© Arthur Mettinger Rectors‘ Conference: How can UNICA help to create joint Masters? Why should UNICA universities create joint Master programs?

© Arthur Mettinger UNICA: Strategic goals UNICA should be (one of) the most competetive Higher Education network(s) in Europe and a competent global player The position of UNICA universities in the European Research Area should be strengthened

© Arthur Mettinger Advantages of joint Masters for the universities Improving educational profile and European/global visibility Attracting more intelligent/interested students Improving research collaboration Getting more programs for less money

© Arthur Mettinger Advantages of joint Masters for the students Increase in number and diversity of educational programs Increase in vertical mobility („European dimension“, different educational systems) Getting better qualifications for European labour market

© Arthur Mettinger Advantages of joint Masters for UNICA Compilation of a growing portfolio of European („UNICA“) Masters Increase in attractiveness for non-European students Closer cooperation between UNICA members

© Arthur Mettinger Problems in establishing joint Masters Conflicting national legislation Unwillingness among academic and administrative staff Administrative/procedural problems Financing and tuition fees Different marketing strategies

© Arthur Mettinger Mobility problems: - staff (cost, social, language) - students (money, numbers, language) - content (compatibility of e-learning equipment) Transparency of course content Focus on academic or professional Masters (or both?)

© Arthur Mettinger Focal points in establishing joint Masters Agreement on entry level, content, course structure Agreement on mutual recognition of Bakk-degrees Agreement on criteria for quality + quality control Clarification of legal and financial matters Agreement on procedures (enrolment, mobility, recognition, awarding of degrees)

© Arthur Mettinger How can the UNICA Bologna Laboratory help?

© Arthur Mettinger UNICA Bologna Laboratory: Aims combining the strengths of member institutions with regard to the planning and implementing of curricula for the EHEA Facilitating the creation of joint degree programs among UNICA members (esp. at Master/Doctoral level; ERASMUS MUNDUS)

© Arthur Mettinger Giving a platform for the exchange of ideas, good practices, and day-to-day problems emerging from the process of creating the EHEA (including changes in mobility programs) Acting as a monitoring instrument for the process within the network

© Arthur Mettinger Components of the UNICA BL UNICA BL website (moderated) Specialized Task Forces Curriculum Development (CD) Task Forces

© Arthur Mettinger UNICA BL: Specialised Task Forces According to mutual interest in the dimensions of the Bologna process UNICA arranges Task Force discussions and meetings in order to - work on solutions to particular problems (e.g. Diploma supplement, level descriptors, learning outcomes, etc.) - publish examples of good practice - give advice to member institutions

© Arthur Mettinger Task Forces should, if possible, develop „manual-like“ descriptions of the solutions they have found (to be published on the UNICA BL website)

© Arthur Mettinger UNICA BL: CD Task Forces CD Task Forces are set up between member institutions wishing to develop joint degree programs They should be composed of academics and administrators (+ Bologna coord., + students?) They communicate via the UNICA BL website and via meetings organised by UNICA

© Arthur Mettinger Major tasks in the process include - Agreement on entry level, content, course structure - Agreement on criteria for quality - Agreement on mutual recognition of Bakk.-degrees - Clarification of legal matters - Agreement on procedures (enrolment, mobility, recognition, awarding of degrees) Discussions and results of the Specialized Task Forces should be taken into account (and vice versa)