The Bologna Process and the implementation of ECTS

SEEU remains a leader in the implementation of innovative practice and systems in higher education in Macedonia. Since its founding and development, SEEU has been intimately connected with the Bologna Process and its further implementation in the Republic of Macedonia.

Since its foundation in 2001, ECTS (European credit Transfer System) has been an integral part of the programme administration in all faculties as well as the central Registrar’s Office. With the commencement of second Cycle Programs in 2005, SEEU will adopt a system of three cycle studies and introduce the Diploma Supplement (DS) to assist European and international universities comprehending easily and in a comparative way, the role, scope and function of the curricula and the learning outcomes. 

ECTS is the Bologna Process’s means of creating conditions for mobility, a key part of the creation of the EHEA (European Higher Education Area). Mobility for both students and staff is intended to increase understanding between diverse regions as well as to help promote the ability to cope with the effects of globalisation. However, in a period where Macedonian citizens are highly restricted in their travel to European destinations, another goal of the ECTS becomes more significant. That is to serve as a means of measuring accumulation of credits. ECTS allows SEEU to measure the students’ progress and assess its own resource issues in terms of teaching loads for professors as well as study loads for students. 

The adoption of ECTS has caused SEEU to adopt other innovative practices, mostly connected with the teaching and learning processes, i.e. SEEU academic staff has been compelled to change the way they teach, assess and interact with their students, making SEEU a “student-centred” institution. Although, the primary affect of ECTS has been in the design of curricula where the learning outcomes of modules take precedent over the contact time.

In the University Policy on student grading (see article 4.1 in appendix XX), one credit refers to 30 hours work for one semester, including lectures and other forms of instruction as well as independent work at home and/or in the library or Computer centre. Individual course credits are determined according to the number of practical and/or theoretical hours required for in-class activity plus private study. Thus, one theoretical hour entails at least 3 hours of independent study and evaluation, consequently a course of 30 theoretical hours plus 90( 30x3) hours of private study and evaluation results in a study load of 120 hours. In the following table there is an example of part of an official curriculum.

 

Courses	W/S	Credits	Theoretical  Hrs.	Practical/ Tutorial Hrs.	Study-load Hrs.	Class Size
Intermediate spoken and Written English	S	4	0	30	120	20-30
European Studies II	S	4	30	0	120	200
Computer App in Communication I	S	6	30	15	180	20-30

It is critical to understand from the outset that the implementation of ECTS and the Diploma Supplement (DS) as well as the development of second-cycle programmes at SEEU is closely connected with faculty and professional development on one hand, and research on the other.  It is one thing to design a curriculum, revise syllabi, etc, but quite another to deliver quality instruction at the Masters level. Likewise, it is a simple manner to translate credit hours to ECTS, but with no reference to learning outcomes, modern assessment means and pedagogical practice; such reforms would have been hollow. For this reason, SEEU has an area-leading programme of professional development and in-service training, unsurpassed at any national or regional university.  The breadth of these programmes and importance of them for the future development of all programmes at SEEU is a direct reflection of the University’s commitment both to the Bologna process and of quality instruction. 

SEEU’s 2nd Cycle Programmes are generally divided into two classes:  academic and vocational, where the former address discipline-specific theoretical issues in the service of preparing students for further formal education or academic/research careers, while the latter are of a more practical orientation and prepare students for immediate employment.  In this regard, SEEU has striven not to fall into a particular local trap of advocating more education in the absence of real employment opportunities.  This in itself is a primary goal of the Bologna process. It is worth emphasizing to the SEEU staff and students that graduate degrees are not necessary for everyone; many of our graduates would be better served in gaining gainful employment rather than “parking” themselves in academia for another period of time. Again, this awareness of the local labour market is an innovative feature of the design process.

SEEU developed three general models for the creation of second-cycle programme:

• Joint Masters Programme
• SEEU National Masters
• SEEU International Masters 

For each model and programme proposals developed by the SEEU staff, seven issues were discussed in detail, including
 

1. Timetable for programme implementations
2. Professional development needs
3. Employability of graduates
4. Language issues
5. Effect on first-cycle programmes
6. Developmental costs
7. Recognition of degrees and accreditation of programmes

A guiding principle in the design of graduate programmes was the employability of the students graduating from these programs.  For this reason, great attention has been paid to the local and regional job market.  Employability and attractiveness of the programme itself are intimately connected, so that the popularity of the programmes proceeded along with the success of its graduates in finding employment.  Related to employability has the analysis of “niche markets” which could be exploited by SEEU programmes.  In other words, in what areas does SEEU have an institutional advantage both in terms of location and faculty strengths?  Examples range from SEEU’s Balkan location as being attractive to European partners in specialized fields or issues particular to Macedonia’s development such as EU accession and the reform of the public administration.

