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Course Credit Transfers.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2004

Tuesday, 18 May 2004

Questions (59, 60, 61)

Eamon Ryan

Question:

70 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps being taken to remove the glaring anomaly whereby students taking FETAC awarded subjects can transfer directly into UK universities and be given full or nearly full credit for subjects taken at FETAC level yet cannot obtain any credit transfer oftheir FETAC subjects into HETAC courses. [14376/04]

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Trevor Sargent

Question:

74 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are plans to upgrade the system of credit accumulation and transfer between colleges as part of the development of a national qualifications framework. [14378/04]

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Trevor Sargent

Question:

87 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are plans to introduce a more flexible student friendly system of educational progression for post secondary students. [14379/04]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 70, 74 and 87 together.

The provision for credits and exemptions given by certain UK colleges for learning undertaken in post leaving certificate courses is on foot of individual decisions made by those colleges, rather than on the basis of any nationally established system.

In Ireland, the higher education links scheme provides recognition for holders of FETAC, NCVA level two, full awards and provides access to an extensive range of courses in the institutes of technology. More recently the institutes have been seeking to expand the scheme for more general entry and a number of universities have opened up progression opportunities to designated courses. In general the scheme allows for access, but not exemptions.

Higher education institutions in Ireland participate in the European credit transfer system which provides for transfer of recognition of learning at levels within the higher education system in participating colleges across Europe. The system is generally aimed at students studying for part of their programme in a college abroad and does not apply to the non-tertiary sector.

It is accepted that provision for credit transfer and for recognition of prior learning are important in supporting learner mobility and lifelong learning, and that there is a need for an overarching approach which will ensure compatibility and progression for learners across both vocational education and training and higher education. With that objective in mind, on foot of a Copenhagen declaration adopted at European level in November 2002, an EU technical working group has been established to co-ordinate implementation of developments in this area, and Ireland is represented on this by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland. The work under way aims to develop a practical working model for a European credit transfer system for vocational education and training which will be compatible with the European credit transfer system which applies in higher education.

These transnational developments will take some years to come to fruition. In an Irish context, a single national framework of qualifications was launched last October which includes all learning from initial schooling and basic education and training to doctorate level. The framework is now the single nationally and internationally accepted entity through which all learning achievements may be measured and related to each other in a coherent way, and it defines the relationship between all education and training awards. The framework places awards at particular levels within the system thus facilitating progression to further levels of learning. Among the next steps, over the period to 2006, are for the Further and Higher Education and Training Awards Councils to finalise and apply the new arrangements governing the implementation of the framework in collaboration with stakeholders, to ensure that legacy awards are placed in the framework and that existing and new programmes are adapted as necessary for inclusion in the new framework. This implementation process is well advanced in relation to higher education and training. As the range of qualifications involved in further education and training is very broad, the changes taking place will require some time to reach completion. When fully implemented the new system will provide for accumulation of modular credits towards an award and for the recognition of prior learning.

The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, the Further Education and Training Awards Council and the Higher Education and Training Awards Council are also working with qualification and regulatory agencies in Northern Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland with the aim of exploring how mutual recognition of qualifications and progression pathways for learners on these islands can be enhanced.

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