One of the goals of the Arqus European University Alliance is to develop Joint Programmes at all levels, offered jointly by two or more participating Arqus institutions.
To support interested academic and administrative staff in this endeavour, the team of Arqus Learning Pathways has designed a series of training courses at different levels and on different topics relevant to the design and implementation of joint programmes.
The trainings are designed as modules that can be attended separately or consecutively. The first three modules, delivered between late 2024 and early 2025, were designed as basic modules and had as their target audience academic and administrative staff on departmental and central levels who are interested in the design and the development of joint programmes but have no extensive experience in implementing them.
The upcoming trainings have been structured as advanced modules aimed at supporting the development and implementation of individual programmes, and they are also available to all interested participants.The training courses will be conducted online, and access links along with additional information will be provided to all registered participants by email. They are held by experts in the field of joint programme implementation or relevant topics from Arqus partner universities.
Summer 2025:
Advanced Module 3: Integrating plurilingual and intercultural elements into JPs
Wednesday, 11 June, 15 – 16:30 (CEST)
Students in joint programmes can be more successful both in their studies and daily life, as well as in their future career, if they have the necessary language proficiency. And to achieve this, they need support: specifically, support with the language(s) of instruction and the local language. This training module will therefore focus on how the activities organised by Arqus Plurilingual and Intercultural Hub can be integrated into joint programmes in order to ensure that the students have access to language and cultural programmes that will allow them to practice and improve their language skills.
Trainers: Alba Delgado and Kerstin Gackle (Leipzig University), Yulia Kharchenko (Maynooth University)
Registration deadline: 6 June
Advanced Module 4: Marketing JD Programmes and recruiting international students
Monday, 23 June 2025, 11 – 12:30 (CEST)
Participants will be introduced to the main concepts of marketing and to the main criteria of promoting joint programmes to an international audience. A general overview of recruitment tools and their applicability will be followed by a focus on real life with the case study of the Arqus Joint Master’s Programme in International Cybersecurity and Cyberintelligence.
Trainers: Maria Bazuelo Roldán (Cyberactioning Project Officer – Arqus Joint Master’s Programme in International Cybersecurity and Cyberintelligence Administrative Officer), Mattia Gusella and Camilla Andreani (University of Padua – Global Engagement Office)
Registration deadline: 16 June
Advanced Module 5: International approval procedures, accreditation and the European approach
Wednesday, 25 June 2025, 10 – 11:30am (CEST)
Participants will explore the different mechanisms for approving joint programmes and examine potential accreditation pathways. The training provides an overview of the approval processes for study programmes, empowering participants to effectively navigate institutional requirements. Additionally, the module includes a brief overview of the European Approach accreditation.
Trainers: Ulrike Krawagna (University of Graz), Tabea Mager (Leipzig University)
Registration deadline: 18 June
Autumn 2025:
More information coming soon!
Advanced Module 6: Financial planning
Participants will learn about the key aspects of financial planning for joint programmes. This includes developing a comprehensive budget plan that considers income sources like programme fees as well as potential costs such as accreditation, staff, events, and more. Different scenarios for setting and managing programme fees across partner institutions will be explored. Participants will also understand how to structure a financial agreement covering fee policies, cost estimation, and allowing flexibility for future adjustments.
Trainers: Samira Bonucci (University of Padua – International Projects Unit), Artur Schmitt (University of Granada), Tabea Mager (Leipzig University)
Advanced Module 7: Degree Design
Participants will explore the key concepts and processes related to joint diplomas and joint diploma supplements for students in joint programs. The module will cover the minimum requirements, common elements, and flexibility allowed when designing these credentials across the diverse regulatory contexts of Arqus partner countries. Discussions will focus on harmonising joint diploma practices, recognising challenges and opportunities stemming from different national and institutional regulations.
Trainer: Samira Bonucci (University of Padua – International Projects Unit)
Advanced Module 8: Erasmus Mundus initiatives
Participants will be introduced to the Erasmus Mundus Design Measure and Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s. Requirements and key documents necessary for applying will be illustrated, and insights about how to effectively plan and structure an Erasmus Mundus project will be shared.
