Master

Master degree programmes

Build on your previous knowledge and experience, and take your skills and career to the next level with an online master’s degree from an internationally recognised, state-accredited university. Develop expert knowledge in a wide variety of in-demand fields, and benefit from IU’s focus on practical work skills. Take your pick from degree programmes in data & IT, business & management, health & social care or marketing & communications. In addition, you can choose between studying for a completely online degree, or opt for one of our myStudies programmes, where you combine online and on-location studies. Please note that students from India, China and Vietnam will require an APS certificate if they want to pursue a higher education, such as a Master’s programme, in Germany (regardless of online or on-campus). Visit one of the programme pages below to find out more. 

All study programmes in:


Categories Filters

What is a master's degree?

A master's degree is a postgraduate academic qualification that you can earn after completing an undergraduate or bachelor's programme. It is often the second step in higher education, after a Bachelor's degree and followed by a Doctorate degree if you so wish. Master's degree programmes involve specialised, in-depth study in a particular field or discipline. Master's degrees typically last one to two years and require coursework, research, and sometimes a thesis project. These courses aim to enhance expertise and knowledge in the chosen area, preparing you, the student, for an advanced career or further academic pursuits.

Master-Studentin sitzt mit Unterlagen in der Bibliothek

Duration of a Master's degree

The duration of a Master's degree can vary depending on the university program and the country, but it generally takes one to two years to complete full-time. Online master's degrees may also vary, as well as programmes with flexibility of on-campus or online studies.

Erwachsene Studenten studieren in der Bibliothek

Types of Master's degrees

There are various types of Master's degrees, including Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS or MSC), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and others, each tailored to specific disciplines. A Master of Arts or MA degree typically focuses on humanities, arts, or social sciences, while a Master of Science or MS degree concentrates on scientific and technical subjects like engineering, chemistry, natural science and so on.

Benefits of a Master's degree

There are tons of benefits of earning a Master's degree. This degree can provide a competitive advantage in the job market, offering higher earning potential and career advancement opportunities. The advanced knowledge and skills acquired during a graduate degree can lead to more specialised roles and responsibilities within the chosen field. Additionally, a Master's degree often facilitates entry into certain professions or serves as a prerequisite for pursuing a doctoral degree.

Earning potential of a Master's degree

Regarding earning potential, statistics consistently show that individuals with Master's degrees tend to earn more than those with only a Bachelor's degree. There is currently a 22.5% salary differential between the degree levels. While the exact salary increase varies based on factors like the industry and location, having a Master's degree can lead to higher paying positions and greater long-term earning potential. It is a valuable investment for individuals seeking to advance their careers and deepen their knowledge in a specific area of study.

Why choose an online master's degree?

There are many benefits from choosing to do an online master's degree!

Flexibility

The biggest pro of going online is flexibility! Online programmes allow you to study at your own pace and plan your own schedules. This way you could balance your studies with other personal goals or even professional practice! The flexibility works especially well if you plan on working part-time or have family responsibilities - while you earn a postgraduate degree on the side! With some time management, you'll be able to do much more with your day with an online master's programme.

Affordability

IU is one of the leading universities at the forefront of making education accessible and inclusive. This means that affordability is a big factor for us, plus we also offer scholarships and more! Our online master's degrees are lighter on the pocket than most other taught master's degrees. Additionally, doing your degree online helps save other costs like transportation, university accommodation fees and much more! At IU, a lot of our study material is digital and available online, which means you'll save on that too.

Convenience

Convenience is the key factor that drives the popularity of online master's degrees! You can study from anywhere and with IU, at anytime (since we offer both full-time and part-time options), access course materials and lectures remotely - all you need is a working internet connection. There'd be no need for travel or relocation, and also makes it easier for you if you live in a remote area with limited access to a university. An online master's course is a convenient, practical and yet in-depth way to complete your higher education.

How to apply for our master's programme

Want to enrol in one of our postgraduate degree programmes or online master's degrees? Remember! If you are a student from India, China or Vietnam – you may need an APS certificate to apply to study a master's degree in Germany, both online and on-campus. Once you know what it is and how to obtain it, you can prepare to apply for the Master's degree of your choice at IU. Here's a step-by-step of the application process. 

1. Get to know us!

Get to know IU, our master's programmes and our offers! You're on our website which means you're probably looking to study your master's degree in a university abroad - or online. You're in the right place! Our website has tons of information on who we are, what we stand for and the programmes we offer. Be sure to read the detailed descriptions of our master's programmes so you have a clear picture, then make your choice!

2. Choose your online master's degree

After deciding on your master's programme subject of choice, you can get in touch with us and request our free of charge information material. Fill out the form - you'll find it on any of our study programme pages - or click on the 'request free information' button the top to get a brochure with all of our facts and figures about the degree delivered straight to your inbox. Feel free to talk to our Study Advisors, visit our FAQs or even attend one of our free webinars if you need any further information.

