In Scotia, one can do an MA as a first degree. It's equivalent to a BA degree. Both degrees are conferred by the Faculty of Arts, but the subjects studied may vary slightly. The MA is a Master of Arts degree, not to be confused with a Master's degree, which is a postgraduate degree. ( Just in case anyone is interested!) Clearly there's an opportunity here to get paid a higher salary by a Chinese college/university unaware of the difference! Or get more job offers if you hold an MA.