Experience of management and study of the joint master degree study programme “Innovative solutions in geomatics”

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to present the experiences of preparation, development and management of joint study programme of two universities. Cooperation Agreement of joint study programme between Riga Technical University (RTU) and Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (Vilnius Tech) was signed on 17 March, 2014. The aim of the Agreement was to create the master’s degree level programme “Innovation solutions in Geomatics”. Study programme was developed according to requirements both RTU and Vilnius Tech and European Union (EU) higher education standards regarding the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) as well. All courses of this programme were developed based on the Bologna framework. The programme was evaluated by external EU experts and by Latvian and Lithuanian groups of experts separately. Finally, the new joint study programme was approved by Study Evaluation Commissions of Lithuania (2014) and Latvia (2016). The program was started in 2016 by integrating it into educational systems of RTU and Vilnius Tech. By winter of 2020/2021 29 master degree students graduated this study programme. Students' participation in an international program helps them in their professional careers and personal development. They gain a higher level of general competence and recognition in the labor market. Studying at two universities is more difficult than at one, but the experience gained is invaluable. The winners are both students and their teachers, which provide recognition and strengthen the direction of our education branch.