The Bologna process is a
European initiative to create a framework in Europe by 2010 so that students can move more easily between universities within the EU. Easier said then done, of course! The Bologna
Declaration of June 1999 set out a
framework of reforms that would enable higher education across the EU to be
more compatible.
So what is the impact of this reform from the perspective
of Canadian universities? A core idea of the move to compatibility in Europe is the convergence of degree times to a set
pattern of 3 years for the bachelors, followed by 2 years for Masters and then 3 years
for the PhD program. Let me say that this makes a great deal of sense if you
have ever been involved with graduate degrees in Europe!!
In North America, on the other hand, the 4
year, 1 year, 4 year pattern is pretty well established.
Students can, and do, transfer between universities within
Europe and within North America for subsequent
degrees all the time. This is a very good thing; it allows students to get
multiple perspectives not only of the world but of the discipline(s) of interest. The increased pressure
for students to take advantage of opportunities in other educational spheres
raises, however, interesting inter-sphere compatibility issues. Here is just one. What do we do with
European students holding 3 year
undergraduate degrees who are applying to 1-yr Masters programs. Currently,
these are dealt with in most Canadian universities on an individual basis. Do we
ask them to take 2 year versions, if available, or to do a “make up” year, like a
local student with a 3 year undergrad degree? It is a bit hard to justify why
some students need 4 years of undergrad education when others do not. This
needs some thinking!
Now how about joint degrees, co-tutelles (2 degrees 2 universities shared
work), tuition and differential differences??
Luckily, and not surprisingly, these issues have not escaped
the attention of universities and grad studies across the country! In the new
year, discussion will begin in Canada to really dig into issues related to the impact and response of Canadian universities
to the Bologna initiative.
Of course, I’ll be back with updates at that time.
Carolyn
ps. Sunny reminded me to tell everyone to look at our article in the online University Affairs on Supervision. So go to www.universityaffairs.ca/2008/11/03/how-to-supervise-phds-effectively.aspx
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