Serbian National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education

Prepared by the National Council for Higher Education Republic of Serbia

Contact person: Professor Dr. Antonije Djordjevic (edjordja@etf.rs)

2009

Contents
1. Introduction............................................................................................................................1 1.1. Scope...............................................................................................................................1 1.2. Education in Serbia.........................................................................................................1 1.3. SNQF status.....................................................................................................................1 1.4. Legislation.......................................................................................................................1 2. Higher Education in Serbia....................................................................................................2 2.1. Higher education bodies..................................................................................................2 2.1.1. Serbian Ministry of Education.................................................................................2 2.1.2. National Council for Higher Education...................................................................3 2.1.3. Commission for Accreditation and Quality Assurance............................................3 2.1.4. Conference of Universities.......................................................................................3 2.1.5. Conference of Academies of Professional Career Studies.......................................3 2.1.5. Student conferences..................................................................................................3 2.2. Structure of Studies.........................................................................................................4 2.2.1. Types and Levels of Studies.....................................................................................4 2.2.2. List of Titles.............................................................................................................4 2.2.3. Organization of Studies............................................................................................4 2.2.4. Grading System........................................................................................................5 2.3. Higher Education Institutions..........................................................................................5 2.3.1. University.................................................................................................................6 2.3.2. Faculty / Art Academy.............................................................................................6 2.3.3. Academy of Professional Studies.............................................................................6 2.3.4. Higher Education School.........................................................................................6 2.3.4. Colleges of Professional Studies..............................................................................6 2.4. Admission requirements..................................................................................................6 2.5. Tuition fees......................................................................................................................7 2.6. Academic year.................................................................................................................7 2.7. Curriculum......................................................................................................................8 2.8. Credit system...................................................................................................................8 2.9. Diploma and Diploma Supplement.................................................................................8 2.10. Quality Assurance and Accreditation............................................................................9 2.10.1. Self-Evaluation.......................................................................................................9 2.10.2. External Evaluation................................................................................................9 2.10.3. Accreditation..........................................................................................................9 2.11. Recognition of Foreign Higher Education Documents...............................................10 3. Cycle Descriptors.............................................................................................................10 3.1. First Cycle Descriptors..................................................................................................11 3.1.1. Professional Career Studies (Bachelor)..................................................................11 3.1.2. Academic Studies (Bachelor).................................................................................11 3.2. Second Cycle Descriptors.............................................................................................11 3.2.1. Professional Career Studies (Specialist)................................................................11 3.2.2. Academic Studies (Master)....................................................................................12 3.2.3. Academic Studies (Specialist)................................................................................12 3.3. Third Cycle (Doctorate) Descriptors.............................................................................13 5. SNQF....................................................................................................................................13

Serbian National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education

1. Introduction
1.1. Scope
This document describes the Serbian higher education system along with the National Qualifications Framework (SNQF). This document also compares the SNQF with the Framework for Qualifications of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). The basic information, in English, about the higher education system in Serbia can be found at the official site of the Serbian Ministry of Education (http://www.mps.sr.gov.yu/code/navigate.php?Id=279).

1.2. Education in Serbia

The Republic of Serbia is a West Balkan country. The Serbian education system is divided into three levels: elementary education, secondary education, higher education. The education system within the country is unique. The official language is Serbian.

1.3. SNQF status

The first draft of the SNQF was issued by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) of the Republic of Serbia in November 2008. The concept of the SNQF is to separately treat the higher education from the lower education levels. The document is based on the legislation in Serbia as well as the EHEA documents. In November 2008, a commission has been appointed by the Serbian Ministry of Education to bring together all the relevant stakeholders in the higher education area in Serbia and amend this draft. The work of the commission has been amply supported by the Council of Europe. The SNQF is in a mature stage of development now, and its formal adoption is expected to take place in year 2010. The SNQF encompasses all qualifications in the higher education system of the Republic of Serbia.

