Mastergraden

Mastergraden is a higher education degree that typically follows a bachelor's degree. It is a second-cycle qualification awarded in many countries, especially within the European Higher Education Area. The program usually lasts one to two years of full-time study and is designed to provide advanced knowledge and specialized skills. Programs can be academically oriented, culminating in a research-based thesis, or professionally oriented, focusing on practical competencies and industry relevance. The qualification is commonly awarded upon completion of 60 to 120 ECTS credits, with 120 ECTS being standard for a full two-year master's program.

Admission generally requires a completed bachelor’s degree in a related field, and programs may also require language proficiency, letters of recommendation, and sometimes entrance examinations. The mastergraden is typically a prerequisite for doctoral studies in many disciplines and can serve as a credential for professional advancement. In the European Union and many other regions, master degrees are aligned with the Bologna Process and are associated with EQF level 7, which facilitates recognition across borders. There is variation by country, particularly for professional fields that may have accredited master programs linked to licensure or certification.

A mastergraden is often followed by doctoral studies or used to enter specialized professional roles. Graduates may pursue research, teaching, engineering, healthcare, business, public administration, or other sectors depending on the field and program. The term is used in Scandinavian contexts, where equivalents such as masterexamen or mastergrad reflect national education traditions.