Master’s Degree Top Up

Complete the final 60-credit stage of a Master’s Degree through an approved research project and dissertation under academic supervision.

The PSB University Master’s Top-Up is designed for learners who have already completed a relevant postgraduate qualification equivalent to a 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma / Level 7 qualification and wish to progress to completion of a full Master’s Degree.

Apply Now
Enquire Now
Download Brouchure

12 Months

Programme Duration

6 Credits

Total UK Credits (60 ECTS / 30 SLQF)

12 Modules

6 Core + 6 Specialisation

Mode

Online / Blended

Master’s Degree – Top Up

Programme Overview

How the Top Up Works

The Top-Up stage comprises a 60-credit Master’s Research Project / Dissertation. It does not include conventional taught modules; learners complete an approved independent research project under the guidance of an appropriately qualified academic supervisor.

- 60 Credits - Final Top-Up research component

- 6 Months - Standard programme duration

- Online / Blended - Research supervision modes

- 180 Credits* - Total Master’s qualification

Key Academic Requirements

At a Glance

  • Relevant Postgraduate Diploma / RQF Level 7 or equivalent
  • Research Proposal: 1,500–2,000 words
  • Dissertation: 12,000–15,000 words
  • Assessment through proposal approval, research progress and final dissertation
  • Awarding University: PSB University

* Credit recognition and total qualification structure are subject to the specific approved PSB University programme regulations.

01

Topic & Literature

Identify the research topic and undertake a preliminary literature review.

02

Research Proposal

Develop the research problem, aim, objectives, questions, framework, methodology and ethics.

03

Research Project

Conduct data collection where applicable, followed by analysis, interpretation and discussion.

04

Dissertation

Complete conclusions, recommendations and final dissertation / thesis submission.

Available Degrees

Master’s Top-Up Degrees

PSB University awards are available in the following fields, subject to the approved programme and academic requirements.

• Module 01

Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Top-Up

• Module 02

Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management & Leadership – Top-Up

• Module 03

Master of Business Administration in Human Resource Management – Top-Up

• Module 04

Master of Business Administration in Marketing Management – Top-Up

• Module 05

Master of Business Administration in Business Analytics – Top-Up

• Module 06

Master of Business Administration in Logistics & Supply Chain Management – Top-Up

• Module 07

Master of Business Administration in Information Technology Management – Top-Up

• Module 08

Master of Education (M.Ed.) – Top-Up

• Module 09

Master of Science in Psychology – Top-Up

Specializations

Academic ComponentCredits / Details
Recognized Prior Postgraduate Learning120 Credits*
Master’s Research Project / Dissertation60 Credits
Total Master’s Qualification180 Credits
Taught ModulesNone
Research Proposal1,500–2,000 words
Final Dissertation12,000–15,000 words
Standard Duration6 Months
Study ModeOnline / Blended Research Supervision

Important:

Credit recognition and the total qualification structure must be confirmed under the specific approved PSB University programme regulations.

Research & Dissertation

From research idea to final dissertation

The research project must demonstrate Master’s-level critical thinking, independent investigation, methodological competence, academic writing, and contribution to knowledge or professional practice.

01

Topic & Literature

Identify the research topic and undertake a preliminary literature review.

02

Research Proposal

Develop the research problem, aim, objectives, questions, framework, methodology and ethics.

03

Research Project

Conduct data collection where applicable, followed by analysis, interpretation and discussion.

04

Dissertation

Complete conclusions, recommendations and final dissertation / thesis submission.

Research Proposal – Required Elements

  • Proposed research title and background
  • Research problem, aim and objectives
  • Research questions or hypotheses
  • Preliminary literature review and research gap
  • Proposed methodology and data collection strategy
  • Ethical considerations and expected contribution
  • Proposed research timeline
  • References

Identify the research topic and undertake a preliminary literature review.

Admission

Entry Requirements

Applicants should possess a relevant Postgraduate Diploma / RQF Level 7 qualification representing approximately:

  • 120 UK postgraduate credits
  • 60 ECTS postgraduate credits
  • An equivalent postgraduate qualification awarded by a recognized awarding body

Research Proposal

Approval before research

Before commencing the main research project, each learner shall submit a Research Proposal for academic review and approval.

  • Proposed research title and background
  • Research problem, aim and objectives
  • Research questions or hypotheses
  • Literature review and research gap
  • Proposed methodology and data strategy
  • Ethical considerations and expected contribution
  • Research timeline and references

Proposal word count: 1,500–2,000 words

Supervision & Assessment

Academic guidance throughout the research journey

Research Supervision

Each learner shall be assigned an appropriately qualified Research Supervisor who provides academic guidance relating to:

  • Research topic development
  • Research design
  • Literature review
  • Methodology and research ethics
  • Data analysis
  • Academic writing
  • Dissertation structure and final submission

Assessment

ComponentAssessment Basis
Research ProposalFormative / Approval
Research ProgressSupervisory Monitoring
Final Dissertation / Research ThesisMajor Assessment

Total Top-Up Research Component: 60 Credits.

Progression Pathway

Academic progression

The Top-Up provides a structured route from relevant prior postgraduate learning to completion of the PSB University Master’s Degree.

Research Supervision

Each learner shall be assigned an appropriately qualified Research Supervisor who provides academic guidance relating to:

  • Research topic development
  • Research design
  • Literature review
  • Methodology and research ethics
  • Data analysis
  • Academic writing
  • Dissertation structure and final submission

Assessment

ComponentAssessment Basis
Research ProposalFormative / Approval
Research ProgressSupervisory Monitoring
Final Dissertation / Research ThesisMajor Assessment

Total Top-Up Research Component: 60 Credits.

Progression Pathway

Academic progression

The Top-Up provides a structured route from relevant prior postgraduate learning to completion of the PSB University Master’s Degree.

01

Bachelor’s Degree

Previous undergraduate qualification.

02

Postgraduate Diploma / Level 7

120 Credits of recognized prior postgraduate learning.

03

Master’s Degree – Top Up

60-credit final research project / dissertation.

04

Master’s Degree

180 Credits total qualification.

Further Progression:

MPhil / PhD / Doctoral Research, subject to the admission requirements of the relevant doctoral programme.

Dissertation Requirements

Recommended structure:

  1. Chapter 1 – Introduction
  2. Chapter 2 – Literature Review
  3. Chapter 3 – Research Methodology
  4. Chapter 4 – Results / Findings
  5. Chapter 5 – Discussion
  6. Chapter 6 – Conclusions and Recommendations
  7. References
  8. Appendices, where applicable

Dissertation Word Count: 12,000–15,000 words

Quality Assurance & Academic Control

Master’s Top-Up research programmes operate under applicable PSB University academic and research controls, including:

  • Postgraduate Academic Regulations
  • Research Regulations
  • Credit Transfer Policy
  • Research Ethics requirements
  • Dissertation Guidelines
  • Assessment Regulations
  • Examination Procedures
  • Quality Assurance procedures

Submit Your Inquiry