – Master of Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture<ref name=HESA/>
• MCreW – Master of Creative Writing<ref name=HESA/>
• MDiv – Master of Divinity<ref name=HESA/>
• MDes – Master of Design<ref name=HESA/>
• MDrama – Master of Drama and Theatre Studies<ref name=HESA/>
• MEarthPhys – Master of Earth Physics<ref name=HESA/>
• MEarthSci – Master of Earth Science<ref name=HESA/>
• MEcol – Master of Ecology<ref name=HESA/>
• MEcon – Master of Economics<ref name=HESA/>
• MEdStud – Master of Education Studies<ref name=HESA/>
• MEng – Master of Engineering<ref name=lboro/>
• MEngLit – Master of English<ref name=HESA/>
• MEnv – Master of Environmental Science<ref name=HESA/>
• MEnvSc – Master of Environmental Science
• MESci – Master of Earth Science<ref name=HESA/>
• MFin – Master of Finance<ref name=HESA/>
• MFor – Master of Forestry<ref name=HESA/>
• MGeog – Master of Geography<ref name=HESA/>
• MGeogSCI – Master of Geographical Science<ref name=HESA/>
• MGeol – Master of Geology<ref name=HESA/>
• MGeophys – Master of Geophysics<ref name=HESA/>
• MGeoSci – Master in Geology<ref name=HESA/>
• MHist – Master of History<ref name=HESA/>
• MHRM – Master of Human Resource Management<ref name=HESA/>
• MInf – Master of Informatics<ref name=HESA/>
• MLA – Master of Landscape Architecture<ref name=HESA/>
• MLang – Master of Languages<ref name=HESA/>
• MLaw – Master of Law<ref name=HESA/>
• MLibArts – Master of Liberal Arts<ref name=HESA/>
• MLing – Master of Linguistics<ref name=HESA/>
• MMarBiol – Master of Marine Biology<ref name=HESA/>
• MMark – Master in Marketing<ref name=Durham/>
• MMath – Master of Mathematics<ref name=lboro/>
• MMath&Phys – Master of Mathematics and Physics<ref name=HESA/>
• MMathCompSci – Master of Mathematics and Computer Science<ref name=Oxford/>
• MMathPhil – Master of Mathematics and Philosophy<ref name=Oxford/>
• MMathPhys – Master of Mathematics and Physics<ref name=Oxford/>
• MMathStat – Master of Mathematics and Statistics<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• MMBiol – Master of Marine Biology<ref name=HESA/>
• MME – Master of Mechanical Engineering<ref name=HESA/>
• MMedSci – Master of Medical Science<ref name=HESA/>
• MMet – Master of Meteorology<ref name=HESA/>
• MMkt – Master in Marketing<ref name=HESA/>
• MMorse – Master of Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics<ref name=HESA/>
• MMSc – Master of Marine Science<ref name=HESA/>
• MNatSc – Master of Natural Science<ref name=HESA/>
• MNeuro – Master in Neuroscience<ref name=Cardiff/>
• MNeuroSci – Master of Neuroscience<ref name=HESA/>
• MNSW – Master of Nursing and Social Work<ref name=HESA/>
• MNurs – Master of Nursing<ref name=HESA/>
• MNursSci – Master of Nursing Science<ref name=HESA/>
• MNutr – Master of Nutrition<ref name=HESA/>
• MOcean – Master of Oceanography<ref name=HESA/>
• MOptom – Master of Optometry<ref name=HESA/>
• MOSci – Master of Ocean Science<ref name=HESA/>
• MOst – Master of Osteopathy<ref name=HESA/>
• M.Ost. – Master of Osteopathy<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• MPharm – Master of Pharmacy<ref name=Durham/>
• MPharmacol – Master of Pharmacology<ref name=HESA/>
• MPhilSt – Master of Philosophical Studies<ref name=HESA/>
• MPhyPhil – Master of Physics and Philosophy<ref name=HESA/>
• MPhys – Master of Physics<ref name=lboro/>
• MPhysio – Master of Physiotherapy<ref name=HESA/>
• MPhysPhil – Master of Physics and Philosophy<ref name=Oxford/>
• MPlan – Master of Town and Regional Planning<ref name=HESA/>
• MPLAN – Master of Planning<ref name=HESA/>
• MPol – Master of Politics and International Relations<ref name=HESA/>
• MPsych – Master of Psychology<ref name=HESA/>
• MRelSt – Master of Religious Studies<ref name=HESA/>
• MSci – Master in Science<ref name=lboro/> (Master of Natural Sciences at Cambridge<ref name="Cam MSci">Template:Cite web</ref>)
• MScOT or MScOccTher – Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
• MSLT – Master of Speech and Language Therapy<ref name=HESA/>
• MSoc – Master of Sociology<ref name=HESA/>
• MSocStud – Master of Social Studies<ref name=HESA/>
• MSPRT – Master of Sport<ref name=HESA/>
• MStat – Master of Statistics<ref name=Exeter/>
• MTheatre – Master of Theatre<ref name=HESA/>
• MTheol – Master in Theology<ref name=HESA/>
• MTCP – Master of Town and Country Planning<ref name=HESA/>
• MVetPhys – Master of Veterinary Physiotherapy<ref name=HESA/>
• MZOOL – Master of Zoology<ref name=HESA/>

