The participation of Polytechnics in the European Higher

Education Area 13.4.2005

The Bologna process

• The Bologna Declaration 1999

• The follow-up meeting in Prague 2001

• The Lisbon Strategy 2001

• The Copenhagen process 2002

• The follow-up meeting in Berlin 2003

• The follow-up meeting in Bergen 2005

The objectives of the Bologna processby the year 2010

• Easily readable and comparable degrees • Uniform degree structures • Establishment of a system of credits • Increased mobility • The European co-operation in quality

assurance • The European dimension in higher

education

Easily readable and comparable degrees

• A common European/national context

• Comparable, transparent degrees

• Required starting (initial) level, substitute courses, an entrance to further studies

• Curriculums based on competences

• Diploma Supplement, an enclosure to the Diploma

Uniform degree structures

• 2 levels: Bachelor and Master

• First cycle: lower university degree, polytechnic degree

• Second cycle: higher university degree, polytechnic postgraduate degree

• Third cycle: Doctors degree

ECTS

• Introduction of the European system of dimensioning higher education studies

• ECTS (European Credit Transfer System)

• Transfer and accumulation system

• 1 credit unit = 1,5 credit points

• Defines the students´ workload

Establishment of a system of credits = The dimension system of studies

• A Polytechnic degree is – 180 credit points (120 credit units/3 years)– 210 credit points (140 credit units/ 3,5 years)– 240 credit points (160 credit units/4 years)

• The students´ workload / academic year is 1600 hours, which is 60 credit points

Degree Diplomas

• All degree diplomas after 1.8.2005 will be given in credit points

• The conversion factor for students who have started their studies earlier is 1,5

• Diploma text:– The system of measuring higher education studies in

Finland is going to change. Credits will be replaced by the new unit of measurement, ECTS credit, on 1 August 2005. A students annual workload of 1,600 hours will be worth 60 ECTS credits. The extent of degrees will remain unchanged.

Increased mobility

• Recognition of knowledge and degrees

• Financing: Socrates (2000-2006), Leonardo da Vinci (2000 – 2006) and Erasmus Mundus (2004 – 2008)

• Joint Degrees and Double Degrees

The European co-operation in quality assurance

• Quality assurance system

• Periodical check-ups

• The quality of the provided education is accepted in all EU countries

• Entrance to markets

• ENQA network (European Network of Quality Assurance in Higher Education)

The European dimension in higher education

• Dualism and the different objectives and tasks in the higher education area: level of required knowledge

• Learning results: knowledge, skills and competence• Similarity between the university sector and the

polytechnic sector:– Language and communication skills– International skills– Ethical aspects– Knowledge and communication skills

Curriculum

• Academic Curriculum Core Analysis – Must know: basic knowledge– Should know: complementary knowledge– Nice to know: special knowledge

• Evaluation of workload– The degrees´ workload compared to the study

periods amount and methods of work

• Consistent descriptions of the study content

The duration of an academic year

• Vaasa Polytechnic will introduce the ECTS-system from 1.8.2005

• The students´ workload during one academic year is 1600 hours/60 credit points and includes structured teaching, individual work, practical training, exams, written assignments..

• 22.8.2005 – 16.6.2006 (= 40 weeks)• Christmas holiday: 2 weeks, winter holiday: 1

week, independent studies during week 43• Period 5, practical training and thesis

Dimensioning the practical training

• Practical training to promote professional skills

• Dimensioning according to actual workload

• 1 credit point is approximately 27 work hours

Language skills

• Statements in the degree diplomas:– Language of education– Language of maturity test– The language skills provided by Polytechnics

ought to respond to the requirements within bilingual authorities concerning the second domestic language (424/2003, 6 §)

Language skills

• Polytechnic grades 1 – 3 = satisfactory and grades 4 – 5 = good.

• The evaluation of English and the second domestic language preparing studies

• Compulsory language studies are at least 2 credit units / 3 ECTS– Foreign language (English or other)– Second domestic language– Finnish/Swedish language and communication

You need time to learn, not just to study