Dutch Educational System
Higher education
The bachelor master-structure was officially introduced in the Dutch education system in the academic year 2002-2003. This is a internationally recognised diploma. The bachelor-diploma is obtained before the optional masters diploma is attained.
In The Netherlands there is a difference in orientation between the polytechnic colleges (‘hogescholen’ or ‘HBO’), which offer a more practical professional education and the universities ('WO') which offer a more theoretical scientific education.
‘Hogescholen’/‘HBO’
An
HBO-bachelor
can be done in four years. Afterwards, a student has access, in principle, to a
master's course at a college or a university. Colleges and universities are free
to determine their own admission requirements.
An
HBO-master's
diploma can be gained in approximately two years, depending on the field of
study in question.
Universities (‘WO’)
Scientific education is aimed at scientific knowledge and in some cases on the application of this knowledge to a certain profession. Students do research and/or write a thesis in order to graduate.
A WO-bachelor takes three years. Afterwards a student has access, in principle, to a master's course at a college or a university. Colleges and universities are free to determine their own admission requirements. A WO-master's diploma can be attained in at least one year, depending on the degree programme chosen.
These institutions for higher professional education aim at a theoretical and practical preparation for the professional practice. HBO-students are expected to acquire work experience during their studies (training period approx. 6 months). Students graduate by doing a graduate project or writing a thesis.
Sociale media