Qualifications Framework

Qualifications Framework According to the Bologna Process

Article 2: Higher Education Framework Based on the Bologna Process

The Higher Education Framework is based on the Bologna Process and is structured as follows:

First: General Higher Education Qualifications Framework

The general framework of higher education in the universities of the Kurdistan Region is based on the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) and defines qualifications in terms of learning outcomes. It is generally aligned with the Overarching Framework of Qualifications of the European Higher Education Area (QF-EHEA) and is organized as follows:

A. Short Cycle

A diploma normally consists of 120 ECTS credits. Upon successful completion, the student is awarded a diploma in the relevant field of specialization.

B. First Cycle

A bachelor's degree normally consists of 240 ECTS credits, except for programs determined by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research that require additional credits. Upon successful completion, the student is awarded a bachelor's degree in the relevant field of specialization.

C. Second Cycle – Higher Diploma

A higher diploma degree normally consists of 60 ECTS credits. Upon successful completion, the student is awarded a higher diploma or degree in the relevant field of specialization.

D. Second Cycle – Master’s Degree

A master's degree normally consists of 120 ECTS credits. Upon successful completion, the student is awarded a master's degree in the relevant field of specialization.

E. Third Cycle

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree has no specified ECTS credit requirement. Upon successful completion, the student is awarded a Doctor of Philosophy degree in the relevant field of specialization.

Table 1. Higher Education Qualifications Framework in the Universities of the Kurdistan Region

Second: Qualifications Framework for Polytechnic Universities in the Kurdistan Region

The qualifications framework for polytechnic universities in the Kurdistan Region is based on the Iraq Technical and Vocational Qualifications Framework (TVQF-Iraq) and is organized as follows:

A. Short Cycle – Technical Diploma

A technical diploma degree normally consists of 60 ECTS credits. Upon successful completion, the student is awarded a technical diploma in the relevant field of specialization.

B. Advanced Technical Diploma

An advanced technical diploma degree normally consists of 120 ECTS credits. Upon successful completion, the student is awarded an advanced technical diploma degree in the relevant field of specialization.

C. First Cycle – Technical Bachelor’s Degree

A technical bachelor's degree normally consists of 240 ECTS credits, except for programs determined by the ministry that require additional credits. Upon successful completion, the student is awarded a technical bachelor's degree in the relevant field of specialization.

D. Second Cycle – Technical Higher Diploma

A technical higher diploma degree normally consists of 60 ECTS credits. Upon successful completion, the student is awarded a technical higher diploma in the relevant field of specialization.

E. Second Cycle – Technical Master’s Degree

A technical master's degree normally consists of 120 ECTS credits. Upon successful completion, the student is awarded a technical master's degree in the relevant field of specialization.

F. Third Cycle – Technical Doctorate

A technical doctorate degree has no specified ECTS credit requirement. Upon successful completion, the student is awarded a technical doctorate degree in the relevant field of specialization.

Table 2. Qualifications Framework for Polytechnic Universities in the Kurdistan Region