A new study assesses the impact of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree programme and its contribution to scientific collaboration and mobility in Europe.
On 25 November 2020, the Education, Audio-visual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) published a study evaluating the implementation of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) action in several Erasmus+ Programme countries (EU-27 plus North Macedonia, Serbia, the UK, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland and Turkey). Erasmus Mundus EMJMD is a programme funded under Erasmus+, aiming to foster mobility and collaboration between the participating institutions. The study identifies the challenges and opportunities Higher Education Institutions (HEI) face in setting up joint and double Master degrees with partner institutions. To receive a degree, in the form of either a joint degree or multiple degrees, a student must spend time studying in at least two participating countries. Students can also apply for stipends for their joint Master with the Erasmus+ programme. Overall, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree encompasses 183 Master programmes.
The EACA study combines results from two surveys: One collecting information from national and regional authorities on legal and administrative frameworks, and a second survey aimed directly at the running EMJMD programmes, to which 137 out of 183 Master programmes responded. The report concludes that the landscape and approach to joint Master programmes is still fragmented. From a legislative point of view, a handful of Erasmus+ Programme countries do not regulate arrangements for joint degrees, but leave it up to the degree-awarding institutions. However, some countries provide a legislative basis for joint degrees, but depending on the framework, legislation may facilitate or hinder the establishment of joint Master programmes. The study further looks at the most prevalent degree-structures under the EMJMD programme, distinguishing between joint and multiple degrees. While 40% of participating institutions award students double or multiple degrees, a third of HEI issue joint degrees and around 20% award a combination of degrees. Erasmus Mundus, the study concludes, contributes to increased collaboration between European Higher Education Institutions and thus fosters European scientific exchange and mobility. Finally, the study issues recommendations on national, institutional and European level. On the latter, the report notably suggests the creation of a high-quality European Degree automatically recognised anywhere in the EU.
As Switzerland is currently not fully associated to Erasmus+ and holds the status of a Partner Country, Swiss HEI are not eligible to apply as coordinator for an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree project. However, it is possible for any public or private organisation established in an Erasmus+ Programme or Partner Country to participate in EMJMD consortia, which need to consist of at least three Programme Countries. Furthermore, Swiss students are eligible to enrol for an EMJMD programme. Several Swiss HEI have established joint degree programmes on their own initiative, among others, also with EU Member States (such as the Double Degree in International Affairs at the University of St. Gallen and SciencesPo Paris).