How long does a work-study master’s degree last?

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As soon as the notion of work-study comes into play, students ask themselves how long a work-study master’s degree lasts. Many are interested in getting work experience with their degree. However, students prefer a short training period.

How long does a work-study master’s degree last?

To define the duration of a work-study master’s program, several parameters must be taken into account. One of the most important details is the pathway chosen. In fact, courses that require more practice within a company last longer. However, the master’s degree lasts 3 years at most.

Moreover, the apprenticeship contracts within the companies last from 6 months to 3 years. As a result, the study period lasts less than that. In the context of a business study, for example, the work-study program lasts as long as the master’s degree. You will then spend one year there if you want an M1 level and two years if you want to do an M2.

Why choose to do a work-study master’s degree?

A work-study master’s degree is an original way to discover your dream job. Students today rarely have the opportunity to learn the details of the jobs available to them. The work-study program is an opportunity for students to get a taste of the reality of the jobs available to them.

Thanks to the work-study program, many students get to know first-hand the types of activities they want to enter when they graduate. Others decide to reorient themselves quickly to avoid wasting time. Work experience allows students to learn about the pace and conditions of work in their chosen field.

A work-study master’s degree also allows you toacquire two skills at the same time. Students enrolled in a traditional master’s degree are limited to a theoretical course without knowing the problems that often arise in practice. On the other hand, those in work-study programs master both the theoretical part and the field situations at the same time.

One of the reasons why students opt for a work-study master’s degree is also to save time. To know how long a work-study master’s degree lasts, it takes as much time as a classic master’s degree, in principle. During the same year, students take a practical course in a company and a theoretical course at their home institution at the same time.

It should also be noted that finding a job after graduation is complicated. Students with professional experience are preferred. Although it is an apprenticeship phase, the work-study program is considered a first professional experience.

How long is the contract for a work-study master’s degree?

Colleges work with companies to offer a work-study master’s degree with a contract at the end. The length of the contract thus varies greatly. On a legal basis, an apprenticeship contract lasts a minimum of 6 months and is limited to a maximum of 3 years.

In the case of a work-study master’s degree, however, schools tend to match the length of the contract with the length of the year. Thus, the shortest contract for professionalization lasts 12 months. This option is open to students who wish to stop at the Master 1 level. It is also valid for students who continue their Master 2 after a break.

For students wishing to obtain the master’s degree upon registration, a 24-month contract is possible. In this case, the student is covered for both years of the Master’s program. This last technique is quite reliable since you will be safe until the end of your studies.

Can I change my work-study program during my master’s degree?

In principle, the alternation can be changed. However, the terms of the contract signed with the company must be taken into account. If you have signed a 6-month contract, you will have the right to find a company at the end of the contract.

The most common case is students with a 12-month contract. In this kind of situation, he has to finish his first year of master with the same company and change for the second year. It should be noted that the alternating students pass a trial period. If the student is still on schedule, he or she may freely break the contract without cause.

If the student has a 24-month contract, however, he or she will have to complete it with the same company. However, arrangements with the company can be made provided that the student knows how to really negotiate at the end of the first year.

Updated 21 April 2023