04 - Poland - General Objectives

Tertiary programmes are offered by colleges, including teacher training colleges, foreign language teacher training colleges and colleges of social work (ISCED 5B), higher education institutions (ISCED 5A and ISCED 6) and research institutions (only ISCED 6).

A general framework for colleges is set by the 1990 Act on the Education System, but specific arrangements for teacher training colleges and foreign language teacher training colleges and for colleges of social work are laid down in separate legislation. Thus, there are no general aims for colleges defined in the legislation. However, all three types of colleges, including both public and non-public colleges, aim primarily to prepare students for professional activity and provide initial training programmes in specific areas. In addition, they may offer in-service or continuing education courses in the areas corresponding to their initial training programmes.

The following main general aims are defined for all higher education institutions, including both university-type and non-university institutions, in the 2005 Law on Higher Education: 1) teaching students to prepare them for employment; 2) educating students in the spirit of responsibility for the Polish State, consolidation of democratic principles and respect for human rights; 3) conducting research and development work, and providing research services; 4) training and advancement of research staff; 5) disseminating, and contributing to, achievements of science, national culture and technology, among other things by collecting and making available library and information resources; 6) providing training to enable the acquisition and development of knowledge; 7) creating conditions for the physical development of students; and 8) conducting activities benefiting local and regional communities. However, non-university HEIs which are authorised to provide only first-cycle (Bachelor’s degree) programmes may conduct R&D and train research staff, but are not required to do so.

The primary aim of research institutions other than higher education institutions is to conduct R&D activities, but a large number of them also train prospective research staff by providing doctoral programmes.

For specific aims of programmes at each level, see: college programmes, degree programmes and doctoral programmes below.

College programmes

College programmes (ISCED 5B) offered in all three types of colleges prepare students for employment. Teacher training colleges train teachers for pre-primary (nursery) schools, primary schools and education-and-care establishments. Foreign language teacher training colleges train teachers of foreign languages for all levels of school education – from pre-primary to post-secondary schools and other establishments providing education or training below the higher education level. Both types of colleges may also be authorised to provide courses leading to a pedagogical qualification, required to practise the teaching profession, and in-service teacher training courses. Colleges of social work train prospective social workers, and may also offer in-service training courses in the areas of welfare and social work.

Degree programmes

Degree programmes (ISCED 5A), which are provided by both university-type and non-university HEIs, include first-cycle (Bachelor’s degree) programmes, second-cycle (Master’s degree) programmes and/or long-cycle (Master’s degree) programmes. First-cycle programmes aim to provide knowledge and skills in a specific area of study, preparing students for work in a specific profession. Graduates of first-cycle programmes have access to second-cycle programmes. Second-cycle and long-cycle programmes aim to provide specialist knowledge in a specific area of study, preparing students for creative work in a specific profession. The completion of both second-cycle and long-cycle programmes provides access to third-cycle (doctoral) programmes.

Doctoral programmes

Doctoral (third-cycle) programmes (ISCED 6), which are offered by university-type HEIs and research institutions, aim to provide advanced knowledge in a specific area or discipline of science, preparing students for independent research and creative activity and for the award of the academic degree of doktor. Thus, they facilitate the preparation of an applicant for the procedure to award the academic degree of doktor. However, completion of a doctoral programme is not a precondition for the award of this degree. Holders of the academic degree of doktor may continue their research career to obtain first the academic degree of doktor habilitowany and subsequently the academic title of profesor.

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