Estonia - Master's studies

Magister study is the second stage of higher education during which specialised knowledge and skills are further developed and knowledge and skills necessary for independent work and pursuing studies at the doctoral level are acquired. The main purpose of the magister studies is to train a specialist with advanced theoretical knowledge.

Admission requirement is the bakalaureuskraad or an equivalent level qualification. The nominal length of studies is one to two years (40-80 APs) but along with the first stage at least five years (200 AP).Upon completing magister study programmes registered before 1 June 2002, a professional or research magistrikraad is awarded. Research work makes up at least 50 per cent of the research magister study programme and a novel scientific treatment of a speciality problem will be presented in the final thesis. Research, development or creative work makes up at least 25 per cent of the capacity of studies in the professional magister study programme and the studies are aimed at finding a novel solution to a professional creative problem. Under the conditions determined by the university the completion of magister study programme registered before 1 June 2002 can be regarded as a part of doctoral studies. Graduates who have completed their studies will be awarded a degree of magistrikraad which is certified with a diploma.

The integrated long cycle programme contains both bachelor and master level studies. Completion of the study programme confers a qualification that corresponds to the magistrikraad. These studies are in medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, architecture, civil engineering and teacher training. The nominal length of medical studies, and since  the 2002/2003 academic year also veterinary studies, is six years (240 AP). In other fields it is five years (200 AP). Graduates who have completed their studies will be awarded a diploma certifying the completion of the respective integrated programme.