Why study a master’s programme at a university of applied sciences?

Why choose a master's programme?

  • Practice orientated master's degree programmes
  • Learn both theoretical and research based skills
  • Develop groundbreaking insights of the industry

Why a Master's degree at BUas?

After completing your bachelor's degree, you can choose to either deepen or broaden your field of expertise. You have the choice to follow a master's degree at a university of applied sciences or university. But which option suits you best?


To help, we have listed the differences and similarities between a master's degree at a university of applied sciences and a university.

Similarities and differences between masters at an university of applied sciences and a research university

✓ Master title

Similarity: After completing a master at an university of applied sciences (Hoger Beroepsonderwijs, or HBO in Dutch) or a research university (Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs, or WO in Dutch), you will both receive an internationally recognized master's degree. The diploma and the required credits are equal and increase your chances at home and abroad in the labour market.

Depending on the study programme, you will receive the title Master of Science (MSc), Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Business Administration (MBA) after completing your master's degree at Breda University of Applied Sciences.

✓ Level of education

Similarity: The level of education of both forms is equally high. It is hard work for both the HBO master and the university master, and the number of ECs is the same. If you are more practically oriented, it is recommended to do an HBO master and if you are more theoretically oriented, the WO master is probably more for you.

✖ Research

Difference: The biggest difference between an HBO master's and a university master's is the type of research you conduct. An HBO master focuses mainly on professional practice, where the emphasis in a university master is on research skills, theory and knowledge development.

An HBO master is therefore also referred to as a 'professional master' because you work on innovation in the professional field by means of practical research.

✖ part- and fulltime masters

Difference: The duration of a master can vary from 1 to 3 years. University masters are often full-time courses of one year, whereas HBO masters are offered on a full-time, part-time or dual basis and for that reason often take longer (1 to 3 years).

A master's program at a university of applied sciences is professionally oriented and has a direct link with practice. For example, it is customary for an HBO master student to follow a part-time master, where you are already working in the field. This allows you to apply classroom theory in daily practice and bring practical experience back to the classroom, to discuss with your teachers and fellow students.

✖ Admission

Difference: If you opt for an HBO master's degree, you can start right away if it is in line with your bachelor's degree. If you want to follow the university master, there is a good chance that you will need one or more transition years. With a part-time HBO master, you have relevant work experience in the field of your study.

From your HBO bachelor's degree, you can often immediately transfer to a subsequent HBO master. For some part-time or dual HBO masters, you first need a number of years of work experience or a relevant workplace.

Do you want to follow a university master's degree after your bachelor's degree? Then there is a good chance that you need a pre-masters degree to be admitted. For admission to a Master of Science, also at a university of applied sciences, you need a bachelor of science or a pre-master.

Our (pre-) master programmes

Are you ready to discover Breda University of Applied Sciences?

Join the open evening and learn all about our international character and what Breda and the Netherlands have to offer for you as a student!

In the 2022-2023 academic year, you pay €2,209 tuition fees, just like at other universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands, with the exception of Imagineering, the executive programs and Master Strategic Events Management.

Institution fees for non-EU students are €11.500 (with the exception of Master of Science Leisure and Tourism Studies: €13.400). For the institution fees, we would like to refer to the programme page of your choosing.