The first step in choosing a master's programme is knowing yourself. Before you start researching the countless possibilities, it is important to consider who you are and what you want. Take a look at the various master's programmes right away. You may already come across a number of interesting options.
Start with yourself
The first step starts with you. Think about your interests and key characteristics. For example, consider which subject areas appeal to you and why. How do you want to contribute to society? What problerms would you like to solve? Then look at the various master's programmes. Make a list of master's programmes that interest you.
No idea?
Then first think about which master's programmes are not right for you, and cross them off.
Master, pre-master, research master
At Erasmus University Rotterdam, we offer various master's programmes. Below, we explain the differences between a master's, pre-master's and research master's programme.
After obtaining your bachelor's degree, you can specialise by pursuing a master's degree at university. A master's degree allows you to deepen your knowledge and develop yourself in order to be successful in your professional life or in scientific research. A master's degree usually takes one (60 EC) or two years (120 EC) to complete.
A pre-master's programme serves as preparation for your (research) master's programme. If you do not immediately meet the admission requirements for a master's or research master's programme at our university, in many cases you can follow a pre-master's or transition programme.
Admission to the pre-master's programme is handled by the examination board of the master's programme. For more information about the admission procedure and contact details of the pre-master's programme, visit the website of the faculty offering the master's programme.
Transfer from hbo to wo
Are you coming from a university of applied sciences (hbo)? Make sure to carefully review the admission requirements for a master's programme. You may need a pre-master's degree or there may be other requirements. During the Master Open Day, there will be special information sessions about the transition from a university of applied sciences (hbo) to a scientific university (wo).