Unified and first-cycle studies — how do they differ and how to choose?
Graduation passed, the euphoria slowly subsides and the key question arises: what next? Choosing a field of study is one thing, but it is equally important to decide on their mode. The education system in Poland is often unclear, and terms such as unified master's studies or first-cycle studies may sound foreign. This decision has a real impact on your future. This article will dispel your doubts and help you consciously choose the best path for yourself.
Anna Godlewska
9/18/2025
What exactly is a unified master's degree?
The uniform master's degree is continuous, 5- or 6-year curriculum, which culminates in a master's degree or equivalent. It is a path without division into bachelor's and master's degrees. You immediately implement a complete, coherent program, created for directions whose specificity requires integrated knowledge.
In which majors will you meet unitary studies?
This model of education is reserved mainly for legally regulated directions. There, obtaining the right to practice the profession requires comprehensive knowledge. Examples include:
Law
Medical and physician-dental direction
Pharmacy
Medical Analytics
Veterinary
Psychology
Acting
How long do they last and what title do they end with?
The length of the unitary studies depends on the field of study. This is typically 5 years (e.g. law, psychology) or 6 years (e.g. medicine). After completing them and defending your thesis, you receive a professional master's degree. In medical directions, these are, respectively, the titles: physician, dentist, Veterinarian or Master of Pharmacy.
What, then, are first-cycle studies?
First-cycle studies (first cycle) are the most popular start in the academic world. They usually last 3 years (undergraduate) or 3.5 years (engineering studies). They give a solid foundation in the chosen field and end with the first professional title. Most importantly, they open the way to further study at the master's degree, that is, the second degree.
How is a bachelor's degree different from an engineer?
Bachelor's degree You will get mainly in the humanities, social, philological or artistic fields. Engineer Title awaits you after graduation with a technical, scientific, agricultural or natural profile. So the choice depends on the field that interests you.
What can you do after a first degree?
Completing this stage gives you a lot of flexibility. You can:
Start a professional job — a bachelor's degree or an engineering degree is already a concrete asset on the job market.
Continue your studies in second cycle studies — to earn a master's degree.
Change your major or university — after your bachelor's degree, you can choose a completely different master's specialization or move to another city (or take advantage of an Erasmus trip).
What are the key differences between unitary and undergraduate studies?
You already know the definitions, but how do first-cycle studies differ from unified master's in practice? We have put together the most important differences in the table so that everything becomes clear.
Feature
Integrated Master's Degree
First-cycle Studies (Bachelor's)
Length and Structure
5-6 years of continuous study ending with a master's degree.
First stage of 3-3.5 years (bachelor's/engineer) + optional second stage of 1.5-2 years (master's).
Flexibility
A predetermined path. Changing the field of study during the course is very difficult.
Complete freedom after the first cycle. You can change the university, city, or even your major for your master's studies.
Title Obtained
After 5 or 6 years, you immediately receive a master's degree (or equivalent).
After the first stage, you obtain a bachelor's or engineer's degree. You do the master's degree later.
Entry into the Job Market
The opportunity to work in the profession most often arises after completing the entire cycle.
A bachelor's or engineer's diploma allows you to enter the job market after just 3 years.
Which type of study will be better for me?
There is no one perfect answer. The choice depends entirely on your goals, plans and certainty about the path taken. Think about what is more important to you: specialization from day one or maybe more flexibility for the future?
When is it worth choosing a uniform master's degree after graduation?
Decision on uniform master's studies after the baccalaureate is a shot in the eye when you are one hundred percent sure of your dream direction. This is ideal if your goal is a regulated profession such as a doctor, lawyer or pharmacist. You choose this path because you want to implement a coherent, deeply specialized program right away.
Why might an undergraduate degree be a better choice?
First-cycle studies are for you, If you value flexibility. They allow you to “taste” the direction and make an informed decision about further magistracy. it a great option if you allow the thought of changing your university or want to get your first work experience faster and only then continue education.
Do you have more questions about these forms of study? Here are the quick answers (FAQ)
A lot of myths have grown up around the division of studies. It's time to deal with them. Below you will find answers to the most common questions that will help you dispel your last doubts.
Do “uniform bachelor's degrees” exist?
No, such a concept does not exist. These are two mutually exclusive terms. Definition ”unitary studies“ by definition means that they lead directly to a master's degree, skipping the bachelor's stage.
Do I already have a Master's degree after my studies?
Yes. After the defense of the thesis in the last year of uniform studies you immediately obtain a professional master's degree or its equivalent (for example, a medical doctor). You do not need to approach additional studies of the second degree.
Is it possible to give up uniform studies after 3 years with a bachelor's degree?
Usually not. The program of uniform studies is a whole and does not provide for a “exit in the middle” with a bachelor's degree. Quitting after three years simply means stopping your studies without obtaining any professional title. The possible rewriting of the passed subjects to another direction depends solely on the individual decision of the respective university.
The choice of studies behind you? It's time for the perfect place for academic life in Krakow!
The decision between uniform and undergraduate studies is a big step. But no matter what you study, one thing is certain: to fully focus on your studies and student life, you need a good place to live. At StudentSpace, we know that your comfort matters, which is why each room has its own bathroom and kitchenette. You have your own space where you can study in peace or just relax.
Of course, high-speed Wi-Fi is hovering all over the building, because without it you won't even move. And when you feel like taking a break, our common areas are open. You can work out in the gym, play something in the game room or just meet new people.
Head of Marketing at StudentSpace, lecturer at one of Warsaw's universities. For over 15 years, she has been designing and implementing marketing strategies for local and global brands. On the StudentSpace blog, she shares practical advice on choosing accommodation and planning study paths, helping students make informed decisions. Her posts combine expert marketing knowledge with authentic understanding of student life challenges, inspiring personal development at every stage of education.
