Joint programmes and degrees in the European Higher Education Area

Abstract

Joint transnational programs and qualifications are an essential element both for the internationalisation of universities and for the development of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), by facilitating the mobility of students and teachers and the international cooperation of the participating institutions. However, its development and practical implementation are hampered by the different national regulations on the quality assurance of the programs and recognition of the granted degrees. Joint programs constitute a paradox of the Bologna process, since transnational programs and qualifications are developed, ensure quality and are recognised in a different national context. This paper discusses and analyzes the background and current situation of the projects and activities and the ministerial recommendations on joint programs in the EHEA, such as the Erasmus Mundus projects and the European Approach to Quality Assurance of Joint Programs, approved by the Ministerial Conference of 2015 of the EHEA with the recommendation of an unique accreditation of the programs and multiple recognition of the degrees. As a result, some suggestions are proposed on practical aspects of the joint programs and degrees that can help to facilitate their development at the level of practical implementation, evaluation process, recognition of evaluation decisions, recognition of degrees awarded and terminology.