The 1999 Bologna Declaration set out a new framework for higher education. It initiated a process of convergence which has involved reforming the structure and organisation of higher education systems based on three degree cycles:
Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorates.
The goals of the common European higher education area are to enhance the mobility of citizens, to make degrees comparable across Europe and to foster lifelong learning.
In line with current legislation, universities must create and propose the degree programmes that they wish to teach (Spanish Organic Law 6/2001, of 21st December, on Universities). Study plans must be checked by the Council of Universities and authorised by the respective autonomous regions (Royal Decree 1393/2004, of 29th October).
In the Valencian Region, the Valencian Regional Ministry of Education is thus responsible for authorising these study plans while AVAP is responsible for assessing related activities set out in the Organic Law 5/2006, of 25th May, on Universities.
AVAP’s assessment is based on the evaluation of the following criteria which are considered essential to the introduction of proposed degree programmes: