Bolognasáttmálanum

The Bolognasáttmálinn, or Bologna Accord, refers to a series of agreements and reforms initiated primarily in Europe to standardize higher education systems. The foundational agreement was signed in Bologna, Italy, in 1999 by ministers from 29 European countries. The main objective was to create a more comparable, compatible, and competitive European higher education area.

Key aspects of the Bologna Process include the establishment of a three-cycle degree structure: a bachelor's degree (first cycle), a master's degree (second cycle), and a doctorate (third cycle). This framework aims to make qualifications easier to understand and compare across different countries. Another significant element is the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), which assigns credits to study components, facilitating student mobility and the recognition of studies undertaken abroad.

The Bologna Process also emphasizes quality assurance, promoting common standards and methodologies for evaluating higher education institutions and programs. Additionally, it seeks to enhance the employability of graduates by aligning educational outcomes with labor market needs and promoting lifelong learning. The reforms have been adopted and adapted by a growing number of European countries, significantly influencing the structure and operation of higher education systems across the continent.