1

10.06 ACE National education systemsHigher education systems and reforms in

Baltic countries – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania

LITHUANIA

Darius TamosiunasCentre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education,

Lithuanian ENIC/NARIC

2

Content

1. Restructuring Higher Education (HE) system

2. Present system of access to HE

3. Types of higher education institutions

4. Degrees and programmes before Bologna

5. Bologna structure - degrees, programmes, credit system/ECTS, DS

6. Quality assurance/accreditation

7. Recognition of qualifications

3

Restructuring education system

The development of current system of education in Republic of Lithuania started in 9th decade of 20th century. Conception of National School (Tautinės mokyklos koncepcija) was prepared and announced where the independence of USSR education was declared, in 1988. After declaration of independence of Lithuania (March 11th, 1990) the Conception was improved and updated, and became The conception of Lithuanian education (Lietuvos švietimo koncepcija). Law on Education (Švietimo įstatymas) (1991) and Conception of Lithuanian Education (1992) became background for Lithuanian Education Reform.

4

Restructuring HE system

The Law on Education (Švietimo įstatymas) declares the 12-year duration of general secondary education (bendrasis vidurinis išsilavinimas) in the school of general education (bendrojo lavinimo mokykla). The 12-year schooling was introduced already since 1986 - 1987

5

Restructuring HE systemtowards present

Main lwas governing higher education (Law on Science and Studies (Mokslo ir studijų įstatymas) and Law on Education (Švietimo įstatymas)) were adopted already in 1991 but the most important are:Regulations on HE 1993 Law on HE 2000

6

Restructuring HE systemtowards present

Regulations on HE (1993) introduced:4+3+4 model of studiesNational credit system based on student workload (one academic year = 40 national credits) The credit system is ECTS comparable. 1 national credit is worth 1,5 ECTS creditsNon-consecutive HE studies. These studies could be transferred by HE institution and a HEdiploma could be awarded (LLL support)

7

Restructuring HE systemtowards present

Law on HE (2000) introduced:Two-tier higher education systemuniversity (universitetas) and college (kolegija) educationNon-State HE institutions

8

Present system of access to HE

Qualifications giving access to higher education: Maturity Certificate (Brandos atestatas) or Comparable Qualification.Comparable qualifications:Qualifications obtained in vocational school until 1990 (Kvalifikacijos, įgytos baigus studijas profesinėje mokykloje iki 1990 m.)Since 1991:Bendrųjų mokslų licėjaus atestatas (Certificate of general lyceum education)Taikomųjų mokslų vidurinės mokyklos brandos atestatas (Maturity certificate of applied sciences secondary school)Profiliuoto licejaus brandos atestatas (Maturity certificate of profiled lyceum)11 metų profesinės vidurinės mokyklos atestatas (Certificate of vocational secondary school (11years))Užsienio kalbų mokytojų kolegijos diplomas (Diploma of a college of foreign language teachers)Qualifications obtained after successful completion vocational school if ‘secondary education obtained’ (įgijo vidurinį išsilavinimą) is inscribedInternational BaccalaureateOther international, and foreign qualifications.

9

Types of HE institutions

In Lithuania, HE establishments provide study programmes of varying length and levelsThe institutions are of two types: Universities(Universitetas) and Colleges (Kolegija)HE establishments could be State and non-State institutions. Universities offer Master and Doctoral programmes, high-level professional artistic creative activities, postgraduate art studies and carry out researchA College is a higher education establishment where non-university studies prevail and the majority of students study in accordance with non-university study programmes, applied research and (or) development or professional arts

10

Degrees and programmes before Bologna

One cycle (‘long’) studies when a professional qualification is awarded (app. till 1996). Mainly Diploma of HE (Aukštojo mokslo diplomas) was awarded Presently only medical and some law studies are carried out in such way

11

Bologna structure - degrees, programmes, DS

Consecutive non-university basic higher education studies (neuniversitetinės pagrindinės studijos):

Studies last from 3 to 4 years (at least 120 national credits must be collected). To be admitted, students should hold a Maturity Certificate (Brandos atestatas) or a comparable qualification. The studies lead to professional qualification (profesinė kvalifikacija). After completion of studies Higher Education Diploma (Aukštojo mokslo diplomas) is awarded. Non-university studies are one-level (undergraduate) professional studies intended for the preparation for professional activity. Qualification, obtained after completion of non-university higher education study programme does not give right to enter university 2nd cycle (graduate) studies. Non-university higher education studies can be transferred as an appropriate part of university first cycle or integrated studies on course by courseevaluation basis.

