Master's degree

The master ( [ ma ː stɐ ] or [ ma ː stə ], of Engl. Mastercard, which goes back to Latin Magister for teachers, head, master ) is an academic degree.

The master's program usually takes two to four semesters and complements an already completed an undergraduate degree (Bachelor, Master, Diploma ). It can serve the scientific deepening of previous studies or open up new areas of knowledge. Often, in addition to the successful attendance of classes is also a thesis to write. In many countries ( and sometimes even universities within the same country ), there are very different master versions that vary in orientation, length, admission requirements and construction.

The qualification title master as part of a new degree structure was introduced in many European countries by the Bologna process.

  • 2.1 Academic degrees in the ordinary ( consecutive ) Master studies 2.1.1 Traditional degrees ( master's degree )
  • 2.1.2 English Master's degrees

The Masters in Germany

Generally

The Master as an academic degree is awarded by higher education institutions ( universities, higher education institutes, art and music colleges, technical colleges ). The previously conferred by universities and colleges as well as art and music academies traditional, single-stage degrees are considered equivalent to the master. The master gives the same permissions as the existing diploma and master's degrees from the universities. As required by the countries must be ensured in a Master's program in a high level of technical and scientific level, which must be at least introduced the Diploma qualifications.

The master's degree is a degree that will enable them to scientific work and methodology, both theoretical and analytical skills and the graduates will enable them to openly and creatively adapt to new conditions in the workplace. The Master's degree is a professional qualification and authorized for subsequent promotion. The universities in NRW can make in their doctoral regulations admission to the doctoral process for the remaining requirements ( coursework and examinations ) dependent.

At the final examination must include the thesis, it is shown with the that the author can edit a task from the respective fields independently according to scientific methods within a prescribed period. Through an accreditation that specified requirements is checked.

Master's degree programs can be assigned four different types of profiles: more research-oriented, more practice-oriented, artistic and teaching- related. The two internationally spread profile types are more research-oriented and more practice-oriented not exactly distinguished from each other and equally scientific. The assignment of a course to one of the two profile types refers only to different priorities and thus on relative differences between the different courses. Both profile types are equal in value and are offered across higher education. The artistic profile have master's degree programs in art and music colleges. Master's degree programs with which the requirements for a teaching position are to have a teaching- related profile.

The introduction of the Masters in Germany takes place within the framework of the Bologna process. The introduction of the new courses was expected in 2010 and is mostly complete, except for a few courses in art and music colleges, and state and church statements.

In Germany there are consecutive and advanced master's degree programs:

  • A Master study course is based on a special bachelor's degree. He can continue the bachelor's degree and professional deepen or - if the professional context is maintained - expand multidisciplinary. Since 2008, the structural requirements of (KMK ) also anchor other professional master's degree programs as consecutive courses, so that only the further education courses are delineated.
  • Continuing education courses set for a university degree qualified professional experience of a rule not less than one year ahead. The contents of the postgraduate diploma program should take into account the professional experience and build on it. Continuing education courses meet the requirements (Section 1.3 and 1.4 of the Decision of the Standing Conference of 10 October 2003 as amended on 18 September 2008 ) the consecutive master degree programs and lead to the same skill level and to the same privileges. Continuing education and training courses leading to the master, were offered at some German universities before the introduction of the Bologna process and prior to its effect on the respective traditional undergraduate degree programs.

The structural requirements of the KMK saw in the past, also called non - consecutive master degree programs, in contrast to the consecutive Master study programs content not building on the preceding Bachelor study programs. The non-consecutive courses were treated as continuing education courses. Since 2008, the KMK assigns other professional master's degree programs to the consecutive courses. This adjustment will affect only in the context of re- accreditation.

The standard period of study for a master's degree is a minimum, a maximum of two years. In a consecutive course the total standard period of study may not exceed five years, which corresponds to 300 ECTS points. Due to special study of organizational measures, shorter total periods of study are possible in exceptional cases. An art and music colleges consecutive courses with a total standard study period of up to six years of age may be set, which corresponds to 360 ECTS points.

The following figure shows some possible combinations of standard periods for consecutive Bachelor's and Master's programs and compares them with the traditional diploma:

For consecutive and non- consecutive master degree programs each have different degree titles are permitted. It is the universities also allowed to give German degree designations (eg Master of Sciences). A mixture of German and English universities but not permitted.

Some Berufsakademien a Bachelor of 210 ECTS can be purchased within three years. This makes it possible in some cases to acquire the needed for a Master 300 ECTS points within just four years.

In general, academic degrees may only be conducted in the form corresponding to the higher education laws of the countries, which is determined by the award document or the examination regulations. For example, a graduate with a diploma of a university should not instead lead a Masters degree or vice versa, despite legal equality. A master's degree may not be awarded due to a contract concluded with success diploma course, but requires an additional study, according to the frameworks.

The term is usually written in the Anglo- American style for the name of this and separated by a comma, for example, William Smith, MA

The entry requirement for a Master's degree is always a professionally qualifying university degree. Thus excludes undergraduate courses that lead directly after four or five years to a master's degree. It must be examined individually by the universities, whether a graduate is admitted to the master's program. The entry requirements are the subject of accreditation. For admission to artistic master's degree programs a special artistic suitability must be demonstrated in all cases.

Designations ( consecutive Master's degrees )

In order to ensure a high level of transparency and clarity, the KMK decided that only seven different degree designations are allowed for consecutive master degree programs. These are based on the content of the course. M. A. and M.Sc. are the most common statements.

Professional additives are generally permitted for the master's degree. Though sometimes, the "Master of ... in ... " mentioned, but then this is not the name of the master degree itself, which is determined by the respective examination regulations. The shortcut to the master degrees are written partly in the Anglo -Saxon model, even without points.

Since the limit was decided on a few official degree titles only subsequently by the KMK, yet different master's degrees awarded in some courses. The adjustment to the current specifications made ​​in the context of the re-accreditation of the respective courses. In the structural specifications of the KMK in the version of 10 October 2003, the financial statements MA, M.Sc., M.Eng. and LL.M. defined as statements for consecutive courses, as amended on 22 September 2005, the financial statements MFA, M.Mus were. and M.Ed. supplemented.

Master of Arts ( M. A. )

The Master of Arts is common in the humanities and social sciences, and can be connected to a Bachelor of Arts ( in special cases, to a Bachelor of Science). Depending on the content focus of the program of Master of Arts may be awarded in economics. The Master of Arts is awarded by art schools in the field of performing arts and artistic applied degree programs.

The Master of Arts is awarded by resolution of the Standing Conference in Protestant or Catholic theology or religion, unless it is a teaching degree or a further undergraduate degree course followed Magister Theologiae.

M. A. is also the abbreviation for the former Master of Arts degree, with an undergraduate degree program could be completed. This degree is equivalent to the master, but the degrees are not identical or interchangeable.

Master of Education ( M.Ed. )

The Master of Education is awarded in courses that provide the conditions for a teaching position.

The Magisterium can be related to primary, secondary and junior high schools, high schools and comprehensive schools, special schools and vocational colleges or vocational schools and is typically following a two -year degree awarded. It can be connected to a Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Science, a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Engineering.

The Ministers of Education (KMK ) 2005 requirements for the mutual recognition of Bachelor's and Master's degrees in programs decided by which the educational requirements for a teaching position are.

The Master of Education is equivalent to the First State Exam in many states and permits where appropriate, access to the clerkship or, where this is not necessary, direct access to the Magisterium. In Bavaria, for example, is still the first state examination for a teaching position in public schools sufficient condition for the clerkship and the clerkship. However, the Master of Education can not be purchased in each state and not every subject or any combination of subjects suitable for any type of school (eg, Latin is taught only grammar and comprehensive schools).

After resolution of the KMK are also courses that provide the conditions for a teaching position in Protestant or Catholic religion, completed a Bachelor or Master of Education.

Master of Engineering ( M.Eng. )

The Master of Engineering is awarded in the field of engineering sciences. Depending on the content focus of the degree program and the Master of Science may be awarded in engineering.

Master of Fine Arts ( M.F.A. )

The Master of Fine Arts is awarded for qualifications in the field of fine arts, so for example, visual arts, theater arts, photography or drawing. Most are statements of art schools. Admission is typically a Bachelor of Fine Arts. In artistic applied degree programs and performing arts, however, the Master of Arts is awarded often.

Master of Laws ( LL.M.)

The Master of Laws is awarded in jurisprudential studies. Admission is typically either a Bachelor of Laws, the First State Exam in Law or a traditional academic degree Diplom- Jurist ( after the First State Examination awarded) and Diploma in Business Law ( FH).

However, the first and second state examination are still a prerequisite for fully qualified lawyers ( qualified judge, § 5 DRiG ) and thus for the exercise of regulated professions (lawyer, prosecutor, judge, etc.). An exception is made only for university professors (§ 7 DRiG ).

Master of Music ( M.Mus. )

The Master of Music is awarded for degrees in music, typically of music colleges. Admission is typically a Bachelor of Music.

Master of Science ( M.Sc.)

The Master of Science (also: MS abbreviated ) is common in mathematics, computer science and the natural sciences. Depending on the content focus of the study program of the Master of Science degree can also be awarded in economics and engineering. It can also be awarded in courses of medicine who do not complete the state exam.

