A guide to higher education systems and qualifications in the EU and EEA countries / European Commission

Resumo:

The guide is meant to serve educational institutions and also students and graduates who wish to study in another European Union Member State or in an EEA country. Besides, it is designed to be used by employers wishing to assess the qualifications of prospective employees who are eager to atke advantage of the freedom of movement that is available to them because of the single European market. It should, therefore, assist in the implementation of the directive for a general system of recognition of diplomas (89/48/EEC), which came into force on 4 January 1991 and applies to regulated activities which require higher education and training of at least three years and the complimentary general system which covers short courses (less than three years) and vocational training at secondary level. Employers require insight into the wide variety of certificates, diplomas and degrees with which they are likely to be confronted. They also need to know how to assess credentials issued within the context of an education system that can be very different from their own.

The guide is an attempt to present an EU and EEA-wide approach to the subject. It is not designed as a mere repertory of the diplomas and degrees awarded. Nor could it pretend to be exhaustive. This would have led to meaningless repetition in view of the number of diplomas and the increasing variety of subjects they cover. Instead, it provides an insight into the variety of structures within which higher education is offered and the type of degrees each system is geared to deliver. THis should provide readers with enough background information to enable them to identify the credentials that are presented to them, place them in their educational context and make an informed assessment of their value.