The Implementation of the Bologna Reforms in Germany

Most Bachelor courses have been designed with a standard period of study of 6 semesters. However, approximately 20% of Bachelor courses are designed to have a standard period of 7 semesters, and a further 7% a period of 8 semesters. The Master courses are mainly designed to take 4 semesters; but there are also Master courses lasting 3 or 2 semesters.

53 percent of all students were enrolled in the new Bachelor/Master courses in the winter semester 2008/2009. More than three quarters of first year students (78.2%) enrolled in courses which had been converted. The share of students graduating in the new courses of study was almost 30% in 2008. These figures mirror the dynamics of the introduction of the two-cycle system, which will be reflected in the number of graduates in the years to come.

The public debate on the implementation of the Bologna reforms deals with questions of organizing study courses and the general acceptance of Bachelor qualifications. The Conference of Länder Ministers of Education (KMK) has amended the Joint Länder Structural Targets for the Accreditation of Bachelor's and Master's Degree Courses (http://www.kmk.org/fileadmin/veroeffentlichungen_beschluesse/2003/2003_10_10-Laendergemeinsame-Strukturvorgaben.pdf) in order to improve the studiability of the courses, reduce the number of exams to be taken within a short period, and facilitate mobility and the recognition of qualifications. More importance will also be attached to studiability within the framework of accreditation.

Institutions of higher education, policy-makers and employers are endeavouring to make the Bachelor an attractive professional qualification whilst at the same time creating interesting opportunities for academic continuing education and careers in the academic world through Master's and doctoral degree programmes.