Continuing your studies after an applied sciences Bachelor's degree
Are you a student at a University of Applied Sciences (hbo) and would you like to continue studying after your Bachelor's? Then a university Master's degree might be right for you. It is useful to know more about what the transition from hbo to university entails. There are a number of differences, such as the pace of study and the emphasis on critical thinking.
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Is university the right choice for you?
A university (pre-)Master's programme requires independence and an active approach to studying. The level is often somewhat higher than at hbo. That may sound challenging, but it also means that you have a lot of freedom to shape your own learning process. And you are not on your own: there is good guidance available when you need it.
Is a (pre-)Master's very hard?
University works differently from hbo, with more focus on theory, research and independence. Many hbo students find this challenging at first, but with good preparation and commitment, it is certainly achievable. In fact, figures show that hbo students often perform very well.
- Thanks to their motivation, hbo students often achieve better grades than university Bachelor's students.
- Hbo students drop out less often than their university counterparts.
- They complete their Master's degree nominally more often than other students.
What are the options?
Pre-Master's programme
To help prepare you for the level of a Master's, you can, in most cases, do a pre-Master's. A pre-Master's usually lasts one study year. During the pre-Master's, you will acquire the theoretical knowledge and academic skills you need to progress to the Master's.
What is a pre-Master's programme?
Master's
After your pre-Master's programme, you can start a university Master's.
- A university Master's usually lasts one or two years, depending on the programme.
- During a Master's, you will truly specialise in your field. You will not only learn to apply existing knowledge, but also contribute to the development of new insights through research.
- The education is more intensive and more focused on theory and analysis than you are used to from higher professional education.
With a Master's degree, you will obtain a university degree (e.g. Master of Science or Master of Arts), which will increase your chances on the job market and often give you access to PhD research.
Minors
During your hbo Bachelor's degree, you can already choose to take a minor at Radboud University. It is a good way to get acquainted with a new field of interest and gain inspiration for choosing a university Master's. Once you have completed a minor, you can often obtain exemptions within your pre-Master's. This saves you time and money.
Experiences of hbo students
Discover how they experienced the transitionFrequently asked questions
Does a pre-Master's always take one year, or can it be shorter?
Most pre-Master's take one year (60 EC). However, the exact duration depends on your previous education. Sometimes you can get exemptions, for example if you took a relevant minor at Radboud University during your hbo Bachelor's degree. This can shorten the duration of your pre-Master's. Check the pre-Master's page of the programme you are interested in for the exact possibilities.
Which Master's offer a pre-Master's?
We offer over 60 pre-Master's across all faculties. Each pre-Master's is linked to one or more Master's programmes. If you successfully complete the pre-Master's, you will gain direct access to the corresponding Master's programme(s) (specialisations).
Am I eligible for the Master's I want to do with my hbo Bachelor's?
In most cases, you can do a pre-Master's to help prepare you for the Master's itself. Whether you are eligible depends on your completed Bachelor's degree and the admission requirements for the Master's. Therefore, always check whether there is a suitable pre-Master's for the Master's programme you are interested in.
What are the costs for a pre-Master's and a Master's?
For a pre-Master's, you pay a fee per study credit (ECTS), as the scope may vary per student. For a Master's, you pay the statutory tuition fee, unless you have already completed a Master's programme.
Can you receive study finance for the pre-Master's?
You cannot always receive student finance for a pre-Master's. You can find more detailed information about student finance and continuing your studies after an hbo Bachelor's degree on the DUO website.
Is a university Master's better for my career?
That depends on which plans you have for your career. On this page you can read more about the added value of a university Master's degree.
Do I need to find accommodation for a (pre-)Master's or can I travel to and from?
That depends on your personal situation and place of residence. Some students travel to Nijmegen daily, others choose to find accommodation to save travel time and focus more on their studies and student life.
Contact
Do you have questions about our study programmes or events? Team Study Information is happy to help you.
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