Some characteristics of the systematization of Joint International Programmes in Higher Education

Abstract

This article discusses the issue of systematization of international joint programmes in higher education. The authors analyze the criteria for differentiating between various types of international joint programmes. In particular, the authors propose to distinguish between international double degree programmes and dual degree programmes. Different classifications of international joint programmes are substantiated through the analysis of successful experience of their implementation in Russia and abroad in the context of globalization and international educational integration. The article also gives ground to the general criteria of the effectiveness of the implementation of various types of joint educational programmes. It is concluded that the systematization of international joint programmes will allow to avoid confusing terminology, and considering the fact such programmes are developed and implemented by universities with different backgrounds from different regions of the world, sometimes even from different education systems, this approach will greatly simplify academic cooperation between universities of different countries in the context of cultural differences and particular features of different national legislative regulations. Considering the different types of joint international programmes and the practice of their implementation in universities, the authors proceed from the fact that all these programmesrepresent effective ways of creating a single European higher education area, an important tool for implementing the principles of the Bologna process. Regarding the task of improving the competitiveness of universities that implement international joint programmes, the article also identifies the significant benefits for students acquiring specific intercultural, communicative, as well as interdisciplinary professional competencies and, respectively, advantages in employment, both in their own country and abroad.