Lithuania - Master's studies

Master's Degrees  last for one-and-a-half to two years (60-80 national credits). To be admitted, students should hold a qualification obtained after completion of a university first cycle study programme or a comparable qualification.

A Master study programme  prepares for independent research or artistic activities or activities for which deeper scientific knowledge and stronger abilities are required. Master studies are carried out at universities where research corresponding to a subject area is conducted. The general requirements for Master programmes are approved by the Ministry of Education and Science. Studies lead to a Master (Magistras) degree and /or a professional qualification (profesiné kvalifikacija). After completion of studies a Master's degree (Magistro diplomas) or a Higher Education Diploma (Aukštojo mokslo diplomas) is awarded. The Higher Education Diploma is awarded when studies lead to a professional qualification. These qualification generally gives the right to enter university third cycle studies. Special professional studies last for 1 to 2 years (40 to 80 national credits). To be admitted, students should hold a university first cycle or a comparable qualifiaction. These studies prepare for activities requiring special practical abilities. The general requirements for special professional programmes are approved by the Ministry of Education and Science. These studies lead to a professional qualification (profesinė kvalifikacija). After completion of studies, a Higher Education Diploma (Aukštojo mokslo diplomas) is awarded. Generally, a qualification obtained after this type of studies does not give the right to enter third cycle university (postgraduate) studies. There are also Integrated (vientisosios) studies that combine university first and second cycles. To be admitted, students should hold a Maturity Certificate (Brandos atestatas) or a comparable qualification. Studies lead to a Master (Magistras) degree or a professional qualification (profesinė kvalifikacija). When studies lead to the award of a professional qualification, they last for at least 4.5 but not more than 6 years (180 to 240 national credits). When studies lead to the award of a Master's degree, they last for at least 5 but not more than 6 years (200 to 240 national credits). The only exceptions in integrated studies are made in the fields of  Medicine, Odontology and Veterinary Medicine where studies may last longer but no more than 7 years (a maximum of 280 national credits). On completion of integrated studies a Higher Education Diploma is awarded. Generally, a qualification obtained after completion of integrated studies gives the right to enter university third cycle.