Professional master's degree programmes
A Master's programme from a university of applied sciences in the Netherlands involves an in-depth study or specialisation and also expands on a prior (Bachelor-level) education.
If you are already in work, please take a look at our information for professionals.
Applied research is an important element of a Master's degree programme. After completing your studies, you will hold an internationally recognised Master's degree: MA, MSc or another appropriate title such as MD or MBA. These are the same titles earned by completing a Master's from a research university (called WO-level education in the Netherlands).
A professional Master's degree programme focuses on a theoretical approach to professional practice. This practice serves as a framework for your further development as a highly qualified professional who can transcend the boundaries of their own discipline to contribute to the advancement of their profession and organisation. You carry out applied research in order to analyse and solve complex problems.
Admission to some professional Master's degree programmes will be reserved for professionals with sufficient work experience. Other Master's programmes have been developed for students who wish to continue their studies immediately after completing a Bachelor's degree.
Types of Master's degree programmes
- Follow-on Master's: A Master's programme that immediately follows a Bachelor's programme;
- Post-experience Master's: Relevant work experience is required. This Master's degree offers the student broader knowledge within their own professional field.
The purpose of Master's degrees
- Professional qualification Master's: The Master's degree is necessary in order to practise the profession (for instance, in the care sector);
- Specialisation Master's: The increasing complexity of professional practice can result in an extensive degree of specialisation within a single field or sector. The Master's degree offers greater depth of knowledge and enhances the level of professional practice. Incoming students have varying backgrounds, from experienced professionals to recent Bachelor's graduates who are continuing their studies.
- Cross-over Master's: The increasing complexity of professional practice often leads to cross-overs between different professional fields or sectors. Incoming students have varying backgrounds, from experienced professionals to recent Bachelor's graduates who are continuing their studies.
Full-time/part-time/dual
A Master's programme may be offered as a full-time, part-time or dual programme.