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Estonian higher education has two cycles, following the Anglo-Saxon bachelor-master model. Bachelor’s level studies form the first cycle and master’s level studies form the second cycle. In some specialties, the study programmes have been integrated into a single cycle.
The purpose of bachelor’s level studies is to increase students’ level of general education, their acquired basic knowledge and skills in their specialty necessary for master’s level studies and for commencing work. The nominal length of studies is predominantly three years and the capacity of studies is 180 credit points, which correspond to the European Credit Transfer System – ECTS. In exceptional cases, the nominal length of bachelor’s-level studies extends to four years (240 ECTS credits).
Master’s level studies increase the knowledge and skills of the student in his/her speciality, thus, preparing the student for independent work after graduation. The main purpose of master’s level studies is to educate a specialist with profound professional knowledge. Master’s level studies are commenced after a bachelor’s degree and a bachelor’s degree or equivalent level of qualification is a prerequisite for admission. Persons who hold a professional higher education diploma can also commence a master programme in a university pursuant to the procedure established by the university. The nominal length of master’s level studies is 1–2 years and the capacity of studies is 60 – 120 ECTS credits but not less than five years (300 ECTS credits) along with bachelor’s level studies.
In addition to the two-cycle general structure, the study programmes of medicine, dentistry, pharmaceutical, veterinarian, architectural and civil engineering training are single long-cycle studies with a nominal length of 5–6 years and with a capacity of 300–360 ECTS credits. Such single long-cycle studies are called integrated bachelor-master studies and are based on an integrated study programme, which contains both basic studies and profound specialisation. The completion of this degree will provide a qualification corresponding to a master’s level degree.
A master’s degree is a prerequisite for commencing doctoral studies. The nominal length of doctoral studies is 3–4 years. |
