New Doctoral Programs in Macedonia. Hasan Jashari & Blerim Reka South East European University,Tetove

Transcription

1 New Doctoral Programs in Macedonia Hasan Jashari Blerim Reka South East European University,Tetove

2 The transition of the process In recent years there have been many hot debates in Macedonia in terms of systemic changes in the area of higher education. We can say that the Government has increased the standards for professors and research activities in general with the adoption of new amendments to laws concerning higher education. The Law on Higher Education increased especially the standards for the Third Cycle Studies. The question is whether the Government is initiating and leading the changes in the higher education area instead of universities themselves, which implies that the Government is more interested in carrying out these reforms than universities are. But, the strengthening of normative standards does not mean that the transition from a more conventional to a more modern approach in PhD studies would also mean a complete implementation of the Salzburg Principles. The third study cycle issues in Macedonia still have to do with ethical standards in research and plagiarism.

3 Students of UKIM

4 Transformation of procedures for obtaining the title Doctor of Science Two models The new approaches to doctoral studies are a result of the experiences from European universities. The Law on Higher Education of 2000 defines for the first time the legal framework through which the title doctor of sciences can be gained i.e. a doctoral research thesis supervised by a mentor - the traditional way and enrollment in PhD studies that last three years. However, apart from the legal resolution, Macedonian universities did not fully utilize this opportunity and relied on the traditional model based on mentorship until In recent years, Macedonia has undertaken a process of transformation of the way doctoral titles are obtained. This means that the traditional approach is gradually being replaced by the new system of doctoral schools that takes three years to accomplish. However, this new Bologna-based approach not only represents a challenge but a path with many unknowns. This is another qualitative spring for scientific researchers and especially for new PhD candidates.

5 Where we are and where we want to get? The new system the Doctoral Schools that were first introduced in Macedonia last year and continue now are based on: scientific research independent work transparency curriculum, student and staff mobility, innovation projects, etc. This will be a step forward towards the European area of transfer of knowledge and experience. In the Macedonian case the question is whether these innovations will improve the quality of education within these structured programs and doctoral schools.

6 A motivation

7 Recruitment A total of 54 doctoral programs have been accredited in Macedonia since 2011, of which 36 in public universities and 15 in private universities. Programs Mentors Students Skopje University Bitola University Shtip University SEE University Other universities Total Skopje University started with the new PhD system the Doctoral Schools in and Bitola University in 2012 year. The SEE University and Shtip University have announced a call for applications for enrollment in PhD studies with the new system for the 2013/2014 academic year. The main criteria for enrollment in PhD studies are a GPA above 8.00 in both previous study cycles, active knowledge of the English Language, published papers and high motivation for work and studies. The study fees vary between 4,500 to 6,000 Euros (for the whole length of studies).

8 Programs in South East European university The structure 12 programmes advertised: Programe te shpallura ne Konkurs Program: Political Sciences Cycle: PhD Offered in: Tetovo Description, Career, Learning outcomes, List of courses Semester 1 Research Methodology (10.0 ECTS) Doctoral Dissertation Writing (10.0 ECTS) Public Policy Analysis (10.0 ECTS) Semester 2 Review and Approval of the Doctoral Dissertation Plan (10.0 ECTS) After the first semester, the students begins their activities for the development of the plan on their doctoral dissertation. Activities include defining the hypothetical framework, defining the literature, methodology and determination of the individual plan as well as the first public presentation. If necessary, elective courses for this purpose can be held.

9 SEEU Doctoral Program Elective* (10.0 ECTS) Concentration: Semester 3 / Semester 4 Student Mobility (5.0 ECTS) The aim of PhD students mobility is to request candidates to present, exchange and discuss their research work with their colleagues from other European countries for improving the quality of their dissertation. Publications I (15.0 ECTS) Publication of research activities under the table relevant to the media for publication. Publication activities and successes of the candidate checked before scientific audience by area and the relevance of the research. Scientific Research Work (40.0 ECTS) In the second year (semester 3 and 4) the candidate continues with research activity by approved individual plan. Mentor provides assessment on these activities in the form of a report to the Scientific- Teaching Council of the Faculty.

10 SEEU Doctoral Program Semester 5 Presentation of Research Results (20.0 ECTS) At the end of the 5th semester, after the research activities under the individual plan, overall results of this phase of the paper and the research will be presented publicly by the candidate. Publications II (10.0 ECTS) Publication of research activities under the table relevant to the media for publication. Publication activities and successes of the candidate checked before scientific audience by area and the relevance of the research. Semester 6 Doctoral Dissertation (30.0 ECTS) Continuing the work of doctoral dissertation. Submitted thesis (dissertation), accepted by the Scientific-Teaching Council of the Faculty and submitted to committee and start of the process of public defense of the thesis.

