Difference between MSc degree and a qualification at the Master's level

The Ministry of Education, Science and Culture issues the “National Qualification Framework”.

According to the National Qualification Framework, a Master's degree (MSc) is defined as a 90-120 ECTS degree at the Master's level that concludes with a 30 ECTS thesis.

The Framework also defines other degrees at the Master's level, so-called qualifications at the Master's level. Such degrees range from 30-120 ECTS and have in common that a thesis is not written, or that a thesis/final project amounts to less than 30 ECTS. Examples of qualifications at the Master's level are an MBA degree, MPM degree, and MACC degree; the last being, for example, the graduate degree pursued by students who wish to become auditors.