Master study programmes are designed to prepare individuals for independent research (the arts) activities or any other work which requires scientific knowledge and analytical competence. Master studies are carried out at universities where the research (artistic) activities that are in line with the study field can be conducted. Upon completion, a student is awarded a Master’s Degree in the specific study field.

Master study programmes can be of different orientation; however, they have to comply with the profile of the university and meet labour market demands. The nature of the Master study programme must be specified and justified in a description of the Master study programme. It is obligatory to clearly formulate the aims of study in the description of each programme and relate them to the study results (knowledge, competences and skills) that will be acquired by the graduate on completion of the study programme. The aims of study and the formulation of the graduate’s competence should describe the orientation of the study programme. The aims and contents of the subjects being studied, the study methods, and any applicant requirements are based on the aims of the Master study programme.

The qualifications of the academic and research staff of the Master study programme and the available facilities must be sufficient to achieve the aims and purpose of the programme. At least 80% of the Master’s lecturers must have a degree in science (art) and be recognised. The others may be practitioners with at least 3 years of professional experience relevant to the applied subjects taught in the last 7 years. At least 20 % of the subjects in the field must be taught by professors. When a study programme relating to inter-field studies is carried out, the subjects of another field are also studied alongside the basic subjects of the field and the university’s experience in both fields of study is necessary. This pedigree must be proved through articles prepared at that university and publicised in scientific or professional journals, projects that have been successfully carried out and implemented, and also participation with social partners in the design and delivery of study programmes.

The scope of the Master study programme, its modules and individual subjects is determined in terms of study credits and has to be the same irrespective of the format of study (full-time, part-time). The mode of study, duration and the timetable of studies is determined in line with the safety and health requirements for students approved by the university, and, in the case of part-time studies, the possibility of combining studies with other student employment, family responsibilities, etc.). The Master degree programme can consist of 60, 90 or 120 study credits.

Studies at HEIs are available in six study fields: medical and health sciences, the natural sciences, technological sciences, social sciences, the humanities, agriculture sciences and the arts. Study fields are sub-divided into groups, and the latter are divided into branches. Branches of science also form separate fields.

Anyone who has completed undergraduate college or university studies and meets the requirements set by the university are eligible to continue their studies at Master’s level. The university may also require additional studies if the undergraduate degree programme is in a field of study other than the one intended, or if they do not have professional experience relevant to the field of study acquired after graduating from college. 

The scope of the Master study programme is no less than 90 and not more than 120 ECTS study credits. Of these:

• at least 60 ECTS study credits must be in subjects within the field, and from the point of view of content, must be of a qualitatively higher challenging or innovative scientific level than the subjects of the first study cycle in the relevant field of knowledge that formed the basis for the former ones
• at least 30 ECTS study credits can consist of subjects established by the university and chosen by a student depending on the orientation of the study programme devoted to preparing for doctoral studies (research work (a work of art), a practical activity (practical work of a professional activity), or subjects of another field when the study programme whose aims are related to inter-field studies is carried out, as well as general subjects of university studies and subjects freely chosen by a student, which are necessary to achieve the aims of the study programme
• at least 30 ECTS study credits are devoted to preparing and defending the final degree thesis or the final degree thesis (project) and the final examination (as established by Lithuanian or international legislation).

The programme is delivered using modules (subjects). The study of a module (subject) is completed via an examination or by an assessment of the student’s independently completed work (project), classifying it as excellent, typical, or a threshold level of academic achievement in accordance with the procedure for the assessment of students’ academic achievements approved by the higher education institution and made public. The final thesis may not be divided into parts.

The amount of contact work and the student’s independent work is determined by the higher education institution. The amount of contact work (including distance work) must be at least 10 %, with at least 5 % in the direct presence of lecturers and students (not distance contact work), and the amount of independent student work must be at least 50 %. 

Various forms of delivery can be used: lectures, seminars, laboratory work, project design, students’ independent work, library work, group tasks, research work etc., as well as a combination of these forms. Higher education can be pursued in the form of distance studies, too The teaching staff in HEIs may use various methods in their work. The materials delivered during lectures or notes of lectures are often available on the Internet. ITs are widely employed in the study process.

Students carry out research in applied and fundamental sciences and take part in local and international research programmes. In higher education art schools, in addition to research, academic staff and student artistic activities directed toward promoting the unity of higher education and creative work, as well as educating society at large, are developed.

Students buy textbooks and other teaching aids or avail themselves of the materials available at HEIs’ libraries.

Every HEI defines the circumstances under which students can progress from one stage of studies to the next in its Statute (Regulations) of Studies. Under-achieving students may be excluded from the HEI under the provisions established by each institution.

The majority of Lithuanian HEIs have established their own career centres, which provide students with different advice of a general nature and individual consultations, provide training on employment issues, help students find places to do practical work, and later to find a job, and help employers find employees.

Youth labour centres in cities and districts provide similar services. They provide young people with the services of open information, counselling, professional information and guidance, organise meetings with employers and social partners, carry out project activities encouraging employment initiatives for young people, organise different activities (labour clubs, training sessions) and prepare information/methodological material.

Assessment of students is carried out as prescribed by the study regulations of each HEI. The rules and procedures vary between different universities or colleges; however, on the whole, there are some basic assessment principles and approaches that must be followed. A study programme is completed by assessing the competence acquired by the graduate through the defence of the final degree thesis (project) and/or final examinations.

The main form of progress assessment is an examination. In many HEIs the number of examinations given in one session is restricted. Achievements in some subjects may be assessed by giving students a ‘pass’ at a credit test or the final assessment is obtained using cumulative assessment. The rules and procedures of the cumulative assessment, as well as the preparation of tasks, is the responsibility of the subject teacher. The examination results and written work are assessed in grades.

The results of examinations and graded credit tests are assessed by assigning students grade points 1 to 10, the results of credit tests are assessed by assigning a ‘pass’/’fail’ grade. Higher education institutions can lay down other principles of assessment, too. A positive assessment is one that is not lower than five points.

Upon completion of the study programmes in the second cycle, a graduate is issued with a diploma and a diploma supplement attesting to the qualification degree awarded. The diploma supplement is an integral part of the diploma providing the name of the study programme and information on the study results achieved.