Primary dental qualifications

• BChD – Bachelor of Dental Surgery<ref name=HESA/>
• BDOS – Bachelor of Dental and Oral Sciences<ref name=HESA/>
• BDS – Bachelor of Dental Surgery<ref name=Shaw/>
• DDS – Doctor of Dental Surgery

Primary medical qualifications

• BMBS – Bachelors of Medicine and Surgery<ref name="FHEQ Table"/> or Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery<ref name=HESA/>
• BMBCh – Bachelors of Medicine and Surgery<ref name=Oxford>Template:Cite web</ref>
• MB, BChir – Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery<ref name=HESA/>
• MBBCh – Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery<ref name=HESA/>
• MBBS – Bachelors of Medicine and Surgery<ref name="FHEQ Table"/> or Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery<ref name=HESA/>
• MBChB – Bachelors of Medicine and Surgery<ref name="FHEQ Table"/> or Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery <ref name=HESA/>
• MD – Doctor of Medicine

Primary veterinary qualifications

• BVS – Bachelor of Veterinary Surgery<ref name=Shaw/>
• BVetM – Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine<ref name=Shaw/>
• BVetMed – Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine<ref name=Shaw/>
• BVM&S – Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery<ref name=Shaw/>
• BVMBVS – Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine, Bachelor of Veterinary Science<ref name=HESA/>
• BVMedSci – Bachelor of Veterinary Medical Science<ref name=HESA/>
• BVMS – Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine<ref name=HESA/>
• BVMSci – Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Science<ref name=HESA/>
• BVSc – Bachelor of Veterinary Science<ref name=HESA/>
• VetMB – Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine<ref name=Shaw/>

Postgraduate degrees

Postgraduate master's degrees may be either taught degrees or research degrees. Taught master's degrees may be awarded by an institution with taught degree awarding powers; master's degrees by research (e g MPhil, MRes), where over half of the student's effort is in original research, require research degree awarding powers.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Postgraduate degrees are not normally honours degrees and thus do not add "(Hons)". Some degrees may be offered as either integrated master's or postgraduate master's courses at different institutes, e.g. MEng and MArch.

A few postgraduate degrees at Oxford are titled as bachelor's degrees. These are, nonetheless, master's level qualifications. Template:Div col

