Hungarian higher education has represented academic excellence for more than 600 years and it began with our University, the first university in Hungary.
Level of degrees
In September 2006, a modern higher educational training system initiated by the European Union was introduced in Hungary too, known as the Bologna process, which offers students an opportunity to pursue their studies in a dynamically developing, flexible European higher educational system. The traditional college and university level training programs were replaced by a three-tier system consisting of a basic training program (BA, BSc), a master level program (MA, MSc), and a doctoral level (PhD, DLA) program.
- The first cycle programs last 6-8 semesters (3-4 years, 180-240 credit points) and lead to a Bachelor’s degree.
- The second cycle programs lead to a Master’s degree and last 2-4 semesters (1-2 years, 60-120 credit points).
- One-tier, undivided, long-term Master’s degree programs (5 to 6 years) are offered in some fields of study, e.g. in human medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, architecture, law and in a few programs of art education.
- A four-year doctoral program is a postgraduate alternative that may follow any Master’s or equivalent qualification
Credit system and recognition
The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) is the only existing credit system in Hungary. Due to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), which was introduced in September 2003, credits and degrees earned in Hungary are transferable to other European institutions and vice versa. In addition to the diploma, students are also provided with a special supplement that is recognized all over the European Union.
In order to ensure high international standards, strict quality control measures are applied. The Hungarian Accreditation Committee (HAC) conducts continuous institutional and program accreditation procedures and monitors the quality of educational activity for compliance with the European Standards and Guidelines. Hungarian higher education institutions and courses are accredited by HAC.
Each course having double lectures is worth 7 ECTS. Those having one time occasion per week are worth 3 ECTS. In order to successfully finish a course and gaining credit value it is compulsory to successfully pass the different assessment elements (exercise, participation on lectures, presentation…) and the final examination. Please check the syllabus of each course carefully for details.
Courses and grades
In Hungarian universities education is provided in a system of seminars and lectures. Lectures are held for big audiences, the attendance is recommended, but usually not obligatory. At the end of the semester students have to pass written or oral examinations. Seminars are usually more informal study groups for 10-20 students, where there is room for individual consultation, discussion of the material and solving exercises. They usually conclude with an independently written paper or an examination.
The grading system generally used by Hungarian higher education institutions is the following:
The highest grade is 5 excellent.
- Grade 4 is good.
- Grade 3 is average.
- Grade 2 is a pass.
- Grade 1 is a fail - the course must be repeated.
Lectures
Generally there are two 1,5 hours lectures per subject each week where the lecturer presents the topic in an interactive environment. Please note that it is compulsory to be present at least 75% of the classes.
Exercises
Homework and study materials are usually published on the faculty’s online learning platform of the Neptun registration system. Students are expected to prepare these tasks at home. The solutions are discussed between teacher and student in class. The exercise can be part of the final evaluation.
Group work or presentations
Most of the lectures have group work activities during the semester. Students are expected to prepare these tasks outside of the classroom. In class the solutions are discussed or being presented during the last day of class. The group work is part of the final evaluation.
Form of examination
During the semester you might have to take tests or one/two midterm exams and you will have to pass a written exam at the end of the semester. In order to take the final examination it is required to pass all assessment elements comprising 20% of the total performance. For more information please check the syllabus carefully. Examinations are held at the end of the scheduled lecture period in each semester followed by one re-examination opportunity
Structure of the University of Pécs
The University has the traditional structure of European universities, headed by a rector and a team of two vice rectors, each responsible for a different area of university life. The faculties, headed by a dean, and the institutes headed by a director, represent larger academic areas. They are subdivided into departments that are in daily contact with students and are responsible for the academic programmes.