Degrees

Bachelor's, Master's, and doctoral degree – a brief explanation

What are Bachelor's and Master's degrees? What does it take to qualify for each degree type? Which paths lead to which qualification, academic rank, or title? The information provided below will answer this question.

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Ein kleines Kind hält einen Stapel aus vier Büchern auf seinem Kopf und wirkt damit größer.
One step at a time: You first need a Bachelor's degree, then earn a Master's degree, before the doctorate can follow.
Photo: luxus/photocase.de

At the University of Stuttgart all study programs are divided into two levels: First come the study programs leading to a Bachelor’s degree. Next come the study programs leading to a Master’s degree. The Bachelor’s and Master’s qualifications are modularized degree programs.This aligns the programs with the Bologna System, which allows to compare academic credits throughout Europe.

What's a module? What are ECTS?

Information on all study-related terms is published in the University A-Z.

University A-Z

The Bachelor‘s-Master’s system

First you study a Bachelor's program, then a Master's.
Studying for a Bachelor’s degree usually takes 6 semesters; a Master’s degree usually takes 4 semesters.  

The Bachelor’s and Master’s degree system

Bachelor's degree

The Bachelor’s degree program is the first cycle of study and comprises six semesters. It is a full-fledged degree and the fastest way through the university to a career.  The Bachelor’s degree is the prerequisite for all other academic degrees.

Master's degree

The Bachelor’s degree is followed by the Master’s degree program, in which you deepen your specialist knowledge. It is designed for four semesters and is characterized by a great freedom of choice. The Master’s degree is the prerequisite for doctoral degree studies.

Doctoral degree studies

The University of Stuttgart currently has 1,600 individuals pursuing their doctoral thesis. This means they do independent academic work in a subject specialty. Upon successful completion of their studies, the doctorate degree is conferred on them, giving them the right to put “Dr.” before their names henceforth.

Double degrees

University of Stuttgart student have the option of entering double degree programs. These make it possible to obtain degrees from two universities located in different countries. At this time, they are mostly offered in the Master’s studies realm.

Double degree

Expiring and former degree programs

All regulations for a particular study program are established by the exam regulations for example, which degree it results in or what is required to obtain it. An exam regulation (Prüfungsordnung = PO) remains in force until a new PO is adopted. The new regulation will stipulate transition deadlines within which students are then allowed to complete studies begun under the previous PO.

There is still one outdated degree program at the University of Stuttgart: the First State Examination for High School Teaching. It pertains to students that began their studies prior to the introduction of the modularized exam regulations.

Detailed information about the degrees

Bachelor's degrees

The Bachelor's is the first academic degree that can lead to a profession or be a stepping stone to …

Master's degrees

Deepen and sharpen your subject matter knowledge gained with your Bachelor’s degree: On this page …

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