Study on the Diploma Supplement as seen by its users - naric

Here the Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications should be
referred to.
- If the qualification falls under the general system for the recognition of professional
qualifications, the level of the degree in terms of article 11 of the Directive should be
indicated.
- If the qualification is furthermore listed in the Directive 2005/36/EC as giving eligibility
for automatic recognition (doctors, nurses responsible for general care, dental
practitioners, specialised dental practitioners, veterinary surgeons, midwives,
pharmacists and architects), this should be stated.
National contact points for the implementation of Directive 2005/36/EC established in all the
EU countries may be involved in assisting the higher education institutions with questions
concerning the Directive and national qualifications in order to ensure the information is
accurate and correctly presented. When there are national decrees concerning general
eligibility to for example government positions or professions that are nationally regulated,
this should be mentioned.
From the employers’ perspective, typical fields of employment for graduates of the respective
subject constitute valuable information, and should be stated here. Some higher education
institutions already use this chapter for that purpose.
Good practices identified:
- Information on the typical fields of employment should be provided.
- If the degree confers the right to practise a regulated profession, this should be
clearly stated, preferably referring to relevant legislation.
- There are clear references to Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional
qualifications.
Chapter 6: Additional information
This chapter should be completed on a case by case basis. It can used to add any further
information that is relevant for the purposes of assessing and recognising the degree.
However, the uses of this chapter have definitely been the most difficult to grasp in the
examples studied and it was rather heterogeneously filled in, or simply left blank. The
chapter, however, gives a possibility to add interesting and useful information about the
qualification.
6.1. Additional information
Analysis and findings
Giving additional information about the graduate seems to be a particular challenge.
However, such information is very important for employers in assessing the individual
graduate profile as it distinguishes the individual from other candidates. The section can be
used to state and describe the individual course of study as well as the extracurricular
activities, including study periods abroad, additional classes in different subjects, internships,
work as a student assistant, or a role in university boards.
When a significant part of studies has been completed elsewhere and is recognised as
contributing towards the qualification it is important to include this in the Diploma
Supplement, for example prior learning or experience.
The chapter can also give further information on the qualification and/or higher education
institution, when such information has not been provided elsewhere in the Diploma
Supplement or in the transcript of records. This could include information about quality
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