Best recognition instruments for the dialogue between global expertsFinal Conference - Malta, 18 - 19 October 2012

ANALYSIS OF ERASMUS MUNDUS CASE STUDIES – ACTION 4Leonor Santa Clara – Portuguese Directorate General for Higher

Education

The Objective of Action 4

Analysis of 5 Erasmus Mundus Master Courses (EMMC)

Assess + collect information on issues related to recognition during different phases of the life of these courses .

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How to choose the courses?Some common criteria agreed:• participation of an institution of the country

responsible for the case study;• course functioning in the academic year 2011-2012;• renewed courses, preferably; • joint, double and multiple degrees;• previous information of eventual problems;• diversified fields of study;• Involvement of institutions of third countries +

diversify countries participating. 3

The chosen coursesEMDiReB – Erasmus Mundus Master in

Diagnosis and Repair of Buildings

EMLE - Master in Law and Economics

GeoTech – Master of Science in Geospatial Technologies

IMEC - International Master’s Programme in Early Childhood Education and Care

NordSecMob - Master's programme in Security and Mobile Computing

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Diversity?• Covering 4 scientific areas;• 1 course involving third country HEI but not awarding

degree;• Various types of degrees awarded;• Courses with 60, 90 and 120 ECTS;• Courses with problems but also successful ones; • 16 European countries and 2 third countries;• Only 1 course coordinated by a Bridge partner;• 4 selected in phase 1 of EM (3 renewed) and 1

selected in phase 2.

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What we analysed

Creation of the joint course

Degree awarded and Diploma Supplement

Selection of students and academics

Recognition of the course/degree in other countries

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Creation of the joint courseImplications of different HE systems and national

legislation

• Course components (ECTS, thesis requirements, etc..)• National accreditation• Professional vs academic courses• Specific rules for joint programmes

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Creation of the joint course (2)

Evolution in national legislation and accreditation processes

Ex: Spain: innovative authomatic accreditation

and register of EM courses

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Degree awarded and Diploma Supplement

Different degrees:• A case where the degrees were of same level but

different natureObstacles related to national legislation• A case where there seemed to be no official

degree• Only delivering diplomas/certificates for studies

undertaken in the University• Delays issuing documents

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Degree awarded and Diploma Supplement (2)

Diploma Supplement not delivered in all countries

UNESCO/CEPES model of joint Diploma Supplement

Some allow joint Diploma Supplement but also have to deliver national Diploma Supplement

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Application requirements

Joint and centralised selection

Verification of third country degrees and HEIDatabases; Embassies; ENIC/NARIC centres; interviews; Binding declarations/ certified

Students Agreement

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Selection of students and academics

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Selection of students and academics (2)

How are Erasmus Mundus degrees accepted?

Is there a distinction between how joint, double or multiple degrees are received?

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Recognition of the course/degree in other countries

ConclusionsImportance of knowledge of the different HE

systems;Relevance of consortium agreement;Some countries where sensible to these issues,

adapting national legislation;Even between European countries and with Bologna

Process, there are still significant differences and obstacles

Use the available tools that may facilitate recognition process such as the Diploma Supplement

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Conclusions (2)

Be open to differences and finding solutions;Clear information for students;Erasmus Mundus Programme and its quality

needs to be better known; Further collaboration with EM NS,

ENIC/NARIC centres and other stakeholders.

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Thank you!