Joint / Double Degrees
Germany
1. Contribution to the European dimension in higher education
1.1 Describe any legal obstacles identified by your country and any progress made in removing legal obstacles to the establishment and recognition of joint degrees and/or joint study programmes
1.1.1. Describe the extent of integrated study programmes leading to joint degrees or double degrees
1.1.2. How have these programmes been organised? (joint admissions, mobility of students, joint exams, etc.)
1.2. Describe any transnational co-operation that contributes to the European dimension in higher education
1.3. Describe how curriculum development reflects the European dimension (For instance foreign language courses, European themes, orientation towards the European labour market)
Alongside the vast efforts underway regarding the European dimension in the curricula, the double degree and joint degree projects are particularly noteworthy.
In the first round of ERASMUS Mundus applications, 13 of the 19 approved European Masters projects to be conducted throughout the EU will be implemented with German involvement.
DAAD currently promotes about 20 integrated binational programmes with double degree qualifications. The number of Bachelors and Masters degrees in the joint degree and double degree programmes is on the increase. The initiatives of the Franco-German University (FGU) and the German-Italian University Centre deserve special mention. The FGU promotes over 100 integrated binational study programmes with more than 4,000 enrolled students. Graduates receive either separate degrees from each of the participating universities or a joint degree from both universities.
Further clarification is needed on double degrees and joint degrees, especially as regards framework legislation and accreditation at national level. The question is whether two qualifications can be awarded for one achievement, whether national legislation in the participating countries allows the award of a joint academic title and how accreditation of the international components might work. Germany has no legal concerns regarding the award of joint degrees. Solutions for accreditation are currently being developed.