Brussels, 16/05/2007 (Agence Europe) - The information network on education, Eurydice, has just published a study entitled “Focus on the Structure of Higher Education in Europe: National Trends in the Bologna Process”. This publication, which coincided with the London conference of European ministers with responsibility for higher education, takes stock of instruments already implemented within the framework of the Bologna process: the adoption of a three-cycle structure (Bachelor/Master/Doctorate), the introduction of a European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), the provision of the Diploma Supplement, the recognition of joint degrees, the introduction of national qualifications frameworks and the development of quality assurance in higher education. The information collected shows that: - the three-cycle structure (Bachelor/Master/Doctorate) has been adopted, or is being adopted, almost everywhere. In many countries, no maximum duration has yet been set in place for the doctorate. - The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) now has a legal basis almost everywhere and is most frequently applied to bachelor and master-type degrees. In more than half of the countries, the ECTS is being used in all establishments and four programmes of study. - For the joint diplomas, a certain amount of progress remains to be made: only half of the signatory countries formally recognise these.
Half of the signatory countries have fully implemented at least two of these three central elements of the Bologna process. In most of the countries, financial incentive measures have been set in place, as well as advice and information measures to help these elements to become generalised in the field of higher education. Furthermore, 15 member states of the European Union have adopted a national certification framework, or plan to do so in 2007.
The study can be consulted at the following address:
http: //http://www.eurydice.org/portal/page/portal/Eurydice/PubContents?pubid=086EN . (gc)