Bachelor's degree facts for kids

A bachelor's degree is a special certificate. You get it after finishing a program at a university. It shows you have studied a subject for several years. In places like England and Wales, it usually takes three years to earn. In North America and some other countries, it takes four years.

After high school, there are many types of education. Some programs are shorter than a bachelor's degree. They often focus on practical skills. What you study and how long it takes can be different in each country.

What is a Bachelor's Degree?

A bachelor's degree is a common university qualification. It is often the first degree you earn. It proves you have a good understanding of a specific subject.

How Long Does it Take?

The time it takes to get a bachelor's degree can change.

• In the United Kingdom, many degrees take three years.
• In Scotland, some degrees take four years.
• In North America, most bachelor's degrees take four years.
• Some special degrees, like in medicine, can take even longer.

General vs. Honours Degrees

In some places, like the UK, there are two main types:

• A general degree usually takes three years. It gives you a broad understanding of a subject.
• An honours degree often takes four years. It means you have studied a subject in more detail. You might also do a special project or thesis.

Types of Bachelor's Degrees

Universities have different departments called "Faculties." Each Faculty teaches different subjects. The name of your degree depends on what you study.

Common Degree Names

• If you study subjects like history, literature, or languages, you might get a Bachelor of Arts (BA).
• If you study science subjects like biology or chemistry, you might get a Bachelor of Science (BSc).
• Other common degrees include:
  • Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) for engineering.
  • Bachelor of Education (BEd) for teaching.
  • Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) for business.

Medical Degrees

Degrees for doctors are often named differently. For example:

• London University gives an MB, ChB degree. This stands for Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery.
• Edinburgh University gives an MD as its basic medical degree.

What Comes After a Bachelor's Degree?

After getting a bachelor's degree, you can often continue your studies.

• The next step is usually a Master's degree. This takes one or two more years.
• After a master's, you can get a PhD degree. This is the highest academic degree. It involves a lot of research and writing a long paper called a dissertation.

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See also

In Spanish: Título de grado para niños