Bologna Objectives
Below is a brief summary* of the core objectives that have been formalised into ten action lines over the course of the summits in Bologna, Prague, Berlin, London, Leuven and Louvain-la-Neuve, Budapest and Vienna, and Bucharest.
- Development of a system of easily readable and comparable degrees, designed to increase flexibility and transparency and enable students to have their qualifications recognised more widely. This will be aided by the adoption of a system of credits in the form of the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) and the Diploma Supplement
- Adoption of a system based on three main cycles within higher education - Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral.
- Promotion of closer links between the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and the European Research Area (ERA)
- Promotion of mobility of students, academics, researchers and administrative staff within higher education in Europe, and removal of obstacles to students outside of Europe
- Promotion of European co-operation in quality assurance; this is key to making the EHEA attractive on the international stage
- Promotion of partnership activities and curriculum development between higher education institutions in Europe, and the establishment of Joint Degrees
- Commitment to Lifelong Learning
Ten Bologna Action Lines**
Established in the Bologna Declaration of 1999:
1. Adoption of a system of easily readable and comparable degrees
2. Adoption of a system essentially based on three cycles
3. Establishment of a system of credits
4. Promotion of mobility
5. Promotion of European co-operation in quality assurance
6. Promotion of the European dimension in higher education
Added after the Prague Ministerial summit of 2001:
7. Focus on lifelong learning
8. Inclusion of higher education institutions and students
9. Promotion of the attractiveness of the European Higher Education Area
Added after the Berlin Ministerial summit of 2003:
10. Doctoral studies and the synergy between the European Higher Education Area and the European Research Area
* Adapted from Europe Unit UK and Bologna Work Programme
**(Courtesy of: www.europeunit.ac.uk/)