<P> In the Netherlands, the Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees were introduced in 2002 . Until then there was a single program which led to the doctorandus degree . This comprised the same course load as the Bachelor and Master programs combined . The title doctorandus was used in almost all fields of study; other titles were used for legal studies (meester, Dutch for master, abbreviated Mr .) and engineering (ingenieur). Those who had already started the doctorandus program could, on completing it, opt for the doctorandus degree (entitling them to use "Drs ." in front of their name), or could use the master's degree (post-nominal letters) in accordance with the new standard . A similar practice has been introduced in other EU countries, according to the Bologna Process . </P> <P> In Germany, university - level education usually happens in either a Universität (plural: Universitäten) or a Fachhochschule (plural: Fachhochschulen); both can be referred to as a Hochschule, which is the generic term in Germany for all institutions awarding academic degrees . Fachhochschule is often translated as "University of Applied Sciences". Universitäten place greater emphasis on fundamental science and theoretical background, while Fachhochschulen are generally designed with a focus on teaching professional skills . Degrees earned at Universitäten and Fachhochschulen are legally equivalent . </P> <P> In Germany, the B.A. normally lasts between 3 and 3 1⁄2 years--6 or 7 semesters--and is awarded after the student earns between 180 and 210 ECTS . </P> <P> In the United Kingdom (excluding Scotland) and Ireland, the first degree course normally lasts three years, but nomenclature varies: 19th - century and later universities usually distinguish between arts and sciences subjects by awarding either a B.A. or B.Sc. degree . However, some older or ancient universities, such as Oxford, Cambridge and Dublin traditionally award B.A.s to undergraduates having completed the final examinations, e.g. Part II Tripos (Cambridge), Final Honour Schools (Oxford), Moderatorship (Dublin), in most subjects including the sciences . Some new plate glass universities established in the 1960s, such as York and Lancaster originally followed the practice of Oxford and Cambridge by awarding B.A.s in all subjects, but have since changed to awarding B.Sc. degrees in science subjects . At Oxford, Cambridge and Dublin the degree of M.A. can be claimed, usually 21 terms after matriculation . For many centuries, the bachelor's degree was an intermediate step and was awarded for much of the work carried out in later times at secondary schools . The names of the final secondary school exams in France and Spain (and increasingly in the UK--the International Baccalaureate) come from this: le Baccalauréat and el Bachillerato, respectively . </P>

Where does a bachelor of arts get you