topic Science

The Bologna Process

The Federal Government, Länder and institutions of higher education are conducting the biggest higher education reform process for decades within the framework of the Europe-wide Bologna Process. The aim of this process of reform, which was initiated in the Italian university city of Bologna in 1999, is 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.

In the meantime, there are 47 states cooperating in the Bologna Process, in addition to the EU Commission and eight further organizations involved in higher education. The Bologna Process is characterized by its partnership approach, i.e. the involvement of institutions of higher education, students and the two sides of industry. It has brought great dynamism to the higher education landscape and is having a considerable impact on the national higher education systems.

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

• Introduction of a system of comprehensible and comparable degrees (Bachelor and Master)
• Introduction of the two-cycle degree structure
• Providing transparency regarding contents of study by means of credit points and the Diploma Supplement
• Recognizing degrees and phases of study
• Improving the mobility of students and academic staff
• Safeguarding quality standards at national and European level
• Implementing a Qualifications Framework for the European Higher Education Area
• Increasing the attractiveness of the European Higher Education Area, also for third countries
• Supporting lifelong learning
• Linking 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 still a number of tasks outstanding, both for countries which did not join the Bologna Process until a later date as well as for long-standing member countries. These tasks include recognizing academic qualifications and achievements as well as knowledge and skills acquired outside higher education, enhancing mobility and improving employability. In addition, more attention must be paid in future to adapting to changing framework conditions, particularly with regard to demography and globalization. Further measures must be taken to encourage equal opportunities and the flexibility of the higher education system - the social dimension of the Bologna Process.

• 

  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)
   
  
• 

  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)
   
  
• 

  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)