European Higher Education Area (EHEA)

The Bologna Process entails a transition from our traditional Spanish system of higher education towards a new framework of European convergence: the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). The EHEA is based on the following objectives:

  • The student is the center of the learning process
  • Universities become the creators of their own academic curricula
  • The harmonization of European degrees opens the doors to the free mobility and exchange of students and graduates

Key concepts of the EHEA

  • The learning process is centered around the student: the focus of activities shifts from “what is taught” by professors to “what is learned” by students.
  • A European dimension to higher education is promoted, with comparable degree systems and three levels of university qualification: Bachelor's Degree (240 ECTS credits), Master’s Degree (60-120 ECTS credits), Doctorate - Doctoral Dissertation.
  • A European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is set up: 1 ECTS credit is equivalent to 25 hours of student work, consisting of on-site classes, seminars, assignments, evaluations, and individual study.
  • University teaching is structured so as to focus on both initial and continuous training (life-long learning).
  • Mobility is encouraged among students, faculty, and graduates.
  • European cooperation is fostered to ensure a European quality standard.
  • A European Diploma Supplement is adopted, which includes information about educational/training background and professional competencies.

Implementation of the European Higher Education Area

The following milestones form part of the EHES adaptation process:

  • 2008-2009: First year that the new Bachelor's degree programs are run
  • 2010-2011: Academic year in which no new enrollment can be offered into programs prior to  Royal Decree 1393/2007
  • September 30, 2015: Date on which the old higher education system is definitively terminated