2003-06-10

The tasks assigned by the government relating to the Diploma Supplement, the ECTS and the Lisbon Convention - a final report

During 2000 and 2001 analysis took place of how and when a Diploma Supplement could be introduced in Swedish higher education.

In the autumn of 2001 the National Agency for Higher Education was given the task of issuing more detailed instructions about the content of the Diploma Supplement and of circulating information about the supplement and providing training for those whose duties would be affected.

In connection with this assignment, the National Agency has also been working with two ancillary tasks. One concerns information about and support for the development of the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) at higher education institutions in Sweden. The other involved circulating information in Sweden on the principles enunciated in the Lisbon Convention on enrolment to and acknowledgement of higher education.

During the spring of 2003 the National Agency has monitored the introduction of the Diploma Supplement closely in order to provide support and more detailed information and also to identify any problems or shortcomings that need to be remedied by amendment of the regulations, guidelines or instructions.

During the spring, the two other aspects of the task assigned by the government have been completed. Information about the Lisbon Convention has been circulated in brochures and at regional seminars for various target groups in the higher education sector in Sweden; support for the ECTS has been developed as described below.

Of these two ancillary tasks the Lisbon Convention and its implementation has been more straightforward. Application of the ECTS in Sweden is a project that has given rise to a great deal of work, discussion and concrete measures. However, its controversial nature means that it has not so far found any solution.