The Bologna Process and the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework Dr Gillian Mackintosh Head of Registry

Background Intergovernmental process aiming to create European Higher Education Area by 2010 Aims to create comparability and compatibility between diverse systems and institutions in Europe to: i.enhance staff and student mobility ii.increase international competitiveness of European Higher Education

System of Credits Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework (SCQF) –National system for defining qualifications in terms of entry/exit points, progression and credit requirements European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) -Initially introduced to facilitate recognition in Erasmus -1 ECTS credit = 2 AU (SCQF) credits

Three Degree Cycle Substantial change for much of Europe EHEA Qualifications Framework Bachelors Degree – ECTS credits & minimum of 3 years Masters Degree ECTS credits Doctoral Degrees -Link between EHEA and European Research Area

Diploma Supplement To aid mobility through facilitating better understanding and transparency of degrees Standard description of nature, content, level, context and status of award.

Quality Assurance Seen as vital for (i) enhancing co-operation between HEIs in Europe and (ii) promoting international competitiveness of European HE Common European standards for QA with common reference points European Register of Quality Agencies being established

Mobility Both staff and student Issue for the UK – 79% of UK institutions have more incoming than outgoing students as compared to 29% in European HEIs Challenges –language issues –Finance –curriculum comparability Report from CIHE states that many of the big recruiters are looking for graduates who have a global experience

Joint Degrees The Bologna process through the establishment of the European Higher Education Area seeks to promote inter- institutional co-operation within Europe. The strands of Bologna such as qualifications frameworks, common degree structures and quality assurance will help facilitate this. Opportunities for Joint Degrees – e.g. Erasmus Mundus

Other Action Lines Lifelong learning Social dimension Role of students

Advantages Bologna brings some challenges but has the potential of providing a number of advantages: Enhanced mobility International dimension Employability Global competitiveness

Issues for Curriculum Reform Degree length -Do we consider adopting the Bologna model of 3 + 2? Student mobility -How do we enhance student mobility? -Should we look to use the extra year to provide such opportunity? Joint degrees -Should we look at the opportunities this might provide in terms of a more global experience for our students?