Joint degree programmes - a new challenge for universities

Abstract

A joint degree is defined as a single diploma issued by at least two institutions offering an integrated study programme. The development of joint degrees was set as an aim for the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) in several key documents (ie the Prague Declaration of 2001 and the Berlin Communique of 2003). The ministers responsible for higher education in the countries participating in the Bologna Process have decided to actively support the development and adequate quality assurance of integrated curricula leading to joint degrees. The European Commission-supported Erasmus Mundus programmes, which were launched in the 2004-2005 academic year, are intended to lead to & joint degree, a double degree or several degrees. Joint degree programmes have been established in several countries, but are not yet that numerous. In the opinion of the Ministry of Education and Science of Lithuania, the development of joint degrees is an important constituent of the internationalisation of higher education institutions and necessary amendments of national legislations were made in 2006. Many currently running study programmes lead to a double degree. However, the lack of national legislation sometimes precludes the implementation of joint degree programmes.