Work package 1 - MSc core group

Coordination and monitoring: by Odd-Ivar Lekang (Norwegian University of Life Sciences). 

Aim: Increased Cooperation in European Masters programmes.

Several concrete actions in the first phase of AQUA-TNET have facilitated more interactions between relevant MSc Programmes in the EU. However, in order to reach more students as well as teachers, the European Masters database needs to be extended with more functionality. Furthermore, we are now in a position to develop guidelines for more uniformity among programmes, e.g. overall terminology, student placements, thesis protocols. It is also the intention to ensure more interaction with stakeholders to better identify course needs and facilitate their implementation (for example by use of ICT tools).

Main Objectives:
A.    To build upon the European Masters Database (1st phase work) and i.e. extend the database and functionality
B.    To propose standard descriptions for programmes, modules and courses to tackle MSc related terminology confusion
C.    Carry out a survey of current Network Master’s thesis requirements in order to identify similarities and dissimilarities in procedures. Make recommendations to increase transparency thus leading to reduction in the disparity of awards
D.    Engage with Research Institutes/Industrial partners to establish protocols for thesis/work experience placements to enable more objective assessment of achievements of placement
E.    Create a Stakeholder Forum for dialogue with stakeholders to help in identifying new needs (courses/course content for instance: genomics, sustainability, consumer issues, etc.)
F.    Use of ICT tools to facilitate the offering at a broader European level of more generic courses (e.g. class by industry staff offered by streaming and VC for students at different partner institutions) 

Outputs and results: