Everything you need to know about a master’s degree after a BTS: the essential guide

You’ve just graduated with a BTS (Higher National Diploma) and are wondering what’s next? Pursuing higher education can seem like a real headache after a two-year degree. However, a master’s degree is often a goal for motivated students who want to maximize their opportunities in the professional world. But is it possible to pursue a master’s degree right after a BTS (Higher National Diploma)? Is it necessary to pursue a bachelor’s degree? What are the options, pathways, and tips for saving time? These are all questions many people ask, because properly preparing for your career path is the key to lasting success.
In this context, this essential guide dissects everything you need to know about a master’s degree after a BTS: the degrees to aim for first, the programs to choose, the application procedures to follow, best practices to avoid pitfalls, and also concrete examples to inspire everyone. Whether you’re thinking about your path or already enrolled in a BTS (Higher National Diploma), this overview will give you a real boost in understanding the issues and making the best choices.
Finally, one important thing: the world of higher education is changing rapidly. 2025 is the year when certain rules will become clearer, making the BTS-Master’s transition clearer but also more demanding. So, before you rush into it, take a few minutes to better understand what awaits you.

Can you do a Master’s after a BTS: what you need to know?

So, can you enroll directly in a Master’s after completing a BTS? The answer is quite simple, even if it’s sometimes disappointing: A Master’s requires a minimum of a Bac +3 level,while the BTS is a Bac +2 level diploma. This means that you can’t enroll in a Master’s directly after completing the BTS.

To access a master’s degree, you must first complete an additional year of study to obtain a three-year degree, such as a bachelor’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, or a BUT (University Diploma of Advanced Studies). This is one of the essential steps, but rest assured, it’s not a permanent obstacle, but rather a stepping stone.

The logic behind this step is that a master’s degree, whether at university or in a school, is based on more solid and in-depth knowledge and skills. The BTS (Bachelor’s Degree in Technology), often focused on practical applications, primarily prepares you for direct entry into the workforce. To move on to the next level, you must complete this three-year degree, which certifies more comprehensive training and greater theoretical mastery.

Reasons why a master’s degree requires a three-year degree

• 📚 The academic level is higher, with research, analysis, and complex projects.
• 🎯 The master’s degree targets advanced professional skills that allow you to assume significant responsibilities. 🔍 The program requires a solid foundation of knowledge acquired over a long period of time.
• Finally, keep in mind that many students choose this path precisely because it is progressive. We always encourage students to value the BTS as a strong foundation, but to consider a three-year degree before aiming for a master’s degree.

Degree

Discover our master’s program, designed to deepen your knowledge and skills in your field of study. Join a community of passionate learners and prepare to excel in your professional career. BTS graduates: how to obtain a 3-year degree before a master’s degree?Once you have your BTS, what’s the next step? To enter a master’s program, you need additional training, usually lasting one year or more, to obtain a 3-year degree. Several options are available, depending on your interests, profiles, and career plans:

Professional bachelor’s degrees:

One-year programs specially designed for BTS graduates. This type of bachelor’s degree is highly professionalizing and often directly related to the target sector.

• 🎓 General bachelor’s degrees: More theoretical, these last 3 years, but you can often join in the second or third year depending on your academic record. They prepare you for further study. 🎓
• Bachelor’s degree: A short but more specialized degree. Often available through parallel admission for holders of a BTS (Higher National Diploma in Technology), it provides a good transition to a master’s degree. 🎓
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA): Specializing in management and business, this degree offered by private schools provides a solid business foundation for a master’s degree. 🎓
• Bachelor of Technology (BUT): Awarded by IUTs (University Institutes of Technology), the BUT is a three-year degree combining theory and practice, highly valued for pursuing a master’s degree. 🎓
• ATS Preparatory Course: A specific option, this preparatory year allows BTS (Higher National Diploma in Technology) students to pursue an engineering or business program. It’s important to note that the selection process is often quite tight, as these programs receive numerous applications. It’s therefore important to prepare a strong application, always ensuring consistency between your choice of a bachelor’s degree and your desired master’s degree goals. Bac +3 level training
• Duration Main characteristics Access after BTS

Professional Bachelor’s degree

You’ve probably already heard of PGE (Grande École Program), these famous 3-year programs that award a recognized master’s degree. The good news: BTS graduates can also try this innovative path. Often referred to as the Grande École Program, these programs are offered by business or management schools, sometimes specialized ones. The PGE most often operates through parallel admission, directly into the 3rd year, after the BTS. This path often leads to highly regarded degrees. The advantage of a PGE is that it provides a comprehensive program that combines theory and practice, with internships and business projects. The teaching method is adapted to international requirements, which is a real plus for boosting your CV. 🌍 Training focused on international trade, management, or human resources.💼 Strong professional integration opportunities thanks to contacts with companies and internships.

