Evolution of Associate Degrees in the Netherlands and the Bologna Process

The presentation discusses the innovation of Level 5 study programmes, the introduction of the three-cycle structure in the Netherlands, and the alignment with the European Qualifications Framework. It compares the academic drift versus labor market demands and the implications for higher education institutions in adapting to changing workforce needs.

• Netherlands
• Education
• Bologna Process
• Higher Education
• Workforce

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1. Associate Degrees in the Netherlands: Level 5 study programmes as innovation Donald F. Westerheijden Presentation to 4thForum of Quality Assurance Stakeholders Education vs Specialist: Professional Education Today and Tomorrow , Yerevan, 16 April 2018

2. Bologna Process and degrees in the Netherlands Introduction of three-cycle structure Bachelor (B.A. / B.Sc.) Master (M.A. / M.Sc.) Doctor (Ph.D.) Bachelor: shall also be relevant to the European labour market as an appropriate level of qualification (Bologna Declaration, 1999) UAS: Bachelor already led to labour market entry, after 4 years no change University: reintroduce candidate mid-term degree (after 3 years) but see Master as complete higher education ca. 90% of students continue to Master Don F. Westerheijden | CHEPS '18-04-16 2

3. From: Descriptors defining levels in the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) Knowledge Skills Responsibility and autonomy Exercise management and supervision in contexts of work or study activities where there is unpredictable change; review and develop performance of self and others Comprehensive, specialised, factual and theoretical knowledge within a field of work or study and an awareness of the boundaries of that knowledge A comprehensive range of cognitive and practical skills required to develop creative solutions to abstract problems The learning outcomes relevant to Level 5 are Missing in Bologna Advanced knowledge of a field of work or study, involving a critical understanding of theories and principles Advanced skills, demonstrating mastery and innovation, required to solve complex and unpredictable problems in a specialised field of work or study Manage complex technical or professional activities or projects, taking responsibility for decision-making in unpredictable work or study contexts; take responsibility for managing professional development of individuals and groups The learning outcomes relevant to Level 6 are Bachelor Don F. Westerheijden | CHEPS '18-04-16 3

4. Academic drift vs. Labour market demands General public sees university degrees as more prestigious UAS see gaining research mission as prestigious Consequence: UAS want to become like universities = academic drift Changing labour force in the knowledge society More highly-trained job get more students into higher education More diverse highly-trained jobs develop relevant new study programmes Flexible, short higher education study programmes wanted in UAS Tension! Don F. Westerheijden | CHEPS '18-04-16 4

5. Associate degrees introduced Introduced as a pilot in 2006 Several rounds afterwards UAS could sign up to participate in the pilots Name Associate degree taken from USA In USA: Two-year programmes In Community colleges Professional training and Transfer to four-year degrees (bachelor) Don F. Westerheijden | CHEPS '18-04-16 5

6. Associate degree programmes made to measure On demand from the labour market in the region Start quickly Stop quickly Also intended to contribute to bachelor study Credits can be transferred Associate degree is a safe option for students Short, 2-year commitment Labour-market recognition guaranteed Degree even if Ba ambition fails In regional consortia of vocational training schools UAS labour market/employers Don F. Westerheijden | CHEPS '18-04-16 6

7. Associate degree programmes examples (2018) Accountancy Cross-media communication Conductor brass & fanfare orchestras Electrical technique Facility management Horticultural management Human Resource Management Informatics Interior design IT service management Practice nurse Small Business & Retail Management Sports & Health management Teaching assistant Don F. Westerheijden | CHEPS '18-04-16 7

8. Growth of Associate Degree Enrolment Bachelor enrolment is stable (90,000 in UAS, 50,000 in uni) Associate degree enrolment: Low in absolute numbers (around 2,000 3,000) Large growth when Ad was introduced officially (2016) New enrolments (index) 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Ad Ba-UAS Ba-uni Don F. Westerheijden | CHEPS '18-04-16 8

9. Strategy and Social Role of UAS Growth in Associate degrees is also a question of institutional strategy, e.g. UAS X 100 75 UAS Y 100 1913 UAS Z 0 0 X started early, Y started late Y sees Ad as part of its emancipatory role Ad students come mostly from Vocational training Low-participation backgrounds Low income, low education parents Migration parents Don F. Westerheijden | CHEPS '18-04-16 9

10. Questions? Thank you for your attention Don F. Westerheijden | CHEPS '18-04-16 10