• BCL – Bachelor of Civil Law (Oxford)<ref name=Oxford/><ref name="Ox BCL">Template:Cite web</ref>
• BPhil – Bachelor of Philosophy (Oxford)<ref name=Oxford/><ref name="Ox BPhil">Template:Cite web</ref>
• EMBS – European Master in Business Sciences<ref name=Wales>Template:Cite web</ref>
• LLM – Master of Laws<ref name=Durham/> (Master of Law at Cambridge<ref name="Cam Law"/>)
  • LLM(Res) Master of Laws (Research)<ref name=Wales/>
• MA – Master of Arts<ref name=lboro/>
• MArch – Master of Architecture<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• MASt – Master of Advanced Study<ref name="Cam MASt">Template:Cite web</ref>
• MBA – Master of Business Administration<ref name=lboro/>
• MBL – Master of Business and Law<ref name=Wales/>
• MComp – Master of Composition<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• MCD – Master of Civic Design<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• MCh – Master of Surgery<ref name=Oxford/>
• MCL – Master of Corporate Law<ref name="Cam Law">Template:Cite web</ref>
• MClinDent – Master of Clinical Dentistry<ref name=Cardiff/>
• MDes – Master of Design<ref name=lboro/>
• MEd – Master of Education<ref name=Imperial>Template:Cite web</ref>
• MEng – Master of Engineering<ref name=Exeter/>
  • MEng(Eur) – Master of Engineering (European)<ref name=Exeter/>
• MEP – Master of Educational Practice<ref name=Cardiff/>
• MFA – Master of Fine Art<ref name=Oxford/>
• HMHW – Higher Master in Health and Wellbeing
• MJur – Master of Jurisprudence<ref name=Durham/> (Law) (Magister Juris at Oxford)<ref name="Ox MJur">Template:Cite web</ref>
• MLaw – Master in Law<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• MLib – Master of Librarianship<ref name=Wales/>
• MLit – Master of Literature<ref name=HESA/>
• MLitt – Master of Letters<ref name=Durham/>
• MMin – Master of Ministry<ref name=Wales/>
• MMus – Master of Music<ref name=Durham/>
• MPA – Master of Public Administration<ref name=Cardiff/>
• MPerf – Master of Performance<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• MPH – Master of Public Health<ref name=Imperial/>
• MPhil – Master of Philosophy<ref name=lboro/> (under the Framework, the MPhil is "normally reserved" for longer master's courses with a significant research element, or for PhD candidates who do not reach sufficient level for the award of a doctorate<ref name="FHEQ Titles"/>)
• MPP – Master of Public Policy<ref name=Oxford/>
• MProf – Master of Professional Studies<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> or Master of Professional Practice<ref name=Durham/>
• MRes – Master in Research<ref name=Durham/>
  • MbyRes – Master by Research
• MSc – Master of Science<ref name=lboro/>
  • MSc(Eur) – Master of Science (European)<ref name=Exeter/>
  • MScEcon – Master of Economic and Social Studies<ref name=Cardiff/>
  • MScD – Master of Science in Dental Science<ref name=Cardiff/>
  • MScHW – Master of Science in Health and Wellbeing
• MSt – Master of Studies<ref name=Oxford/>
• MSW – Master of Social Work<ref name=Durham/>
• MTeach – Master of Teaching<ref name=London>Template:Cite web</ref>
• MTL – Master of Teaching and Learning<ref name=Durham/>
• MTh – Master of Theology<ref name=Oxford/>
• MTheol – Master of Theology<ref name=Durham/>
• MUniv – Master of the University (the MUniv is only ever an honorary degree)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• MusM – Master of Music<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Doctoral degrees

UK doctoral degrees are at level 8 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and are third cycle qualifications under the Bologna Process. All doctoral degrees include "original research or other advanced scholarship" demonstrating "the creation and interpretation of new knowledge".<ref name="FHEQ Doctors">Template:Cite book</ref>

Due to the flexibility of Latin word order, there are two schools in the abbreviation of doctor's degrees. The two ancient universities of England split on this: at Cambridge, D follows the faculty (e.g. PhD, LittD.), while at Oxford the D precedes the faculty (e.g. DPhil, DLitt). Most universities in the UK followed Oxford for the higher doctorates but followed international precedent in using PhD for Doctor of Philosophy and professional doctorates.

The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications lays down the naming convention that Doctor of Philosophy is reserved for doctorates awarded on the basis of examination by thesis or publication, or by artefact, composition or performance accompanied by written academic commentary. Other doctorates (typically styled professional or specialist doctorates) that have substantial taught elements normally include the field in the name of the degree.<ref name="FHEQ Titles"/>

Higher doctorates are normally awarded as honorary degrees (honoris causa), but can also be awarded on the basis of a substantial body of published work. DUniv is only ever an honorary degree. Some degrees awarded as higher doctorates by one institution may be awarded as professional doctorates by another (e.g. EngD).