1.4. Legislation
The higher education system in Serbia is governed by the Law on Higher Education (available in English at http://www.mps.sr.gov.yu/upload/dokumenti/visoko/Law_on_Higher_Educ ation.zip), published in the Official Herald of RoS, No. 76/05 of August 30, 2005, Rules and regulations on accreditation standards and procedures of higher education institutions and study programs (available only in Serbian at http://www.mps.sr.gov.yu/upload/dokumenti/visoko/AKREDITACIJA/Pra vilnik-i-standardi-za-akreditaciju-ustanova-i-studijskih-programa.zip), published in the Official Herald of RoS, No. 106/06 of November 24, 2006 (further: Standards).

Serbian National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education

These documents do not define the national qualifications framework, but the forthcoming amendments of the Law on Higher Education are expected to fulfill this gap. The draft of the SNQF is also based on the EHEA documents, in particular, on the overarching framework for qualifications in the EHEA (available at http://www.ond.vlaanderen.be/hogeronderwijs/bologna/). The Framework for Qualifications of the European Higher Education relates national frameworks to each other with the objective to enable international transparency, international recognition of qualifications, and international mobility of learners and graduates. The key elements of the overarching framework are the three cycles established in the Bologna Process. These cycles are basically defined by the Dublin descriptors, which have been accepted in Europe. Qualification descriptors are designed to be read as general statements of the typical achievement of learners who have been awarded a qualification on successful completion of a cycle. The draft of the SNQF also takes into account the Serbian legislation related to employment and to scientific research. The draft of the SNQF also establishes the relations between the Serbian higher education area and the Recommendation on the European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning (EQF). This recommendation creates a reference framework which will relate qualifications systems and frameworks in different countries. The EQF texts are available at http://ec.europa.eu/education/policies/educ/eqf/index_en.html. Regarding the higher education area, there are no fundamental differences between the EHEA overarching framework and the EQF. The differences are primarily in the specific terms and formulations.

2. Higher Education in Serbia

2.1. Higher education bodies
2.1.1. Serbian Ministry of Education
The Ministry of Education is responsible for research and development, planning, and improvement of pre-school, elementary, secondary, and higher education, as well as for other items specified by law. More information is available in Serbian at http://www.mps.sr.gov.yu/code/navigate.php?Id=324. Professor Dr. arko Obradovi is the Minister for Education. Within the Ministry, higher education is under the auspices of the Vice Minister, Professor Dr. Slobodan Jaukovi. The Ministry recommends higher education policies to the Government, plans admission policy for institutions founded by the Republic, oversees the development of higher education, issues work licenses to higher education institutions, determines the content of diplomas and of the Diploma Supplement, allocates financial resources provided through the budget of the Republic and controls their use, carries out administrative supervision, ensures integration of higher education institutions into the process of recognition of qualifications of higher education in the European region, and performs other functions in accordance with the Law on Higher Education.

Serbian National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education

2.1.2. National Council for Higher Education

The National Council for Higher Education (further: National Council) is an independent body, made up of 16 members, appointed by the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia. It ensures development and promotion of the quality of higher education. The National Council oversees the development of higher education and its conformity to European and international standards, makes recommendations to the Government policies concerning higher education, defines scientific, artistic and/or professional fields of activity, sets standards: for accreditation of higher education institutions and study programs, for assessment and quality evaluation of higher education institutions, makes recommendations on more specific conditions related to the election to the teaching positions, serves as the appeal body in the accreditation procedure, and performs other tasks in accordance with the Law on Higher Education. Additional information is available in Serbian at http://nsvo.etf.rs/.

2.1.3. Commission for Accreditation and Quality Assurance

The Commission for Accreditation and Quality Assurance is a task force set up by the National Council to deal with accreditation, quality assurance of higher education institutions and evaluation of study programs. The Commission proposes to the National Council standards for the accreditation and quality assessment, cooperates with higher education institutions in assuring, improving, and promoting their quality, carries out the accreditation procedure for educational institutions and study programs, issues certificates of accreditation, takes care about the harmonization of standards and procedures with the European Higher Education Area, and performs other tasks in accordance with the Law on Higher Education. Additional information is available in English at http://www.kapk.org/.

2.1.4. Conference of Universities

The Conference of Universities is formed by representatives of all accredited universities in the country. Each university is represented by its rector and additional delegates, based on the number of teaching staff and students. The Conference of Universities coordinates the work of universities, formulates common policies, and performs other tasks in accordance with the Law on Higher Education. Most tasks are performed by the Presidency of the Conference, which is constituted by the rectors.

