Recognition of studies and qualifications in Europe

In Europe, all countries operate according to different educational systems and therefore deliver different types of programmes, degrees, qualifications and titles. In order to ensure that this diversity of qualifications does not become an obstacle to the mobility of students and professional throughout Europe, several tools have been developed at the European level to facilitate the recognition of studies and qualifications, such as EU directives for recognition, the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), EUROPASS and the Diploma Supplement. In the following downloadable documents and links, you can find more information about these issues.

It is important to keep in mind the distinction between the following 2 types of recognition:

• Recognition for academic purposes (for the continuation of studies abroad or for the recognition of a study period abroad as part of the regular studies)
• Recognition for professional purposes (to be allowed to work in a certain profession)

More information can be found in the Handbook “The International Recognition of Studies and Qualifications in Higher Music Education”, which can be downloaded here.
 

• Recognition of qualifications in Europe – an overview per country of regulated professions in music
  You may have a student with the ambition to work in another European country after his/her studies. It will then be important to have information available about the recognition of your student’s qualification. In the framework of the recognition system of the EU, a distinction is being made between regulated and non-regulated professions. A profession is said to be regulated when a diploma or other qualification is required to pursue the profession in question. In the case of music, the professions of music teacher at school or of instrumental/ vocal teacher are regulated in some countries. Part C of the Handbook “The International Recognition of Studies and Qualifications in Higher Music Education” presents information on professional recognition, including a reflection on the importance of professional qualifications in the field of music, general information on professional recognition procedures with a distinction between regulated and non-regulated professions, and a comprehensive list of regulated professions in music in 36 countries worldwide. The handbook is downloadable here.

   

• Recognition of studies – the European Credit Transfer System – ECTS
  One of your students is planning a study abroad period in the framework of the ERASMUS exchange programme, and you would like to know what kind of arrangements exist that ensures that the study period abroad of your student is fully recognised. To facilitate the recognition of studies, the majority of European higher education institutions, including those in the field of music, use the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). This system provides a common scale for measuring in credits the student workload required to complete course units. Part B of the Handbook “The International Recognition of Studies and Qualifications in Higher Music Education” addresses academic recognition in the field of music and the various tools that can support it, such as credit point systems and the diploma supplement. It also includes an overview of the use of credit point systems in 31 countries worldwide. The handbook is downloadable here.

   

  The document "The European Credit Transfer System" (ECTS) gives you more information about ECTS, one of the most important aspects of the organisation of an exchange of students.
  
  In addition to information on the role of credit points as a transfer tool for the recognition of study abroad periods, credit points are also increasingly being used as a tool in study programme; in such an accumulative credit point system, students collect credit points within the framework of their study programmes in order to receive their degree or qualifications. The AEC has developed a "Handbook for the use and the implementation of a credit point system in higher music education", which is downloadable here.

   

• Europass
  Europass is designed to encourage mobility and lifelong learning in Europe. It brings together into a single framework several tools for the transparency of diplomas, certificates and competences. With Europass, European citizens will make their qualifications and skills easily understood throughout Europe.