LEADS Best practices
Success and challenges in master’s programme design and development
Type
Programme design
Beneficiaries
Private training providers, Public HEI and VET providers
Contacts
Michael Bradford, Assistant Professor in Computing, National College of Ireland
Context
Fostering seamless advanced digital skills diffusion for European SMEs and companies in the areas of AI, Cybersecurity, Cloud computing, Quantum Computing and Data Analytics.Doing this through and in collaboration with HEIs. Research Centres, Employment Services and Industry Experts in a a master’s degree programme delivered across Ireland, Portugal, Germany and France.
Action
- Establishing collaborative arrangements (“Cooperation Agreement”) between project partners, and joint academic QA processes and procedures for the programme.
- Development of a centralised platform for online programme delivery and administration (application, enrolment, registration, fees etc.)
- Addressing mobility considerations, ECTS allocation and delivery schedules for part-time and full-time students.
Challenge
Securing joint accreditation for a master’s programme, particularly across various countries, can be time consuming and reduce available resources dedicated to other tasks in programme design.
Key takeaways
- Ensure team cohesion and avoid siloed communication through regular meetings and workshops at consortium and work-package level.
- Establish theme-based workgroups to target and overcome particular challenges.
- Establish transnational networks through alumni, faculty and industry organisations.