FAQ

Here you will find brief answers to a number of frequently asked questions about Master & Certificate Programs. If you still have any questions left, please do not hesitate to contact us via email or phone. We will be happy to assist you.

Master & Certificate

What are the advantages of the MAS vs. the EMSAVM?

A Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) ( = professional master = executive master ) is a degree designed for continuing education studies for owners of university degrees. Thus studying while working (also called: extra occupational studies).

What is the difference between a MAS and an academic master (Master of Science, MSc)?

A MAS provides advanced knowledge training with an emphasis on professional practice. The main focus is on solving practical problems. An MSc provides broad-based knowledge training emphasizing the principles of the field of study. The main focus is on research work.

From the start, the EMSAVM at the UL was presented as a “professional master degree” which ESAVS had always intended. Since the University of Luxembourg requires that all Masters have the same format, our “professional master” program had to comply with the traditional MSc of 120 ECTS, which is the format of a scientific/research degree. This means that ESAVS students receive practice-oriented training but are nevertheless required to produce a research thesis which proved to be a major obstacle for many. We therefore decided to adapt our programs to the internationally accepted CAS and MAS format which is specifically designed for continuing education studies.

While the CAS is identical to the existing ESAVS certificate program, the only major change in the master is the elimination of the research thesis requirement. However, the submission of a written piece of work remains part of the program. In the new MAS, the latter now consists of the compiled case reports which better reflect the practice-oriented scope of the MAS and makes the master program much more feasible for veterinarians studying while working.

 

What is the value of the MAS and is it recognized internationally?

By definition, the MAS and MSc are fundamentally different. In general, a MAS qualification is of advantage for the professional market, an MSc rather for the academic market.

The CAS/MAS are internationally accepted qualifications of continuing education by professionals holding university degrees. Recognition of the respective degrees is first and foremost based on the quality of the program, which in turn is based on who assessed this quality. The quality assurance of the ESAVS programs is based on 2 pillars:

    – educational certification by the Federation for EDucation in Europe (FEDE): ESAVS teaching procedures meet EDUQUA standards
    – ongoing accreditation of our programs by VETCEE, i.e. approval by the highest authorities in veterinary education: European Association of Establishments of Veterinary Education ( EAEVE), European Board of Veterinary Specialization (EBVS) and the veterinary profession (Federation of Veterinarians of Europe – FVE and Union of European Veterinary Practitioners – UEVP).

The VETCEE accreditation is internationally valid for all European countries. A recognition beyond and by veterinary organizations abroad is anticipated as well.

What is the difference between the new CAS and the CSAVP?
  • The formal difference between the CSAVP at UL and the CAS is mainly the accrediting body.

The CSAVP is run in collaboration with UL and is therefore accredited by a university, also issuing the diploma.
The CAS is run independently of a university, but is identical in structure and format. It is not accredited by a university, but by VetCEE (accreditation is currently ongoing). Both programs comprise 30 ECTS credits.

  • (Re-)enrollment for the CAS entails lesser formalities, such as submitting proof of health insurance for each semester is not required, as it is for the CSAVP.
  • In the CAS, registration for courses and exams is required only at ESAVS, in the CSAVP also at the University of Luxembourg.
  • Exams have been conducted online since several years and will continue to take place online for the CAS/MAS programs. At the University of Luxembourg, exams are already conducted on-site again for resident students, which could become mandatory again for ESAVS students in the future.
What are the fees & costs of the new MAS/CAS?
For more information please use the links below:
Master Degree admission & fees – ESAVS
Certificate admission & fees – ESAVS