European diploma to make graduates more attractive on the labour market
Work on the European diploma is underway in the European Union. This solution is intended to raise educational standards in Europe and increase the attractiveness of graduates on the labour market – said dr hab. Patrycja Matusz, Plenipotentiary of the Minister of Science for European Affairs and Vice-Rector for Internationalisation at the University of Wrocław.
The beginning of the year marked the beginning of the Polish presidency of the EU, which will last until the end of June. In view of this, individual ministries, including the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, have prepared lists of their priorities for the next six months.
As dr hab. Patrycja Matusz, the Plenipotentiary of the Minister of Science for European Affairs and the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, told the Polish Press Agency: – From the point of view of the ministry, the most important issue in the coming months is the continuation of work on the higher education package prepared by the European Commission.
– The higher education package consists of three elements – she reminded. These are: common qualifications, i.e. the so-called European Degree; a system for ensuring and recognising the quality of education in the higher education system; and providing scientists and academics with opportunities for professional development.
– The EU proposals are a way to increase the internationalisation of higher education – commented the expert, who is also Vice- Rector for internationalisation at the University of Wrocław (UWr).
She cited the plan to introduce a common European qualification – the European diploma – as a key element of the package. – The diploma is intended to contribute to the strengthening of common academic values and a sense of European identity – Matusz said.
The European Commission is also proposing a quality assurance system for education. The aim is to ensure that the qualifications students gain at European universities are recognised in other countries and to raise educational standards.
The third element, enabling university staff and researchers to have attractive career paths, involves, among other things, improving working conditions, increasing mobility and supporting the integration of the academic community.
– The package aims to develop a comprehensive strategy for the development of higher education in Europe. Through it, we will achieve a higher degree of internationalisation of science and broaden opportunities for studying in EU countries – argued the minister’s plenipotentiary.
The European Commission’s solutions will make it easier for higher education institutions to run joint courses of study.
– Collaborating universities will be able to issue a common diploma. As part of one of the Erasmus+ pilot projects, a survey was conducted among students about this solution. It turned out that most of them found the European diploma more attractive and prestigious than diplomas issued by individual universities. Students felt that such a document would make them more competitive in the eyes of employers – reported the UWr Vice-Rector.
She pointed out that the European diploma is still questionable in some Member States.
– The most emotive issue is accreditation – what the assessment of universities operating under different accreditation systems will look like. We have experience, for example, of running Erasmus Mundus or dual degree programmes. It is time for the next step – she noted.
She stipulated that the European diploma is a voluntary initiative. – It will not replace diplomas issued by individual universities or qualifications recognised by EU countries in the higher education system. This solution is intended to deepen cooperation in the creation of international programmes, facilitate the establishment of consortia of universities, simplify procedures and eliminate discrepancies in regulations of different countries – she said.
A new quality label, the European degree label – a certificate awarded to specific study programmes – will also be voluntary – she added. This document will certify that the programme complies with European educational quality standards. – The certificate is intended, among other things, to make the educational offer more recognisable internationally – Matusz explained.
The plans to introduce a European diploma are also linked to the development of the European Universities initiative. These are alliances established under the Erasmus+ programme, which bring together around 2,200 institutions from 35 countries, including 32 Polish universities. – Universities associated in alliances are supposed to educate students and doctoral students together, apply for grants together, and use each other’s research infrastructure. It can be expected that in this group, support for the European diploma and the European certificate will be high – assessed the scientist.
Asked when the European Diploma might come into effect, she replied: – Although it is a priority project, I do not think it will be possible to dispel all the doubts related to it and come up with legal solutions during this term of the European Parliament.
Speaking about other priorities of the science ministry for the next six months, Matusz mentioned, among others, talks on a new financial plan for Horizon Europe.
The Plenipotentiary of the Minister of Science recalled that on the occasion of the end of the Polish Presidency of the European Commission, a Conference of European University Alliances Forum will be organised in Wrocław (12-13 June). Roxana Minzatu, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, has announced her participation in the event.
Anna Bugajska (PAP)
Source: naukawpolsce.pl
Date of publication: 28.01.2025
Added by: M.J.
