The Framework of Qualifications of the European Higher Education Area
Azerbaijan Seminar
Baku, 12th June 2007
Stuart Garvie
National Qualifications Authority of Ireland
Qualifications Framework: BergenWe adopt the overarching framework for qualifications in the EHEA, comprising of three cycles (…), generic descriptors for each cycle based on learning outcomes and competences, and credit ranges in the first and second cycle.
We commit ourselves to elaborate national frameworks for qualifications compatible … by 2010, and to having started work on this by 2007
Work Programme 2005-7
Self-certification: 2 pilot projects (Ireland + Scotland)
Survey of definitions of credits in national legislation (?)
Advice to Stocktaking
Follow the development of the EQF-LLL (descriptors)
Provide assistance to member states on NQF
Basic
Qualifications are national according to national legislation
Qualifications are articulated/located in national
qualifications frameworks
The 45 national frameworks are linked together through an
alignment to an overarching framework of the EHEA
Framework for EHEA
The EHEA framework is an overarching framework; a meta-
framework or a framework for frameworks
Not all national qualifications will correspond to the
completion of the major cycles in the overarching framework
Why overarching framework ?
International transparency
International recognition of qualifications
International mobility of learners and graduates
45 national frameworks and a European framework of frameworks
EHEA-framework
PL DK Irl Fr De etc
Overarching framework
Cycles
Descriptors of qualifications and learning outcomes
Credit ranges in ECTS
NQF and Bologna Framework Bologna-Framework
Self certification
National Qualifications Framework
Accreditation or similar
National qualifications
Alignment of NQF to the EHEA framework
No external control but trust building
Minimum criteria for the verification that a NQF are
compatible with the EHEA framework
Procedures for self-certification of compatibility
Role of Quality Assurance
Criteria for verification - 1
The NQF and the body/bodies responsible for its
development are designated by the national ministry for HE
There is a clear and demonstrable link between the
qualifications in the NF and the cycle qualification
descriptors of the European framework
The NF and its qualifications are demonstrably bases on
learning outcomes and the qualifications are linked to ECTS
credits
Criteria for verification - 2 The procedures for inclusion of qualifications in the NF is
transparent
The NQA for HE refer to the NQF and are consistent with the
Berlin communiqué and any subsequent communiqués
agreed by ministers in the Bologna Process
Diploma Supplement
The responsibilities of the domestic parties to the NF are
clearly determined and published
Procedures for self-certification - 1
The competent national body/bodies shall self-certify the
compatibility of the NF with the European framework
The self-certification process shall include the stated
agreements of the QA-bodies of the country in question
recognised through the Bologna Process
The self-certification process shall involve international
experts
Procedures for self-certification - 2 The self-certification and the evidence supporting it shall be
published and shall address separately each of the criteria set
out
ENIC/NARIC shall maintain a public listing of States that have
completed the self-certification process
Diploma Supplement
All signatories will complete the self-certification process 2010
Verification of compatibility with Bologna framework
Ireland is the first country to complete self-certification
steering committee – Qualifications Authority, awarding bodies (Higher Education and Training Awards Council, universities, Dublin Institute of Technology), plus two international experts, established February 2006
draft report for consultation published, June 2006
information sheet on European framework developments, Sept 2006
stakeholder workshop, October 2006
completed, November 2006
Verification report Verification of criteria (7)
Verification of procedures (6)
Appendix 1: Comparison of the Dublin descriptors with the award-type descriptors in the Irish National Framework of Qualifications
Appendix 2: Analysis of non-outcomes issues which are relevant to verifying the compatibility of the Irish Framework with the Bologna Framework
Report published – see www.nqai.ie
London Communiqué 18 May 2007
Qualifications frameworks are important instruments in achieving compatibility and transparency within EHEA.
Help HEIs to develop programmes of study based on learning outcomes
Initial progress made, more effort required
Full implementation affirmed by 2010
London Communiqué 18 May 2007(cont)
Council of Europe requested to support sharing of experience
National qualifications frameworks compatible with
EHEA also compatible with EQF
EHEA Framework central element of promotion of
European higher education in a global context
Draft EQF levels
EHEA Framework (Bologna) NFQ Levels NFQ Major Award-types
1 1 Level 1 Certificate
2 Level 2 Certificate
2 3 Level 3 Certificate, Junior Certificate
3 4 Level 4 Certificate, Leaving Certificate
4 5 Level 5 Certificate, Leaving Certificate
5 Short Cycle within First Cycle 6 Advanced Certificate (FET award); Higher Certificate (HET award)
6 First Cycle 7 Ordinary Bachelors Degree
8 Honours Bachelor Degree, Higher Diploma
7 Second Cycle 9 Masters Degree, Post-Graduate Diploma
8 Third cycle 10 Doctoral Degree, Higher Doctorate
Further Information
Framework website: www.nfq.ie
National Qualifications Authority of Ireland: www.nqai.ie
Higher Education and Training Awards Council:
www.hetac.ie