Trainers: Samira Bonucci (University of Padua – International Projects Unit) and Prof. Mara Thiene (University of Padua – Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry)
Advanced Module 9: An Introduction to Virtual Exchange
Participants will be introduced to the concept of virtual exchange, focusing on their rationale and motivation to set them up within the context of joint programmes. Participants will discover the many forms VE can take (bilateral vs multilateral; co-designed vs ready-made; etc.) and think about which model(s) better suit their context. Some examples will be discussed.
Trainers: Samira Bonucci (University of Padua – International Projects Unit) and Prof. Marco Cappellini (Lyon 1 – Institut National Supérieur du Professorat et de l’Éducation)
Planned for September 2025
Advanced Module 10: Student Administration of Joint Programmes
The training module focuses on aspects of student administration in jointly organised study programmes. It covers application, selection, and admission procedures, along with corresponding communication processes. Additionally, it addresses topics like orientation, residence permit and health insurance requirements for students, organisation of mobility paths, and the process of transferring credits and grades between institutions. Furthermore, the module delves into the issuing of academic degrees and diploma documents, and best practice examples will be presented.
Planned for October 2025
Advanced Module 11: Inclusion
Past modules: Winter 2024-25
Basic Module 1: Joint Programmes: A very initial introduction to the why and how
Participants were introduced to the concept of joint programmes focusing on their rationale and motivation to set them up. Terminology like joint, double or multiple degrees was investigated to enable participants to distinguish between several traditions and common (mis)understandings of joint programmes. First steps such as identifying partner institutions and main elements of joint programmes were presented to lay the ground for participation in module 2.
Learning Outcomes:
After completing this module participants were able to:
- Understand why jp are of benefit to institutions and individuals in the context of internationalizing of the curricula
- Distinguish different terminology approaches towards jp
- Know key aspects of how to choose partner institutions
- Have an idea of key programme features rendering it a jp.
Target group:
Academic and administrative staff on departmental and central level that are interested in joint programmes but have no extensive experience in implementing them.
Structure and Input:
60 min. presentation:
- Introduction to reasons of setting up a jp (benefits for institutions and individuals)
- Terminology overview (key terms and differences in common approaches) and Arqus glossary
- Tools for partner search (own partnership portfolio, Arqus as a network source, external matchmaking platforms/events)
- Overview on key elements (i.e. mobility, joint administrative procedures, co-teaching/co-supervising, degree issuance)
30 min. discussion:
Q/A session focusing on Arqus partner institutions and their experience/background
Basic Module 2: Joint Programmes: Preparing the grounds for a successful programme implementation
Participants were familiarized with the first stages of developing an Arqus joint programme. A roadmap outlined how to get to know one’s partners on a level that allows successful collaboration. Internal and external stakeholders and their involvement wa discussed as well as how to effectively communicate and reflect functions in a governance structure.
Learning Outcomes:
After completing this module participants were able to:
- Understand the main steps toward the development of a Joint programme with Arqus partners
- Identify internal and external stakeholders, know their role within the consortium and how to get them onboard
- Know how to establish efficient communication and governance structures on programme level.
Structure and Input:
60 min. presentation:
- Roadmap of jp development (phases from programme initiation via implementation to evaluation and adaptation)
- Comparison table identifying partner’s complementarity and challenges (joi.con project)
- Communication and management structure incl. example for composition of consortium (organisational chart)
30 min. discussion:
Q/A session focusing on Arqus partner institutions and their experience/background
Basic Module 3: Joint Programmes: Preparing relevant documents and tackling finances
Participants gained an oversight on document types needed to implement joint programmes. They were introduced into the general content and procedures of these documents. A brief summary on options of accreditation was offered. Approaches toward cost calculation including finances and tuition fees were introduced. All the information provided was tailored to Arqus partner institutions and their regulations.
Learning Outcomes:
After completing this module participants were:
- familiar with the documents required at the Arqus partner institutions to implement joint programmes (i.e., letter of intent, cooperation agreement; curriculum table; accreditation documentation);
- familiar with the different degree awarding documents;
- informed on local approval procedures;
- able to distinguish between internal and external accreditation approaches in line with local approval procedures at Arqus partner universities.