The Master of Science can be connected to a Bachelor of Science degree. In special cases, can be recognized as an admission requirement also a previous Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Engineering degree or a diploma course in the same subject area.

Designations (training and non- consecutive Master's degrees )

See list of academic degrees ( Germany ).

Access to official careers

The Minister of the Interior and the Standing Conference have agreed to associate bachelor degrees from universities and colleges the raceways of higher service and master degrees the raceways of the higher service.

History: In terms of master's degrees was initially differentiated between master's degrees from universities that open directly access to higher service and Master's degrees at colleges which also provide access to higher service if their suitability as part of the accreditation will be formally established. An agreement ( " access to the runways of the higher service through a master's degree at colleges " ) was hit by resolutions of the Standing Conference of 24 May 2002 and the Conference of Interior Ministers on 6 June 2002.

Based on experience with the accreditation of master's degrees from colleges were agreed at the Standing Conference of 20 September 2007 and Interior Ministers of 7 December 2007, to dispense with a separate aptitude test as part of accreditation, ie all master's degrees, regardless of whether they are at a college or university were acquired to provide access to higher service. The agreement of 2002 was replaced by the amended agreement " access to the runways of the higher service through a master's degree at colleges " on 1 January 2008.

Doctoral studies

For master's degrees place the structural specifications of the KMK found that they give access to doctoral studies - regardless of whether they were acquired in a one-or two-year master's program at a university or equivalent college or at a technical school. The master thus represents the new rule requirement for promotion dar. Master's degrees from art and music colleges provide access to doctoral studies only insofar as sufficient academic qualification was acquired for a doctoral project to the Master's degree.

In some states, the universities admission to the doctoral process for the remaining requirements ( coursework and examinations ) may, in their doctoral regulations make implementation (eg, in North Rhine -Westphalia). In most countries this is not the case (eg Baden- Württemberg and Bavaria ).

Owner of an acquired at home or abroad bachelor degree, however, can only be admitted as an exception in the way of an aptitude test directly to a doctoral program. The universities regulate access and details of the aptitude test and possibly the interaction with colleges in their doctoral regulations.

The Master in Austria

In Austria, Master's degrees from public and private universities, colleges, and awarded ( up to 2012 and under the name " university-level course " ) of private providers. The courses can be research-oriented or application-oriented set. The effort must be for a bachelor's degree at least equal to 120 ECTS points. The newly introduced on previous undergraduate studies professional building, MasterCard replace the previous diploma studies.

The master 's degrees in education ( university courses according to § 58 of the Universities Act 2002, university-type courses according to § 28 of the University Studies Act, Further education courses according to § 14a para 2 of the Fachhochschule Studies Act, as well as university courses according to § 39 paragraph 2 of the Higher Education Act of 2005) are not identical to the master degrees due to the completion ordinary studies (Master studies), even if they have the same wording in part.

Academic degrees in the ordinary ( consecutive ) Master studies

Depending on the institution and date of the financial statements, there are a number of different academic degrees for studies at Master 's level.

Traditional degrees ( master's degree )

The first, introduced by the University Studies Act 1997 studies at Master's level were called Magister studies and as well as the traditional diploma studies with academic degrees or master's degree in engineering etc. complete. This was also true for specialist higher education study programs, whose final grades were given the suffix "( FH) ". Some of the most commonly awarded degrees:

  • Dipl. -Ing. or DI ( Engineer, only for engineering curricula )
  • Mag. ( Master of Arts, Master of Arts)
  • Mag. ( Magister / Master of law, Magister / Magistra of Law )
  • Mag phil. ( Magister / Magistra Philosophiae, Magister / Magistra of Philosophy)
  • Mag. nat. ( Magister / Magistra rerum naturalium, Magister / Magistra of Natural Science )
  • Mag. soc. oec. ( Magister / Magistra rerum socialium oeconomicarumque, Magister / Magistra of Social and Economic Sciences )

English Master's degrees

In 2006, the financial statements have been amended by amendments to the Universities Act 2002 and Fachhochschule Studies Act 1993. Newly decorated studies in "Master Studies", as degree titles is the English name " Master ... " or - optionally, but only in technical subjects - "Diplom-Ingenieur " allowed.

The suffix " FH" is now eliminated for graduates of a university of applied sciences master's program, even if the conclusion was made even before the amendment ( graduates of a diploma program must continue to lead him ).

Some of the most commonly awarded degrees:

  • LL. M. and LLM ( Legum Magister / Magistra )
  • M. A. and MA (Master of Arts)
  • M. Sc. or MSc (Master of Science)

Master's degrees in education

In the field of continuing education ( university courses, courses for further education at colleges, courses university-type ) were never intended to " Magistra " or " Master " -par academic degrees. For the first time offers was provided for in the University Studies Act 1997, the awarding of Master degrees for this. This master's degrees do not have the same effects as those acquired in the ordinary master studies degrees, even if they partially have the same wording. Some degrees are located only in the field of education, such as the MBA (Master of Business Administration).

