Doctoral Education in Poland

Abstract

Poland has a long tradition in doctoral education, dating back to the 15th Century when such degrees were awarded at Jagiellonian University in Cracow. At present doctoral education takes place in both public and private universities, with over 33,000 students studying. There is a continuing academic tradition, emanating originally from Germany, of having two scientific degrees: the Doctorate and the ‘Habilitation’. The future of this tradition however is subject to debate in the context of pressures for European harmonization - specifically the Bologna process. Indeed, Poland like so many other countries in Europe and beyond faces significant transformation in the coming years as pressures to redfine the doctorate and its purposes and outcomes are addressed.