First objective

The first objective of the project is to develop a European methodology for quality assurance and accreditation procedures regarding joint programmes. Joint programmes apply for one single accreditation procedure replacing the different national procedures in the countries concerned, taking into account the totality of the joint programme. The assessment specifically includes the learning outcomes aimed for by the joint programme irrespective of the individual study pathways. By running pilot procedures and by publishing a methodological report, the project aims to provide the aforementioned European methodology with a view to the cross-border recognition of accreditation decisions regarding joint programmes.

Second objective

The second objective of the project is to explore the cross-border recognition of qualifications awarded by joint programmes. Recognition procedures regarding qualifications from joint programmes will be facilitated with the provision of transparent information on the quality and learning outcomes of these programmes. Quality assurance and accreditation agencies should provide this information to the ENIC/NARICs. By linking recognition to learning outcomes, through benchmarking efforts and by organising a dissemination conference with accreditation organisations and institutions, ENIC/NARICs of the countries concerned will engage in efforts to automatically recognise qualifications from joint programmes.

Third objective

The third objective is the extension of an information tool, i.e. Qrossroads. Qrossroads will be further developed to include: the learning outcomes of programmes (at European and national level), the institutional and programme information from at least five other countries in Qrossroads and a feature to import data from other databases (such as institutional databases).
In 2008, Qrossroads is intended to present the qualifications awarded by quality assured and/or accredited programmes and/or institutions from eight countries. The extended version of Qrossroads will automatically link thirteen national databases to the European level Qrossroads database. All these databases and linked websites will be able to include programme’s learning outcomes and to import data from institutional databases.