12

Bologna structure - degrees, programmes, DS

University undergraduate (first cycle) studies (universitetinės pagrindinės(pirmosios pakopos) studijos):

Studies last from 4 to 4,5 years (140 to 180 national credits must be collected). To be admitted, students should hold a Maturity Certificate (Brandos atestatas) or a comparable qualification. Undergraduate study programmes are in compliance with the guidelines for a subject area approved by Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania. The guidelines for a subject area establish all general requirements of study programmes of that area, the ratio of the basis of a sphere of general social sciences and humanities (or natural sciences and mathematics and informatics) or a sphere of arts and the subjects of special education of a science or art trend, general requirements for the formation of practical skill, basic qualification requirements for the academic and professional staff. The university first cycle studies lead to a Bachelor (Baklauras) degree and/or a professional qualification (profesinė kvalifikacija). After completion of studies Bachelor’s Diploma (Bakalauro diplomas) or Higher Education Diploma (Aukštojo mokslo diplomas) is awarded. Higher Education Diploma is awarded when studies lead to professional qualification. A qualification, obtained after completion of university first cycle study programme gives right to enter university second cycle (graduate) studies.

13

Bologna structure - degrees, programmes, DS

University graduate second cycle (antroji pakopa) studies: Master's studies (Magistrantūra), Special professional studies (specialiosios profesinės studijos)

Master’s studies last from 1,5 to 2 years (60 to 80 national credits must be collected). To be admitted, students should hold a qualification, obtained after completion of university first cycle study programme or a comparable qualification. A Master study programme is intended to prepare for independent research or artistic activities or activities for which deeper scientific knowledge and stronger abilities are required. Master studies are carried out at universities where research corresponding to a subject area is conducted. General requirements for master study programmes are approved by Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania. The Master studies lead to a Master (Magistras) degree and/or a professional qualification (profesinė kvalifikacija). After completion of studies Master’s Diploma (Magistrodiplomas) or Higher Education Diploma (Aukštojo mokslo diplomas) is awarded. Higher Education Diploma is awarded when studies lead to professional qualification. Generally, a qualification, obtained after completion of university second cycle study programme gives right to enter university third cycle (post-graduate) studies.

Special professional studies last from 1 to 2 years (40 to 80 national credits must be collected). To be admitted, students should hold a qualification, obtained after completion of university first cycle study programme or a comparable qualification. Special professional studies shall be intended to better prepare for activities which require special practical ability. Requirements of special professional study programmes are approved by Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania. The studies lead to a professional qualification (profesinėkvalifikacija). After completion of studies Higher Education Diploma (Aukštojo mokslo diplomas) is awarded. Generally, a qualification, obtained after completion of university second cycle study programme does not give right to enter university third cycle (post-graduate) studies.

14

Bologna structure - degrees, programmes, DS

There are also integrated (vientisosios) studies (combining studies of the university 1st and 2nd cycle) provided. To be admitted, students should hold a Maturity Certificate (Brandos atestatas) or a comparable qualification. The studies lead to a Master (Magistras) degree or a professional qualification (profesinėkvalifikacija). When studies end up with award of a professional qualification (profesinė kvalifikacija) they last at least 4,5 but not more than 6 years (180 to 240 national credits must be collected). When a Master (Magistras) degree is awarded in the end of studies, they last at least 5 but not more than 6 years (200 to 240 national credits must be collected). The only exception is made for the integrated studies in the study fields of Medicine, Odontology, and Veterinary Medicine. The integrated studies in these fields may last longer, but not more than 7 years (a maximum of 280 national credits). After completion of integrated studies Higher Education Diploma (Aukštojo mokslo diplomas) is awarded. Generally, a qualification, obtained after completion of integrated studyprogramme gives right to enter university third cycle (post-graduate) studies.

15

Bologna structure - degrees, programmes, DS

University post-graduate third cycle: Residency (Rezidentūra), Postgraduate art studies (Meno aspirantūra), Doctoral studies (Doktorantūra):

Residency studies last from 2 to 6 years (80 to 240 national credits must be collected). Residency studies are designed exclusively for the preparation of specialists in the specific study fields (Medicine,Odontology, and Veterinary Medicine) in the study area of Biomedical Sciences, in order to follow their individually chosen careers. To be admitted, persons should hold qualification awarded after completion of integrated studies, namely: Doctor (Gydytojas), Medical doctor (Medicinos gydytojas), DoctorOdontologist (Gydytojas odontologas), Veterinary Surgeon (Veterinarijos gydytojas) or comparable qualification. Upon completing the studies, Residency Certificate (Rezidentūros pažymėjimas), testifying the specialization in a certain area, is awarded.

