Complete article of European University Association (EUA), 10/05/2007
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The latest survey of more than 900 European institutions, using both quantitative and qualitative analysis, will be presented to the 46 Education Ministers attending the Bologna Ministerial Conference taking place in London on May 17/18.
Trends V shows that 82% of the institutions responding to the survey have now introduced the three cycle degree system. However, while the report shows that there now seems little doubt that the reforms in degree structure will be in place by 2010, it highlights that there is still much work to be done to achieve the underlying social and economic aims of Bologna.
While 74% of institutions stated that it was crucial to make rapid progress to the EHEA, the report highlights that that most countries still need to make major progress in a number of areas such as:
• Working more closely with employers to ensure
that the reforms are understood, and that new qualifications are
relevant for the labour market;
• Improving quality assurance
systems in Europe by strengthening institutional quality culture,
involving students and moving to “light touch” external audits of
institutions;
• Strengthening trust between institutions and countries to improve mobility both for staff and students.
Trends V also highlights that universities must commit more resources to developing lifelong learning, a key goal for Europe. Only 17% of the sample felt this was currently a major priority for their institution. Finally, the study shows that the social objectives of Bologna are still someway from being achieved. Governments and institutions need to develop their strategies and take concrete action if they are to ensure that all who have the potential to benefit from higher education have equal opportunities in the European Higher Education Area.
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