2.1.5. Conference of Academies of Professional Career Studies

The Conference of Academies and Colleges of Professional Career Studies is formed by representatives of the accredited academies and colleges of professional career studies. Each academy and college is represented by its president, viz. director. The Conference of Academies of Professional Career Studies coordinates the work of Academies of Professional Career Studies, formulates common policies, and performs other tasks in accordance with the Law on Higher Education.

2.1.5. Student conferences

The Student Conference of Universities consists of representatives of students parliaments of universities. The Student Conference of Academies of Professional Career Studies consists of representatives of students parliaments of academies of

Serbian National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education

professional career studies. The Student Conferences pursue the common interests of students as partners in the process of higher education. Two representatives designated by the Student Conferences may take part, without the right to vote, in the work of the National Council in respect of matters related to student interests.

2.2. Structure of Studies

2.2.1. Types and Levels of Studies
The activity of higher education is performed through academic and professional studies based on accredited study programs for the achievement of higher education. At the academic studies, academic study programs are carried out. A program enables students to develop and use in practice scientific, professional, and artistic achievements. At the professional studies, professional study programs are carried out. Such a program enables students to apply knowledge and skills necessary for participating in the work process. The studies are organized in three levels, corresponding to the three Bologna cycles. The first level studies are: o basic (bachelor) professional studies. o basic (bachelor) academic studies; The second level studies are: o specialist professional studies; o graduate academic studies master ("diploma" studies); o specialist academic studies. The third level studies are doctoral academic studies.

2.2.2. List of Titles

A list of professional, academic, and scientific titles is defined on the national level by the National Council. The list covers all fields of education: natural sciences and mathematics; social studies and the humanities; medical science; engineering and chemical engineering; and arts. Within each field, qualification titles for various areas are compiled. The list indicates the degree at a given level of study in a given field and area, and abbreviations for these titles. Study programs can be accredited only respecting this list.

2.2.3. Organization of Studies

Basic studies may be organized by all institutions of higher education defined by the Law on Higher Education. The basic academic studies last three to four years. The basic professional studies last for three years. A person who finishes the basic academic studies acquires the professional title that includes the name of the profession of the first level academic studies in the

Serbian National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education

corresponding area bachelor. In the list of titles, a distinction is made between academic bachelor studies that encompass 180 ECTS credits (3-year programs) and those that encompass 240 ECTS credits (4-year programs). A person who finishes the basic professional studies acquires the professional title that includes the name of the profession of the first level of professional studies in the corresponding area bachelor appliqu. A study program of the basic and specialist studies can include a final written work. Graduate academic studies (master) can be organized by a university, faculty, or a higher education school. The graduate academic studies last one or two years, depending on the duration of the basic academic studies. A study program of graduate academic studies always includes a final work. The person who finishes graduate academic studies acquires the academic title-graduated, with the name of profession of the second level of graduate academic studies in a corresponding area-master. Integrated studies (one cycle program) can be organized to combine the basic level and the master level. Academic study programs of medical sciences can be organized and integrated studies with a total of maximum 360 ECTS points. PhD studies can be organized by universities and faculties. PhD studies last for at least three years with previous basic and graduate academic studies that lasted for at least five years. PhD dissertation is the final part of the study program of PhD studies, with the exception of the PhD in Art which is an artistic project explained through an academic written work. Exceptionally, a person can achieve the PhD title by graduating from medical studies and finished specialization, on the grounds of the dissertation defense based on his/her works published in leading world magazines.

2.2.4. Grading System

A students achievement in a specific subject is continuously assessed during lectures and it is expressed in points. By fulfilling the pre-exam requirements and by passing an exam, a student can achieve the maximum of 100 points. Each study program establishes the proportion of points achieved during the exam-preceding duties and in the exam. The pre-exam requirements duties bring minimum 30 and maximum 70 points. The final marks are in the range from 5 (failed) to 10 (excellent). An institution of higher education can establish a different, non-numeric method of marking, by establishing the relation between these marks and those of 5 to 10.

