Final Report Pilot Project - Phase 1

General Conclusionsand RecommendationsPerhaps the most important conclusion is that the creation of aEuropean Area of Higher Education in relation to EducationalStructures is possible. Tuning shows that convergence fully respectingdiversity can be achieved and can lead to further reflection and qualityin Higher Education. This project has made it clear that the only reliableway to compare pieces of learning and study programmes offered by(higher) education institutions is to look at learning outcomes andcompetences. By defining the right learning outcomes, standards canbe set with regard to the required level of discipline related theoreticaland/or experimental knowledge and content, academic and disciplinerelated skills and generic competences. With the exception of the lastone these will differ from discipline to discipline. To make programmesmore transparent and comparable on a European level, it is necessaryto develop learning outcomes and competences for each recognisedqualification. These learning outcomes should be identifiable andassessable in the programme that opts for such a qualification.Learning outcomes should not only be defined on the level of formalqualifications such as degrees but also on the level of modules orcourses. The inclusion of learning outcomes in the pieces and the totalof a curriculum stimulate its consistency. They make explicit what astudent should learn. It is obvious that credit accumulation and transferis facilitated by clear learning outcomes. These will make it possible toindicate with precision the achievements for which credits are and havebeen awarded.The definition of learning outcomes / competences is a responsibilityof the teaching staff. Only specialists of the same field will be able to53