SEEU along with other signatories to the Bologna Declaration is committed to reforming higher education in Europe.  One important area of reform will occur (is now occurring) at the undergraduate or first-cycle degree level, whereby the period of study for this first degree is shortened with corresponding reform of the curriculum.  SEEU has adopted the popular model of 3+2 where the first cycle will last three years (180 ECTS credits) and the second cycle two years (120 ECTS credits).  In the next three years (2005-2008), however, another option will be used, so as to accommodate those students who have finished 4 years at SEEU in the first cycle, thereby necessitating the 4 + 1 model, where the first-cycle lasts 4 years (240 ECS credits) and the second-cycle 1 year (60 ECTS credits). 

SEEU favours the use of the second model for second-cycle programmes, e.g. SEEU stand-alone Masters Programmes, where SEEU develops its own graduate programmes with some assistance or partnership with institutions in Macedonia and the immediate region, narrowly defined.  In the discussion of such programmes, particular emphasis is paid to the question of professional development, given that SEEU resources are both committed and limited in the further development of programs, present faculty members have to be given opportunities to upgrade and modernise their skills while at the same time, new faculty members need to be hired.  On the other hand, this model allows the language of instruction to be Albanian and/or Macedonian and draw upon the local wealth of talent in fields which have demonstrated proven excellence locally.

SEEU has fully embraced the use of the Diploma Supplement (DS) as a way of making its students more mobile and also of creating a transparent and easily understood record of the student’s academic career.  The high technology backbone of SEEU and its reliance on electronic record keeping has meant that the production of the DS has proceeded smoothly and in keeping with the spirit of Bologna.  All SEEU students are able to request and receive a DS in English free of charge.

- SEEU Rule on ECTS

 

SEE University

Nr.
Date
Tetovo

Pursuant to Article 13, paragraph 1, point 2 related to article 2, point 3 of the Statute of the SEE University in Tetovo, the Board of SEEU, on the session held on __________________, adopted the

 

RULE

Rule on unique basis for credit-system and transition from one study program to another, as well as transition from one higher education institution to another within SEEU

Basic dispositions
Subject of regulation

 

Article 1

By this Rule are determined unique bases for credit-system and transition from one study program to another, as well as transition from one higher education institution to another within SEEU -Tetovo (hereinafter referred to as: European Credit Transfer System ‘ECTS’).

The aim of ECTS

Article 2

ECTS presents a system for academic admission of studies based on: information on the study programs and student achievements, reciprocal trust between Faculties, respectively organizational units of the University, agreements between partner institutions in the University, agreement between partner institutions in the University and other institutions in the country and beyond, and usage of a credit as a measure for charging students.

Article 3

By ECTS is realized:
- student’s higher mobility on the level of the institution;
-precise oversight of the integrity of work and student’s engagement in the process of studies;
-development and operation of mechanisms for permanent pursuance of student progress according to the study results;
-objectivity in grading and cognition of the study results;
-realization of the compatibility study programs on the international level, based on ECTS principles;
-unrestricted transmission of student achievements from one institution to another;
-increase of the student individualism level during studies;
-creation of basis for realization of concept for the eternal teaching.

 

Application of ECTS

Article 4
The credit-system is applied for realization of study and course programs for:
-full-time studies;
-postgraduate studies (for specialization and Master’s degree); and
-PhD studies.

The credit-system is implemented by the faculties and scientific institutions which perform higher education activities, post-graduate studies and PhD studies (hereinafter referred to as: scientific institutions).

 

Credits at the ECTS

 

The concept of credits in the ECTS

Article 5
The credit presents the numeral relative value distributed over course programs which describes quantity of the student work in relation to the total work quantum, necessary to complete one academic year in the faculty, respectively in the scientific institution.

