How to lay the
groundwork for
developing
international joint
degrees?
Hilde Haaland Kramer
Division of Student Affairs
University of Bergen
Outline of presentation
• Strategic goal
• Dedicated resource to assist
academic and administrative staff
• Routines
• Guidelines
• Templates
• Website
• JOIMAN
Action plan for international
activities at the University of
Bergen 2011-2015
UiB will assist and advice in the
establishment and management of
joint degrees at the Master’s and
Ph.D. level in subject areas where
joint degrees can support strategic
research cooperation and ensure
students a better and more
international education.
Dedicated resource
• At central level since 2007
• Advice and assist academic and
arministrative staff in the development
phase
• Developed some routines
• Work closely with project coordinators
• But joint programmes have to be ”owned”
and managed at the local level
Challenges from an institutional point
• To be aware of what is going on and to be known
• Develop routines for implementation
• Balance between being an exemption and a regular
programme
Guidelines
• Guidelines are helpful tool for academic
and administrative staff that are
involved in developing and running joint
programmes
• Guidelines are useful for institutions to
set the tone and implement internal
policies for managing joint programmes.
The structure of the guidelines
•
•
•
•
•
General information
Assessment stage
Development stage
Management and evaluation stage
Termination of the study program
Agreement template
1. Purpose and Scope of the Agreement
2. Structure and Organization of the
Cooperation
3. Programme Structure
4. Degree and Diploma
5. Student Admission, Registration and
Attendance
6. Tuition Fees and Student’s Financial
Responsibility
7. Quality Assurance
8. Intellectual Property Rights
9. Renewal, Termination and Amendment
MEMORANDUM OF INTENT
between
the University of xxxxxx,
the University of xxxxxx, and
the University of Bergen
concerning the
Joint Master’s Programme in xxxxxx
Whereas the above named institutions recognize that cooperating would be of mutual benefit and would
serve as an indication of continued interest in joint projects, it is agreed that:
1. Each institution will work to encourage the development of a joint master’s programme in xxxx.
[inluced short description of proposed programme];
2. Each institution will identify individuals who will develop the programme description
(curriculum) and other relevant details related to the development of a joint master’s programme
in xxxx;
3. Prior to offering the joint master’s programme in xxx, both institutions will develop an Agreement
and obtain final institutional approval to offer the joint master’s programme in xxx.
This Letter of Cooperation will become effective on the final date of signing and will have a duration of
one year.
______________
Date
___________________
Dean
University of xxxxxx
___________________
Head of Department
University of xxxxxx
______________
Date
___________________
Dean
University of xxxxxx
___________________
Head of Department
University of xxxxxx
______________
Date
___________________
Dean
University of Bergen
___________________
Head of Department
University of Bergen
JOIMAN – joiman.eu
• 15 universities + 3 national structures
• Report:
– Survey
– Good practices
– Check list
– Templates (agreement and guidelines)
– Looking beyond Europa and Master’s level
Keys to success
• Be clear on the benefits of this cooperation (the costs will
become apparent soon enough). Be aware of added
benefits besides the academic cooperation (benefit to
students, quality enhancing of own structure, etc)
• Take your time planning – don’t rush the cooperation
• Know you partner’s academic program, structure,
research focus, strenghts etc.
• Involve administrative staff at an early stage
• Try to iron out as many practical issues as possible as
early as possible.
• Be flexible and accommodative
• Meet frequently and have open communication lines at
all levels
”Joint”: know the consequences …
For more information see: www.uib.no/joint-degrees
Thank you!