11 Candidates research

12 Tracking The tracking of PhDs in Macedonia has not become an everyday practice Candidates themselves determine their post-doctoral paths and decide on their future steps. Laws and university regulations enable high staff mobility abroad. In 2012 there were 20 PhD holders in the list of unemployed people according to the Employment Agency of the Republic of Macedonia.

13 Laws Third study cycle doctoral studies Article 96 The doctors studies, normally, last three years and carry 180 ECTS credits. Upon successful, public presentation and appraisal (defending) of the doctoral thesis, the scientific degree shall be acquired doctor of science (Dr.Sc.) and doctor of arts (Dr.Art.) The mentor of the PhD candidate has to have at least six reviewed publications in international journals or international scientific publications of which two in international journals with impact factor in a given field, in the last five years.

14 Research work and students activities The doctoral study program as per Paragraph 1 of this Article refers to active research work under mentorship and it includes: - Organized academic training with advanced and professional courses - Independent research project (doctoral project) under mentorship - International mobility (at least a week abroad) - Lectures and other communication activities - Publications in international papers and journals as well as active participation in international conferences in the field appropriate to the doctoral program - Preparation and public defense of the dissertation - The PhD studies program is evaluated once in at least three years. Full or associate professors should be members of the Commission for the defense of the doctoral dissertation pursuant to Paragraph 8 of this Article. The higher education institution will not allow the public defense of the dissertation if the candidate has not published at least two reviewed papers in international journals or at least one in an international journal with impact factor. Criteria for International Scientific Journals In university book of rules the criteria and terms and conditions for mentoring a PhD candidate have been given for the first time in a clear and determined way.

15 The law and the reality There have been many debates and arguments with regard to the amendments to the Law on higher education especially by the Skopje University professors with the pretext that the government is intruding into the university autonomy. Nowadays this has started to be understood as a challenge and motivation for a real scientific research work for new PhD candidates.

16 Table 1, 2012, Doctor of Scineces, Macedonia All Total Females Age groups azisoopstenie.aspx?rbrtxt= Total Natural sciences and mathematics Technical-technological sciences Medical sciences Biotechnical sciences Social sciences Humanities

17 Find a research problem

18 The race for scientific titles The impression is that in the last decade there has been a rush towards obtaining scientific titles. This is in line with Max Weber s theory about diplomas and specializations that bureaucrats used to get once or knowledge specialists according to Jean Paul Sartre. According to the data of the State Statistical Office, in 2012, 146 persons have gained the title "Doctor of Science", The majority of doctorate holders, 54.1%, have gained their doctorate in the field of social sciences, followed by 18.5% in the field of medical sciences, 13.0% in technical-technological sciences, while the rest have obtained their doctorate in the field of natural sciences and mathematics, humanities and biotechnical sciences. In the total number of Doctors of Science, the participation of females that have obtained a doctorate during 2012 was 71 candidates or 48.6%. Of the total number of persons that have gained the title Doctor of Science, the majority, 37.7%, work in education.

19 The quality Institutions and Culture In the new Law of 11 February 2011, a new mutual Board for evaluation and accreditation was established, in order to establish a system of values and quality in higher education. This system determines the Evaluation of the quality in higher education, the management, financing, academic activities, implementation, confirmation, acceptance of academic institutions, of different programs of studying and their accreditation, etc.

20 Diploma recognition In 2011, 729 diplomas from abroad were recognized, of which 163 Master s and PhDs. In foreign undergraduate diplomas and 213 foreign Master and PhD degrees were recognized by our country. In any case, diplomas gained in Bulgaria and Kosovo are the most numerous. Students studying in these countries or graduated ones say that they are close to them in terms of language and distance probably. The study fees are also acceptable and they are also satisfied with the quality of the studies.

21 New Doctoral studies and European Higher Education Area The Third Study Cycle in Macedonia is gradually being established upon the European and American system. Western experiences, transfer of knowledge, exchange of experts, curricula, students, research projects have been incorporated in this system.

22 Conclusions 1. New PhDs should be supported more in their independent scientific work. 2. Joint degrees with the EU countries should be promoted more. 3. The ethical issue in research in the Third Study Cycle should be an inseparable part of the research culture. 4. In Macedonia, as a very small country, there should be greater cooperation among universities in order to increase the quality in higher education, especially in the Third Study Cycle.

23 Conclusions 5. There should be special conditions and circumstances created for the needs of students in the Third Study Cycle, such as libraries, free books and other resources, inclusion of students in research projects and in teaching, etc. 6. Knowledge transfer from Western Europe to Balkan Countries should be promoted further through projects and other undertakings. 7. Students in the Third Study Cycle should be part of European values in terms of gaining appropriate knowledge and quality and utilize it for the aims of the development of their own country. New doctor sciences to be more and more employed in industry and part of innovations there Here comes your footer Page 23

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