site.btaUnderground Construction, Nuclear Chemistry Become Protected University Programmes

Two degree programmes have been added to the list of protected university programmes for the next academic year - Underground Construction and Nuclear Chemistry, the Council of Ministers decided on Wednesday. A total of 46 students will be studying for a bachelor’s degree under these programmes.

Underground Construction is taught at the University of Mining and Geology St. Ivan Rilski, while Nuclear Chemistry is a degree at Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski.

Among the reasons for making Underground Construction a protected degree is that graduates receive a professional qualification of Underground Construction Engineer. These professionals are increasingly in demand by employers. The degree is increasingly important in view of the response to the increased frequency of natural disasters such as floods, landslides and collapses. 

Studying Nuclear Chemistry is key to the preparation and provision of personnel for the nuclear technology and nuclear energy sectors, as well as for national security.

Before the two latest degrees, the list included 27 degrees: 13 philology ones, 12 engineering ones and two in the natural sciences. Protected university programmes are ones which do not enjoy sufficient interest from students but produce highly qualified specialists.

Another change in the decree gives the Minister of Education and Science the right to propose for approval a higher number of students admitted for training in Medicine. This possibility can be implemented after coordination with the Minister of Health. This step was taken towards reducing the shortage of doctors in the country's health institutions.