A feasibility study for the introduction of Master's degree courses into the university curriculum based on multi-criteria evaluation methods

Abstract

In the model of studies outlined in the Bologna Process, the emphasis is placed on the second, Master-level courses of studies. This raises the important problem of determining the preparedness of universities to conduct these studies. The effectiveness of Master-level courses depends on many factors. They embrace the percentage of students completing their studies in the specified time, the relationship between the number of students obtaining Masters and bachelor degrees, as well as doctorates, the number of contrats with foreign universities, the relationship between students obtaining a doctoral degree and those taking doctoral studies and some other criteria. By using multi-criteria evaluation methods, they are integrated into a single generalised criterion that can be applied to rating all universities of a particular state according to their capabilities to conduct Master-level courses and the effectiveness of these courses.