Double Degree Programmes
What is a double degree?
A double degree is a university degree in which two universities award the respective academic degree, but which are interlinked by a corresponding clause on the respective certificate as a double degree and thus form a legal unit. The degree is awarded in a specific subject and is based on close cooperation between the universities involved.
At JMU there are various models for double degree programmes that are offered in cooperation with partner universities. The programmes are based on at least two existing, related study programmes, which can be studied in full and each award their own degree. JMU therefore always offers a 'mononational' variant of the degree programme, which contains all modules of the planned curriculum without any gaps, which is anchored in its own study and examination regulations and for which a simple JMU degree is awarded. In the binational version of the double degree programme, part of the studies take place at a partner university, whereby a "study plan" regulates the mutual recognition of academic achievements.
It should be noted that double degree programmes always involve a reciprocal exchange, i.e. students from the partner universities come to JMU and JMU students study at the partner universities.
A purely unilateral exchange is not possible (such cooperations can be organised in other ways; please contact the office for more information).
As soon as a potential partner university has been identified and a basic willingness to cooperate has been established, we recommend contacting the Degree Programme Development Department so that they can guide you through the next steps. It should be noted that the partner universities should have a comparable level of quality and be a good technical fit for the planned programme in order to enable the respective curricula to dovetail smoothly. In principle, it is recommended that the subject already has a proven cooperation (e.g. through other low-threshold exchange programmes) with a partner university that has an existing, subject-related degree programme.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) can be used to express the intention to conclude a cooperation agreement with the partner institution. However, this document is not a legally binding contract for the establishment of a double degree programme.
Such a declaration of intent can also be made in a so-called Letter of Intent (LoI). However, this is merely a unilateral declaration of intent by one institution and not a mutual declaration of intent by both or all partner institutions, as is the case with the MoU.
Based on the initial consultations, the faculty draws up an outline of ideas and submits this to the Degree Programme Development team for the time and work plan (ZAP) enquiry (approx. beginning of the calendar year). In consultation with the Degree Programme Development team, the subject also prepares a subject description.
Subject representatives, programme coordinator and programme development stakeholders hold a consultation to coordinate the set-up process (individual appointment)
In consultation with the partner university, the equivalence of the two degree programmes is ensured by comparing them in a table provided for this purpose. Studyability must be guaranteed both in terms of subject and language (e.g. English as the language of instruction).
The cooperation agreement (model cooperation agreement) between the universities, as well as the study plan and the mobility scheme, are then drawn up on the basis of this table. In this sense, double degree programmes are no genuinely new degree programmes, but rather an international integration of existing degree programmes with the cooperation agreement as the legal basis. It is urgently recommended that the Department of Degree Programme Development be included here so that the legal positions of JMU are taken into account.
The cooperation agreement regulates the collaboration between the universities. It includes regulations on the awarding of academic degrees, admission and examination procedures, tuition fees, qualification objectives and quality management. The Study Plan and the Mobility Scheme are central annexes to this cooperation agreement.
Study Plan
Defines the mutual recognition of academic achievements and regulates the equivalence of modules between the partner universities.
Mobility Scheme
Determines how long students study at the two universities and which study periods are completed at which university. The aim is to achieve an equivalent study load and recognition of achievements.
Enactment of the study and examination regulations by the legal department
Publication of the study and examination regulations by the Office of Legal Affairs and WueStudy
Office of Degree Programme Development informs all central offices about the establishment;
Subject publishes the degree programme documents on the website, advertises the degree programme in cooperation with the Central Student Advisory Service and Press Office
Start of application; department organises admission procedure if necessary; admission; enrolment in coordination with Registrar's Office and International Office if necessary (incoming)
