The Recognition of Joint Programmes - overcoming the challenges Cardiff 11 th November 2015 Huw Landeg Morris Swansea University Director of Academic Partnerships

Benefits of Joint Degrees in EHEA Joint Programme leading to a joint degree Joint Programme leading to a double degree Different models involving student and/or staff mobility Reassurance that generally joint degree programmes will be recognised and will lead to enhanced global employability  An enhanced degree programme taught by experts in at least two universities  Embedding mobility placements in more than one country enhancing employability prospects  Providing additional knowledge and skills  Attract the best highly qualified students from all over the world  Flagship degrees of the European Higher Education Area What about Welsh students?

The Challenges of Recognising Joint Awards Despite the support of 48 ministers and European bodies within the European Higher Education Areas, such as EUA, ENQA, ESU, etc – challenges remain with the recognition of joint degrees.  Conflict with National Regulations  Conflict with Institutional Procedures  Certification issues  Lack of understanding by employers Reasons = differences in national structures / regulations / authorities still remain in force despite the Bologna reforms

Common Areas / Pitfalls  Institutional Regulations  Candidature period  Credit requirements  Language requirements  PhD publications  Length of dissertation  Learning outcomes  Assessment Practices  External Examiners  Doctoral – public defence  Attendance of supervisors  Quality Requirements  Dual Validations  Doctoral – supervisory meeting  Probation Failure to comply with:

Common Areas / Pitfalls …………continued  Professional Accreditation  Meeting requirements of relevant bodies in both countries  National Requirements  Length of programme - 2 years Masters Degree  Residency requirements  National / State approval  Language requirements  Wording of degree certificates and signatories  Name of degree To avoid recognition issues ADDRESS THESE AT THE PLANNING STAGE, thoroughly!! Failure to comply with:

Action at Planning Stage Institutions are strongly advise to conduct a thorough planning processes at the initial stages to overcome recognition problems.  Check the national requirements – laws / decrees e.g. what are the residency or credit requirements?  Compare institutional regulations and adopt new bespoke regulations complying with the minimum requirements of both institutions (language; 2 year Masters) (Use a checklist tool)  Ensure programme is validated in accordance to systems governing both universities Apply an Integrated Approach

Advice, Good Practice and European Tools Build the proposal based on best practice in Europe 1.Familiarise yourself with the structure and practices of the EHEA.  Qualifications framework  Dublin Descriptors  ECTS 2.Use the Bologna Tools to facilitate the recognition  Diploma Supplement  Dublin Descriptors 3.Be flexible and be prepared to adjust institutional regulations. 4.Adopt an integrated approach – joint teaching; assessment; etc. 5.Use on-line software to facilitate integration (supervision)

Advice, Good Practice and European Tools 6.Choose the appropriate partners  Build strategic partners - Grenoble 7.Provide Student / Candidate Learning Agreements as evidence 8.Web presence as reference point and evidence 9.Ultimately seek guidance from national bodies and be aware of validation options e.g. “Quality Assurance of Joint Programmes” and QA Agency Register

Overview of building a Joint Degree Attractive International Programme Integrated Programme Joint Regs., Policies & Assessment In-built National Requirements and Regs. Institutional Requirements & Regulations Degrees of 2+ Universities fully recognised with an international experience Globally employable students Supported by jointly awarded degrees and a Diploma Supplement European Tools Qualifications Framework European Best Practices

How can we ensure that Welsh students benefit? Are Welsh students competitive in the global employment market?  Welsh universities and the Welsh Government need to promote Joint Degrees and raise awareness of their advantages with employers  Welsh Government might offer incentives for universities to develop joint degrees and strategic partnerships e.g. France (studentships)  How can the Welsh Government be engaged in ministerial meetings e.g. Jane Davidson attended Bergen  Support Swansea’s vision of developing a Diploma Supplement for Research Students  Bilingualism +1 International Degrees Globally Employable Students who return to Wales to strengthen the Welsh economy

The Recognition of Joint Programmes immagine Reference Documents “Joint programmes from A to Z: a reference guide for practitioners” details.aspx?ArticleId= QUESTIONS???