The Bologna Process at the University of Helsinki

University of Helsinki

11.-12.5.2004

http://www.helsinki.fi/tutkinnonuudistus/english/

General aims of the Bologna Process

Promotion of the European Higher Education Area Harmonisation of higher education in Europe Adoption of a two-cycle degree system Establishment of a system of credits (ECTS) Promotion of mobility Development of quality assurance systems for higher

education Promotion of the transparency of education in Europe

Specific aims of the Bologna Process at the University of Helsinki

The quality of degrees in the faculties will be enhanced

The emphasis on research, as specified in the Strategic Plan of

the University of Helsinki, will be manifested in the basic

degrees

The Master’s degree will be the primary aim, the Bachelor’s

degree an interim aim

The multidisciplinarity of degrees will be furthered by minor

subject studies

Quality assurance systems for education

student feedback systems follow-up of graduates feedback from employers the information gained through the feedback systems

will be used in the development of education evaluation of education and research

Two-cycle model for basic degrees

The two-cycled basic degree will consist

of the Bachelor’s degree

(180 credits / 3 years) and

the Master’s degree

(120 credits / 2 years)

The third cycle will consist of

postgraduate studies (leading to a

postgraduate degree)

Alternatives for the structure of basic degrees

Examples

General features of the Bologna Process at the University of Helsinki

The objectives for the years 2004-2006 are defined in the

Strategic Plan of the University of Helsinki, the Programme

for the Development of Teaching and Studies, and the

strategy for international activities at the University of

Helsinki The faculties are responsible for the enhancement of the

quality of degrees The Ministry of Education provides project funding for the

employment of experts in the faculties and the University

central administration for 2004-2006 A support group for the reform of degree structures was

established in spring 2003

Duties of the Support Group

Coordination of the reform of degree structures and

organisation of cooperation between faculties Follow-up and promotion of the implementation of

strategies relevant to the reform of degree structures Preparation of decisions of principle at the university level Guidelines, recommendations and scheduling of the

reform Organisation of dissemination of information and training

at the university level (www, in-house publications, visits

to faculties and departments, best practices) Promotion of national and international cooperation

relating to the reform of degree structures

Composition of the Support Group

Chair: Vice-Rector Hannele Niemi (responsible for

teaching at the University) 7 members

2 student representatives

3 professors

1 senior assistant

Head of Academic Affairs

not all faculties are represented

A team of three administrators is responsible for the

preparation of matters dealt with by the Support Group

Forums dealing with the reform of degree structures at the University of Helsinki

Field-specific national coordination groups Departmental committees for curriculum planning Faculty councils and committees for the development of

teaching Network meetings and seminars

panel discussions for the whole University

faculty-level development seminars

network formed by heads of academic affairs in the faculties

network of experts on the reform of degrees

networks of deans and vice-deans

leadership of the University Academic Affairs Committee of the University of Helsinki Senate of the University of Helsinki

Latest developments in the Bologna Process at the University of Helsinki

Assessment of the study load and academic curriculum

core analysis in faculties and departments Subject-specific preparatory work in national coordination

groups Governed by the Universities Act and Decree on degrees

University-level policy decisions to be made after the

Government bills on the Act and the Decree are passed

Publishing of the memorandum of the Support Group Policy decisions by the Senate in 2004 - 2005 Compliance of degree programmes with the new degree

system as of 1 August 2005

Proposals for policy decisions on studies at the University of Helsinki

Personal study plans to be initiated to support studies Practical training and studies aiming at orientation to

working life to be incorporated into studies Minimum requirements to be set for language and

communication studies Minor subjects to be included in degrees About six months of studies abroad to be

recommended Studies completed at other universities to be accepted

as part of the degree programmes at the University of

Helsinki

Grading scales

Course grading scale: 0-5 (no relative grading) Bachelor’s thesis grading scale: 0-5 Master’s thesis grading scale: 7-tier scale in Latin Grading scales used since 1.8.2005

General proposals on degrees at the University of Helsinki

Faculty degree certificates to be standardised The Diploma Supplement to be introduced Joint degree partners to be sought for long-term

collaboration

Teaching periods at the University of Helsinki as of 1 August 2005

The autumn and spring terms will be divided into two periods (7

weeks each, except for the last spring period which will last 8

weeks), with a one-week break in between. The creation of teaching periods will help to structure teaching

and studying so that they support the learning process. Teaching periods will facilitate minor subject studies. They will make study plans more effective. They will enable teachers to take time off for research. The Rector may give a faculty the right to employ some other

system of teaching periods.

Transition period at the University of Helsinki

Transition period: 2-3 years Students will be encouraged to adopt the new degree system as

soon as possible.

Faculties will draw up guidelines on procedures and practices

during the transition period.

Flexible, student-friendly solutions will be given priority.

Previously completed studies will be accepted as part of the new

degree programmes as far as possible.

Students may choose between the old and new systems.

Communications Faculties will distribute information on the reform and the

transition process to their students, applicants and partners.

University Communications will provide the general public with

information on the reform.

Academic Curriculum Core AnalysisExample

Study unitMUST KNOWCore contents whose grasp is necessary for further studies and which enable students to acquire more profound/extensive knowledge

SHOULD KNOWTheoretical details and less common applications

NICE TO KNOWSpecific information in a given field

Scientific

competence

Professional

competence

Source: University of Oulu

Programme for Development of Teaching and Studies 2004-2006

The University of Helsinki is a stimulating environment for

teaching and learning. Research forms the basis for all other activities of the University. The University strives to maintain an atmosphere and operations

that motivate and encourage both teachers and students. The trend in the development of teaching and learning is turning

away from a teacher-oriented approach toward one which is

student-oriented.

Basic degrees consist of the following studies

Proposals of the support group:

basic level studies 25 credits intermediate level studies 60 credits (minimum), including thesis

(6 credits) in the major subject advanced level studies 60-90 credits, including Master’s thesis

(40 credits) in the major subject study guidance and orientation to university studies: 3 credits at

the Bachelor’s level and 2 credits at the Master’s level orientation to working life: 3 credits (minimum) at the Bachelor’s

level and a period of work placement at the Master’s level language and communication studies15 credits (minimum)