What is an undergraduate degree?
March 20, 2026
An undergraduate degree is the first official university qualification you earn after finishing secondary education. In most European countries, it’s equivalent to a bachelor’s degree and usually takes three to four academic years to complete.
Beyond the formal definition, an undergraduate degree is the moment you decide to take your knowledge seriously, specialise in a field and give your professional profile a clear direction. If you’re starting from scratch or rethinking your career path, it’s often the foundation that shapes everything that comes next.
At Universidad Europea, our undergraduate degree programmes combine academic knowledge with a strong practical focus. Whether you’re drawn to computer engineering, economics or health sciences, the goal is for you to graduate not only with solid theoretical preparation, but also with the confidence and skills to take the next step in your career.
What is the purpose of an undergraduate qualification?
At its core, an undergraduate degree gives you structured, in-depth knowledge of a specific subject. An undergraduate degree can be:
A turning point.
Maybe you’ve been working for a few years and feel ready for something more aligned with your ambitions. Studying for a degree can help you pivot towards a new sector or qualify for roles that require formal credentials.
A way to formalise your experience.
You may already have hands-on knowledge from the workplace. A university qualification validates that experience academically and strengthens your professional profile.
A step towards specialisation.
Instead of remaining a generalist, you gain a deep understanding of a specific area, from engineering systems to international business environments.
A space to grow personally.
University is not only about classes and exams. It’s about working on real projects, collaborating with classmates and building relationships that become part of your professional network.
Types of undergraduate degrees
The most common undergraduate degrees are:
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Science (BSc)
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)
Choosing between them depends on how you like to work. Do you prefer exploring the "why" behind human behaviour, or are you more interested in the "how" of technical systems?
| Degree type | Academic approach | Where it leads |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts (BA) | Focuses on theory, communication and creative analysis. | Marketing, design, international relations |
| Bachelor of Science (BSc) | Built on logic, data and scientific evidence. | Psychology, biotechnology, sport science |
| Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) | All about practical problem-solving and technical application. | Computer science, mechanical or aerospace engineering |
You might also come across double degrees, which are perfect if you can’t decide between two disciplines like business and international relations. If you have multiple interests and want to expand your profile, this is a strategic choice.
Undergraduate vs. postgraduate: what’s the difference?
The key difference lies in the level of depth and the entry requirements.
An undergraduate degree provides a broad yet solid foundation in a field. It’s designed for students who have completed secondary education and want to build their expertise from the ground up.
A postgraduate degree, on the other hand, is a more specialised programme that you can only pursue after completing an undergraduate qualification. It’s a focused deep dive into a specific niche within a discipline.
If you think of your academic journey as a structure, the undergraduate degree is the base. Postgraduate study builds on that base to refine and specialise your profile even further.
How long does it take to complete an undergraduate degree?
Most undergraduate degrees last four academic years and require 240 ECTS credits. Students usually complete 60 ECTS credits per year, which translates into around 1,500–1,800 hours of study annually, including lectures, independent study and assessments.
In some fields, such as dentistry or architecture, the duration may extend to five or six years due to additional practical or clinical components.
If you choose to study part-time or include an international exchange semester, the timeline may also vary.
Choosing your undergraduate degree is about defining where you want to go and how you want your future to look. At Universidad Europea, our objective is to help you grow academically, professionally and personally.
If you’re considering taking the next step, exploring our full portfolio of undergraduate programmes can be the starting point for shaping the future you have in mind.
FAQs
What do I need to apply?
In most cases, you’ll need your secondary education certificates. If you’ve been out of education for some time, your professional background and additional qualifications will also be considered as part of your profile.
Is an undergraduate degree the same as a bachelor’s degree?
Yes, in most contexts, an undergraduate degree refers to a bachelor’s degree: the first level of university education after secondary school.
What is the difference between a BA and a BSc?
A Bachelor of Arts (BA) focuses more on theory, communication and qualitative analysis. A Bachelor of Science (BSc) is more technical, prioritising data, scientific logic and mathematical application.
How many credits does an undergraduate degree require?
Most undergraduate degrees require 240 ECTS credits, typically completed over four academic years.