The awarding of academic degrees and academic titles in Poland is regulated by the laws on higher education and research. What are the criteria, requirements and exceptions?
The awarding of academic degrees and academic titles is an important stage in the life of every person who has decided to devote his or her life to scientific, research and/or teaching activities. This process is carefully regulated by the legislation on higher education and research, which sets out clear requirements and procedures for obtaining academic degrees and academic titles.
The awarding of academic degrees and academic titles is regulated by the Law on Higher Education and Science of 20 July 2018.
Awarding academic degrees and titles
Article 177 regulates the procedures for awarding academic degrees and titles in the system of higher education and science.
1. Academic degrees, degrees of art and professorships:
- Doctoral degree.
- Habilitated doctor.
- The title of professor.
2. Awarding of degrees:
- A doctorate may be awarded in a specific field of research or academic discipline.
- The degree of art is awarded in the field of art and artistic discipline.
3. Awarding the title of professor:
The title of professor is awarded in a field or in a field and discipline or disciplines.
There are also statutory requirements for a doctoral dissertation:
- If the doctoral thesis or achievements referred to in Art. 219 of the conditions for awarding the degree of doctor of habilitation cover scientific issues from several disciplines, the specific discipline in which the doctorate or the degree of doctor of habilitation is awarded is indicated.
- If it is not possible to specify a specific discipline, the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is awarded in the field of science.
This article of the law regulates key aspects of academic degrees and titles in Poland, taking into account the specifics of scientific research and artistic creation.
Requirements for awarding a habilitated doctorate
Article 219 of the Act on Higher Education and Science sets out the requirements for awarding a habilitated doctorate.
Criteria for obtaining a habilitated doctorate
A person must have a doctoral degree and scientific or artistic achievements that include:
- A scientific monograph published in a publishing house included in the relevant list.
- A series of thematically related scientific articles published in scientific journals or peer-reviewed international conference proceedings.
- An original design, construction, technological or artistic achievement.
A demonstration of a significant contribution to the development of a particular discipline is required.
In addition, the individual must demonstrate significant scientific or artistic activity carried out in more than one university, scientific institution or cultural institution, including foreign ones.
- Collective achievements. Achievements may be part of a collective work, but must include the individual contribution of the person applying for the degree of habilitation.
- Classified information. The obligation to publish does not apply to achievements whose subject matter is protected by classified information.
This article regulates in detail the criteria and conditions for awarding a habilitated doctorate in Poland, aimed at supporting and developing scientific and artistic achievements.
Requirements for awarding a doctorate
Article 186 of the Act on Higher Education and Science sets out the requirements for awarding a doctorate.
Requirements for obtaining a Doctor of Science degree:
- The candidate must hold a professional title of Master of Science, Master of Engineering or an equivalent diploma, which is confirmed in accordance with international regulations.
- The person must have learning outcomes corresponding to PQF level 8 qualifications and knowledge of a modern foreign language at a level not lower than B2, confirmed by a diploma or certificate.
- The person must have at least one scientific article or scientific monograph that meets the established criteria for the quality of publications.
- The candidate must have successfully defended a doctoral dissertation.
- In addition, the person must meet other requirements determined by the relevant doctoral awarding body.
Exceptions
In exceptional cases, where a person demonstrates the highest quality of scientific achievement, a doctorate may be awarded to a person who does not fully meet the above requirements. For example, this may apply to first degree graduates or third year students of a single master's degree programme.
This article regulates the procedure and requirements for obtaining a doctoral degree in Poland, aimed at ensuring high standards of scientific activity and supporting scientific achievements.
Awarding of academic degrees
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD):
- Admission to the doctoral programme. The candidate must have a master's degree or equivalent. Submission of an application, selection of a supervisor and approval of a research topic.
- Doctoral research. Conducting scientific research under the supervision of a supervisor. Preparation and publication of scientific articles.
- Dissertation defence. Preparation and defence of a doctoral dissertation before the commission. The dissertation must contain original scientific results.
- Awarding of the degree. After the successful defence of the dissertation, the commission awards the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
Doctor of Sciences (Dr. habil.)
- Preparation of the habilitation work. Includes the writing of a paper demonstrating significant scientific achievements after obtaining the PhD degree.
- Publications and research activities. Publication of a significant number of scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals, participation in research projects and conferences.
- Work evaluation and defence. The habilitation work is evaluated by the commission, and the candidate defends his or her work before it.
- Awarding the degree. Upon successful defence of the habilitation thesis, the degree of Doctor of Science is awarded.
Awarding of academic titles
Associate Professor:
- Qualification requirements: PhD or Dr. habil. degree, active participation in research and teaching activities.
- Evaluation of research and teaching activities: Includes evaluation of scientific publications, participation in conferences, teaching activities and scientific supervision.
- Awarding the title: The title of associate professor is awarded by a higher education institution or research institution.
Professor:
- Qualification requirements: Outstanding scientific achievements, significant experience in teaching and research.
- Evaluation of scientific activity: Publication of numerous scientific papers, supervision of doctoral dissertations, participation in international research projects.
- Awarding the title: The procedure includes a peer review of the candidate's research papers and activities, after which the title of professor is awarded based on the decision of the relevant academic body.
These stages and procedures ensure the high quality of research and education in Poland, contributing to the development of scientific personnel.
The process of awarding academic degrees and academic titles requires careful adherence to formal requirements and procedures, as well as active participation in scientific and research activities.
