The Diplôme National de Master (in English: "National master's degree") is delivered by an academic institution, usually a university, two years after obtaining a Diplôme National de Licence or a Licence (French equivalent of a Bachelor's degree, worth 300 ECTS) or any other diploma or qualification equivalent to 300 ECTS recognized by the French government.

The French Ministry of Higher Education has set up a web portal listing all the masters available in France: MonMaster.gouv.fr (in English: "MyMaster").

During the existence of the Université de France, three degrees were established: the Baccalauréat, Licence and Doctorat.

Created in 1966, the prior maitrise's degree was awarded at the end of the second cycle of university graduate studies.

The second cycle combines general education and vocational training, and should enable students to complete their knowledge, deepen their culture, and introduce them to scientific research.