Professional / specialist doctorates

• AdminD – Doctor of Administration<ref name=Shaw/>
• AMusD – Doctor of Musical Arts<ref name=Shaw/>
• ClinPsyD – Doctor of Clinical Psychology<ref name=Shaw/>
• DAHP – Doctor of Advanced Healthcare Practice<ref name=Cardiff/>
• DAP – Doctor of Academic Practice<ref name=Shaw/>
• DAppEdPsy – Doctor of Applied Educational Psychology<ref name=Ncl/>
• DBA – Doctor of Business Administration<ref name=Durham/>
• DBAEngTech – Doctor of Business Administration Engineering Technology<ref name=LJMU/>
• DBL – Doctor of Business Leadership<ref name=Shaw/>
• DBS – Doctor of Biomedical Science<ref name=Shaw/>
• DClinPrac – Doctor of Clinical Practice<ref name=Shaw/>
• DClinPsy – Doctor of Clinical Psychology<ref name=Cardiff/>
• DClinPsych – Doctor of Clinical Psychology<ref name=Oxford/> or Doctor of Clinical and Community Psychology<ref name=Exeter/>
• DCouns – Doctor of Counselling<ref name=Manc>Template:Cite web</ref>
• DClinSci – Doctor of Clinical Science
• DDP – Doctor of Design Practice<ref name=Shaw/>
• DDS – Doctor of Dental Surgery<ref name=Shaw/>
• DEd – Doctor of Education<ref name=Shaw/>
• DEdChPsy – Doctor of Educational and Child Psychology<ref name=Manc/>
• DEdPsy – Doctor of Educational Psychology<ref name=Cardiff/>
• DEng – Doctor of Engineering<ref name=Oxford/> (awarded as a higher doctorate by some universities)
• DFA – Doctor of Fine Arts
• DFin – Doctor of Finance<ref name=Shaw/>
• DFT – Doctor of Family Therapy<ref name=Shaw/>
• DForenPsy – Doctor of Forensic Psychology<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• DHealthPsy – Doctor of Health Psychology<ref name=LJMU>Template:Cite web</ref>
• DHC – Doctor of Health Care<ref name=Shaw/>
• DHS – Doctor of Health Studies<ref name=Cardiff/>
• DHSc – Doctor of Health Science
• DHum – Doctor of Humanities<ref name=Shaw/>
• DHy – Doctor of Hygiene<ref name=Shaw/>
• DLang – Doctor of Languages<ref name=Shaw/>
• DM – Doctor of Medicine<ref name=Shaw/> (awarded by thesis at some universities; awarded as a higher doctorate at some universities)
• DMA – Doctor of Musical Arts<ref name=Shaw/>
• DMan – Doctor of Management<ref name=Shaw/>
• DMet – Doctor of Metallurgy<ref name=Shaw/>
• DMin – Doctor of Ministry<ref name="Postgraduate">Template:Cite web</ref>
• DMus – Doctor of Music<ref name=Shaw/> (awarded as a higher doctorate at some universities)
• DMW – Doctor of Midwifery<ref name=Shaw/>
• DNurs – Doctor of Nursing<ref name=Cardiff/>
• DNursSc – Doctor of Nursing Science
• DOccTher – Doctor of Occupational Therapy<ref name=Shaw/>
• DOT – Doctor of Occupational Therapy
• DPA – Doctor of Public Administration<ref name=Shaw/>
• DPH – Doctor of Public Health<ref name=Shaw/>
• DProf – Doctor of Professional Studies<ref name=Shaw/>
• DProfCounsPsy – Professional Doctorate in Counseling Psychology
• DProfHW – Professional Doctorate in Health and Wellbeing
• DPS – Doctor of Professional Studies
• DPT – Doctor of Physiotherapy<ref name=Shaw/>
  • DPhysio – Doctor of Physiotherapy
• DPT – Doctor of Physical Therapy
• DPT – Doctor of Practical Theology<ref name=Manc/> or Practical Theology Doctorate<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• DSocCare – Doctor of Social Care<ref name=Shaw/>
• DSportExPsy – Doctor of Sport and Exercise Psychology<ref name=LJMU/>
• DSportExSci – Doctor of Applied Sport and Exercise Science<ref name=LJMU/>
• DSW – Doctor of Social Work<ref name=Cardiff/>
• DTh – Doctor of Practical Theology<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• DThM – Doctor of Theology and Ministry<ref name=Durham/>
• DTour – Doctor of Tourism<ref name=Shaw/>
• EdChPsychD – Doctor of Educational and Child Psychology
• EdD – Doctor of Education<ref name=Durham/>
• EDD – Professional Doctorate in Education
• EdPsychD – Doctor of Educational Psychology<ref name=Shaw/>
• EngD – Doctor of Engineering<ref name=lboro/> or Engineering Doctorate<ref name=Ncl>Template:Cite web</ref>
• EntD – Doctor of Enterprise<ref name=Manc/>
• HScD – Doctor of Health Science<ref name=Shaw/>
• JD – Juris Doctor<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• MD – Doctor of Medicine (awarded by thesis at some universities; awarded as a higher doctorate at some universities)
• MusD – Doctor of Music (awarded as a higher doctorate at some universities)
• PsychD – Doctor of Psychology<ref name=Shaw/>
• SocSciD – Doctor of Social Sciences<ref name=Shaw/>
• SocScD – Doctor of Social Science
• SPPD – Doctor of Social and Public Policy<ref name=Cardiff/>
• ThD – Doctor of Theology

