| As a first step, partners have to develop a joint educational vision for the joint master’s-programme, consisting of: |
| • A needs analysis; |
| • The academic and professional profile; |
| • The characteristics after learners envisaged; |
| • The objectives and the unique selling point of the programme; |
| • The relationship with existing courses and programmes. |
Guidelines
A needs analysis
A needs assessment in the targeted area is carried out on the basis of existing documents or through stakeholder consultation. The EU also defines priority areas, such as in the case of Erasmus+ Alliances for Innovation and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) (European Commission, 2021). National governments regularly communicate about critical shortages in the labor market. Already at this stage, it is useful to rely on associated partners such as professional organizations, research and innovation institutes, sectors and companies or public services.
The academic and professional profile
The academic and professional profile of the joint master’s is determined on the basis of the identified needs, the nexus research-innovation-education, the link with other study programmes and its relevance to the economy and society in general. Successful researchers and research departments often want to organize a master’s programme to attract international students to transfer scientific knowledge and recruit doctoral students.
Technical and medical departments often organize postgraduate master’s programmes to train experts and specialists.
The characteristics of the intended learners
The partnership defines the main target groups for the joint master’s programme and the expected student characteristics. This includes the admission rules for students based on prior knowledge and any professional experience.
The goals and unique selling point of the programme
The general objectives of the programme are defined at national and European level in economic, social and cultural terms.
The objectives of the joint master’s programme are then defined from an academic and professional point of view, including the possible contribution to the innovation and competitiveness of the universities involved.
A unique selling point is sought for a sufficient target group in the partnership and beyond.
The relationship with existing courses and programs.
The relationship with other master’s-level offers in the partnership is clarified. Possible collaborations at the course level are explored. The added value of the programme compared to existing master’s courses in the same field at national and European level is explained. It is also indicated to what extent this added value contributes to university excellence, innovation and competitiveness.
next chapter: Design the joint curriculum
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