Postgraduate art studies last not more than 2 years (up to 80 national credits must be collected). Post graduate art studies are designed for the training of higher education establishment art teachers andspecialisation of artists. To be admitted, persons should hold Master’s degree awarded after completion of university second cycle studies in the study area of Arts or comparable qualification. Upon completing the studies, Post-graduate Art Studies Licentiate Diploma (Meno licenciato diplomas) is awarded.

Doctoral studies last 3 to 4 years. The studies consist of doctoral courses (at least 20 national credits must be collected), specific research activities and preparation of the doctoral dissertation. Doctoral studies are jointly organized by higher education and research institutions. Upon completion of the doctoral course, a doctoral thesis must be prepared and publicly defended in order for the candidate to qualify for the Doctorate. To be admitted, persons should hold Master’s degree or comparable qualification. Doctoral thesis must be prepared and publicly defended in order for the candidate to qualify for the Doctorate. After the defending the doctoral thesis Diploma of the scientific degree of Doctor (Daktaro mokslo laipsnio diplomas) is awarded.

16

Quality assurance/accreditation

1995 - Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education establishedStudies are conducted according to the study programmes registered by the Ministry of Education and Science. The quality of study programmes as well as educational and scientific activities of higher education institutions are periodically assessed by the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education. In 1999, study programme evaluation has been started on a regular basis. In August 2001, Minister’s decree on order of accreditation was adopted and in April 2002 the first Minister’s decree regarding programme accreditation was issued. An institutional assessment is just starting in Lithuania. Only in March 2004 the decree on Activity quality assessment in colleges has been adopted. The institutional assessment of colleges started in autumn of 2004. Institutional evaluation of universities and research institutions is foreseen

17

Recognition of qualifications

1995 - Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education establishedEvaluation of qualifications related to higher education1997Ratification of the 1953 European Convention on the Equivalence of Diplomas Leading to Admission to Universities, No. 15;Ratification of the 1979 UNESCO Convention on the Recognition ofStudies, Diplomas and Degrees Concerning Higher Education in theEuropean Region;1998Ratification of the 1997 Council of Europe/UNESCO Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications Concerning Higher Education in theEuropean Region (Lisboa Convention);1999Baltic states agreement with Estonia and Latvia.2005Agreement with Poland

18

Useful national linkshttp://www.aikos.smm.lt - study programmes and educational establishments

http://www.smm.lt/ - Ministry of Education and Science

http://www.mokslas.lt - Department of Education and Science under the MES

http://www.nec.lt - National examinations centre

http://www.skvc.lt/ - Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education

http://www.baltnord.net - Baltic Nordic Admission Manual

1

Higher education systems and reforms in Baltic countriesESTONIA

EAIE Conference14 - 17 October 2005, Kraków

Gunnar VahtThe Estonian ENIC/NARIC

gunnar@archimedes.ee

2

Higher education in Estonia

Legal framework

Education Act (1992)Universities Act (1995)Institutions of Professional Higher Education Act (1998)Private Schools Act (1998)University of Tartu Act (1995)Standard of Higher Education (2002)

3

Access to higher education

General requirements (qualifications)Gümnaasiumi lõputunnistus (Secondary School Leaving Certificate - 12yrs of study) + State Examination CertificateSecondary Vocational School Leaving Certificate + State Examination CertificateCorresponding foreign qualification

Specific requirementsResults of state examinations (mother language, foreign language, mathematics, etc)admission examinations/tests/interviewsaverage mark on leaving certificate or group of marks of certain subject(s)

4

Higher education institutions

Universities (ülikool)institution of research, development, study and culture with programs at all higher education levels in several fields of study

Professional Higher Education Institutions (rakenduskõrgkool)

educational institutions with programs of professional higher education and Magister-study. The institution may offer secondary vocational programs.

Vocational Education Institutions (kutseõppeasutus)institutions of secondary vocational programs. The institutions may offer the professional higher education

5

Bologna process in Estonia

Estonia was among the countries signing the Bologna Declaration in 1999Large scale changes started already in the beginning of 1990s by removing Soviet ideology in the programs, increasing the university autonomy, introducing the credit accumulation system based on student workload and accreditation systemBologna process was seen as a continuation of the developments, an opportunity to increase the competitiveness internationally (comparable degree structure) and broadening the students´ choices (national and international mobility)

6

New degree structure

Higher education system is binary at first and second level

University structure has three cycles following the bachelor-master-PhD model

Transfer to the new two-cycle specialist degree structures of academic year 2002/03

