Reforming higher education in Europe, The Role of Qualifications Frameworks Mogens Berg Former chair of the Bologna Working Group Belgrade, 1 November 2007

Qualifications Framework: Bergen 2005   We adopt the overarching framework for qualifications in the EHEA, comprising of three cycles (…), generic descriptors for each cycle based on learning outcomes and competences, and credit ranges in the first and second cycle.

We commit ourselves to elaborate national frameworks for qualifications compatible … by 2010, and to having started work on this by 2007

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

Why overarching framework ?

International transparency International recognition of qualifications International mobility of learners and graduates

How overarching frameworks Cycles Descriptors of qualifications and learning outcomes Credit ranges in ECTS

Cycles Three principle cycles: 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

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

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 Bologna-Framework Self certification National Qualifications Framework Accreditation or similar National qualifications

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

National Qualifications Frameworks in operation      6 NQF in place 6 NQF have been discussed 12 NQF-proposals have been prepared 22 NQF development processes started 1 NQF process not started

Steps in establishing NQF (1) 1 2 3 4 5 Decision to start Setting the agenda: The purpose of our NQF Organising the process Design Consultation Taken by the national body responsible for higher education (minister?) WG-Report nr. 1 (section 2.3) Identifying stakeholders; setting up a committee/WG Profile Level structure Credit ranges ; Level descriptors (learning outcomes) National discussion and acceptance of design by stakeholders

Steps in establishing NQF (2) 6 7 8 9 10 Approval Administrative set-up Implementation at institutional/programme level Inclusion of qualifications in the NQF Self-certification of compatibility with the EHEA framework (Alignment to Bologna cycles etc.) According to national tradition by Minister/Government/legislation Division of tasks of implementation between HEI, QAA and other bodies Reformulation of individual study programmes to learning outcome based approch Accreditation or similar (cfr. Berlin Communiqué) WG Report nr. 1 Pilot projects

Problem areas of NQF for HE     Deciding for an NQF Designing the NQF Administration of an NQF Self-certification of compatibility

National Qualifications Frameworks: Scope Higher Education or All Education  all qualifications    systematic description coherent relationship internationally understood

Differences between QF-EHEA and NQF

QF for EHEA NQF Cycles/levels Level descriptors

3 cycles Nationally defined number of levels Dublin descriptors: 5 dimensions More specific, additional dimensions

Workload

Broad credit ranges More specific definitions

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 NQF All certified New DS