FAQ

Q. Bologna seeks to harmonise higher education across Europe?

Bologna is designed to facilitate greater comparability and compatibility between the diverse systems and institutions across Europe, in turn making them more attractive in the global market place. Diversity, flexibility and autonomy are key principles, and while some alignments between practices are taking place - such as the development of a three-cycle degree system - institutions will not be required to adopt common curricula, governance or funding structures.

Q. Do UK HEIs have to be ‘Bologna compliant’?

The Bologna Process in an intergovernmental process based upon the consent and cooperation of a broad range of HE stakeholders in Europe. The Bologna Process does not produce legally binding regulations and standards that UK HEIs have to comply with. Instead, HE Ministers review the progress of participating countries in implementing Bologna Process reforms in a stocktaking exercise at ministerial summits held every two years. The stocktaking exercise examines quality assurance procedures, the use of national and European qualifications frameworks, use of academic credit and national measures to widen participation in HE. UK HEIs are, however, encouraged to issue the Diploma Supplement under the Process and encouraged to participate in the many useful decision-making and information sharing events.

Q. Is the Bologna Process administered by European Union (EU) institutions?

The Bologna Process is not an EU initiative. There are currently 27 Member States of the EU, whereas the Bologna Process currently has 46 participating countries. Nevertheless, the European Commission is an important contributor to the Bologna Process, alongside participating countries, the Council of Europe, UNESCO, HEIs and students. The European Commission supports many of the Bologna Process action lines through EU programmes, eg Erasmus student mobility programme, and by funding and hosting Bologna Process conferences and seminars.

Q. Does the Bologna Process mean that Master’s degrees have to be two years in duration?

The Bologna Process does not stipulate the length of the second cycle (Master’s level). The Framework for Qualifications of the European Higher Education Area stipulates that second cycle graduates should meet a number of qualifications descriptors (known as the ‘Dublin Descriptors’). The second cycle should typically include 90-120 ECTS credits, with a minimum of 60 of those credits being at the Master’s level. For more information, view: http://www.bologna-bergen2005.no/Docs/00-Main_doc/050218_QF_EHEA.pdf

Q. Are institutions in other countries legally bound to recognise and accept UK qualifications?

The Bologna Process is a voluntary initiative between governments. While some countries have enacted parts of the process in their national legislation, HEIs are under no legal obligation to guarantee admission to a student based on their qualifications from another HEI. However, participating countries are encouraged to sign the Lisbon recognition convention. There is also EU legislation on the harmonisation of training requirements which allow for automatic recognition of professional qualifications, eg doctors, nurses, dentists, midwives, veterinary surgeons, pharmacists and architects.  For more information, view: http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/qualifications/index_en.htm