The participation of Polytechnics in the European Higher

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 process by 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 ECTSsystem 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