1. Reforming higher education in Europe, The Role of Qualifications Frameworks
Mogens Berg
Former chair of the Bologna Working Group Belgrade, 1 November 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. Why overarching framework ?
International transparency
International recognition of qualifications
International mobility of learners and graduates

5. How overarching frameworks
Cycles
Descriptors of qualifications and learning outcomes
Credit ranges in ECTS

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Credit ranges in ECTS First cycle: 180-240 ECTS
Second cycle: ECTS
Third cycle : not specified

10. 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

11. NQF and Bologna Framework
Self certification
National Qualifications Framework
Accreditation or similar
National qualifications

12. 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

13. 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

14. Steps in establishing NQF (1)
Decision to start
Taken by the national body responsible for higher education (minister?) 2
Setting the agenda: The purpose of our NQF
WG-Report nr. 1 (section 2.3) 3
Organising the process
Identifying stakeholders; setting up a committee/WG 4
Design
Profile
Level structure; Level descriptors (learning outcomes)
Credit ranges 5
Consultation
National discussion and acceptance of design by stakeholders

15. Steps in establishing NQF (2)6
Approval
According to national tradition by Minister/Government/legislation 7
Administrative set-up
Division of tasks of implementation between HEI, QAA and other bodies 8
Implementation at institutional/programme level
Reformulation of individual study programmes to learning outcome based approch 9
Inclusion of qualifications in the NQF
Accreditation or similar (cfr. Berlin Communiqué) 10
Self-certification of compatibility with the EHEA framework (Alignment to Bologna cycles etc.)
WG Report nr. 1
Pilot projects

16. Problem areas of NQF for HE
Deciding for an NQF
Designing the NQF
Administration of an NQF
Self-certification of compatibility

17. National Qualifications Frameworks: Scope
Higher Education or All Education
all qualifications
systematic description
coherent relationship
internationally understood

18. Differences between QF-EHEA and NQF
QF for EHEA
NQF
Cycles/levels
3 cycles
Nationally defined number of levels
Level descriptors
Dublin descriptors:
5 dimensions
More specific,
additional dimensions
Workload
Broad credit ranges
More specific definitions

19. Administrative set up Which bodies are involved
Distribution of functions
Inclusion of qualifications into the framework
Implementation at institutional level

20. Self-certification
Verifying the compatibility of national frameworks of qualifications with the framework of qualifications of the EHEA
Criteria
Procedures

21. Result 2010
46 NQF
All certified
New DS