In the universities of Oxford, Cambridge, and Dublin, Bachelors of Arts (BAs) are promoted to the rank of Master of Arts (MA), typically upon application after three or four years after graduation. No further examination or study is required for this promotion, which is a mark of seniority and not an additional postgraduate qualification.[1][2][3] This system has sometimes caused confusion among employers, who may mistake the MA as an additional qualification.
According to the formula of ad eundem gradum, the graduates of the universities of Oxford, Cambridge, and Dublin are also eligible to apply to incorporate and be granted equivalent academic degrees at any of the other two universities, provided that they wish to register for such a degree or are members of the academic staff; they also pay a required fee.[4][5][6][7] The example of the "Steamboat ladies" (roughly 720 women graduates of both Oxford and Cambridge who received Dublin academic degrees) is one of the most popular incidents of incorporation.[8] While not an earned degree, both the original degree(s) and the incorporated ad eundem degree(s) are given in post-nominals listed in the Oxford University Calendar.[9]
While these universities also award postgraduate masters' degrees that require further study and examination, they do not award the title 'MA' for any postgraduate degree.[10] This practice differs from that of most universities worldwide, where the MA reflects further postgraduate study. As a result, these degrees are often referred to as the Oxford and Cambridge MA and the Dublin or Trinity MA, to distinguish them.[11] Similarly, in the ancient Scottish universities, the degree of Master of Arts is awarded as an undergraduate degree in certain subjects.
Upon promotion to MA, graduates no longer wear the academic dress or use the post-nominal letters associated with Bachelors of Arts.
In the case of incorporated degrees, the original degree and the incorporated degree should be shown: eg 'MA Dub, MA Oxf'