7

Legal framework for degrees

The Government approved the Standard of Higher Education (2002) functions as a broad qualification framework which determines the conditions of access to, capacity, learning outcomes, graduation requirements, etc of PHE, Bak, Mag and PhD studiesSpecial legislative acts govern the outcomes and content of regulated professions and other one long-cycle programs (in medicine, class teachers, civil engineers etc)New Governmental decree (2004) for designation of academic degrees

8

Degree structure (pre-Bologna)

Old system (until 2002/03 admission)General system as one-long-cycle structure

UniversitiesBakalaureus-degree (4…5 years) - specialist´s qualificationsMagister-degree (1…2 years) - research degreeDoktor-degree (Mag+4 years) - second research degree

Professional higher education institutionsPHE-diploma (3…4 years) - the access to Magister-study was limited

9

Degree structure (Bologna)

New system (since 2002/03 admission)General system as two-cycle (bachelor-master) structure - so called “3+2 model”

UniversitiesBakalaureus-degree (bachelor-level) - 3 yearsMagister-degree (master-level) - 2 yearsone long-cycle programs (master-level) - 5 years; Medicine and Veterinary Medicine - 6 yearsDoktor-degree - 3…4 years

Professional higher education institutionsPHE-diploma (bachelor-level) - 3…4 yearsMagister-degree (master-level) - 1…2 years in cooperation with university.In some fields also independently.

10

Bakalaureus-studies

At this level the basic knowledge and skills of a speciality are obtained.The nominal length of study is predominantly 3 years and the capacity of studies 120 national credit points (ainepunkt) = 180 credits in ECTS systemThe new qualification enables holder to commence work and continue studies at master levelUnder a previous degree structure bakalaureus-studies provided a competence necessary for working as a specialist and the right to work in a position that requires high qualification (lawyer, engineer, teacher, etc)

11

Magister-studies

The aim of second cycle studies is to educate a specialist with profound professional knowledge. Study is devoted to in-depth preparation for the speciality and includes a narrow specialisation.The nominal duration of 1…2 years and capacity of studies 40…80 national credits (60…120 ECTS credits), but along with bachelor-level studies not less than 5 years (3+2 or 4+1), and capacity of 200 national credits/300 ECTS credits

12

Comparison of old and new systems

Till 1991Diplom-Specialist (5) - Kandidat Nauk (3) - Doktor Nauk (+…)

1991-1994University Diploma (5) - (Research) Magister (2) -Doktor (4)

1995-2001Bakalaureus (4) - Magister (2) - Doktor (4)

Since 2002Bakalaureus (3) - Magister (2) - Doktor (3…4)(Bachelor-Master structure or “3+2” system)

13

Professional higher education

The purpose of PHE study is to acquire the competence necessary for working in the relevant profession or continue studies in a master levelProviders:

Professional higher education institutions; structural units of universities (university kolledzh); selected vocational secondary education institutions

14

Doktor-study

Highest stage of higher education with the purpose of acquiring knowledge and skills necessary for independent research, development or professional creative work

The nominal duration is 3 to 4 years (180 to 240 ECTS credits)

15

Recognition and comparison of “old” degrees

Governmental Decree on comparison of former qualifications - in order to ensure the equal rights of graduates in access to further study and to the labor market.Diploma Supplement - the description of educational system and indicates on which system the degree is earnedEstonian ENIC/NARIC - information to the foreign authorities

16

Recognition tools

Diploma Supplement - the model of UNESCO, Council of Europe and European Commission

Implemented by the initiative of individual universities in 1999 and issued on request (some fee)Since 2002 the DS is a state document annexed to every diploma (free)

ECTSSince 1997 higher education institutions may use ECTS credit and marking system simultanously with national system and only in student mobility programsSince 01.09.2006 - the only credit system in Estonia and as the national credit system.

17

Quality Assurance

License, accreditation, recognitionLicense

issued by the Ministry of Education and Research (MoER)State inspection

inspection by MoER regularly; self analyseAccreditation

part of the quality assessment. Organised by Estonian Higher Education Accreditation CentreForeign experts for two-three daysDecision by Higher Education Quality Assessment CouncilApproved by the Minister

State recognition of diplomas/qualificationsStatute of Diploma - state standards

18

Accreditation

The recognition of diplomas is dependent upon the accreditation decisionAccreditation of the program is granted for 7 years (conditional accreditation for 3 years)

Accreditation criteria - content of the study program, quality of the teaching, management practices, state of the study facilities, quality assurance practices, teachers qualifications, etc.During 1997-2002 the first round of accreditation was completed, over 500 study programs were under accreditation process

19

Implementation of Bologna process

The so-called “National Bologna Group” was established in 2000 - representatives: Ministry of Education, Rectors Council, Student Union and Estonian ENIC/NARIC

