• 14 March 2011

Recognition of qualifications

• Axel Aerden

Degree and accreditation mills by region

Source: Cohen, E.B., Winch, R. , 2 2

Criteria taken into account for recognition

Ranking of institutions 0% Others 14% Access to the labour market Elements of the curriculum Quality of the education Purpose of the recognition International regulations Learning Outcomes Duration of the programme Access to further studies Workload (credits) National regulations 0% 64% 64% 68% 73% 77% 82% 86% 86% 95% 100% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Source: Aerden, A., Reczulska, H. , The recognition of qualifications awarded by joint programmes, May 2010 3 3

Main sources of information for recognition

Others 0% Curriculum Information from contacts Websites of the institutions National websites International websites Transcript QA/accreditation agencies ENIC-NARIC Network The Diploma Supplement The qualification 0% 32% 41% 59% 59% 64% 64% 64% 77% 100% 100% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Source: Aerden, A., Reczulska, H. , The recognition of qualifications awarded by joint programmes, May 2010 4 4

• • • •

A IMS :

Mutual recognition of accreditation & quality assurance decisions Dissemination of experiences with accreditation(-like) practices Provision of transparent information on quality Facilitation of internationalisation of institutions and students

P ARTICIPANTS :

Partners Observers • • • • • •

R ESULTS :

Code of good practice (2004) Principles for the selection of experts (2005) Principles for accreditation procedures regarding joint programmes (2007) Mutual recognition agreements (2007) Qrossroads.eu (2008) Principles regarding learning outcomes in accreditation procedures (2009)

Mutual recognition accreditation decisions

Signed agreements Letters of Intent

Joint declaration regarding the automatic recognition of qualifications

Aim: if preconditions are met, degrees awarded by accredited institutions and/or accredited programmes should be automatically accepted in the countries concerned 5 5

ECA’s roadmap towards a qualifications area

ECA Recognition Bodies External Mutual understanding of accreditation organisations Mutual understanding of Recognition Bodies Use of ECTS Mutual recognition of accreditation procedures Mutual understanding of recognition procedures Use of Diploma Supplements Mutual recognition of accreditation results Mutual recognition of recognition procedures Lisbon Recognition Convention Mutual recognition of accreditation decisions Mutual recognition of qualifications Compatible NQFs – overarching QFs QUALIFICATIONS AREA Pilot Project

 even more difficult than expected 6

TEAM

2

Project (2008 – 2010)

Accreditation of joint programmes

Single accreditation procedure

Principles for accreditation procedures regarding joint programmes

Accreditation decision Accreditation in all national systems

Recognition of qualifications of joint programmes?

“All ENIC-NARICs agree that a joint programme needs to be quality assured and/or accredited.” Source: Aerden, A., Reczulska, H. , The recognition of qualifications awarded by joint programmes, May 2010 7 7

JOQAR Project (2010 – 2013)

• Quality assurance and accreditation • The development of a multilateral recognition agreement regarding QA and accreditation results • The establishment of a European coordination point for external QA and accreditation of joint programmes • Recognition • Awareness-raising among HEIs and joint programmes about ENIC NARICs’ expectations • ENIC-NARIC guidelines regarding the recognition of degrees awarded by joint programmes • Transparent information provision regarding Erasmus Mundus programmes 8 8

Generic measures to foster recognition

• National authorities • National registers of recognised higher education • Including Quality assurance (& accreditation) • HE institutions • Degrees with diploma supplements • • National / European templates and good practices Linked to national register of recognised higher education • QA/A Agencies • Transparent publication of results of external QA procedures (incl. learning outcomes) • National databases: register of accredited programmes and/or institutions • Regional register (e.g.

www.qrossroads.eu

) 9 9

ECA measures to foster mutual recognition

• “Do no harm”-principle • Respect for national competencies & legal frameworks • Co-operate across borders where possible • External QA which takes into account: • National qualifications framework • Learning outcomes • Transparent publication of results of external QA procedures (incl. learning outcomes) • National database: register of accredited programmes and/or institutions • European register: www.qrossroads.eu

10 10

Measures to foster mutual recognition

• Real application of Lisbon Recognition Convention • The art of using learning outcomes • Programme design • Quality assurance & accreditation • • Degree & diploma supplement Recognition procedures • National qualification frameworks • European and cross-border compatibility • Verifiable and transparent • National registers of recognised higher education • Quality assurance (& accreditation) • Learning outcomes 11 11

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All relevant publications: http://www.ecaconsortium.net

[email protected] | www.ecaconsortium.net | www.qrossroads.eu

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