2.3. Higher Education Institutions

The activity of higher education in the Republic of Serbia is performed by several kinds of higher education institutions, as described below. All these institutions have the status of legal subjects. All institutions are independent institutions of higher education, except for faculties and art academies. The institutions can be founded by the Republic or by a legal entity or a natural person, in accordance with the law. All institutions must have a work permit, issued by the government, to operate legally. All institutions and their study programs must be accredited for their diplomas to be recognized.

Serbian National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education

2.3.1. University
A university is an independent institution of higher education the performance of which unites educational, scientific, research, and professional/artistic work, as components of the unique higher education process. The university can perform all types and levels of studies. An institution of higher education has the status of university if it performs academic study programs at all levels of studies, within at least three fields (natural sciences and mathematics, social and humanistic studies, medical science, technical and technological science, and arts) and three areas (which are defined, within the three fields, by the National Council). As an exception, a university can be established in the area of art, if it contains all three levels of studies from at least three fields of art.

2.3.2. Faculty / Art Academy

A faculty or an art academy is a unit of the system of higher education which is a part of a university. It performs academic study programs and develops scientific, research, and professional/artistic activities within one or more areas. The faculty / art academy can also perform specialized study programs. In the legal traffic, the faculty / art academy is presented by the name of the university to which it belongs, under its own name and in accordance with the university statute.

2.3.3. Academy of Professional Studies

An academy of professional studies is an independent institution of higher education the performance of which unites educational, research, professional, and artistic work, as components of the unique process of higher education. The academy of professional studies can perform basic professional studies and specialist professional studies. An institution of higher education has the status of the academy of professional studies if it accomplishes at least five accredited study programs from at least three fields.

2.3.4. Higher Education School

A higher education school is an independent institution of higher education which performs basic, specialist, and graduate academic studies in one or more areas.

2.3.4. Colleges of Professional Studies

A college of professional studies is an independent institution of higher education which performs basic professional and specialist professional studies in one or more areas.

2.4. Admission requirements

Each institution has a quota for the students who can enroll a study program. To enroll the first level studies, a candidate takes the entrance exam or abilitycheck exam, in accordance with the rules of the independent institution of higher education. The list (order) of candidates to enroll the first level of studies is established on the basis of the general success achieved during high-school education and results achieved at the entrance/ ability-check exam. A candidate, who passed the final, general knowledge high school exam, does not take the entrance exam. In this case, the candidates results of the final high school exam are being assessed, instead of the

Serbian National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education

entrance exam, in accordance with the rules of the independent institution of higher education. An independent institution of higher education can direct the candidate, who passed the professional/artistic final high school exam instead of the entrance exam, to take tests in certain subjects of the general, final high school exam. On the basis of the competition criteria, an independent institution of higher education makes the rank order list of applied candidates. The right to enroll the first level of studies has the student who is ranked on the list, within the number of students determined in accordance with the Law on Higher Education. A student of the first level studies of another independent institution of higher education, a person who acquired the higher education at the first level studies, and a person who no longer has the status of a student, in accordance with the law, can enroll the first level studies, under conditions and within forms established by the rules of the independent institution of higher education, at her/his personal demand. A candidate enrolls the second and third level of studies under certain conditions, according to the criteria and procedures established by the rules of the institution and open competition of the candidates who seek admission. Generally, to enter a master program, the candidate must have obtained a bachelor diploma in the corresponding field. To enter a specialist academic program, the candidate must have obtained the bachelor academic title and, possibly, the master diploma. To enter a specialist professional program, the completed bachelor program is required. To enter a doctoral program, according to the Standards, the prerequisite is the master diploma (at least 300 ECTS; 360 ECTS are required for the integrated studies in medical sciences). Upon admission, the student and the institution sign a learning contract.

