Is a Master’s degree in applied sciences equally ‘valuable’ as a research-based Master’s degree?
For many national and international students, this is one of the most important questions. The answer is yes. In both cases, you receive an accredited and internationally recognised Master’s degree. The main difference lies in the orientation of the programme. The route to the degree is different, but the level of the Master’s degree is the same. Graduates of a Master’s degree in applied sciences always base their work on a question from their own professional field, while graduates of a research-based Master’s degree primarily focus on academic research questions. Students in an applied sciences Master’s contribute to innovation within their professional field, while students in a research-based Master’s conduct research based on a theoretical question and thereby contribute to new academic knowledge.
What is the entry level of the Master’s programme?
The Master’s programmes are designed for students and professionals with a Bachelor’s degree in the field of business who are smart and ambitious, able to tackle complex issues, and eager to continuously develop themselves with a focus on the professional business world.
How do you train Master’s students?
The Master’s programmes offer education that teaches you how to perform more effectively and make an impact in your career. This means graduates can create real change in the business world. The programmes ensure that students work in small groups on real societal and business-related challenges and learn to collaborate on realistic business cases. Working with fellow students and lecturers in multidisciplinary and intercultural teams, you will look for truly innovative, feasible, and affordable business solutions using scientific and practice-oriented research.
What kind of research do you conduct during your Master’s?
Research within the Master’s programmes is conducted in collaboration with the professional field and is practice-oriented. Due to this practical orientation, the emphasis differs from that of a research-based Master’s programme. The Master’s programmes have a strong theoretical foundation, and what distinguishes a Master’s in applied sciences is that scientific practice and theoretical knowledge are deepened through practical application. In addition, research results are always translated into practical knowledge and theory. Through the continuous interaction between theory and practice, you are well prepared to operate at Master’s level within your professional field.
What level will you achieve?
During your studies, you will develop competencies related to your professional field. In addition, you will develop important skills that will support you throughout your career. After successfully completing a Master’s programme, you will be able to:
- successfully operate at a professional level in your business career;
- make an innovative contribution to the development and application of ideas aimed at innovation;
- contribute to solving complex business problems in a multidisciplinary and international context;
- integrate current international academic knowledge and conduct research;
- manage complex situations in new circumstances;
- combine a research-oriented and practical approach;
- collaborate in a (research) group and manage your own learning process;
- discuss new solutions, methods, and arguments with specialists.
Why study at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences?
Choose a Master’s at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences if you want to bring theory into practice and practice into theory. If you are ambitious to make a real impact in the business world, enjoy solving complex business cases using scientific research, and want to work together with international students and lecturers, then a Master’s programme is the place for you!