SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities
speciality: Sociology

I enrolled as an international student in a Bachelor of Psychology program expecting preparation aligned with European academic standards. Unfortunately, the program structure and administration raise serious concerns.

The degree does not include a bachelor thesis, and students were told this is legally impossible for private universities in Poland. This is false — Polish higher education law allows institutions to decide whether to include a thesis. The same university includes theses in other bachelor programs, making this explanation misleading.

Due to the lack of a thesis and missing core psychology content, graduates encounter systematic difficulties when applying for master’s programs in Europe.

Administrative practices also create financial pressure:
• Students are required to pay for full course retakes due to medical absences despite passing exams.
• Tuition payments have repeatedly gone “missing” in the system until legal escalation.
• Courses of minimal academic value are still billed at full cost.

For a high-tuition program, the academic rigor, transparency, and student protection mechanisms are not adequate.

SWPS University has a unique approach to teaching social sciences, with a focus on practical and research-driven learning. As a psychology major, I appreciate the emphasis on real-world applications and the opportunity to engage in various projects. The campus in Warsaw is modern, with excellent facilities and a cozy café that’s great for group work. There are many English-taught programs, but I found it helpful to learn basic Polish for daily interactions. The university also offers great workshops on mental health and well-being, which is a big plus. it’s a great place for anyone looking to delve into social sciences with a modern twist.