Europe has served as a launch pad for international communion and cross-pollination of minds in the areas of Education and research. Large number of students study in Europe. The continent is further going to play a facilitator role in societal evolution and skilled human capital. The European Commission works in sync with policymakers towards building inclusive Higher Education systems and skills development programs. The seriousness of its efforts may be found in its Erasmus+ and Horizon 2020 programs. The best reasons, intricacies, and latest developments in European Higher Education are enumerated below for further clarity and insight.

Language of Teaching

It’s better to develop an understanding of local European language for undergraduate courses before starting with a European undergraduate degree program. A foundational course in French or German language is surely an advantage to reap in full benefits of learning. The situation, however, is not the same for post-graduate degrees with international relevance and dissemination of knowledge.

Grading System

European universities lay prime focus on a student’s performance on the final exams. As such other parameters like college attendance, participation in class discussions, and assignment don’t matter much in Europe unlike the colleges in other countries. Thus, students must be self-reliant to excel in academics as constant vigilance and excessive control are missing. 

The Bologna Process

Europe education system adheres to the Bologna Process, which helps maintain a common format for higher education thus enhancing student mobility across Europe (that comes under European Higher Education Area, EHEA) and promoting skills acquisition (cultural maturity, confidence, and language proficiency) demanded by the industry.

Majors and Electives

There is a difference in policies and procedures in different universities across Europe. For example, a UK based university may provide the leverage to select the major at the outset of the course program. On the contrary, universities in Scotland, France, Ireland and others may have the option to select the electives during the first or second year of the course program. Diligence in research should also be made by students to meet career objectives. 

Minor Courses

Students who want to gain more knowledge on a specific subject have the leverage to choose a minor course program to gain an edge of competitiveness in the job market. As there’s a huge demand for services that are laser-niche to its deliverables, European education system gives the leeway to adapt according to the evolving and changing demands of the industry.

Dual Majors

Several universities in Europe offer dual honours or joint honours thus providing the flexibility to explore two different areas of study. This paradigm shift in perception is gathering steam owing to rapidly changing demands of the workplace. Dual degree programs are driving the future wave of higher education. This holistic perspective in learning is now modelled by some of the world’s best management schools like Stanford and Yale School of Management.

ERASMUS+ and horizon 2020