Co-operative degree programmes
What is a cooperative degree programme?
A cooperative degree programme leads to a university degree that is awarded by at least two universities. Here, the partner universities act as equal partners who jointly support the degree programme through a cooperation agreement and issue a single degree certificate.
As part of the procedural steps described above, you should work closely with and coordinate with the cooperating universities in order to ensure that the entire process, right up to the establishment of the degree programme, runs smoothly.
This is to be distinguished from a jointly run degree programme (in accordance with Art. 6 Para. 3 Sentence 3 BayHIG), which involves teaching cooperation in particular. In contrast to the cooperative degree programme, no joint degree is awarded here, as only one partner is the sponsoring university and issues the examination regulations.
Cooperation within the university, e.g. a joint degree programme between two faculties, is also possible. We have outlineda procedure for this scenario here.
Please refer to the guidelines for taking the accreditation criteria into account when setting up new degree programmes
As soon as possible partner universities have been identified and a basic willingness to cooperate has been established, we recommend contacting the programme development department so that they can guide you through the next steps. - that have a comparable level of quality and are a good technical fit for the planned programme.
This intention to cooperate with the partner universities can be recorded in a joint memorandum of understanding, which is not legally binding.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) can express the intention to conclude a cooperation agreement with partner institutions. However, this document is not a legally binding agreement on the establishment of a joint 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 idea sketch.
This already contains initial information about the partner university/universities, the objectives of the programme, initial considerations regarding the structure of the programme, student mobility and the awarding of degrees.
Subject submits idea outline to the Degree Programme Development Office for the time and work plan (ZAP) enquiry (approx. beginning of the calendar year); informal reporting on the programme idea to the Vice-President by the Degree Programme Development Office for advance information to the University management.
Subject representatives, programme coordinator and programme development stakeholders hold a consultation meeting to coordinate the set-up process (individual appointment arranged).
The partner universities first draw up the framework conditions of the degree programme in a cooperation agreement. It is strongly recommended that the development of the degree programme be included here so that the legal positions of JMU are taken into account. In particular, the awarding of the academic degree(s), admission and examination procedures, tuition fees, mobility requirements, qualification objectives and quality management as well as the issuing of joint or double degree certificates must be regulated.
At the same time, the subject prepares the degree programme concept and curriculum plan (if necessary, further annexes), which result from the agreed regulations, to the Office of Degree Programme Development by the agreed date, at least 12 weeks before the start of the first committee process.
Ongoing feasibility analysis is finalised, subject receives feedback at least 6 weeks before the start of the first committee process, if necessary, reworking.
Faculty Council adopts study programme concept (incl. all annexes) and subject obtains student participation ; submission of resolutions to the Office of Degree Programme Development no later than 2 weeks before committee meeting 1
Programme Development Office submits draft resolution (at least 2 weeks before UL)
University management (UL) advises and recommends organisation (at least 2 weeks before KSuL)
Commission for Studies and Teaching (KSuL) recommends establishment (2 weeks before Senate)
Senate recommends that the University Council approve the establishment (at least 2 weeks before UR)
University Council (UR) decides on the establishment from a strategic point of view (once a quarter)
For questions regarding accreditation, which are more extensive for joint degree programmes, please contact qualitaetssicherung@uni-wuerzburg.de directly.
Please refer to the information provided by the SBR and contact the relevant colleagues by email if you have any specific questions
The study and examination regulations are developed and coordinated in cooperation with the responsible departments of all partner universities in accordance with the cooperation agreement, taking into account the respective local legal conditions. The corresponding implementation at JMU is carried out by SBR.
Subject draws up the subject-specific regulations (FSB) and the subject description (SFB) in cooperation with the degree programme coordinator and the Office of Legal Affairs (SBR) ; if necessary, the Registrar's Office is involved in any admission procedures
SBR checks FSB and SFB, if necessary, reworking by the department, if necessary in consultation with other programme development stakeholders
SBR coordinates mapping of FSB and SFB with WueStudy
Note: The FSBs can possibly be developed at the same time as committee route 1, but must be decided separately via committee route 2.
Faculty Council decides on FSB and SFB, subject obtains student participation and submits both resolutions to the SBR no later than 2 weeks before the start of the second committee procedure
SBR submits draft resolution (at least 1 week before KSuL)
Commission for Studies and Teaching (KSuL) recommends establishment (2 weeks before Senate)
Senate decides on FSB + SFB
Notification to StMWK or, if necessary, agreement with other ministries or institutions
