Master's Degree in Europe - France

France

In France and many countries which follow the French model (like the Francophone regions in Switzerland, Belgium, Lebanon, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia), higher education is divided in three tiers (cycles universitaires), leading to different degrees. The master's degree corresponds to the second tier. A master's degree is awarded to the holders of

• master's diploma (diplôme de master). It is the more common master's degree. It is awarded mainly by universities in two principal qualifications
  • Master of Research (master recherche) the science-oriented degree, necessary step to proceed to doctoral studies. It can be a largely research degree, a taught one or a mix between the two.
  • vocational master (master professionnel) aimed at gaining working qualification. Usually a taught degree with internship required.
• grandes écoles diploma. Not all grandes écoles diplomas programs are accredited by the State. Some grandes écoles deliver also master's diplomas, but their own diploma remains more prestigious.
• Engineer's degree.
• Architect's degree.
• Some degrees from Schools of Fine Arts.

France is also host to a number of private American-style universities like The American University of Paris or Schiller International University, that offer accredited American Master's degrees in Europe. Admission into these Master's programs requires a completed American undergraduate degree or a similar French/European degree that can be acquired in four years of study.