In the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge and Dublin, the degree of Master of Arts (MA) is awarded to Bachelors of Arts of those universities on application after six or seven years' seniority as members of the university. There is no examination or study required for the degree beyond those required for the BA. This practice differs from that in most other universities worldwide, for whom the degree reflects further postgraduate study or achievement, and these degrees thus are frequently referred to as the Oxbridge MA and Dublin or Trinity MA to differentiate them. The degree can either be considered an undergraduate or a graduate degree, depending on perspective. The Oxbridge MA is based on a system of academic rank rather than academic qualifications.
All three universities have other masters' degrees that require further study and examination, but these have other titles, e.g. Master of Letters, Master of Philosophy, etc.
In the ancient universities of Scotland, the degree is awarded as a first degree to undergraduates (see Master of Arts (Scotland)).
