Information for Higher Education Institutions

Gerneral Project Information

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 Plus (BHPS+)” matches European Bologna Experts with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). 25 experts from across the EHEA will conduct peer counselling missions at different HEIs until summer 2028. A broad range of topics will be covered by the experts to adequately address the specific needs of each HEI.

The Counselling Missions

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.

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

The Bologna key commitments

• Implementation of the three-cycle system compatible with the QF-EHEA and degrees structured by ECTS
• Recognition of qualifications in line with the Lisbon Recognition Convention
• Quality assurance in accordance with the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the EHEA (ESG)

Further topics will be addressed such as:

• ECTS as a tool for student-centred teaching and learning
• Effective use of the Diploma Supplement
• Formulation and implementation of learning outcomes
• Curriculum development and modularisation
• Innovative approaches to teaching and learning, including digitalisation and micro-credentials
• Mobility and internationalisation strategies
• Automatic recognition and Digital tools
• European University Alliances and the European Degree
• Sustainability in higher education

The Phases of a Counselling Mission

A counselling mission consists of an initial consultation at the institution, a virtual follow-up meeting (approx. 6-9 months after the first visit) and a final consultation (approx. 15-18 months after the start). For economic and ecological reasons, a blended format will be in place. The first and the final 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 all meetings digitally if both expert(s) and HEI agree.

• Prior to the initial 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 initial 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 initial peer counselling visit and the follow-up meeting, the HEIs will try to implement the suggestions, ideas and recommendations jointly developed with the expert during the initial peer counselling visit.
• After the implementation period, the experts conduct a Digital follow-up meeting with 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.
• The peer counselling cycle will end with the final consultation where experts and HEIs evaluate developments and outcomes and revise the implementation status.

Further Project Activities

In the course of the project Regional Hub Events will be organised in areas with a high demand for Bologna-related support.
Additionally, the project consortium partner will host a series of online seminars focusing on Bologna key commitments and emerging higher education topics. These are open both to HEIs participating in the project and all other interested parties.

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.

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.