Whereas an HBO master’s program is geared toward increasing your expertise and practical skills at a higher graduate level, a WO master’s program is more research-oriented and is focused on increasing your knowledge and improving your analytical skills. Officially, all WO Master’s degrees fall under the categories Master of Laws, Master of Arts, and Master of Science, and HBO masters degrees pertain to the specific field of study. In addition, there are research masters, which are primarily focused on preparing you for an academic career and research-oriented occupations, and educational masters for teachers and educational leaders.
The duration of master’s programs vary widely and take anywhere between 1 to 4 years. Once again, if you are having trouble choosing the right master’s degree in the Netherlands for you, check the Mastersportal to find, compare, and apply for a Dutch master’s program.