Reforming higher education in Europe, The Role of Qualifications Frameworks Mogens Berg Former chair of the Bologna Working Group Yerevan, 8 September 2008

Reform of higher education in Europe Adaptation of HE to a modern labour market International cooperation, globalisation Institutional autonomy Transparency, national and international

Qualifications Framework: London 2007 We commit ourselves to fully implementing such national qualifications frameworks, certified against the overarching Framework for Qualifications of the EHEA, by 2010

Where are we now? Armenia: No reply Azerbaijan: No reply Georgia: In consultation process Moldova: No reply Russia: No reply Ukraine No reply

Role of qualifications frameworks Status quo descriptions of existing qualifications An instrument for educational reform

Labour market orientation Output not input based Not linked to institutional or administrative structures Student oriented

Learning outcomes Statements of what a learner is expected to know, understand and/or be able to do at the end of a period of learning Learning outcomes are assessed and documented

International cooperation International recognition of qualifications International mobility of learners and graduates International programme cooperation

Autonomy and transparency General instead of specific regulation of programmes Transparency of programme types and learning paths

How qualifications frameworks Levels or cycles Descriptors of qualifications and learning outcomes Credit ranges in ECTS

Levels or Cycles Levels as you wish in national frameworks Three principle cycles in Bologna framework: First cycle (bachelor, licencié etc.) Second cycle (master etc.) Third cycle ( Ph.D. etc.)

Descriptors of qualifications and learning outcomes Dublin descriptors (generic) Knowledge and understanding applying knowledge and understanding making judgements communication skills learning skills Not subject specific

Credit ranges in ECTS First cycle: 180-240 ECTS Second cycle: 90-120 ECTS Third cycle : not specified

Alignment of NQF to the EHEA-framework No external control but trust building Minimum criteria for the verification that a NQF is compatible with the EHEA framework Procedures for self-certification of compatibility Role of Quality Assurance

NQF and Bologna Framework Self certification National Qualifications Framework Accreditation or similar National qualifications

Problem areas of NQF for HE that needs political involvement Deciding for an NQF Designing the NQF Administration of an NQF Self-certification of compatibility

National Qualifications Frameworks: Initiative Status quo or reform Higher Education or All Education Whom to involve Organisation of the process

Designing the QF Number of levels Dimensions of specifications Degree of specialisation

Administrative set up Which bodies are involved Distribution of functions Inclusion of qualifications into the framework Implementation at institutional level

Self-certification Verifying the compatibility of national frameworks of qualifications with the framework of qualifications of the EHEA Criteria Procedures

Result 2010 46 to 47 NQFs All certified New Diploma Supplements for all