Mastère vs Master: what’s the real difference/which one should you choose?
When seeking to continue studies after a bachelor’s, bachelor’s or bac +3 degree, many students wonder about the difference between a “Master’s” and a “Mastère” for their further studies. Both courses provide a bac +5 diploma, but they do not have the same status or the same objectives. This article presents the finer aspects of each diploma, in order to provide you with the best possible guidance according to your professional and academic aspirations. Here’s a simple guide to making an informed choice!
What is a Master’s degree?
A Master’s degree is a nationally recognized university diploma, part of the LMD (Licence – Master – Doctorat) system. Accessible after a licence or bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree is awarded at bac +5 level, and is officially recognized in France, Europe and internationally.
Master’s program features:
- State-recognized diploma
- Duration: 2 years (Master 1 and Master 2).
- Accessible after: a licence or bachelor’s degree (bac +3).
- Level: Bac +5.
- Career opportunities: professional integration, doctoral studies, competitive examinations
Exemples at ISIT :
- Master in Intercultural Communication and Translation
- Master in International Communication and Technology
- Master in Conference Interpretation
- Master in Law and Multilingual Studies
- Master in Change Management & Diversity
- Master in International Strategy and Diplomacy
To summarize: The Master’s degree is an official diploma, ideal for building a sound, recognized career path, both in France and abroad.
What is a Mastère?
A Mastère, sometimes called a Specialized Mastère, is not a state diploma. This qualification is awarded by a school outside the university system, enabling students to specialize in a specific professional field.
The characteristics of this diploma:
Title awarded by the School (may be registered with the French national certification authority RNCP, but not always – this needs to be checked on a case-by-case basis).
Duration: generally 1 year (sometimes 2 years).
Accessible after bac +4 or bac +5.
Level: bac +5 (depending on the school).
Objective: rapid acquisition of specific professional skills.
Is the Mastère degree recognized? What is the value of a Mastère degree?
This level 7 diploma is recognized on the job market as a professional certificate. This qualification proves to recruiters that you have acquired the theories and practices essential to the performance of your profession. This diploma enables you to specialize rapidly to enter a targeted sector, but it does not have the same academic status as a Master’s degree.
Why is a Mastère not a Master’s degree?
A Master’s degree is not equivalent to a Master’s degree, for the reasons listed:
How can you tell whether it’s a Master’s degree or a Mastère degree?
The name of the diploma clearly indicates which diploma it is, whether on the school, university or institute website. If you’re in any doubt, contact the establishment and ask clearly whether or not the diploma is officially recognized as a Master’s degree. You can check that the program is a Master’s degree when it is qualified by the following text: MINISTÈRE DE L’ENSEIGNEMENT SUPÉRIEUR ET DE LA RECHERCHE (MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH) in addition to the name of the establishment, on the public service website.
Which of these two degrees is preferable? Is it desirable to acquire a Mastère degree?
There is no better diploma between one and the other, as they each have different objectives. However, it is possible to choose the most suitable degree according to your preferences. Here’s a little help in making your choice:
Choose a Master’s degree if:
- You are looking for a recognized and secure degree.
- You want to be able to enter the civil service.
- You plan to go on to a doctorate.
Choose a Mastère if:
- You already have a bac +4/5 and want to specialize quickly.
- You are targeting a specific sector in high demand.
What degrees does ISIT offer?
ISIT offers Master’s degrees (bac +5, level 7), combining academic excellence, professionalization with an international approach.
Our areas of expertise:
- Intercultural communication and translation.
- Conference interpreting.
- Change Management and Diversity
- Law and Multilingual Studies
- International communication and technology (double diploma)
- International strategies and diplomacy
These courses provide you with a state-recognized diploma that is highly valued by companies.