David Redmond NUI Maynooth CHIU

1
David Redmond NUI MaynoothCHIU

• The Universities Perspective on the National
  Framework of Qualifications

2
The Beginning

• University autonomy.
• CHIU has been happy to cooperate with the NQAI.
• The consultation process itself has been very
  informative.

3
Standards

• Standards cannot be defined in absolute terms.
• Rely on external comparisons.
• International recognition of Irish degrees.

4
Entry Routes to University

• Interface between the Universities and other
  education providers.
• Access, Transfer, Progression, Lifelong Learning
  .
• Qualifications leading to University must
  adequately prepare the students.

5

• Attainment of a qualification is not an
  entitlement to entry to any course.
• Competing constituencies for a limited number of
  places.
• The level of attainment on the qualification may
  be a critical factor.

6
Stocktaking

• Match existing qualifications with the Framework
  document.
• Many qualifications other than Bachelors, Masters
  and Doctoral programmes.
• The Adult Education departments offer many
  certificate and diploma courses.

7
Credit Transfer

• Coherent internal system of credits.
• Credit transfer is rarely universal, but depends
  on levels and subjects.
• ECTS is the only sensible option.

8
Flexible Learning

• Flexible part time programmes need a credit
  accumulation system.
• Blurs distinction between full and part-time
  programmes.
• Reappraisal of the funding mechanism supporting
  part-time students.