Academic degree
Doctoral degrees or doctorates, such as the Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD or DPhil) or Doctor of Education (EdD or DEd) are awarded following a programme of original research that contributes new knowledge within the context of the student's discipline. Doctoral degrees usually take three years full-time. Therefore, in the UK it may only take seven years to progress from undergraduate to doctoral level – in some cases six, since having a Master's is not always a precondition for embarking on a doctoral degree. This contrasts with nine years in the United States, reflecting differences in the educational systems.
Faculty of Law, University of Mostar
As of 2012/13 academic year, the Faculty of Law adopted the Bologna Process and undertook necessary reforms. Undergraduate study lasts for eight semesters (for academic years), and after finishing it, a student gets a bachelor's degree ("provostupnik"). Graduate study lasts for two semesters (one academic year), and after graduation, a student gains the title of a master of law ("magistar"). The doctoral study lasts for six semesters (three academic years).