Jan 28, 2026

Real differences between official and university-specific master's degrees: how to know which one is right for you based on your goals

5 min

Understanding the difference between official and university-specific master's degrees. They may seem similar, but the truth is that they have different functions, recognition, and objectives.

If you are wondering what an official master's degree is, what a university-specific master's degree is, whether it is worth doing a university-specific master's degree or which one to choose for your professional career, here I explain it clearly and with practical examples so that you can make an informed choice.

What is an official master's degree?

An official master's degree is regulated by the Ministry of Education and is recognized throughout the European Higher Education Area.
This means that:

It has international academic validity.
It allows access to doctoral studies.
Score points in competitive examinations or public contests.
It requires a highly structured curriculum.

If you are considering moving to another city to study an official master's degree, remember that having a suitable environment for studying is key. At StepHouse, for example, you can find student residences in cities such as Madrid, Seville, Malaga, and Granada, which can help you choose the best place to study:

An official master's degree is regulated by the Ministry of Education and is recognized throughout the European Higher Education Area. This means that: It has international academic validity. It allows access to doctoral studies. It counts towards competitive examinations or public competitions. It requires a highly structured curriculum. If you are considering moving to another city to study for an official master's degree, remember that having a suitable environment for studying is key. At StepHouse, for example, you can find student residences in cities such as Madrid, Seville, Malaga, or Granada, which can help you choose the best place to study:

What is a university-specific master's degree?

The master's degree or proprietary master's degree is a program created directly by the university or educational institution, without state regulation. Its characteristics:

More flexible and up-to-date content.
Teachers who are usually active professionals.
Practical and employment-oriented approach.
It is usually more economical.

This option suits many people because they are looking for quick and useful specialization. And if you opt for a master's degree in another city, it is important to make sure you have a comfortable place to live, study, and socialize. You can explore the type of modern and fully equipped rooms offered by StepHouse for students who are moving away to study.

Key aspect	Official master's degree	Master's degree (own degree)
Acknowledgment	Title Official recognized within the university system and in the European framework (EHEA).	Degree issued by a university/school, but unofficial within the regulated university system.
Access to doctoral studies	Yes, it normally allows access to doctoral programs (depending on requirements).	No, in most cases it does not provide direct access to a doctorate.
Competitive examinations / public job pools	It is usually the one that best fits for scales, merits, and official calls.	It depends on the call for applications: it may count as training, but it does not always count the same as official training.
Content focus	More academic and structured. May include research and a solid theoretical basis.	More practical and focused on specialization/the job market (tends to be more to the point).
Program flexibility	Less flexible: it is more regulated (credits, regulations, requirements).	More flexible: it adapts quickly to the needs of the sector and can be more "tailor-made."
Duration and format	Usually 1–2 years, with a formal structure and ECTS credits.	Variable: it can be shorter or modular, depending on the center and program.
Price	It tends to be more "stable," although it depends on whether it is a public or private university.	It is often more expensive, especially in private or highly specialized centers.
Who it usually suits best	If you are looking for official degree, doctorate, academic mobility, or public processes.	If you are looking for practical specialization, employability, and learning focused on a specific sector.

Student reviewing notes and working on practical projects for a master's degree.

Key differences between official degrees and university-specific degrees (explained simply)

Here is a clear summary of the difference between official master's degrees and university-specific master's degrees, so you can decide based on your goals:

Acknowledgment

Official: valid at state and European level.
Proprietary: Recognized by universities and companies, but not official.

Access to doctoral studies

Only the official master's degree allows direct access to a doctorate.

Focus

Official: academic and research.
Own: professional, practical, and oriented toward the job market.

Flexibility

Own: content that is updated more quickly.
Official: more fixed structure.

Price

The university's own master's degree is usually more affordable.

Your environment matters as much as your academic choice.

Regardless of whether you choose an official master's degree or a university-specific degree, there is another key factor that influences your academic performance: the environment where you study and live.

Having a residence that offers comfort, services, emotional stability, and a good atmosphere can make all the difference. At StepHouse, for example, you not only have accommodation, but also:

Social and sporting activities.
Adapted study spaces.
Common areas to unwind.
International student community.

If you are going to study away from home, knowing what your residence has to offer will help you get the most out of the experience.

Group of students participating in activities organized by a residence hall

Conclusion: there is no universal answer, there is your answer.

The difference between an official degree and a proprietary degree is not to complicate your life, but to help you choose what really suits you.

If you want to pursue research, a doctorate, or access to competitive examinations → Official master's degree.
If you want to learn practical skills and improve your employability → Master's degree.

And if you're moving away to study, remember that your experience can be even better if you choose an environment that supports you, both socially and academically. A residence like StepHouse can become your balance point between studying, living, and enjoying your university experience.

What is the difference between an official master's degree and a university-specific master's degree?

The difference between an official master's degree and a university-specific master's degree lies in the type of recognition and its academic validity. An official master's degree is regulated by the university system, has official recognition in Spain and in the European Higher Education Area, and normally allows access to a doctorate. In contrast, a in-house master's degree (or master's degree) is created by a university or school with a more practical and specialized approach, but it is not official like the official master's degree. Therefore, before choosing, it is a good idea to review your objectives: if you need official degree, a doctorate, or to sit competitive examinations, the official master's degree is usually better; if you are looking for specialization and quick employability, the university-specific master's degree may be a better fit.

Does a master's degree from your own university count toward competitive examinations, or is an official master's degree better?

It depends on the call for applications, but in general, if your goal is to take a competitive exam, the safest option is to choose an official master's degree, as this is usually the one that has the best chance of score points on official scales. Many users search for this as "difference between a university-specific degree and an official degree," because an in-house degree may not be valid in some competitive examinations or public processes, or may score lower. Even so, there are calls for applications where a private master's degree can count as complementary training, so it is advisable to always check the specific criteria for your competitive examination before deciding.

Is it worth doing a private master's degree, or is an official master's degree better?

Yes, it is worth doing a master's degree if your priority is to improve your professional profile in a short period of time, gain specific skills, and access more practical and up-to-date content. In-house master's degrees tend to be more oriented towards the job market, with more flexible and specialized programs, which is why many people choose them when looking for a career boost or a change of sector. However, if you need an officially recognized degree, access to a doctorate, or a formal requirement for certain processes, it is best to opt for an official master's degree. The ideal choice depends on whether your goal is more academic (official) or more professional (in-house).