2.5. Tuition fees

At higher education institutions founded by the Republic, quotas are prescribed for the number of students financed from the budget and for self-financing students. At the moment, financing from the budget is provided only for the bachelor and master programs. The quotas are prescribed by the Government, based on the opinion of the institutions and of the National Council. Other institutions enroll only self-financing students. The tuition fees for the self-financing students are determined by the institution. As a rule, the tuition fees are higher for non-citizens than for Serbian citizens. Grants and loans are sometimes to support the students. To keep the financing from the budget, a student must acquire a total of 60 ECTS during the academic year. Otherwise, the student continues his studies as a selffinancing student. In the transition period, which is still in effect, the limit of 60 ECTS is somewhat relaxed. A self-financing student can switch to financing from the budget in the subsequent academic year provided he/she acquires a total of 60 ECTS during the current academic year and provided he/she is adequately ranked within the available quotas.

2.6. Academic year

An academic year is a period of one year which starts on October 1 and lasts 12 months. The academic year can be divided into two separate teaching periods

Serbian National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education

(semesters), which is the practice of the majority of schools. Other options are three periods (trimesters) and blocks. During an academic year, there are 30 workweeks.

2.7. Curriculum
Higher education institutions have full competences over the curricula of their programs. A curriculum consists of a coherent set of components. The content of the curricula corresponds with the descriptors presented in Section 3.

2.8. Credit system

An average full-time student would take up to 60 ECTS credits per academic year, which represents a workload of 40 hours per workweek in an academic year and a full attainment of the learning outcomes of the components involved. Each course and thesis has a certain number of ECTS credits assigned to it. A student obtains the respective credit when an examination is completed or the thesis is defended. The study load is: the first academic cycle: o basic professional studies: 180 ECST credits; o basic academic studies: 180-240 ECTS credits; the second academic cycle: o professional specialist studies: minimum 60 ECST credits; o academic master studies: minimum 60 ECTS credits after completing the first cycle of 240 ECTS credits; minimum 120 ECTS credits after completing the first cycle of 180 ECTS credits; o academic specialist studies: minimum 60 ECST credits after completing academic master studies; the third academic cycle (doctoral studies): minimum 180 ECST credits after completing academic master studies. Certain academic study programs can be organized as integrated programs (basic plus master academic studies). In medical sciences, the integrated programs have a minimum of 360 ECST credits.

2.9. Diploma and Diploma Supplement

A higher education institution issues public documents on the basis of the data contained in its records. Public documents are a matriculation book, a Diploma confirming the acquired higher education, and the Diploma Supplement. A higher education institution issues public documents in the Serbian language, in Cyrillic script. The Diploma and the Diploma Supplement are also issued in the English language. At the request of a student, an independent higher education institution issues a public document confirming the completed part of a study program. The public document contains the details on the level, nature, and content of studies, as well as the achieved results.

Serbian National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education

The diploma is authenticated by the embossed stamp of the independent higher education institution. The Diploma Supplement is obligatorily issued along with the diploma. The Diploma Supplement is supported by a description of the higher education system in the Republic in force at the time of the acquired education specified in the diploma.

2.10. Quality Assurance and Accreditation

The quality assurance system in Serbia consists of self-evaluation, external evaluation, and accreditation.

2.10.1. Self-Evaluation
Each higher education institution must conduct a procedure for internal assessment and quality evaluation of its study programs, courses, and working conditions. The internal assessment is carried out at intervals of three years at most. The internal assessment procedure includes an assessment by students. The self-evaluation results in a self-evaluation report.

2.10.2. External Evaluation

The Commission for Accreditation and Quality Assurance reviews the compliance of each institution and study program with the Standards, according to an annual plan of activities, upon a specific order of the National Council, at the request of an independent higher education institution, or that of the Minister. An appeal procedure is provided, where the National Council is the appeal body. The final report on the quality control is made public and it is forwarded to the Minister, the Conference of Universities, the Conference of Academies of Professional Career Studies, and the appropriate Student Conference.

