Bologna education system

Since the beginning of the new millennium, the system of higher education in most countries of Europe and the former USSR has undergone changes as a result of the Bologna process. The official beginning of the existence of the Bologna education system is the date of July 19, 1999, when representatives from 29 countries signed the Bologna Declaration. Today, the transition to the Bologna system was approved by 47 countries, becoming participants in the process.

The Bologna education system aims to bring higher education to unified standards, to create a common educational space. It is obvious that isolated educational systems have always become an obstacle for students and graduates of higher education institutions, for the development of science in the European region.

The main tasks of the Bologna Process

1. The introduction of a system of comparable diplomas, so that all graduates of the participating countries had equal conditions for employment.
2. Creation of a two-level system of higher education. The first level is 3-4 years of study, as a result of which the student receives a diploma of general higher education and a bachelor's degree. Second level (not compulsory) - within 1-2 years the student studies a certain specialization, as a result receives a master's degree. Deciding which is better, a bachelor or master , remains for the student. The Bologna education system has defined the steps taking into account the needs of the labor market. The student has a choice - to start working after 4 years or continue training and engage in scientific and research activities.
3. Introduction in universities of universal "units of measurement" of education, the generally understood system of transfer and accumulation of credits (ECTS). The Bologna assessment system has scores throughout the entire educational program. One loan is an average of 25 study hours spent on lectures, independent study of the subject, passing exams. Usually in universities the schedule is made in such a way that for a semester there was an opportunity to save 30 credits. Participation of students in Olympiads, conferences is calculated by additional credits. As a result, a student can obtain a bachelor's degree, having 180-240 hours of credit, and a master's degree, earning another 60-120 credits.
4. The credit system gives students first of all freedom of movement. Since the Bologna system of assessing the knowledge gained is understandable in every institution of higher education in the participating countries, the transfer from one institution to another will not be problematic. By the way, the credit system concerns not only students, but also teachers. For example, moving to another country related to the Bologna system will not affect the experience, all years of work in the region will be accounted for and accredited.

Pros and cons of the Bologna system

The question of the pros and cons of the Bologna education system rises throughout the world. America, despite its interest in a common educational space, has not yet become a party process due to discontent with the system of loans. In the US, the assessment is based on a much larger number of factors, and the simplification of the system does not suit Americans. Certain shortcomings of the Bologna system are also seen in the post-Soviet space. The Bologna education system in Russia was adopted in 2003, two years later the Bologna education system in Ukraine became topical. First, in these countries the bachelor's degree is not yet perceived as a full-fledged one, employers are not in a hurry to cooperate with "unsucesses" specialists . Secondly, such a plus as student mobility, the ability to travel and study abroad for the majority of students is relative, since it involves large financial costs.