Master's Degree

Master's degrees are most often awarded at the postgraduate level from universities around the world. At this level, students gain a broader insight into their chosen area of study along with valuable analytical capabilities. Studying abroad increases the value of your experience further, as it introduces an understanding of the international context.

A study abroad experience also offers students the chance to make new, international friends and professional contacts. Plus, exploring a new city abroad is the perfect way to spend a weekend after a long week of master's courses. So, whether it's in the lively streets of Barcelona or the chic cafes of Paris, there's a city waiting for you to consider it home!

Length of Master's Studies

The most common types of master's degrees are the Master of Arts (MA) and the Master of Science (MSc). As with most master's, these are awarded after one to two years of study at postgraduate level. In some cases, a master's degree can be awarded for a longer period of study of four or five years. This is common within the field of engineering, for example, or in many countries influenced by the Germanic system.

In some places, master's degrees are also available as undergraduate degrees. This is for example quite common at Scottish universities.

Master's Degree Study

Unlike bachelor's studies, the master's degree often requires a certain amount of independent research and a dissertation or thesis. The teaching within master's degree programs can be course based, research based or as is the case with most - both. The layout of the program will largely depend on its aim - to prepare you for a future career or for further research.  A master's degree can also be called a magister from the Latin for master's (teacher). In the old French system, the corresponding postgraduate degree was a DEA.

European Standardization (Bologna Process)

The Bologna process has largely standardized the organization of both bachelor's and master's degrees throughout most of Europe. Where differences were very common before, master's degrees today largely conform to the definition of a postgraduate degree lasting one to two years. Exceptions are still degrees within specialist fields such as engineering and law where a master's degree denotes a single qualification lasting through four to six years of study.

Admission to Master's

Admission to a master's degree at postgraduate level requires at least a bachelor's degree. Which type of bachelor's is required differs - in some cases a degree in the exact field or one closely related is required. In other cases, you may gain admission with any bachelor's degree with good marks.

Either way, transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and essays are likely to be required to complete your application. You may also be required to submit proof of your English language skills, as many international master's programs are taught entirely in English.