The Framework for Qualifications of the European Higher Education Area

1
The Framework for Qualifications of the European
Higher Education Area

• Mogens Berg
• Former chair of the Bologna Working GroupMugla,
  September 2007

2
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

3
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

4
NQF and Bologna Framework

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

5
Why overarching framework ?

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

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How overarching frameworks

• Cycles
• Descriptors of qualifications and learning
  outcomes
• Credit ranges in ECTS

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Cycles

• Three principle cycles
• First cycle (bachelor, licencié etc.)
• Second cycle (master etc.)
• Third cycle ( Ph.D. etc.)

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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

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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

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Credit ranges in ECTS

• First cycle 180-240 ECTS
• Second cycle 90-120 ECTS
• Third cycle not specified

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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

12
National Qualifications Frameworks

• all qualifications
• systematic description
• coherent relationship
• internationally understood

13
Why National Qualifications Frameworks

• Make explicit the purpose and aim of
  qualifications
• Delineate point of integration and overlap
• Provide a context for review and development of
  existing qualifications
• Provide a context for the design of new
  qualifications

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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

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Problem areas of NQF for HE

• Deciding for an NQF
• Designing the NQF
• Administration of an NQF
• Self-certification of compatibility

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Steps in establishing NQF
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NQF and transparency instruments

• Purposes
• Improve the national and international
  recognition of qualifications
• Advance transparency
• Improve the mobility of qualified citizens

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Diploma Supplement

• DS will be able to locate qualifications against
  precise national and European frameworks
• The national framework shall be referenced in all
  DS
• The completion of the self-certification process
  shall be noted on DS issued subsequently