Choose your master programme
Are you about to choose your master programme? Here you will find concrete advice, inspiration and tools that help you choose the direction that matches your interests, academic profile and future ambitions.
Take the time to choose well
“It is about understanding what motivates you and which competences you want to develop. When you take the time to explore your options, it becomes easier to make the choice that is right for you.” Lukas
Student guidance councellor, CBS
Go for facts - not your imagination
It can be difficult to understand a master programme just by looking at the title. Many students are surprised by the actual content once they begin studying. Some realise too late that their expectations do not match reality, and they end up leaving the programme. That is a shame, especially because it can often be avoided.
This is why there are a few simple steps you can use to get a clearer idea of what each programme offers.
Spend time exploring the programmes
• Read the course descriptions so you understand the structure and the academic themes.
• Talk to students and ask about their experiences, but remember that their dreams and preferences are not necessarily your own.
• Use Open Day and the student guidance service when you want to dive deeper into the content.
Do not choose a programme because it is popular, has a catchy title or "sounds good". Choose based on what the programme actually offers.
Get a grip on the process – feel confident about your choice
If your thoughts keep going in circles, adding structure may be what helps you get a clearer overview.
Write down what you are looking for: which academic areas appeal to you, and which competences you would like to develop.
Think about the study environment, teaching formats, elective options and your future career ambitions.
Create pros and cons lists for the programmes you are considering, and compare them with your priorities.
Avoid postponing the decision. The earlier you begin, the easier it becomes to see which programme actually matches your goals.
Consider the overall profile – not just the first year
Your choice is about more than the compulsory courses you will take in the first year. Your master programme also includes electives as well as your master’s thesis, giving you the chance to shape your own academic direction.
- Describe the overall profile you would like to create.
- Consider whether you want to specialise or prefer a broader academic focus.
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Look at which electives have been offered in previous years so you can get a sense of your actual options.
Check courses at master level
See the master programme as a whole that you can shape to match your ambitions.
Your plan B and C may become your plan A
You are admitted to one programme, but most applicants have several priorities. This is why it is a good idea to work seriously with more than one option, so you become aware of which programmes you can actually see yourself enrolling in.
Create a realistic plan A, B and C, and think each of them through so you can see yourself in all scenarios. Explore different programmes and apply only to the ones you genuinely want to be admitted to.
Your choice is a path forward – and there may be several routes leading to the same goal.
Consider your career when you choose your master
Choosing your master is only the beginning of your career. It is not your entire future. You are not hired solely for your academic competences, but also for your personal strengths. A working life is long and can take you in many directions. You might even decide to study again later on.
Explore the jobs that inspire you
Identify which competences are in demand
Consider courses that strengthen your profile
Get guidance
Talk to a student guidance councellor
You may have found one or more programmes that genuinely interest you, and perhaps new questions have come up that you cannot find answers to.
If you are uncertain about anything related to the programme, enrolment or anything else, it is a good idea to contact a student guidance counsellor. They can answer your questions and help you make an informed choice.
Talk to a friend
It can be a good idea to talk to a friend or your family about your options and what might be the best fit for you right now. They may be able to highlight what you are good at and what suits you well.
It can also be reassuring to have support when you are making the right and sometimes difficult choice.
Read about student life at CBS
Get a glimpse of student life at CBS. Here you can explore a typical week with classes and exams. You can see how the programmes are structured and read about the social life on campus, including how you can find communities with other students.