Levels and degrees
The UvA currently offers the largest number of Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes in the Netherlands, and has Master’s programmes covering nearly every academic discipline.
On this page:
Certificate and exchange programmes
These are non-degree programmes, comprising elective courses, for students with at least two years of academic training in a relevant field.
All certificate and exchange students receive a transcript indicating the courses they have taken and the credits and grades they have obtained. Certificate and exchange programme courses can be attended for either one or two semesters.
Undergraduate level
BSc = Bachelor of Science
BA = Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor's programmes
The starting level of Bachelor’s programmes at Dutch universities is comparable to that of other Western European countries. The level is usually one or two years higher than that in most countries outside Western Europe.
Graduate level
Graduate degrees
MA = Master of Arts
MSc = Master of Science
LLM = Master of Laws
PhD = Doctorate degree
Master's programmes
These are one or two-year study programmes leading to a Master’s degree. They are open to students with qualifications comparable to that of a Dutch university Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
A Master’s degree is granted along with an official transcript indicating the courses taken and the credits earned following successful completion of the programme. Students unable to fulfill the requirements may receive a transcript only.
Please note:
Education systems vary considerably across the world. Some Bachelor's degrees
are equivalent to three years of Dutch university education, while others are
equivalent to two years or less.
Research Master’s programmes
These are two-year Master’s programmes (comparable to MPhil programmes outside the Netherlands) that prepare students for a career in research. Students are selected on the basis of their motivation, research skills and previous academic results.
Students with a Bachelor’s degree can apply for these programmes. Students with a Master’s degree are generally expected to complete the programme in a shorter time than students with a Bachelor’s degree.
Advanced Master's programmes
These are one-year Master’s programmes intended for specific groups of professionals who are already in possesion of either a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree combined with at least two years of relevant work experience. Upon successful completion, students receive an (additional) Master’s degree. These programmes last one year.
Executive Master’s programmes
Executive Master's programmes are comparable to Advanced Master’s programmes, and are intended for specific groups of professionals, usually with experience in management or with ambitions in that direction. Upon successful completion of the programme, students receive an (additional) Master’s degree.
PhD programmes
These are study programmes designed for students who are in the process of pursuing a PhD degree in a certain field. A PhD programme lasts four years.