About

New Bulgarian University (NBU) was established on 18 September 1991 with a resolution by Bulgarian Parliament. The National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency, which reviews Bulgaria’s higher education teaching, granted NBU maximum accreditation in three consecutive accreditations in 2001, 2006, 2012 and 2019. Since 2004, NBU is an accredited partner of the Open University UK.

NBU pioneered the introduction in Bulgaria of a credit system, Professional Bachelor’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s programs, distance and continuing education.  The list of NBU Honorary Doctors and Honorary Professors include individuals of international renown such as Richard Rorty, Vera Mutafchieva, Julia Kristeva, Jean-Pierre Vernant, Milcho Leviev, Robert Young, Raina Kabaivanska, Lord Ralf Darendorf, Terry Eagleton, Geert Hofstede, Daniel Libeskind, Ennio Morricone.

NBU prepares graduates for opportunities in the business and professional world in the following subject areas:

  • Human Sciences and Humanities
  • Natural Sciences and Modern Technologies
  • Arts

NBU BACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAMS

Bachelor’s degree programs have a standard length of four years, but the credit system allows for an individual study plan that can vary in duration.

During the first and second year (Bachelor’s degree program Part I) the course of study comprises general education courses for knowledge and skills and general education in the selected program, i.e. two-semester courses in the basic scientific fields and program-specific courses.

The aim of the first part of the Bachelor’s degree programs is the acquisition of a broad educational background to prepare students to select a specialized field. The students who have successfully passed the first part of their Bachelor’s degree programs continue their studies in the third and fourth year (Bachelor’s degree program Part II) and can continue their studies in the Bachelor’s degree program they have pursued during the first two years. They can also enroll in another Bachelor’s degree program and may pursue both a major and a minor program in the same or a different professional field. Provided their overall grade is good (4.00) and they have earned all the required credits from the first part of the Bachelor’s degree program, they can enroll in a minor program free of charge. Moreover, they can enroll simultaneously in two or more Bachelor’s degree programs or follow an individual study plan.

During the third and fourth year (Bachelor’s degree program Part II) the course of study comprises full-time courses in the field of the program and training courses, such as internships, practices, projects, seminars. Their aim is to provide opportunity to students to apply their knowledge and skills acquired in the full-time courses to solve tasks related to practicing job responsibilities in an actual working environment.

NBU SCHOOLS

The School of General Education provides training in the first two years of the Bachelor’s degree – Bachelor program I part. The training includes general education – general education courses (OOK) for knowledge and general education courses for skills – foreign language, Bulgarian language, computer skills, sports and arts – first level of general education.

Emphasis in undergraduate programs Part I is the second specialized stage from the general education, which include courses divided into two parts taught in basic research fields, training (lectures) or introductory courses in the scientific field. Along with the general education courses are also studied courses in the selected program. The main objectives of the training are to achieve specialized training base in the scientific field of the selected program, increasing the share of practical knowledge and provide step complexity of knowledge.

The School of Undergraduate Studies provides training in the third and fourth year of the Bachelor -Bachelor’s Program Part II. After completion the Bachelor’s programs Part I students continue their education in undergraduate programs Part II that direct the education to specialize in their chosen field of study. In Bachelor’s Program Part II are taught specialized audience coursework, extracurricular learning modes and lecture training courses (for some programs). Part of undergraduate programs offer separate specialization in the third and fourth years of study. Students are able to enroll additionally minor – program or two independent study undergraduate programs.

Bachelor programs Part II aims to provide students with the necessary skills to upgrade and more specialized training in the master’s degree, such as great opportunities for professional development.

The School of Graduate Studies provides training in the masters and doctoral programs. The Faculty organizes training in the five-year MP “Law” and the six-year MP “Architecture” submission under unified state requirements for acquiring higher education in “Right” and “Architecture”. The MBA students are accepted after Bachelor degree. 

Master’s programs can be professional or specialized research-oriented. For prospective students who have completed undergraduate programs in the field other than the selected degree program, are being offered preparatory modules. Much of master’s programs offer learning opportunities to students with degree “Professional Bachelor” from the professional field of the program – by recording the upgrade semester.

In doctoral programs students are admitted after a Master’s degree. Doctoral program leads to a degree of “Doctor.”

The School of Distance, Digital and Continuing Education oversees a variety of units providing alternative forms of education and teaching at New Bulgarian University. The School consists of the Center for Distance and Digital Education, Center for Professional and Continuing Education and IT Certification Center.

Distance learning programs employ a variety of modern teaching methods that include printed and visual course materials, video tutorials, self-study and consultations with course advisors.

Intensive (part-time) learning programs lead to Professional Bachelor’s degrees. They take three years to complete and are offered only at the local centers in Varna, Vidin or Plovdiv. Classes are conducted in three consecutive days (Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday) with assessment of student work performed the following week. Students in intensive learning programs do not use course books or the MOODLE NBU platform.

The continuing education opportunities include programs of study, academic lectures and seminars, workshops, master classes and summer schools open for everyone with no restrictions to age or educational background. Available throughout the academic year, these intensive courses are practice-oriented and most of them are eligible for transfer credit in NBU’s degree-bearing programs of study.

The Center for Professional and Continuing Education is certified under ISO 9001:2008.

The Certification Center provides year-round computer training courses and IT certification exams for leading international companies. Successful graduates of licensed IT Academies are awarded certificates that are recognized and preferred by many companies and enhance your employment chances

NBU Departments and Centers

  • Administration and Management
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Architecture
  • Bulgarian Institute for Human Relations
  • Bulgarian Institute of Egyptology
  • Center for Cognitive Science
  • Cinema, Advertising and Show Business
  • Cognitive Science and Psychology
  • Computational and Applied Linguistic Research Center
  • Design
  • Economics
  • Fine Arts
  • Foreign Languages and Cultures
  • Health Care and Social Work
  • History
  • Informatics
  • Institute for Advanced Physical Studies
  • Law
  • Media and Communication
  • Mediterranean and Eastern Studies
  • Music
  • National and International Security
  • Natural Sciences
  • New Bulgarian Studies
  • Philosophy and Sociology
  • Political Science
  • South-East European Center for Semiotic Studies
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