The Bologna Declaration and the restructuring of higher education in Flanders

The action programme set out in the Bologna Declaration is based on a clearly defined common goal, a deadline and a set of specific objectives.

1. A common goal: to create a European space for higher education in order to enhance the employability and mobility of citizens and increase the international competitiveness of European higher education.
2. A deadline: the European space for higher education should be completed in 2010.
3. A set of specific objectives: - Adoption of a common framework of readable and comparable degrees, also through the implementation of the Diploma Supplement.
   1. Introduction of undergraduate and postgraduate levels in all countries, with first degrees no shorter than three years and relevant to the labour market.
   2. ECTS compatible credit systems also covering lifelong learning activities.
   3. European dimension in quality assurance, with comparable criteria and methods.
   4. Elimination of remaining obstacles to free mobility of students (as well as trainees and graduates) and teachers (as well as researchers and higher education administrators).

After signing the Bologna Declaration the Flemish Minister for Education initiated a process to reform the Flemish higher education system. This resulted in the adoption by the Flemish Parliament of a new Higher Education Decree on 4 April 2003, introducing the undergraduate/graduate levels: the bachelor/master model.

Levels of education

In the bachelor/master model, the first study cycle of at least 180 study credits (corresponding to three academic years) leads to a bachelor’s degree. A second cycle of at least 60 study credits leads to a master’s degree. Bachelor programmes are profession-oriented or academically oriented. Master programmes are academically oriented, but can have an additional professional focus.
Profession-oriented programmes aim at acquiring professional knowledge and skills, based on the application of scientific or artistic knowledge, creativity and practical knowledge. Academically oriented programmes aim at acquiring academic or artistic knowledge and competences, and are based on scientific research in the domain of science or arts.
The university colleges offer profession-oriented bachelor programmes. They may also offer academically oriented bachelor or master programmes in consultation with the university and their association, provided they are founded on scientific research in the broad sense.
The universities offer academically oriented bachelor and master programmes. They also provide doctoral studies leading to the doctoral (Ph.D.) degree.
See figure 4.1. which visualizes the bachelor/master model (see page 7).

Bachelor’s degree

The general admission requirement for professionoriented and academic bachelor programmes is the Vlaams Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs, the secondary school leaving certificate (or equivalent foreign certificate). Some programmes will require an entrance examination.
Advanced bachelor’s programmes require a professionoriented bachelor’s degree. All students are awarded a bachelor’s degree after successfully completing a study of at least three years (180 ECTS credits).
Profession-oriented bachelor’s programmes prepare students for specific professions in industry, commerce, agriculture, health and rehabilitation, social work, informatics, applied arts or media. Courses are therefore practice-oriented and include periods of work placement. These degrees are only awarded by the hogescholen (university colleges).
Academically oriented bachelor’s programmes prepare students for advanced studies at master’s level. These degrees are awarded by universities and some university colleges as part of an association, i.e. the network of a single university and a number of associated university colleges.

Master’s degree

Master programmes are accessible to students with an appropriate academic bachelor’s degree. Students with a profession-oriented bachelor’s degree can enter a master programme after following a preparatory programme.
Advanced master programmes require a master’s degree. Master programmes are characterised by the integration of education and research, and a master’s thesis. They cover at least one year of study (60 ECTS credits). Depending on the field of study, some programmes may last longer.
Master programmes are organised at universities and university colleges as part of an association. Advanced master programmes are organised at universities, at university colleges as part of an association and at postgraduate training institutions.

Doctoral studies: Ph.D. degree

Doctoral programmes are open to graduates with a relevant master’s degree. Doctor is the highest level of specialisation in scientific research. It is based on an original research project that takes at least two years to complete, resulting in the public presentation of a doctoral thesis. This degree may be awarded only by a university. The organising institutions may impose additional admission requirements for advanced programmes and doctoral programmes.

Comparison with other countries

The new Higher Education Decree implementing the Bologna Declaration in Flanders has introduced the concept of accreditation, which is the formal recognition of a programme, based on a decision by an independent organisation whose task it is to verify whether this programme meets the minimal quality requirements. This quality mark guarantees that the accredited programme offers the knowledge, skills and qualifications associated with an internationally recognised bachelor’s or master’s degree. Accreditation is organised in close cooperation with the Netherlands. For more information on the structure of university education in Flanders see the brochure Changing Higher Education in Flanders, which can be downloaded from www.ond.vlaanderen.be/publicaties/eDocs/pdf/140.pdf.

Coming into force

The Flemish higher education system has gradually undergone the bachelor/master restructuring since 2004-2005 – to make it more flexible according to the Bologna principles and objectives – at bachelor and master programme level, but this flexibility is mandatory as of 2007-2008.