2.10.3. Accreditation
The goal of accreditation is to establish if an institution of higher education and study programs fulfill the Standards established by the National Council and published in the Official Herald of RoS. The accreditation establishes if an institution of higher education has the right to issue public documents, all in accordance with the Law of higher education. In the process of accrediting an institution of higher education, it is established if the institution fulfills certain conditions which are, according to the Law on Higher Education, specified for the given institutions which perform the higher education activity. In the process of accrediting a study program, it is established if conditions of introducing such a program are being fulfilled, in accordance with the law. The process of accrediting is conducted at the demand of the Ministry, founder, or the institution of higher education itself. At the process of accrediting, the Commission for Accreditation and Quality Assurance does one of the following: Issues a certificate of accreditation to an institution of higher education or study program. Issues an act of warning to an institution of higher education. This act points out the weaknesses concerning conditions, quality of work of an institution of high education or a study program, and gives a deadline for

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removing the weaknesses. When the deadline is over, it makes a decision about the request. Issues a decision which denies the accreditation demand. In the process of deciding about the accreditation, the Commission takes into account the results of the quality assessment and self-assessment defined by the Law of higher education. If the Commission reaches a decision to deny the accreditation, the institution of higher education can file a complaint to the National Council. There could not be a legal process against the decision of the National Council. The institution of higher education has the right to repeat the request for accreditation after the period of one year after the decision to deny the accreditation request was received. The institution of higher education can start working and performing its activities after it receives the work license. The work license is issued by the Ministry, at the demand of the institution of higher education. At the territory of Autonomous Province Vojvodina, the license is issued by the organs authorized for the delegated affairs.

2.11. Recognition of Foreign Higher Education Documents

Recognition of a foreign document of higher education is a procedure on the basis of which the right of the holder of that document is established to continue education and/or to seek employment. The procedure for recognition is conducted in accordance with the Law on Higher Education, unless otherwise provided for by an international treaty. The recognition is carried out by an independent higher education institution according to the procedure prescribed by the general act of the institution. The procedure for recognition of a foreign document of higher education takes into consideration the system of education of the country in which the foreign document of higher education has been acquired. It also takes into consideration the study program, conditions for admission to the study program, the rights conferred by that document of higher education in the country in which it has been acquired, and other facts of relevance. In the recognition procedure, the evaluation of a foreign study program is carried out on the basis of the type and level of acquired knowledge and skills. The Ministry of Education is responsible to furnish the data necessary to evaluate the program. Once having established positive evaluation of a specific foreign study program, it is valid in all future cases involving the same study program. The Ministry also furnishes the data on the independent higher education institution and the system of education in the procedure of evaluation for the purpose of recognition of a domestic higher education document abroad.

3. Cycle Descriptors
Cycle descriptors in Serbia are defined by the Standards and they fully correspond to the Dublin descriptors.

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3.1. First Cycle Descriptors

3.1.1. Professional Career Studies (Bachelor)
Qualifications that signify completion of the first (basic) cycle (bachelor) of professional career studies are awarded to students who: have demonstrated knowledge in a field of study that builds upon their general secondary education and that enables them to use advanced textbooks; can apply their knowledge and understanding in their professional work; can communicate information to audiences; have developed those learning skills that are necessary for them to continue to undertake further study; have demonstrated capabilities for team work.

3.1.2. Academic Studies (Bachelor)

Qualifications that signify completion of the first (basic) cycle (bachelor) of academic studies are awarded to students who: have demonstrated knowledge and understanding in a field of study that builds upon their general secondary education, and is typically at a level that, whilst supported by advanced textbooks, includes some aspects that will be informed by knowledge of the forefront of their field of study; can apply their knowledge and understanding in a manner that indicates a professional approach to their work or vocation, and have competences typically demonstrated through devising and sustaining arguments and solving problems within their field of study; have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data (usually within their field of study) to inform judgments that include reflection on relevant social, scientific or ethical issues; have the ability to consider relevant social, scientific, and ethical issues; can communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and nonspecialist audiences; have developed those learning skills that are necessary for them to continue to undertake further study with a high degree of autonomy.

3.2. Second Cycle Descriptors

3.2.1. Professional Career Studies (Specialist)
Qualifications that signify completion of the specialist professional career studies are awarded to students who: have demonstrated deeper knowledge, understanding, and professional skills in selected areas of their specialization, that is founded upon knowledge and skills acquired at the basic professional career studies or basic academic studies, which provides a basis for successful employment in the area of specialization;

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can apply their deeper knowledge, understanding, and skills for successful solution of complex problems in a partially new or unfamiliar environments within narrower field of study; have acquired knowledge and skills required for team work during solution of complex problems within their field of study; have increased the ability to integrate acquired knowledge and skills, and formulate potential conclusions based on available information, which include reflecting on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of their knowledge and judgments; have the ability to efficiently follow and adopt new developments in their areas of specialization and can communicate their conclusions, knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences clearly and unambiguously.