Doctorates by thesis or composition

• DDS – Doctor of Dental Surgery<ref name=Cardiff/>
• DNursSci -Doctor in Nursing Science<ref name=Cardiff/>
• DPhil – Doctor of Philosophy<ref name=Oxford/>
• MD – Doctor of Medicine<ref name="Durham Thesis">Template:Cite web</ref>
  • MD(Res) – Doctor of Medicine (Research)<ref name=Imperial/>
• PhD – Doctor of Philosophy<ref name=lboro/>

Higher and honorary degrees

• DCh – Doctor of Surgery<ref name=Ncl/>
• DCL – Doctor of Civil Law<ref name="Durham Higher">Template:Cite web</ref>
• DD – Doctor of Divinity<ref name=Durham/>
• DDS – Doctor of Dental Surgery<ref name=edin>Template:Cite web</ref>
• DDSc – Doctor of Dental Science<ref name=Cardiff/>
• DEd – Doctor of Education<ref name=edin/>
• DHL – Doctor of Humane Letters
• DLitt – Doctor of Letters<ref name=lboro/>
• DLit – Doctor of Literature<ref name=Imperial/>
  • DLit(Ed) – Doctor of Literature (Education)<ref name=Imperial/>
• DM – Doctor of Medicine<ref name=Oxford/>
• DMus – Doctor of Music<ref name="Durham Higher"/>
  • Hon DMus – Honorary Doctor of Music
• Dr.h.c. or Dr.(h.c.) – Doctor honoris causa<ref name=Shaw/>
• DSc – Doctor of Science<ref name=lboro/>
  • DSc(Econ) – Doctor of Science (Economics)<ref name=Imperial/>
  • DSc(Eng) – Doctor of Science (Engineering)<ref name=Imperial/>
  • DSc(Med) – Doctor of Science (Medicine)<ref name=Imperial/>
  • DSc (Social Science) – Doctor of Science in Social Science<ref name=edin/>
• DScEcon – Doctor of Economic and Social Studies<ref name=Cardiff/>
• DTech – Doctor of Technology<ref name=lboro/>
• DUniv – Doctor of the University<ref name=lboro/>
• DVM&S – Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery<ref name=edin/>
• EngD – Doctor of Engineering
• LittD – Doctor of Letters
• LLD – Doctor of Laws<ref name=Cardiff/>
• ScD – Doctor of Science
• MA(h.c.) – Honorary Master of Arts (Oxford, Dublin and Cambridge)

See also

• Post-nominal letters
• Foundation degree
• List of British universities
• Degrees of the University of Oxford
• British undergraduate degree classification