Second cycle programs include the degrees "Master of Science" (MSc) / "Master of Arts" (MA). Admission to the "Master of Science"/"Master of Arts" study programs is subject to holding a Bachelor’s degree or another foreign qualification recognized in the Republic of Albania, as well as the specific admission requirements of each individual higher education institution (HEI). "Master of Science" degrees are awarded after completing a program that lasts 2 years (following a Bachelor’s program) or 5 to 6 years (in the case of an "Integrated Master of Science" program). Study programs of the second cycle of higher education refer to level 7 of the AQF.

Branches of Study

In Albania, second cycle study programs include:

• Master of Science (MSc)

• Professional Master

• Integrated Master of Science

They correspond to Level 7 of the Albanian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and EQF Level 7. A "Master of Science" program lasting 2 years requires the accumulation of 120 ECTS credits upon completion, whereas an "Integrated Master of Science" program lasting 5 or 6 years requires 300 or 360 ECTS credits. A "Master of Science" degree is awarded following the submission of a thesis. The MSc degree entitles its holder to enter the labor market and/or continue academic studies at the third cycle (doctoral) level.

Second cycle programs also include the "Professional Master" degree. Admission to "Professional Master" programs requires a Bachelor’s degree or another foreign qualification recognized in the Republic of Albania, as well as specific admission requirements set by each HEI. "Professional Master" programs last 1 or 2 years and require the accumulation of 60 or 120 ECTS credits. A "Professional Master" degree entitles its holder to enter the labor market in both the public and private sectors.

Admission Requirements

Admission to second cycle programs is open to candidates who have completed a first cycle (Bachelor) study program. Admission criteria are determined by the academic unit offering the program and may vary slightly between HEIs. Integrated study programs are exempt from this rule, with admission criteria established by the main unit and the Quality Assurance Agency (ESC). HEIs may recognize credits earned in "Professional Master" programs for transfer to "Master of Science" programs. HEIs send the ESC the list of enrolled students at the beginning of the academic year.

It is important to note that one of the admission requirements for an MSc degree is proficiency in one of the five European Union foreign languages (English, French, German, Italian, or Spanish), certified by internationally recognized examinations.

Curriculum

Curricula are developed at the institutional level. Study programs consist of mandatory and elective courses. The standard language of instruction is Albanian, but HEIs may conduct examinations, parts of courses, or entire programs in a minority language or another foreign language, which must be declared by the HEI in the licensing application.

Teaching Methods

Higher education instructors are required to organize their lectures in accordance with the curriculum, but the specific teaching methods employed are not prescribed.

Progression of Students

Students may advance to the next year of study after fulfilling the required ECTS credits as specified by the regulations of each HEI. Examinations may be taken at any time within the dates/periods set by each HEI. Each HEI’s regulations provide further specifications for student progression.

Employability

Idem with the bachelor section on employability.

Certification

Degrees awarded include Professional Master, Master of Arts, or Master of Science. The first two programs have a one-year duration, while the MSc program has a two-year duration.