3.2.2. Academic Studies (Master)

Qualifications that signify completion of the second cycle (master) of academic studies are awarded to students who: have demonstrated knowledge and understanding that is founded upon and extends and/or enhances that typically associated with the first cycle, and that provides a basis or opportunity for originality in developing and/or applying ideas, often within a research context; can apply their knowledge and understanding, and problem solving abilities in new or unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their field of study; have the ability to integrate knowledge and handle complexity, and formulate judgments with incomplete or limited information, but that include reflecting on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of their knowledge and judgments; can communicate their conclusions, and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences clearly and unambiguously; have the learning skills to allow them to continue to study in a manner that may be largely self-directed or autonomous.

3.2.3. Academic Studies (Specialist)

Qualifications that signify completion of the specialist academic studies are awarded to students who: have demonstrated deeper knowledge, understanding, and skills in selected narrow scientific and artistic areas of their specialization that is founded upon knowledge and skills acquired at the basic academic, which provides a basis for successful research in the narrower scientific and artistic areas of specialization; can apply their deeper knowledge, understanding, and skills acquired during the specialist studies for successful problem solving in new or unfamiliar environments, within narrower scientific and artistic areas of specialization; have the increased ability to integrate knowledge and handle complexity, and formulate judgments with incomplete or limited information, but that

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include reflecting on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of their knowledge and judgments; have the ability to efficiently follow and adopt new developments in their areas of specialization and can communicate their conclusions, knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences clearly and unambiguously.

3.3. Third Cycle (Doctorate) Descriptors

Qualifications that signify completion of the third cycle (doctorate) of academic studies are awarded to students who: have demonstrated a systematic understanding of a field of study and mastery of the skills and methods of research associated with that field; have demonstrated the ability to conceive, design, implement and adapt a substantial process of research with scholarly integrity; have made a contribution through original research that extends the frontier of knowledge by developing a substantial body of work, some of which merits national or international refereed publication; are capable of critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of new and complex ideas; can communicate with their peers, the larger scholarly community and with society in general about their areas of expertise; can be expected to be able to promote, within academic and professional contexts, technological, social or cultural advancement in a knowledge based society. The prerequisite for completion of a doctoral thesis in Science, Medicine, and Engineering is publication of a paper in an international journal that is on the SCI list and has an impact factor.

5. SNQF
The Serbian National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education is depicted in Figure 1. It illustrates the levels in Serbia. It also shows compliance with Bologna cycles (EHEA) and compatibility with European Qualification Framework (EQF).

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EQF Level

EHEA Framework (Bologna)

Serbian national qualifications framework Academic studies Applied studies ECTS 480

3rd cycle

Dctoral H-3 Specialist H-2b

180 300

2nd cycle Master H-2 Medicine H-2 Integrated H-2 Specialist HP-2

120-60

180-240 Bachelor 4yr H-1b Bachelor 3yr HA-1 Bachelor HP-1 180-240 0

1 cycle

st

Figure 1. SNQF and its relations to EQF levels ) and EHEA cycles. Candidates(high school graduates The following abbreviations apply to Figure 1: H higher education; A academic studies; P professional studies; Levels are denoted by "1", "2", and "3", whereas sublevels are denote by "a" and "b". In the list of titles, a distinction is made between academic bachelor studies that encompass 180 ECTS credits (3-year programs) and those that encompass 240 ECTS credits (4-year programs). Figure 2 shows the relation between various qualifications in Serbia according to legislative previous to the present Law on Higher Education and their relation to the Bologna cycles.
D egree of qualification EHEA Framework (Bologna)

Academic

Professional

VIII

Doctor of science Specialist in Medicine Specialist 2 nd cycle Graduate studies (diploma) 1st cycle 3 cycle
rd

VII-2

Master of science

VII-1

II degree 3 years

VI-2

I degree 2 years Figure 2. Older qualifications in Serbia and their relations to EHEA cycles.