On 2001, the Government approved the reform plan

Major legislative changes were implemented during 2002 and 2003

Transfer to the new degree structure was very quick and was possible only because HEIs were very interested in these changes

1

Education in Latvia

Baiba RaminaAcademic Information Centrewww.aic.lv

17 September 2005

2

1990 10 State higher education institutions45 000 students

200556 higher education institutionsApprox. 140 000 students

3

Legal base

Education in the Republic of Latvia is regulated by the following laws:Law of Education, 1991;Law of Crafts , 1993;Law of Higher Education Institutions, 1995;Law of Education, 1998; ( Law of Education -adopted by the government in 1998, amended in 1999, 2000 and 2001)Law of General Education, 1999;Law of Vocational Education, 1999;

4

Law of Education 1991

Autonomy of HE institutionsDivision into academic and professional HEIntroduction of bachelor and master level in academic HEShift from fully state funded HE to mixed fundingAllow to establish private HE institutions

5

Law of Higher Education Institutions, 1995

Division between academic and professional HERecognition of foreign qualificationsQuality assurance and accreditation

6

Higher education Bologna process instruments

Diploma supplement. From 2004 is issued by all HE institutions in LatviaCredit point system. Introduced in 1998. Latvian credit point system is compatible with ECTS. 1 Latvian CP=1.5 ECTS

7

Higher education Bologna process

2001 Conception of the development of HE in Latvia for the period until 2010. Professional bachelors and masters introduced. 2000Bologna process working group. 2005 – draft of the National qualification structure

8

Access to HE

There are two types of secondary education programmes which give access to HE:

- general secondary education( vispārējā vidējā izglītība ) and

- vocational secondary education programmes (profesionālā vidējāizglītība).

9

General secondary education

Certificate of the secondary education (atestātspar vispārējo vidējo izglītību) is awarded to all students, who have received a positive assessment in all subjects and the national examinations and a certificate of the passed centralized exams and their scores, providing the right to continue education in any higher-level education programme. If the student has not received an evaluation in one or more subjects or national examination, he/she receives a school report (liecība).

10

General secondary education

In order to receive the Secondary Education Certificate student should take not less than 5 examinations in compulsory or optional study subjects (these are centralised – with the content development and evaluation in the Education Content and Examination centre) :

- examination in Latvian language and literature- examination in the compulsory study subject

corresponding to the type of the programme (presently in the first foreign language)

- examination in the study subject determined by the educational institution,

- two examinations in the optional subjects chosen by the student

- test in sports, applied informatics, mathematics.

11

Vocational education and training

The Law of Professional Education (revised in 2001) stipulates that professional education programmes are classified as follows, depending on the education to be obtained:vocational basic education programmes;vocational education programmesvocational secondary educational programmes;first level professional higher education (college education) programmes;professional continuing education programmes;professional development educational programmes;

12

Vocational education and training

-In 90-ties all certificates from secondaryvocational education was called “diploms”-Today (from 2000) there are 3 types of vocational education certificates:1. “Apliecība par profesionālo pamatizglītību” –certificate on vocational basic education2. “Atestāts par arodizglītību” – certificate on vocational education3. “Diploms par profesionālo vidējo izglītību” –certificate on vocational secondary education. This certificate gives rights to enrol in HE

13

State recognised HE institutionsin Latvia

Universities (5)State institutions of HE (15)Juridical persons established institutions of HE(13)State colleges (16)Juridical persons established colleges (7)

14

In accordance with Law of HE institutions it is possible to study

inBachelor study programmesProfessional study programmesMaster study programmesDoctoral study programmes

15

Two level professional higher education

the first level of professional higher education or college education (2-3 years) leading to professional qualification Level 4 (corresponding ISCED 5B)second level of professional higher education leading to qualification level 5 (corresponding ISCED 5A).

16

In accordance with Law of HE institutions it is possible to obtain

: 1) academic education and following degrees:

a) bachelor bakalaurs ( academic degree),b) master maģistrs (academic degree),c) doctor doktors (scientific degree);

2) 4 and 5 level professional qualification and following degrees: a) bachelor bakalaurs(professional degree),b) master maģistrs(professional degree),

17

Information

Higher education quality evaluation centrewww.aiknc.lv

Academic Information Centrewww.aic.lv

Ministry of Education and Science www.izm.lv

18

19

Certificate of Secondary GeneralEducation

20

Secondary Vocational EducationDiploma

21

Higher Professional EducationDiploma

22

Bachelor Diploma

23

Master Diploma

24

Doctor Diploma