topic Science

The Bologna Process

Within the context of the Europe-wide Bologna Process, Germany's Federal Government, Länder, and institutions of higher education are conducting the largest higher education reform in decades. Since its 1999 inception in the Italian university city of Bologna, this reform process has aimed to establish internationally accepted degrees, improve the quality of courses of study, and enhance employability. The number of students in Germany has also increased as a result of the reforms. Furthermore, we have clearly enhanced the international mobility of German students and the attractiveness of German institutions of higher education for students and young researchers from abroad.

The Bologna process now involves the cooperation of 47 states as well as the EU Commission and eight further organization s in the area of higher education. Characteristic is its partnership approach, which means the involvement of institutions of higher education, students, and social partners. The reforms have created a great dynamic in the educational landscape of Europe and continue to have considerable impact on the national higher education systems.

The Bologna Declaration and the Communiqués of the Conferences of Ministers specify the following points of the Bologna Process:

• Introduction of a system of comprehensible and comparable degrees (Bachelor and Master)
• Introduction of the two-cycle degree structure (undergraduate/graduate)
• Transparency of  study contents by means of credit points and the Diploma Supplement
• Recognition of degrees and phases of study
• Promotion of mobility of students and academic staff
• Safeguarding of quality standards at national and European levels
• Implementation of  a qualifications framework for the European Higher Education Area
• Increase in the attractiveness of the European Higher Education Area, including for those outside the EU
• Promotion of lifelong learning
• Linking of the European Higher Education Area and the European Research Area

Many of the aims listed above have already been largely implemented in the Bologna countries.

Nevertheless, there are a number of tasks yet to be implemented: not only in countries which did not join the Bologna Process until a later date but also in long-standing member countries. These tasks include enhancing mobility, improving employability, and recognizing qualifications, academic achievements, and skills and knowledge acquired outside higher education. In the future, changing circumstances, particularly regarding demography and globalization, must also be taken into more seriously into account. Further measures must be taken to encourage equal opportunities and permeability in the higher education system - the social dimension of the Bologna Process.

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  topic Science

  The Implementation of the Bologna Reforms in Germany

  82 percent of all courses of study at German institutions of higher education (11,500 of a total of 14,100 courses) had been converted to two-cycle Bachelor/Master courses by the beginning of the 2010/2011 winter semester. The universities of applied sciences in particular have virtually completed the reform. The majority of the courses that have not been converted (just under 1,900) lead to state or ecclesiastical qualifications.
  more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/7222.php)
   
  
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  topic Science

  BMBF Initiatives in the Context of the Bologna Process

  The Bachelor system is better than its reputation: On the whole, graduates with a Bachelor's degree enter employment without any difficulties. These are the findings of a study entitled "Mit dem Bachelor in den Beruf" ("starting a career with a Bachelor's degree"). Half the graduates from universities of applied sciences and a quarter of university graduates take up employment after gaining this first academic degree. The majority of students, however, continue their academic training and take a Master's degree course. Nevertheless, there is still a need for improvement in certain areas. The BMBF has therefore launched numerous initiatives to promote the Bologna Process and ensure greater acceptance by all those involved.
  more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/7007.php)
   
  
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  topic Science

  Mobility

  The political objective is for 50% of all students to complete part of their studies abroad and for 20% of German students to spend at least one semester abroad. This calls for quality and transparency in the range of studies available, the compatibility of degrees and improvements in recognition procedures. Important instruments in this respect are the correct use of modules and credit points in accordance with the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). The ECTS is a quantitative measure of the overall student workload required to achieve learning outcomes and obtain a degree.
  more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/15945.php)
   
  

• topic Science

  Organization and Structure of the Bologna Process

  Membership of the Bologna Process is open to all countries which have signed the European Cultural Convention and have declared their willingness to pursue and implement the objectives of the Bologna Process in their own higher education sector.
  more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/13195.php)
   
  

• topic Science

  The Bologna Process: Development from the beginnings to the present day

  The higher education institutions in the 47 partner countries are undergoing a demanding and at the same time very promising process of development. This process began in 1998.
  more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/15553.php)