How is higher education in Europe structured?
The Study in Europe website covers higher education in 33 European countries.
Each country has its own individual higher education system – but all are part of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).
The EHEA system helps ensure that higher education systems across Europe are compatible – and that students, researchers and academics in Europe can collaborate and study or work abroad more easily.
Qualifications across Europe are comparable through the European Qualifications Framework.
Most study programmes involve lectures and classes, with assessment through essays, exams and coursework. Many also involve a period of time working in industry or working on industry-related projects.
The aim of a doctorate is to break new ground – to produce new information and ideas or to conduct original research to help advance your subject. You may be expected to produce papers throughout your programme, and to produce a thesis for evaluation.
Which higher education qualifications can I take in Europe?
Bachelor’s degree
The main higher education qualifications offered across Europe are as follows:
Most full-time Bachelor’s study programmes in Europe last 3 or 4 years (this will be longer if you study part-time)
To do a Bachelor’s degree, you usually need some school qualifications first – this varies so check the entry requirements for your chosen study programme
Bachelor’s degrees are highly regarded by employers. They are a great way to gain vital skills and knowledge to help you develop your career
Most study programmes involve lectures and classes, with assessment through essays, exams and coursework. Many also involve a period of time working in industry or working on industry-related projects
Master’s degree
Most full-time Master’s study programmes in Europe last 1 or 2 years (this will be longer if you study part-time)
To do a Master’s degree, you usually need a Bachelor’s degree or other undergraduate qualification first
Master’s degrees are highly regarded by employers. They are a great way to gain deeper or additional skills and knowledge to help you develop your career. In particular, they may also help you gain professional status – for example if you wish to become chartered in your profession. Most study programmes involve lectures and classes, with assessment through essays, exams and coursework. Many also involve a period of time working in industry or working on industry-related projects.
If you prefer, you could opt for a Master’s that focuses on independent research, where you study one subject closely with the guidance of a supervisor, producing a thesis or dissertation
Doctorate/PhD
Most full-time doctorates in Europe last around 3 or 4 years (this will be longer if you study part-time)
To do a doctorate, you usually need a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree first
Doctorates are ideal for people with a passion for research and discovery. They are especially useful if you want to work in academia, become a specialist in a particular field, or be an industry researcher
Doctorates usually involve a lot of independent study and research, specialised in one particular subject. You may attend some classes, but usually you carry out your own independent research, under the guidance of your supervisor
The aim of a doctorate is to break new ground – to produce new information and ideas or to conduct original research to help advance your subject. You may be expected to produce papers throughout your programme, and to produce a thesis for evaluation.
To apply, you usually have to submit a research proposal, outlining what your doctorate will aim to achieve
As well as these three main study levels, you can also do lots of other higher education qualifications – such as professional diplomas and more.
Which subjects can I study?
You will find a huge range of higher education study programmes on offer across Europe – Astrophysics, Biotechnology, Business, Chemical Engineering, Football management, Geography, Green energy management, History, Information Technology, International Relations, Languages, Law, Literature, Medicine, Sociology, Teaching, Tourism, Zoology, and much, much more.
Most higher education study programmes have a ‘modular’ structure. This means that you can build a personalised programme by choosing several different modules or units of study each year from a wide selection. For example, if you are studying Fashion, you might choose one module on Fashion Marketing, one module on Textile Design, and one module on Ethical Textile Production.
Interested in more than one subject? You may be able to study a combination as part of your programme, e.g. Business and Russian language.
Where can I study?
There are 1000s of universities, research institutes and higher education institutions across Europe. Contact Pie & Visas to know more about what each country offers you.
I want to study in more than one European country. Is this possible?
Yes – there are lots of options for you to study in more than one European country. Contact Pie & Visas to know more about what each country offers you.
What language can I study in?
There are 24 official languages in the European Union… but most countries across Europe offer study programmes taught in English and other languages too. Contact Pie & Visas to know more about what each country offers you.