 

Determination of the credit number for one study year/semester

Article 6
The number of credits for designated course programs is determined on basis of lecture points, realized consultations, successful realization of exercises, successful realization of the practical work with the seminary work, work in the terrain, independent work at home and/or in the library, with mentoring by other students, prepared or realized projects, etc.

Article 7
The number of credits is determined for each course program separately.
Faculties, respectively scientific institutions, determine the number of credits at the study and course programs as a statute annex.

Article 8
The difference in number of credits for course programs may be at the most two credits, determined on the base of exercises and lessons number as well as other activities, depending on the student engagement.

 

Awarding of credits on different student activities

Article 9

Credits can be also awarded on different student activities: successfully completion of the professional practice, compilation or realization of a project, participation in the scientific gathering and similar activities.
Activities on which credits will be awarded are determined by the faculty, respectively the scientific institution.

Article 10
The faculty, namely the scientific institutions, on the occasion of compilation of the study and course programs, should enable institutional compatibility and create conditions for students transition from one study program to another in the cadre of the faculty, respectively the scientific institution in composition of the University; conditions for transition from one faculty to another, namely in the scientific institutions outside the University, in cases when faculties exist, namely scientific institutions which produce the same or similar specialized cadre profiles, as well as transition of students in faculties out of the country.

The distribution of credits

 

Article 11
ECTS credits will be awarded only to that student who will satisfactorily complete the requirements for the admission exam, and who will successfully complete the course program.
The requirements that the student has to complete are determined by the faculty, respectively the scientific institution.

Article 12
The number of credits that student has to earn in order to gain certain professional preparation, varies according to the following values:
-30 credits for one semester.
The faculties, respectively the scientific institutions which according to the study characteristics cannot apply this standard (ECTS), may determine a bigger credit fund.

Article 13
Credits for the Elective and Optional courses are awarded based on the same criteria as Obligate courses.
The relation between the obligated, elective and optional courses can be:
-credits from obliged courses from 50% to 60% of the total fund;
-credits from elective courses from 20% to 40% of the total fund;
-credits from optional courses from 10% to 15% of the total fund;
-credits from facultative courses from 0% to 5% of the total fund.
The faculty, respectively the scientific institution in the cadre of the given proportions, predetermines the relation between the courses quoted at the previous paragraph of this Article (total 100%).

 

Students’ study progress

 

The necessary time for completion of studies

Article 14
Conditions and criteria for realization of the study program are determined by the faculty, respectively the scientific institution.
Conditions and criteria from the previous paragraph should enable student’s orientation toward which course the student should first sit for examination, to pass these examinations successfully, and than to register other courses in which the student wants to sit for.

Article 15
The student progresses during the studies on the basis of high level of the realized credits.
The student may register number of courses which bring minimum 21 credits, but not more than 40 credits per semester.

 

Student mobility
Transition in the cadre of the same faculty respectively the scientific institution

Article 16
The student may transit from one study program to another, in the cadre of the same faculty, respectively the scientific institution. The transfer criteria are determined by the institution from the previous paragraph, depending on compatibility of the study program.
Transition from one faculty to another, respectively scientific institution

Article 17
The student may transfer from one faculty to another in the cadre of the same faculty, respectively the scientific institution. The transfer criteria are predetermined by the institution from the previous paragraph, depending on compatibility of their study programs.
In order to realize the student transition, the institutions establish a reciprocal agreement for cooperation, which determines conditions and agreement for student transition from one higher education institution to another.

The International mobility

Article 18

The faculties, respectively the scientific institutions, in cooperation with the higher education institutions in the country and abroad and in compliance with this rule can also determine special rules for application of ECTS. Admission and release from the exams in cases when the student transits from one faculty to another, respectively scientific institution.

 

Article 19
By passing from one faculty to another, respectively scientific institution, the student is released from the exam, respectively from the attendance in some courses/exams, if there is a reciprocal cooperation agreement between institutions on which transfers are being made, or by permission of the institution where the student passes to, after a   general oversight is done on the number of credits for determined courses/the exams that the student had passed in the former institution, etc.

Article 20
During the study, the student reserves the right to register new teaching courses in the faculty, which are not obligatory for achievement of a certain level of the professional preparation, as well as to register teaching courses at another faculty.
Conditions under what the right from the paragraph 1 of this Article is realized, are determined by the faculty.

