Double Masters Degrees: All You Need to Know

A double Masters allows you to study two related subjects. The study is split between two universities usually in different countries. It is an opportunity for you to work with scholars across the world and earn two Masters degrees in the process! There are a few different names for double Masters programmes. Some universities will call these courses dual Masters or joint Masters. But, they all refer to the same kind of qualification.

If you’re unsure whether a double Masters is right for you, I'm here to help you make your mind up. I’ve covered all the essential information, such as how a double Masters works, why you should study one and what funding is available.

You can also begin your search by browsing the double Masters courses listed on FindAMasters.com.

How does a double Masters degree work?

Every double Masters course is unique. You'll be following a joint programme devised by the two parent universities in conjunction with one another. The two degrees usually share a similar application system and course structure.

In some cases, applications are handled centrally at one university, so you won’t have to apply to both institutions. Instead, you’ll probably apply to whichever university hosts the first year of the Masters. However, some courses are organised so that you must apply for the second year of the double Masters part way through the first year.

The course programme will be designed so that both years of your double Masters compliment each other, culminating in a dissertation that draws on what you’ve learnt over the two years of the Masters. You’ll have a main thesis supervisor from one university, but will likely be able to count on the advice and help of academic staff from both places.

And, at the end of the double Masters, you’ll be the proud holder of postgraduate qualifications from two universities.

How long is a double Masters degree?

Most double Masters take two years to complete, but some only last 18 months. It’s rare for a double Masters to be offered on a part-time basis. The intensiveness of the course and its logistical details make this tricky. So they are not particularly suitable for those with other commitments, unfortunately.

What kinds of double Masters degree are there?

Many double Masters will award standard MA (Master of Arts) or MSc (Master of Sciences) according to the subject matter of your course.

But there are other, more interdisciplinary, double Masters degrees available too. One of the most popular types is the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degree (EMJMD). These specially created programmes emphasise the importance of academic collaboration across the EU, giving you the chance to study at two or more top European universities. EMJMDs are offered in a wide range of subjects, and students are often supported by generous scholarships.

Another option is to take an MBA programme in conjunction with another Masters. For example, in a two-year double Masters programme, you could graduate with an MBA alongside a Juris Doctor or an MEng (Master of Engineering) degree.

Predominantly a North American phenomenon, some European institutions also offer this kind of double Masters. These programmes allow you to complete a Masters in a chosen discipline before studying an MBA in the second year of the programme.

How many credits is a double Masters degree worth?

A double Masters degree isn’t a standardised qualification with a set amount of credits. The exact value varies from course to course. However, some courses will involve taking more credits than a standard one-year Masters programme.

This means you could study up to 240 CATS credits, rather than the normal 180 CATS credits required by a one-year Masters. Or, you could end up studying the same amount as a normal Masters. Consult specific course details for more information.

Will I receive two degrees?

Yes! Studying a double Masters programme normally means you’ll receive a postgraduate qualification from both universities.

What are the benefits of a double Masters degree?

There are lots of reasons to follow a double Masters degree programme. Here are some of the main ones:

• Access to academic resources – You’ll have access to a combined wealth of scholarly resources through the universities you’re enrolled at.
• Employability – Having two Masters qualifications could give you an edge over other candidates in the job market, showing that you have the skills needed for success in a challenging environment.
• International outlook – Living and studying abroad can be an incredibly rewarding experience, opening up new avenues and perspectives that might have otherwise passed you by. And a global outlook will stand you in good stead when you graduate and begin looking for a job.
• Language skills – Even if the entirety of the course is taught in English, many foreign universities will offer language classes to double Masters students. If you wanted, you could boost your existing language skills or learn an entirely new one, depending on the location.
• Richer study opportunities – As you’ll be studying two courses in two (or more) universities, you’ll gain a wider, more comprehensive view of your chosen subject. You’ll be able to explore and interrogate the connections between the programmes, hopefully using these as a basis for your dissertation.

Of course, double Masters degrees aren’t for everyone. As we’ve already mentioned, most double Masters require two years of full-time study. They aren’t suitable for people with work or family commitments who would otherwise study part-time.

This means that double Masters can be more expensive than traditional degrees as you pay for two years of tuition fees rather than one. There are also additional costs associated with studying abroad like flights and health insurance that you’ll need to consider when deciding.

Double Masters vs double majors

The terms sound similar, but they’re not the same thing — and that’s where a lot of the confusion starts. In the US especially, “double major” is a familiar phrase, but it means something quite different from a double (or dual) degree.

Think of a double major as one degree with two specialisms. You still graduate with just one diploma, but it will list both areas of expertise. A dual degree, on the other hand, means you’re working towards two completely separate qualifications — and yes, you’ll walk away with two diplomas at the end.

Time-wise, a double major won’t keep you in uni any longer than a standard degree. A double degree, though, usually adds an extra year or two to your studies, depending on the programme. It can also be pricier, especially if it’s offered by universities in different countries.

One last key difference: double majors are only an option at the undergraduate level. If you’re looking at postgraduate study, you’re talking about double (or dual) degrees, not double majors.

Tips from the author

If you’re thinking about a double Masters, my biggest piece of advice is to really picture what two years of full-on study (in two different places) will feel like. It’s exciting — new cities, new friends, new academic challenges — but it’s also intense. You’ll be juggling two sets of course expectations, different academic cultures, and the admin of moving countries. The payoff is huge, but it’s worth being realistic about the workload and logistics before you dive in.

Also, don’t underestimate the “life” side of things. Yes, you’re there to study, but a double Masters is also an incredible chance to live abroad, immerse yourself in a new culture, and maybe even pick up a language along the way. Those experiences can be just as valuable as the degrees themselves. So, when you’re weighing up your options, look at the location and lifestyle just as much as the course content.

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