Joint / Double Degrees

Sweden

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
The Swedish Ministry of Education and Science arranged a Bologna follow-up seminar on "Joint Degrees - Further Development" on 6-7 May 2004 in Stockholm. (Please see question 1.1)
The Swedish experience is that there are a number of different definitions of the term "joint degrees" which makes the question rather complex.
    Sweden has defined the term joint degree as follows:
  • A joint degree should preferably be documented in one single document issued by the participating institutions in accordance with national regulations.
  • A clear distinction should be made between joint and double degree programmes, in terms of their curricular objectives and organisational models, also with a view to protecting the learners/users.
  • Two or more participating institutions in two or more countries.
  • Programmes and integrated curricula are developed or approved jointly by two or more institutions in a written bilateral or multilateral agreement.
  • Learning outcomes and competencies, as well as student workload described in ECTS credits, should be viewed as crucial elements in constructing joint programmes.
  • Joint degrees and joint study programmes should require student and staff/teacher mobility.
  • The students stays at the participating institutions are of comparable length.
  • On the basis of mutual trust and general acceptance of national assurance systems, principles and general standards for quality assurance and accreditation should be developed.
  • Periods of study and exams passed at the partner institutions are recognised fully and automatically.
  • Full use should be made of the Diploma Supplement and ECTS.

With the current legal system in our country it is not possible for public HEIs to award joint degrees or joint diplomas with another legal entity within or outside Sweden. However, there are no obstacles for universities or university colleges to develop and realise joint programmes together with institutions within or outside the country.
Several institutions are already involved in international joint programmes.
This is due to the relatively old principals of recognition in Sweden. The Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) Chapter 6, Sect.12 states, "If a student at an institution of higher education within the country has successfully completed a certain undergraduate programme, the student shall be entitled to credit for this programme when applying for study at another institution of higher education. This does not, however, apply if there is a substantial difference between the programmes at the different institutions."

"The same provision also applies to students who have successfully completed a certain programme at a university or other institution of higher education in Denmark, Finland, Iceland or Norway or in an entity that is a party to the Council of Europe Convention of 11 April 1997 on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region. Ordinance 2001:738."

Sweden has now identified the legal obstacles that today are preventing higher education institutions from awarding joint degrees, as defined above. It is important to emphasize that the Government has a positive view on joint programmes resulting in double degrees.
Cooperation on joint programmes between institutions in different countries supports the goals and intentions achievable with joint degrees, e.g. Erasmus Mundus.

1.1.1. Describe the extent of integrated study programmes leading to joint degrees or double degrees
Joint degrees, as defined above, are not legally possible to award in Sweden. However, joint study programmes, jointly developed and offered at a number of institutions are legally possible to arrange. Some of these programmes are leading to double degrees and some are leading to one degree with the periods of study at a foreign institution recognized in the degree awarded.
1.1.2. How have these programmes been organised? (joint admissions, mobility of students, joint exams, etc.)
In Sweden the universities and university colleges are responsible for their activities concerning admission, mobility and examination within the framework given in the Higher Education Act and the Higher Education Ordinance. It is therefore not possible to give a just picture of the overall current situation.
1.2. Describe any transnational co-operation that contributes to the European dimension in higher education
Swedish universities and university colleges participate actively in the European Community programmes in the field of education and training. The institutions of higher education also increasingly integrate the European dimensions in their education.
Active participation in the Bologna process, in international programmes, international cooperation and joint curriculum development projects, foster the ideas of the European dimension.
1.3. Describe how curriculum development reflects the European dimension
(For instance foreign language courses, European themes, orientation towards the European labour market)
Swedish is considered a minor language area hence language education at all levels in the educational system is stimulated. In order to be attractive for foreign students and staff, Swedish higher education institutions offer a large number of courses and programmes in English.
A number of programmes and courses are oriented to international relations and international conditions relevant to the subject, in order to prepare the students for a working life in a more internationalised world.

2. Promoting the attractiveness of the European Higher Education Area
2.1. Describe actions taken by your country to promote the attractiveness of the EHEA

Legal obstacles are today preventing higher education institutions in Sweden from awarding joint degrees. The government therefore emphasizes the importance of joint programmes between institutions in different countries that supports the goals and intentions achievable with joint degrees.
It would be of interest to develop the content of the already existing Diploma Supplement in order to include study periods at other institutions as well as any relevant cooperation agreements. The students would then have a more complete record of their studies.