Master's Degree Programs

A postgraduate course in Germany lasts for two years generally and is sometimes completed in one year, depending upon the nature of the course. A postgraduate program or a second-degree program done from the German universities can be exceptionally helpful in the international job market, especially in the technical, scientific and arts subject areas. There are different kinds of postgraduate courses available in the country of Germany:

• Some are based on previous courses, either from the same or from a related subject area. They build up on previously acquired academic knowledge.
• Some are offered as supplementary postgraduate courses, which offer students knowledge in other subject areas.

The postgraduate programs, which are offered as an additional course of study in Germany, require that the students should hold an academic degree. Additional courses offer specialized knowledge on the previous completed course of study. Students without a first degree can also step beyond their usual course studies. In order to gain a supplementary qualification certificate, students only need to take part in a course at their university. In some subject areas, basic course work is tested after two to three years by means of a comprehensive midway exam. The first degree or certificate awarded in the German system of post-secondary education is the equivalent of the U.S. Master's degree. This degree requires the successful completion of one of three types of comprehensive final exams at the end of five to six years of study. 

Second-degree or Master's degree programs in Germany are:

• Master of Arts, M.A
• Master of Science, M.Sc
• Master of Engineering, M.Eng.
• Master of Laws, L.L.M
• Master of Fine Arts M.F.A. or Master of Music, M.Mus.

Note: Master study programmes, which are designed for continuing education or which do not build on the preceding Bachelor study programmes in terms of their content, may carry other designations e.g. MBA.