There are many reasons why people are interested in a career in international management and consider further education. One option is to study further after a bachelor’s degree. Whether it is an MBA or a Master’s programme, making the right decision is not always easy.
This article explains the differences between a Master’s programme that follows a Bachelor’s degree and the Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Which is the right choice?
As a Master’s student, you have several options to choose from. One option is the classic Master’s degree, but the Master of Business Administration (MBA) can also be the perfect choice.
A common feature of both degrees is that both the Master’s and the MBA are postgraduate study options. Both are designed for graduates of a Bachelor’s degree. Both also offer the opportunity to deepen your knowledge and gain expertise in a particular area.
The Master’s degree and the MBA degree are equivalent academic titles that are internationally recognised. According to the Bologna Process, they are the second academic degree and are therefore on the same level as a doctorate.
Both degrees certify that the student has advanced knowledge and skills in a specific subject area.
Differences between an MBA and a Master’s degree
Choosing between an MBA and a Master’s degree can be difficult, as the two programmes are similar in many ways, but also have fundamental differences. To help you decide, we have summarised the main differences in terms of entry requirements, programme focus, duration and target audience.
Basically, there is one important factor that applies to both MBA and Master’s programmes. A first degree, such as a Bachelor’s or a Diploma, is a prerequisite for admission to an MBA or Master’s programme. One difference is that an MBA programme usually requires several years of work experience.
The consecutive Master’s degree, on the other hand, does not require any work experience and can be started directly after a Bachelor’s degree. Another difference is that universities usually set a minimum grade as an entry requirement for both types of programmes. This can vary from university to university and should be checked before applying.
Other key differences between an MBA and a Master’s
Another important difference between an MBA and a Master’s degree is the length of the programme. A traditional Master’s programme usually lasts two years, while an MBA programme is usually one year. This is because MBAs are often offered as part-time programmes and are therefore designed to be shorter.
There are also differences between MBA and Master programmes in terms of content. A master’s programme usually focuses on a specific subject area, while an MBA programme has a broader focus on different aspects of management. These include finance, marketing, human resources and business management.
In conclusion, both MBA and Master’s programmes have advantages and disadvantages and it is important to consider your personal requirements when answering the question MBA vs Master.
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