Before, I thought that "degree", when associated with an academic title (e.g. bachelor, master), always meant the qualification given to a student after he/she has completed his/her studies. However, I have recently found out by reading the Cambridge dict corresponding entry that it can also refer to "a course of study at a college or university". Therefore, a "master's degree" can mean both the qualification given to a student after he finishes the master's course or the master's course itself. Is there any difference in meaning between "master's degree" and "master's course", when "master's degree" has the second meaning? Is the first expression more idiomatic?
Example sentence: I will start a master's course/degree next year.