 

The information package / a guide to study and cooperation

The aim of the information package

Article 21
In order to inform students and other interested persons, the faculties and scientific institutions are obliged to prepare the information package for the ECTS, which will serve as a guide to study and cooperation.
Based on the information package compiled by the faculty and the scientific institutions, the University prepares a unique package of information for the ECTS, in the higher education institutions operating in the cadre of the University.

The package content

Article 22
The package of information necessarily contents the following elements:
-general description of the offer for education in the faculty, respectively in the scientific institution (course programs, courses, departments, etc.);
-general description of the grading system and the system of passing exams;
-general description of the credit-system

The method of information

Article 23
The faculties and the scientific institutions in order to be transparent in front of the opinion are obliged to elaborate, compile and distribute the package information in a written form through: publications, manuals, electronic information forms, through disks and CD, through the Internet and personal Web-pages, etc.
In order of general information, the University and its Institutions provide adequate equipment of hardware and software.

Languages on which the information package is prepared

Article 24
The package of information is prepared in Albanian, Macedonian and English language.

 

The credit-transfer system coordinators

Article 25
In the university, faculties, respectively in the scientific institutions are appointed coordinators for the credit-transfer system.
The university coordinator keeps under consideration and evidences the administrative and academic aspects of the credit-transfer system on a university level, and performs active cooperation with the student representatives.
The coordinator of the faculty or the scientific institution accomplishes the following works:
-follows obligations of the institution in application of the credit-transfer system principles and mechanisms;
-promotes the credit-transfer system within and outside the institution;
-gives support to practical implementation the credit-transfer system, as well as to the internal coordinator;
-informs students on the credit-transfer system;
-coordinates internal coordinators in the process of preparation, production and distribution of the information packages;
-cooperates with private and public institutions which distribute scholarships;
-provides contacts within the university, between the universities in the country and international contacts.

The coordinator of the scientific-teaching units of the higher education institutions accomplishes the following works:
-takes care of implementation of the credit-transfer system on the level of departments;
-realizes contacts between students and academic staff, informs students on credit-transfer system;
-provides students with information package;
-helps students in fulfilling the credit-transfer system (forms);
-gives information and advices on procedures;
-helps in cases of student transfer from one study program to another;
-realizes cooperation with the other faculty coordinators, respectively scientific institutions;
-prepares certification for the passed exams in cases when student transfers to another institution;
-participates in preparation of the information package for the adequate institutes-departments;
-cooperates tight with the faculty coordinator, respectively the coordinator of the scientific institution in all phases of the credit-transfer implementation.

Commission for verification of successful necessary study completion for gaining certain level of professional preparation
Article 26
A Commission is formed at the faculties and scientific institutions in order to verify the successful completion of studies, necessary for gaining a certain level of professional preparation.
The Commission consists of: Pro-dean for teaching, Faculty respectively Scientific institution Coordinator, and the coordinator of the internal organizational unit.
The Commission brings the Rule on work, while the Teaching-Scientific Council approves this Rule.

 

Evidence and submission of documents (pedagogical documentation)

Article 27
The content of the public documents: diploma, student legitimating and certificate, as well as other documents: study contracts, application form, etc. are verified by the university.

 

Transitional and final dispositions

Article 28
This Rule comes into force on the day of its publication at the media, whereas will be applied by each Faculty, respectively University Scientific Institutions.

 

 

President of the Board

__________________

 

-Other information/links on ECTS

European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS)

Key Features
What is a credit system?

A credit system is a systematic way of describing an educational programme by attaching credits to its components. The definition of credits in higher education systems may be based on different parameters, such as student workload, learning outcomes and contact hours.

What is ECTS?
 
The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System is a student-centred system based on the student workload required to achieve the objectives of a programme, objectives preferably specified in terms of the learning outcomes and competences to be acquired.

How did ECTS develop?

ECTS was introduced in 1989, within the framework of Erasmus, now part of the Socrates programme. ECTS is the only credit system which has been successfully tested and used across Europe. ECTS was set up initially for credit transfer. The system facilitated the recognition of periods of study abroad and thus enhanced the quality and volume of student mobility in Europe. Recently ECTS is developing into an accumulation system to be implemented at institutional, regional, national and European level. This is one of the key objectives of the Bologna Declaration of June 1999.

