Degrees and titles

Bachelor’s degree (BA/BSc)

The bachelor’s degree is obtained after successful completion of a three year bachelor’s degree programme. Students are entitled the right to bear the title Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.). A bachelor’s degree gives admission to a master’s degree programme.

Master’s degree (MA/MSc)

The master’s degree is obtained after successful completion of one, one-and-a-half or two year master’s degree programme. Students are entitled the right to bear the title Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MSc.). Students (preferably from two-year Research Master’s) who obtain a MA/MSc degree are in principle eligible to proceed to a doctorate (PhD).

Doctorate degree (PhD)

The highest title conferred by a Dutch university is Doctor (dr.). The doctorate candidate undertakes academic research and publishes the results in a dissertation, which must then be defended at a public ceremony.