Master Without Bachelor - Here's How It Works

Anyone who still believes that gaining access to a Master’s program is impossible without prior completion of any first-degree studies is mistaken. Due to certain amendments in German university law, it has been generally possible since 2006 for non-academics to embark on a Master’s program as well, in some cases even on a part-time basis. While opponents fear that the alternative way to obtain a Master’s degree may lead to the degree’s devaluation, proponents consider it an appropriate means to counteract skill shortages as well as to increase career opportunities.

In practice, however, it is not as simple as all that. Obtaining a Master’s degree without an undergraduate degree has its price, both literally and figuratively. Aside from certain admission requirements applicants have to meet (higher education entrance qualification, professional qualifications, aptitude test), and which may vary depending on the respective university or academy, Master’s programs that do not require a Bachelor’s or undergraduate degree usually involve considerable financial cost. The average study costs amount to EUR 10,000.

Added to this is the fact that Master’s programs for non-academics are not approved in all federal states. Thus the location of the respective educational institution is crucial. Among federal states that are generally open to the option of obtaining a Master’s degree without any academic background are Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, Bremen, and Hamburg. Federal states that have so far rejected the idea of opening the educational market, meanwhile, are North Rhine Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg, and Bavaria.

In addition, it should also be taken into account that alternative Master’s programs are restricted to particular professions. In most cases, the programs in question relate to the fields of economics, engineering, and social sciences. Hence, when searching for an opportunity to take part in such a program, flexibility is a key prerequisite, although in many instances there is the possibility of distance learning programs.

Those who consider taking part in a Master’s program without academic background have the opportunity to apply for a place to study at the educational institutions mentioned below, without this list purporting to be comprehensive: Mittelhessen University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg School of Business Administration, Wiesbaden Academy of Administration and Economics, University of Mainz, Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, Kaiserlautern University of Applied Sciences, Ludwigshafen University of Applied Sciences, Koblenz University of Applied Sciences, Diploma Hochschule, Worms University of Applied Sciences, Heidelberg Management Academy, Europäische Fernhochschule, Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences, Trier University of Applied Sciences, Akademie für Unternehmensmanagement Monheim, Danube University Krems (Austria), Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Graduate School Rhein-Neckar, Münchner Marketing Akademie, Friedrich-Schiller University of Jena.