Information for Higher Education Institutions

In order to support an even implementation of the Bologna Process among countries and policy fields in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), the project ”Bologna Hub Peer Support II“ matches European Bologna Experts with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). 29 experts from across the EHEA will conduct peer counselling missions at different HEIs until summer 2024. The majority of the experts have been identified in the context of the previous project ”Bologna Hub Peer Support” through a Europe-wide call for expression of interest and were selected based on their relevant expertise in Bologna-related topics. For the current project, the existing network has been complemented by additional experts. A broad range of issues will be covered by experts with different profiles to adequately address the specific needs of each HEI.

The Counselling Missions – General Information

During the demand driven and tailor-made peer-counselling visits (digital or on-site), 1-2 experts will consult the HEIs on practical reform matters as well as assist and support them in solving identified problems through methods of peer learning.

Issues which might be addressed in the course of the peer support are:

The Bologna key commitments

• three-cycle system compatible with the QF-EHEA and first and second cycle degrees scaled by ECTS
• recognition of qualifications in compliance with the Lisbon Recognition Convention
• quality assurance in compliance with the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area

Further issues will be addressed such as:

• formulation of Learning Outcomes
• curriculum development/modularisation
• innovative approaches to learning and teaching (e.g. digitalisation)
• mobility and internationalisation

The Phases of a Counselling Mission

The counselling mission consists of a first visit and a follow-up visit at the institution (6-12 months after the first visit). For economic and ecological reasons, a blended format will be in place. Whereas the first meeting might usually take place during an on-site visit of the expert(s) to the HEI, the follow-up meeting will be conducted digitally. It is equally permissible to carry out both meetings digitally if both expert(s) and HEI agree.
Prior to the first peer counselling visit, the HEIs are asked to answer a survey. Based on the results, a preliminary study about the needs, challenges and degree of implementation is elaborated. For this purpose, a direct contact between the institution and the Bologna expert will be established.
During the first peer counselling visit, the Bologna experts advise the HEIs on practical reforms in a peer-to-peer approach.
After the first visit, the experts and the HEIs are asked to fill out a survey on the added value and the potential shortfalls of the visit. The results will help to prepare and, if needed, to adjust the follow-up visit.
Between the first and second visit, the HEIs will try to implement the suggestions, ideas and recommendations jointly developed with the expert during the first peer counselling visit.
After the implementation period, the experts conduct a follow-up visit at the institution in order to discuss and to jointly reflect specific challenges presented within the scope of the implementation period. If needed, new solutions will be developed together, based on peer learning methods.
In the course of the project the consortium partner European University Association (EUA) will host a series of online seminars (3-4 events) on different themes of high interest to several HEIs. In addition, a series of three podcasts will portray the project.
At the end of the project, all involved HEIs are invited to participate in a final conference together with the experts, the project consortium and other stakeholders. The results will be discussed and recorded in a final paper.
For more information about the project cycles please click here >>

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Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.