 

Why introduce ECTS?

ECTS makes study programmes easy to read and compare for all students, local and foreign. ECTS facilitates mobility and academic recognition. ECTS helps universities to organise and revise their study programmes. ECTS can be used across a variety of programmes and modes of delivery. ECTS makes European higher education more attractive for students from other continents.

What are the key features of ECTS?

1. • ECTS is based on the principle that 60 credits measure the workload of a full-time student during one academic year. The student workload of a full-time study programme in Europe amounts in most cases to around 1500-1800 hours per year and in those cases one credit stands for around 25 to 30 working hours.
2. • Credits in ECTS can only be obtained after successful completion of the work required and appropriate assessment of the learning outcomes achieved. Learning outcomes are sets of competences, expressing what the student will know, understand or be able to do after completion of a process of learning, long or short.
3. • Student workload in ECTS consists of the time required to complete all planned learning activities such as attending lectures, seminars, independent and private study, preparation of projects, examinations, and so forth.
4. • Credits are allocated to all educational components of a study programme (such as modules, courses, placements, dissertation work, etc.) and reflect the quantity of work each component requires to achieve its specific objectives or learning outcomes in relation to the total quantity of work necessary to complete a full year of study successfully.
5. • The performance of the student is documented by a local/national grade. It is good practice to add an ECTS grade, in particular in case of credit transfer. The ECTS grading scale ranks the students on a statistical basis. Therefore, statistical data on student performance is a prerequisite for applying the ECTS grading system. Grades are assigned among students with a pass grade as follows:

      A best 10%
B next 25%
C next 30%
D next 25%
E next 10%
A distinction is made between the grades FX and F that are used for unsuccessful students. FX means: “fail- some more work required to pass” and F means: “fail – considerable further work required”. The inclusion of failure rates in the Transcript of Records is optional.

What are the key documents of ECTS?
 

1. • The regular Information Package/Course Catalogue of the institution to be published in two languages (or only in English for programmes taught in English) on the Web and/or in hard copy in one or more booklets. The Information Package/Course Catalogue must contain the items of the checklist attached to this document, including information for host students from abroad.
2. • The Learning Agreement contains the list of courses to be taken with the ECTS credits which will be awarded for each course. This list must be agreed by the student and the responsible academic body of the institution concerned. In the case of credit transfer, the Learning Agreement has to be agreed by the student and the two institutions concerned before the student’s departure and updated immediately when changes occur.
3. • The Transcript of Records documents the performance of a student by showing the list of courses taken, the ECTS credits gained, local or national credits, if any, local grades and possibly ECTS grades awarded. In the case of credit transfer, the Transcript of Records has to be issued by the home institution for outgoing students before departure and by the host institution for incoming students at the end of their period of study.

How to obtain the ECTS Label?

1. • An ECTS label will be awarded to institutions which apply ECTS correctly in all first and second cycle degree programmes. The label will raise the profile of the institution as a transparent and reliable partner in European and international cooperation.
2. • The criteria for the label will be: an Information Package/Course Catalogue (online or hard copy in one or more booklets) in two languages (or only in English for programmes taught in English), use of ECTS credits, samples of Learning Agreements, Transcripts of Records and proofs of academic recognition.
3. • An application form has been published on the Europa web site of the European Commission. The application deadline is Nov 1st, annually. The label will be valid for three academic years. The list of institutions in possession of the label will be published on the Europa web site.

What is the Diploma Supplement?

The Diploma Supplement is a document attached to a higher education diploma providing a standardised description of the nature, level, context, content and status of the studies that were pursued and successfully completed by the graduate. The Diploma Supplement provides transparency and facilitates academic and professional recognition of qualifications (diplomas, degrees, certificates). A Diploma Supplement label will be awarded to institutions which deliver a Diploma Supplement, to all graduates in all first and second cycle degree programmes, in accordance with the structure and recommendations to be found on the Europa web-site of the European Commission.
Where to find more information on ECTS and the Diploma Supplement?
More information on ECTS and the Diploma Supplement can be found on the Europa web site of the European Commission, including the ECTS Users’ Guide and a list of ECTS/DS Counsellors.

http://europa.eu.int/comm/education/programmes/socrates/ects_en.html