Bachelor's Degree
Everything you need to know about the English equivalent of a bachelor's degree (licence)
In English-speaking countries, the equivalent of the Belgian baccalaureate/French Licence is called a Bachelor's degree. This degree marks the end of the first cycle of university studies and is recognized in Belgium and France at the Bac+3 level (180 ECTS credits). Depending on the chosen destination, this Bachelor's degree can take different forms, and we present the various options below!
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Traditionally, a Bachelor of Arts degree is awarded upon completion of three years of higher education (equivalent to a French Bac+3) in an artistic or literary field. We are referring here to the Arts in the broadest sense of the term, not just applied arts. For example, if you wish to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, you will most likely earn a BA in Political Science.
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
If your studies are primarily in the sciences or quantitative fields, you will most likely earn a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree after three years. For example, if you complete a Bachelor's degree in Biology, you would obtain a BSc in Biological Sciences. In some cases, the distinction between a BA and a BSc is more nuanced, and the title will depend on the university's internal structure. For instance, some universities award a BA in Business, while others offer a BSc in the same field.
Bachelor with Honors
In some countries, you have the option of completing your Bachelor's degree in four years and/or dedicating a significant portion of your studies to research. In this case, you will earn a Bachelor with Honours degree. In Ireland, as well as in Australia and New Zealand, you will generally be required to obtain a Bachelor with Honours degree to be admitted to Master's level programs.
In the UK, almost all Bachelor's degrees are awarded with Honours, even if they take 3 years to complete.
Sandwich Course
The "sandwich" program is a unique feature of the British education system. It involves completing your Bachelor's degree in four years (instead of three) and incorporating a year of work placement or university exchange into your studies. These programs are highly sought after because they allow students to graduate with significant professional experience, for example. In practice, you spend your first two years on campus. The third year is completed off-campus (either in a company or on exchange), and students return to campus for their fourth and final year.
The North American Bachelor
The American system is slightly different, as the Bachelor's degree is automatically completed in four years. It is also one of the most flexible systems in the world. Students can customize their curriculum. Typically, the first two years are more general, and students choose their specializations starting in the third year of their Bachelor's degree.