3. Apply online

Once you made your choice of online master's degree, we begin the application or admissions process. Go ahead and apply online - either you can fill out the application form with the help of our Study Advisors or you could simply click 'Apply now' and fill the form on your own time!

4. Sign the contract

After you've submitted the form, IU generates your personalised study contract. It contains information on your study fees, starting date and most importantly, a checklist of application documents that need to be submitted to ensure you are successfully enrolled. Make sure to digitally sign this contract, then upload it to your personal page.

5. Upload your application documents

Depending on the online master's degree of your choice, you'll need to submit certain documents that can be found either on our website or in the checklist in your contract. After you have uploaded these to your personal page, we review your documents within 5 business days before getting back to you. Our team will get in touch in case you do not meet the requirements or in case we need any additional ones - we'll also notify you if you've met all our requirements and have been successfully enrolled!

6. Start your studies

On the start date, you'll receive an email with all your login details to all of the systems you'll be using during your master's degree (especially if you are choosing an online master's degree):

  • The IU Learn app
  • myCampus, where you’ll register to courses, get updates, and have access to events 
  • Your student e-mail 
  • Your free MS Office suite, including TEAMS, where you can chat with students and tutors 

And that's that! You are now on your way to gaining in depth knowledge and expertise in your subject of choice and earning a graduate degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many years is a master degree?

A master's degree typically takes one to two years of full-time study. However, the duration can vary depending on the country, programme, and whether you study part-time or full-time. Some specialised or research-intensive master's programmes may take longer to complete.

Which master's degree is most in demand?

The demand for Master's degrees varies depending on the current job market and industry. However, in recent times, the most in-demand master's degrees are in fields like applied artificial intelligence, data science, cyber security, healthcare administration, business analytics, and computer science. These areas are experiencing rapid growth and require specialised skills. Earning a Master's degree in one of these high-demand fields can enhance job prospects and open up opportunities for rewarding careers with competitive salaries.

Is a master's degree a postgraduate?

Yes, a Master's degree is a postgraduate qualification. It means that it is a level of education that comes after completing a Bachelor's degree. After you finish your undergraduate studies and earn a Bachelor's degree, you can pursue a Master's degree to further specialise in your field and gain advanced knowledge and skills. Postgraduate degrees, including Master's degrees, aim to deepen expertise and prepare you for more advanced career opportunities or further academic pursuits like a doctoral degree.

Can I do a master's in a different subject?

Yes, in many cases, you can pursue a master's degree in a different subject than your bachelor's degree. This flexibility allows you to explore new fields of interest or transition to a different career path. While some master's programmes may have specific prerequisites or require related undergraduate coursework, many universities offer programs designed to accommodate students from diverse academic backgrounds. It is essential to research and check the admission requirements of the master's programme you're interested in to ensure that you meet the necessary qualifications for the subject you wish to study.

Can we do a master's degree after a diploma?

It is possible in some cases to pursue a master's degree after completing a diploma programme. However, this depends on the diploma programme and the kind of master's degree programme you are interested in. however, you should keep in mind that typically, a diploma may not always be sufficient for admission to all master's programmes. Most professional master's degrees require a bachelor's degree as their minimum educational requirement.

What is an online master's degree?

An online master's degree is when you earn the postgraduate academic qualification through online education platforms. Online master's programmes are flexible, convenient and affordable, allowing you to pursue advanced studies without the need to attend traditional on-campus classes. Perfect for working professionals looking to up-skill in order to open doors to higher positions, or individuals with family responsibilities or personal commitments, the online master's provides a sense of autonomy and convenience. At IU, we offer online master's programmes in a variety of current, career-oriented subjects that allow you to earn your degree at your own pace and unlock higher job positions and opportunities.

Can you earn a master's degree online?

Yes, of course! You can earn a master's degree online with IU, and you can choose from a variety of current and job-oriented fields.

Is an online master's degree respected?

Yes, an online master's degree from an accredited institution is respected and equivalent to traditional in-person taught master's degrees.

Is a master's degree equal to an MS?

An MS or MSc or master of science is a type of master's degree! It refers to master's degrees in subjects in STEM-related fields like science, engineering, tech, mathematics, computer science, medicine and so on. The other type of master's degree is an MA or master of arts, which focuses on subjects like literature, history, social sciences, humanities and so on.

What is the APS certificate in Germany?

The APS certificate verifies the equivalence of your educational qualifications and is issued by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in collaboration with the German embassy. Without this, students from India, China and Vietnam cannot get a student visa and attend German universities. The APS certificate is required for both online and on-campus studies in Germany.