Double-sided tape, double rainbows, double cheeseburgers – a lot of things that start with ‘double’ are great.
Does this apply to double Master’s degrees, too? And if so, what should you know before applying for such an ambitious academic programme?
Let’s find out!
Key takeaways:
- Dual Master’s degree: You earn two separate diplomas, usually from two universities or in two related disciplines, through a coordinated programme.
- Double degree programmes are more demanding than a standard Master’s and require strong time management and commitment.
- Pros of dual degrees: Boost for career options, international experience, and skill set.
- Cons of dual degrees: Higher workload, complex administration, and possible extra costs.
What is a dual Master’s degree?
A dual degree, also called a double degree, is an academic programme that lets you study two related or complementary disciplines at the same time and graduate with two qualifications.
Double degrees are available at both Bachelor’s and Master’s levels, but it’s much more common to see Master’s students enrolling in this degree type.
Double MA degrees are often provided by (at least) two different universities, either in the same country or in different ones. Nevertheless, it’s also possible to find dual degrees offered by the same university.
Here is a simple overview of the key terms students often confuse:
- Dual degree (double degree): One programme (= a coordinated curriculum), that leads to two separate diplomas.
- Joint degree: One diploma awarded together by two or more universities after completing a shared curriculum.
- Double major: One Bachelor’s diploma with two areas of specialisation within the same university.
I will explain the differences between joint degrees and double majors in more detail later, since they are often mistaken for dual degrees.
| Tip: Browse for dual Master’s degrees now to see what’s available! |
Double degree: how does it work?
You usually study at two partner institutions, either one after the other or by moving between them during the programme.
Most double Master’s degrees take between 18 and 24 months to complete, or slightly longer depending on the structure.
So if you are wondering how long a dual degree takes, expect it to be similar to or longer than a standard Master’s.
Apart from duration, here are some other ways in which dual degrees are different:
- Tuition fees and costs: Tuition fees can vary a lot. Some partner universities offer a combined fee structure, while others require you to pay separate or higher fees due to international mobility and administrative coordination.
- Workload and time commitment: You are essentially covering the learning outcomes of two degrees within one. This means more assignments, tighter schedules, and less flexibility compared to a regular Master’s.
When graduating from a double degree, you will receive two diplomas, either:
- One diploma from each participating university, or
- Two diplomas for two disciplines if the programme is run by a single institution.
Why should I study a double master degree?
There are many reasons to start such an endeavour. Maybe you want an academic challenge, can’t choose between two subjects, or want to future-proof your career.
But is a dual Master’s worth it? The answer depends on your goals, motivation, and long-term plans.
Here are the main advantages of a double Master’s degree:
- Stronger CV and employability: Completing a double degree shows ambition. Employers are very likely to appreciate this achievement because they know not everyone can pull it off. It makes you stand out.
- Interdisciplinary expertise: You gain deep knowledge in two fields, which can open doors to specialised or hybrid careers.
- International exposure: Studying in different countries helps you develop cultural awareness, and discover new mentalities.
- Broad professional network: Studying at multiple institutions allows you to meet professors, classmates, and industry contacts of different academic and professional environments. This makes switching and finding jobs easier later.
- Time and cost efficiency (compared to two separate degrees): A coordinated programme can be faster and sometimes cheaper than enrolling in two independent Master’s degrees.
- Language and personal development: Living and studying abroad often improves language skills, adaptability, and personal confidence.
I think it is interesting to know that such dual and joint degree programmes were not created by accident but as part of a broader shift in higher education towards greater international cooperation, such as through the Bologna Process initiative.
| Tip: If you are unsure whether you want a dual degree at the same or at two different universities, our article on what studying abroad is about may help you decide. |
What are the downsides of a double Master’s degree?
Before applying, it is important to have a clear idea of how difficult dual Master’s programmes actually are.
The honest answer: They are much more demanding than regular degrees.
While the benefits are attractive, there are also real challenges you should consider:
- Heavy workload: You will manage dense schedules, multiple academic expectations, and often mobility between universities and countries.
- Administrative complexity: Different academic calendars, grading systems, and institutional rules can make planning each term more complicated.
- Higher organisational and financial demands: Travel, relocation, and potential extra fees can increase your overall costs and stress levels.
- Recognition differences: In some countries or industries, employers may not fully understand dual degree structures, which can require extra explanation.
- Limited flexibility: Switching courses, taking breaks, or working part-time is usually harder due to the tightly structured nature of dual programmes.
A double Masters can also be unnecessary if your career only requires expertise in one field. In such cases, a specialised single Master’s might be more efficient and less stressful.
| Personal tip: If you mainly want to study two disciplines rather than gain international experience, focusing on dual degrees offered within the same university can be a smart compromise. This reduces administrative issues, costs, and organisational stress. |
Dual degree vs. double majors
Double majors, also called multiple majors or specialisations, are most popular at colleges in the United States, and can be confusing for international students.
Double majors are only available on Bachelor’s level.
A double major means you study two main subject areas within the same degree and graduate with one diploma that lists both specialisations. In contrast, a dual degree leads to two separate diplomas.
Here are the main differences to a dual degree:
- With a double major, you get one degree with two major subjects. With a dual degree, you get two separate degree diplomas.
- Double majors usually take the same time as a standard degree, while a double degree can take longer depending on the programme.
- Double majors typically do not increase tuition fees much, as they are part of one programme.
Dual Master’s degrees vs simultaneous independent Master’s degrees
Another option some students consider is enrolling in two independent Master’s degrees at the same time.
While this is technically possible in some countries, it is usually much more complicated than joining an official dual degree programme.
For example, in certain education systems, there are legal or administrative restrictions.
In Germany, studying two degrees simultaneously often requires special approval, while in Switzerland, you generally cannot be fully enrolled independently at two universities at the same time.
Trying to manage two separate Master’s degrees independently also means:
- You pay full tuition fees at both universities
- You handle two separate schedules, exams, and deadlines
- You get no academic coordination between programmes
Professors and institutions will typically treat you like any other student, so you should not expect them to be understanding about your struggles just because you are enrolled in another degree.
For most students, a structured dual degree programme is far more manageable than attempting two unrelated Master’s degrees simultaneously.
Joint degree vs dual degree
Joint degrees are similar to double majors, but you can apply for one at both Bachelor’s and Master’s level.
A joint degree is a shared curriculum (degree programme) created together by all participating universities. The diploma usually includes the names and logos of all these participating institutions.
Joint degrees take the same time to graduate as regular degrees, and the number of credits and classes is the same.
Here are the main differences to dual degree and double major:
- In a dual degree, you earn two separate diplomas, while in a joint degree, you get one combined diploma recognised by all partner universities.
- A joint degree involves multiple universities collaborating on one programme, while a double major refers to two specialisations within one degree at a single institution.
Extra: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree programme
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) can be seen as a special type of joint degree.
It is a highly rated and appreciated international programme allowing students from all over the world to graduate with joint diplomas.
During your studies, you need to spend time in at least two different countries and cultures, which is a key element of the EMJMD.
Anyone who has a Bachelor’s diploma can apply for the EMJMD, and there’s even a special scholarship available.
Interested? Learn more about the EMJMD programme.
Final thoughts
A double Master’s degree can be an excellent choice if you have clear academic goals, strong motivation, and a genuine need for expertise in two fields. However, it is not the easiest path.
Carefully compare dual degrees, joint degrees, and single Master’s options before deciding, and explore study programmes worldwide to find what fits your future plans!
