To receive a degree or certificate from a higher education institution, students must take courses from the program’s curriculum. The curriculum is developed by the institution to cover a variety of topics that are relevant to the program’s topic.

A master program may be offered in a variety of different fields, allowing students of almost any subject to enhance their knowledge and improve their credentials. This degree generally takes one to three years to obtain, although requirements may vary.

Part-time learning allows one to obtain a degree or qualification even if one cannot attend school on a full-time basis. One can learn at one's own pace, gradually accumulating credits that count towards a final qualification.