What is the difference between a bachelor’s and a master’s degree?

If you’re considering university study, you’ve probably asked yourself whether a bachelor’s or a master’s degree makes more sense for your situation. While both are recognised higher education qualifications, they differ slightly in focus, duration and career outcomes.

What is a bachelor’s degree?

A bachelor’s degree is a foundational programme that provides students with a broad understanding of a specific discipline. In the Spanish higher education system, these programmes typically consist of 240 ECTS credits (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System), which students usually complete over four academic years.

Bachelor’s degree programmes are designed to build discipline-specific theory and core academic skills, forming the basis for entry-level professional roles or postgraduate study in the same field.

What is a master’s degree?

A master’s programme is an advanced postgraduate qualification designed to develop specialised expertise or research skills in a particular field. These degrees generally range from 60 to 120 ECTS credits and take between one and two years to complete, depending on the programme structure and intensity.

The level of study is intended for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree. A master’s focuses on high-level technical competence; for example, a Master’s in Renewable Energies explores areas such as green hydrogen, climate change and advanced renewable technologies, moving beyond the general concepts covered at bachelor’s level.

Key differences between a bachelor's and a master's

Choosing the right qualification depends on your current career stage and long-term objectives. A bachelor’s degree provides broad, foundational knowledge over several years, while a master’s degree focuses on advanced expertise, professional specialisation or research in a specific niche, usually lasting one to two years. The main differences between a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree are as follows:

Admission requirements for first-cycle and postgraduate study

The entry criteria for university study in Spain depend on whether you are starting your first degree or looking to specialise. At Universidad Europea, the admissions process evaluates both your academic background and personal potential.

Accessing a bachelor’s degree

To enrol in a bachelor’s degree, the main requirement is having completed upper secondary education. In the Spanish system, this also involves passing the EVAU or EBAU entrance exams. International students may also need to apply for official recognition of their high school diploma or obtain accreditation if they come from an EU or UK system. come from an EU or UK system.

At Universidad Europea, the admissions process goes beyond grades. Candidates must complete:

• A competencies and skills assessment: A 30-minute test evaluating 116 general competencies and 23 study behaviours, including teamwork and work habits.
• Language tests: English and Spanish (for non-native speakers) assessments covering reading, listening, grammar and vocabulary.

Accessing a master’s degree

The fundamental requirement for a master’s programme is holding an official university degree. However, the selection process is more qualitative than for first-cycle study and typically includes:

• Curriculum vitae review: Assessment of your academic and professional background.
• Specialised interviews: Some programmes require an interview with the admissions committee or the programme director to assess your suitability.
• Credit recognition: Professionals with significant experience can request a credit recognition plan. At Universidad Europea, this allows for the potential validation of internships or specific modules based on your work history.

When to choose a bachelor's or a master's degree?

Choosing the right qualification depends on your academic background, current career stage and where you want to go next.

Choose a bachelor’s degree if:

• You’re entering a field for the first time and need the full academic grounding offered by a 240 ECTS programme (common in Law, Engineering, Psychology or Architecture).
• You’re making a complete career change and need core theory, methodology, and recognised credentials.
• You don’t yet meet the entry requirements for a master’s programme.

Choose a master’s degree if:

• You want to specialise quickly and already hold a relevant bachelor's degree, for example, in areas such as Big Data or Sports Law.
• You’re aiming for faster career progression. In Spain, OECD data shows a 49% wage gap between upper secondary and tertiary education, underlining how master’s programmes improve access to higher-paid and more specialised roles.
• Your profession is regulated. In Spain, careers such as Teaching and certain Engineering roles legally require a qualifying master’s degree.

In short, bachelor’s and master’s degrees respond to different academic and professional needs. Choose a bachelor’s degree if you need a strong foundation in a new field or want broad academic knowledge. Choose a master’s degree if you already hold a degree and want to specialise or advance your career.