The Master in Switzerland

In Switzerland, there is at the level of Master studies also consecutive programs, which may be research oriented or application-oriented. Including degrees in disciplines that have not changed in Germany to the Bachelor / Master system, such as in medicine or law. The following degrees are awarded in such degree programs:

  • MA (Master of Arts)
  • MLaw ( Master of Law )
  • MMED ( Master of Medicine )
  • MSc (Master of Science)
  • MTh ( Master of Theology )

There are also so-called post-graduate courses that are counted for the field of academic training. Are offered such courses both at Swiss universities and at colleges. If such a postgraduate program in level corresponds to a consecutive course and a Master's degree can be awarded to graduates of such a degree program. In most fields of study, these are the degree Master of Advanced Studies (MAS ), indicating the subject area. An exception are degrees in Business Administration leading to the degree Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Executive Master of Business Administration ( EMBA).

In Switzerland, the University Commission has decided to allow the request of the graduates the definition of the licentiate academic degrees and diplomas to the various designations to be introduced by 2010. Legally, they are already equivalent, but may not be cited mixed in the correspondence.

Who graduated from a course after the ( old ) Lizentiatsordnung, also MA or Master of Arts may be called, so run both titles. The universities shall be issued for papers. However, one must not both titles, so lic. and Master of Arts ( MA) cited in the same document, otherwise the impression might be created that could have been acquired several titles.

Technical colleges are authorized in Switzerland since 2008, to offer Master's programs.

Furthermore, in private educational institutions Master's degrees are attainable. Some are under Dutch law by the Dutch Validation Council or of its successor organization, the Dutch Quality Agency ( NQA ), accredited (such as the "Master of Arts " of the Center for agogics, Basel ), MBA programs often by FIBAA, the AACSB or the EQUIS.

The Master in United Kingdom

Generally

In the UK the usual master's program lasts one to two years in full-time study, a binding state definition for Master studies, there is not. The selection of students and recognition of any preliminary matter for the university.

At traditional universities such as Oxford and Cambridge, the master title until today honorary and not awarded due to an additional degree.

A distinction is made in the UK roughly between so-called Taught Masters and Research Masters. The curriculum of a Taught Masters consists of a series of courses and ends upon completion of these courses, with the writing of a thesis ( dissertation ). The most common degrees for such courses are MA (Master of Arts) and MSc (Master of Science), but in addition there is a variety of other master numbers.

Overall, close to Great Britain only 12 percent of Bachelor graduates directly a Master's program at. The Master's program itself can be a professional qualification, alternatively, graduates can go for a so-called "research master" decide Research Master Degrees are predominantly Research Studies and contain little or no mandatory courses. The dissertation (thesis ) is, however, more extensive. Usual degrees for such courses are MPhil ( Master of Philosophy ) MLitt (Master of Letters ) and MRes ( Master of Research ).

Special cases

A relatively new form of the Master's Degree are the so-called Integrated Master's Degrees. These are acquired in four to five years in a single continuous course of study after leaving school, comparable to a graduate degree program. They are offered primarily in technical and scientific subjects; some common degrees are MEng ( Master of Engineering ), MMath (Master of Mathematics ), MPhys (Master of Physics ), MPharm (Master of Pharmacy ).

In some cases, the degree designations are misleading. Some postgraduate studies at Master's level to be completed with the degree " Bachelor", such as the Bachelor of Philosophy from Oxford University and a Bachelor of Architecture. On the other hand, is awarded to the Scottish "ancient universities " in the humanities, the Master of Arts degree as the first academic degree after four years of study.

Master of Letters ( M.Litt. )

The Master of Letters is awarded to a few universities in the UK, including:

He often serves as a distinguishing factor in the complex market of " Master of Science" - or " Master of Arts" degrees, mainly by giving him Universities, who count themselves among the most prestigious in Europe. In fact, it is an academic degree at the same level as Master of Science or Master of Arts. Most universities do like the Bristol University about admission requirements that the University Senate reviewed and accepted the graduate candidates handpicked. The MLitt is often hierarchically higher rated than the Philosophy Master's degree and is required by the prior acquisition of a degree as "Master of Studies" or " Master of Philosophy " as part of Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford made ​​dependent. Many colleges in England, Wales and Scotland have "Master of Letters" degree programs as an alternative to " Master of Philosophy " in the offer. The research programs are two years old and usually contain little or no mandatory courses.

Applied arts Education in Switzerland Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business European Quality Improvement System Kultusministerkonferenz Integrated Authority File
25374
de