Academic degree

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Academic Degree[edit | edit source]

An academic degree is a qualification awarded to students upon successful completion of a course of study in higher education, usually at a college or university. These institutions offer degrees at various levels, typically including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, often alongside other academic certificates and professional degrees.

History[edit | edit source]

The concept of academic degrees dates back to the Middle Ages, when the first universities were established in Europe. The University of Paris, for example, was one of the earliest institutions to confer degrees, as depicted in historical images such as the "Meeting of doctors at the University of Paris".

Types of Academic Degrees[edit | edit source]

Undergraduate Degrees[edit | edit source]

Undergraduate degrees are typically the first level of degree that students pursue in higher education. The most common undergraduate degree is the bachelor's degree, which usually requires three to four years of study.

Graduate Degrees[edit | edit source]

Graduate degrees are advanced degrees pursued after completing an undergraduate degree. These include the master's degree, which often requires one to two years of study, and the doctorate, which is the highest level of academic degree and can take several years to complete.

Degree Frameworks[edit | edit source]

Different countries have their own frameworks for higher education and degree classification. For example, the Spanish Official University Education Legal Framework outlines the structure and requirements for obtaining degrees in Spain, as illustrated in images such as "Spanish Official University Education Legal Framework 02" and "Spanish Official University Education Legal Framework 01".

Academic Regalia[edit | edit source]

Academic regalia, including gowns, hoods, and caps, are traditional garments worn by students and faculty during graduation ceremonies. These garments often signify the wearer's degree level and field of study. An example of this can be seen in the image "King's College London Medical School Graduates".

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