One-Year Master Programs in Netherlands

11-May-2014

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Vladimir Vepryev is a consultant in business and international relations with a diverse background. A native of Ukraine, a naturalized U.S. citizen, and a firm believer in life-long enhancement of skills, he finished a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, another Bachelor of Science in Structural Engineering, and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, all from the Ukrainian State University of Water Management. Later, Vlad earned a Master of Business Administration from Georgetown University, a Master of Science in International Development Studies from the University of Amsterdam, and a Master of Liberal Arts, concentration in Government, from Harvard University. He also completed graduate studies in international management at the University of Oxford, Trinity College.







One-year master programs can work as a good addition to a resume in many cases. Such a variant becomes more and more popular in various countries. Personally, I earned a degree of this type, the Master of Science in International Development Studies, at the University of Amsterdam in 2012. English-language programs of the duration of an approximately one year became popular in Netherlands since the 1990s. My program was taught entirely in English language as well.

Here I would like to share my perspective on this topic. Furthermore, I would strongly recommend using as many additional sources of information as possible. Dutch one-year master programs have several major strengths:

  1. Many Dutch institutions of higher education have excellent reputation and international ranking standing. In particular, such universities as Erasmus University Rotterdam, the University of Amsterdam, VU University/Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the University of Utrecht, and Delft University of Technology often achieve first 100–200 places in the world rankings.
  2. The faculty generally works in an easily approachable manner.
  3. The shorter duration of a program helps to save some time for other career endeavors.
  4. Lower costs of the programs. Citizens of some countries may be eligible for additional subsidies for tuition.
  5. Major Dutch universities are approved by the U.S. Department of Education for the U.S. student loans. Therefore, admitted American students become eligible both for the student loans themselves and for the in-school deferment for the loans from the previously completed programs. Still, any university of the applicant’s consideration needs to be double checked on this issue.
  6. International student bodies. Some programs target to compose an approximately equal proportion between Dutch and international students. Other programs have very diverse student bodies without any prevailing country of origin.
  7. Friendly and open attitude of Dutch people.
  8. Ability to travel in Europe. However, the transportation costs in Netherlands remain high.
  9. In addition to the English language of the instruction, the majority of the population in Netherlands speaks absolutely fluent English.

 

On the other hand, it would be necessary to pay attention to several factors in order to choose the most appropriate program, to find the best variants of accommodation, to maintain the schedule in the educational process, and to overall maximize your experience. Based on this, it would be advised to pay attention to the following areas:

  1. The cost of living in Netherlands is high compared to many countries.
  2. Finding the reasonable accommodation may be challenging in Amsterdam. The major universities located in this city, VU University and the University of Amsterdam have an agreement with two private providers of student housing. Generally speaking, the school officials may point you in a right direction. But it is advised not to wait until the last minute.
  3. Some universities are really decentralized. Therefore, it is necessary to select and analyze more information about the particular program of your choice in addition to the general data about a university. You should make your decision about applying only after knowing more about the program.
  4. Verify the precise average duration of a program, especially in a case of a thesis requirement. While these programs are defined as one-year programs, the average range of time for completion by students may vary. Extensions for a semester may be granted upon the approval of the faculty committee. Some extensions for a period shorter than a semester may occur in some programs requiring an internship or a fieldwork. On the other hand, it is totally realistic for the students in many other master programs to complete all degree requirements and to graduate in approximately nine months. Two-year programs simultaneously exist in Netherlands and they are clearly designated as such.
  5. Some programs require the completion of related courses as the admission requirement. Such programs may not work for the career change. Therefore, this criterion needs to be double checked with the program officials.
  6. Many programs may waive the GRE/GMAT requirements in the admission process.
  7. The admission committees may request your high school transcripts even for the graduate school application. If your undergraduate institution accepted you after the completion of self-study, homeschooling, etc. it is recommended to check with the admission committee right away. As my personal opinion, I view self-study, homeschooling, and other alternative ways of learning as a legitimate alternative to the traditional high school.

 

Therefore, the educational system in Netherlands presents interesting international opportunities for enhancement of careers. With additional research, the utilization of these opportunities can bring very pleasant professional and personal experience.


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