Transcript Opening Doors to Learning and Working in Europe

Bologna Workshop on the Diploma Supplement
National Europass Centre
What is Europass?
• Europass is an initiative of the European Commission which
aims to help people make their skills and qualifications clearly
and easily understood in Europe, thus facilitating the mobility of
both learners and workers.
• The National Europass Centres were established throughout
Europe to promote awareness and use of the initiative
• 5 Europass documents have been designed in such a way as
to help people chronicle their skills and competences in a
coherent manner, whether they are planning to enroll in an
education or training programme, looking for a job, or getting
experience abroad.
Europass Documents
• Europass is a Portfolio of Five Documents
- Europass CV
- Europass Language Passport
- Europass Mobility Document
- Europass Certificate Supplement
- Europass Diploma Supplement
Europass Diploma Supplement
• The Europass DS is a document which helps to explain a
qualification which may often be understood only within
the country concerned. When fully completed the
document provides all the information necessary to make
a valid assessment of any degree or qualification.
• The Supplement should be issued to every student, upon
graduation, together with their official diploma, free of
charge, in a widely spoken European language.
• Institutions should disseminate information regarding the
purpose and content of the DS among their own students
as well as to local organisations, employers and other
interested persons.
Why is the Diploma Supplement
needed?
• It promotes transparency in higher
education;
• It helps users to understand the meaning
and comparability of qualifications;
• It accommodates rapid changes in
qualifications;
• It aids mobility, access and lifelong
learning; and,
• It promotes fair and informed judgements
about qualifications.
National Steering Group
• Support effective implementation of the
DS in higher education institutions in
Ireland.
• Most recent changes - EQF referencing
• Revised National Guidelines, available
from:
http://www.europass.ie/europass/euro_dip.
html
Issues Encountered
• Main obstacle: information systems/ IT
issues
• Different versions of template in use:
definitive version on Europass website
• Description of higher education system:
available on Europass website, soon to
change
• Much reliance/ reference to institution
websites for further information; flexibility.
Further Development of the DS
• Increase the usability and relevance of the
DS for further study and labour market
purposes
• Readability and Clarity could be improved
• DS should be included in mainstream
processes
• DS should be considered as part of
internal QA reviews
• Emphasis on learning outcomes
• Consider for graduate admissions; part of
portfolio required
William O’Keeffe
[email protected]