Academic DegreesMaster
A Master's programme is a postgraduate degree programme that can usually be completed after the successful completion of the Bachelor's programme, but also after other university degrees. It is usually designed for four semesters, but may also comprise two or three semesters, and usually ends with a Master of Science (M.Sc.) or Master of Arts (M.A) degree. The Master of Education (M.Ed.) prepares students for work as a teacher.
A Master's degree is comparable to Diplom or Magister degrees. In general, only one subject is studied in which an academic thesis is to be written. However, the structure of some Master's programmes provides for an accompanying subject in which 20 credit points must be earned.
The various consecutive master’s programmes differ in that some are only admission-restricted, while others also have an additional local cap (which limits the number of university places). Still others require a selection interview/test during the admission process.
The admission requirements vary depending on the programme. Essential parts of the programme may be held in English and special fees may be charged for some programmes (see below). The structure of the Master of Education (M.Ed.) however, expects students to study two subjects with an equal weighting (degree programme component). These subjects must have been studied previously as part of a Bachelor’s degree programme. A third subject can also be selected as an M.Ed. supplementary subject. A distinction is made between consecutive study programmes and continuing Master's study programmes. Consecutive study programmes are the rule. These are degree programmes in which Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes build directly on one another. As a rule, continuing Master's programmes require at least one year of professional experience.