🌟 Possibility of obtaining dual degrees or gateways to other countries.

This does, however, require careful preparation of your application and successful completion of the selection process (interviews, tests). The program is demanding, but I believe it’s an excellent way for a BTS graduate to aim high.

Features

Description

• Duration
• 3 years (integration in the 3rd year after the BTS)
• Type of degree
• State-recognized Master’s degree

Current programs

University Masters or Masters and MSc: What are the differences after a BTS? Once the famous Bac +3 has been validated, the door to a master’s degree finally opens. Be careful, there are different options and they do not always lead to the same type of degree. There are two main categories: 🏛️ University Masters:

Masters, MSc, MBA:

Offered by private schools, these programs often focus on professional expertise in a specific sector. These programs can be specialized and include professional certifications.

It’s important to choose wisely based on your goals: a university master’s degree will further strengthen your theoretical knowledge, while master’s and MSc programs emphasize professional practice and preparation for the workforce. Master’s Degree Type

• Organization Characteristics Duration
• Benefits University Master’s Degree Public University

Scientific and Academic Body, Research

Anticipate application deadlines: often several months before the start of the academic year (between January and April depending on the institution). 🤝

Contact universities and schools:

find out the criteria, requirements, and options in detail.

• 📚 Make sure it’s a good fit: choose a 3-year degree program that prepares you well for the specific master’s degree you’re aiming for.
• 💡 If possible, prepare for interviews and tests, Because they are often required, especially for private schools and PGE (Professional Diploma in Management).
• 🔄 Consider work-study programs: More and more master’s degrees are offering this option, which is very practical for combining theory and experience.
• The important thing to remember is that success often depends on the careful preparation before enrolling. Refresh your knowledge of the latest training programs by consulting this article on work-study programs and BTS training .
• Discover our master’s program, designed to deepen your knowledge and skills in your field. Offering high-quality training, this degree prepares you to meet the challenges of the job market while fostering innovation and critical thinking. Join us to transform your professional future. Examples of successful paths from a BTS to a master’s degree It’s often a good idea to draw inspiration from others. Here are some concrete examples of paths taken by students to progress from a BTS to a Master’s degree:
• 🌟 Marine, BTS in Communication: She continued with a professional bachelor’s degree in digital marketing, then a master’s degree in corporate communication.

🌟 Julien, BTS in MCO (Operational Commercial Management):After a year of her bachelor’s degree, he enrolled in a PGE (Professional Master’s Program) at a business school.

Laura, BTS in Banking:

She chose a professional bachelor’s degree in banking and finance before enrolling in a master’s degree specializing in financial markets.

• 🌟 Romain, BTS in CIRA (Industrial Control and Automatic Regulation): He opted for a BUT (University Diploma) in automation and industrial computing, then continued with a master’s degree in systems engineering. Name
• BTS Bac +3 targeted Master’s degree pursued
• Navy Communication Professional Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Marketing
• Master’s Degree in Corporate Communication Julien MCO

⚠️ Not getting enough information about the program content and career paths. ⚠️ Forgetting that the selection process may include interviews, tests, or assessments, and not preparing for them. To protect yourself against these biases, get organized now and don’t hesitate to seek advice from career centers or academic leaders. The BTS CG or communication are examples where selection is serious and requires real investment.Error ConsequenceRecommended solution

Delay in registration

Loss of place, postponement of the start of the academic year

• Strict schedule, plan ahead
• Poor choice of bac +3
• Extended course, discouragement
• Career advice, in-depth research
• Incomplete or weak application

Rejection of course, fewer opportunities Improve resume, letter, transcripts Ignore selection

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What advice do you have for preparing for a master’s degree after a BTS?

• Prepare a solid application, anticipate deadlines, choose a coherent program, and prepare for interviews or tests.
  
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