Report: the recognition of qualifications awarded by joint programmes
Does an ENIC-NARIC recognise a degree awarded by a joint programme that is offered by a consortium of three institutions, if the joint programme is not recognised as such in one of the countries concerned? ENIC-NARICs of the countries where the joint programme is recognised would say yes. Most ENIC-NARICs however would regard this joint programme arrangement as a means for a non-recognised programme or its institution to flee the national regulatory framework and thus they would not recognise that degree.
In the framework of the TEAM2 project, ECA and ENIC-NARIC partners conducted a survey of recognition bodies regarding the recognition of qualifications awarded by joint degrees. The purpose of the survey was to explore the ENIC-NARICs’ current recognition procedures regarding qualifications (or degrees) awarded by joint programmes , the problems they encounter and the solutions they would propose.
The most important result of the survey seems to be that legal aspects regarding both the organisation of joint programmes and the recognition of qualifications awarded by joint programmes are a serious obstacle towards recognition. Most ENIC-NARICs do not recognise qualifications awarded by a joint programme if that programme is not established or offered in accordance with the national legislation of one of the participating countries, if one of the involved institutions is not recognised or if one of the awarding institutions is not authorised to award that degree.
Some other striking results of the survey:
- Joint programmes and joint qualifications are not necessarily sufficiently incorporated into the national higher education systems.
- ENIC-NARIS are aware of the fact that some institutions use joint programmes to escape national legislation.
- The degree and the diploma supplement do not provide the necessary information about the joint programme.
- All ENIC-NARICs agree that a joint programme needs to be quality assured and/or accredited.
ENIC-NARICs stress that the responsibility for the recognition of qualifications awarded by a joint programme lies not with them or other competent bodies, such as institutions. They all only have to deal with the final product of a joint programme. The real responsibility for the recognition of qualifications awarded by joint programmes lies with the institutions that offer the joint programme. ENIC-NARICs think they should therefore establish the programme and award their qualifications in such a way that recognition is facilitated.