BachelorProgramme

A Bachelor programme, also written as bachelor’s programme, is an undergraduate academic degree program offered by universities and colleges. It provides foundational knowledge in a field of study and aims to prepare students for professional practice, further study, or both. In many education systems the programme leads to a bachelor’s degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), or professional degrees like Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) or Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA).

Structure and duration: Most programmes last three to four years of full-time study, commonly equating to 180–240 ECTS credits in Europe or about 120 semester credits in North America. Courses typically combine general education or core subjects, subject-specific modules, and electives, with a major or specialization. Many programmes include a capstone project, internship, or final thesis to demonstrate applied knowledge.

Fields and accreditation: Bachelor programmes cover a wide range of disciplines, including arts, humanities, sciences, engineering, business, health, education, and social sciences. Some are professional degrees that require accreditation by national or international bodies to ensure minimum standards and eligibility for professional licensure.

Admissions and outcomes: Admission usually requires completion of secondary education and meeting language requirements; some programmes may require entrance exams, portfolios, or audition components. Graduates enter the labour market, pursue professional licensure, or continue to master’s programs, research, or doctoral studies.

International variations and recognition: There is substantial variation across countries. The Bologna Process in Europe standardizes many bachelor programmes to 180–240 ECTS and supports credit transfer and recognition, while other regions use different credit systems and duration norms. Quality assurance and accreditation bodies help maintain consistency and international recognition.