The Arqus Joint Programme Staff Training modules are back!

Arqus

04 Sep 2025

One of the goals of the Arqus European University Alliance is to develop joint programmes at all levels based on the results of the previous project period and on bottom-up proposals from partner universities.

To support interested academic and administrative staff in this endeavour, a team within Arqus Working Group 6 has designed a series of training courses at different levels and on various topics relevant to the design and implementation of joint programmes (JPs).

The upcoming trainings have been structured as advanced modules aimed at supporting the development and implementation of individual programmes, and they are available to all interested participants.

The trainings are designed as modules that can be attended separately or consecutively. Between late 2024 and early 2025, the first three modules were delivered, designed as basic modules and targeting academic and administrative staff at departmental and central levels who are interested in the design and development of joint programmes but have no extensive experience in implementing them.

The training courses will be conducted online, and an access link along with additional information will be provided to all registered participants.

The team of the Arqus European Alliance is therefore pleased to invite all interested individuals to the following Arqus Joint Programme Trainings.

Advanced Module 6: An introduction to Virtual Exchange

Monday, 8 September, 10:00 – 11:30 (CEST)

Participants will be introduced to the concept of virtual exchange, focusing on their rationale and motivation to set them up within the context of joint programmes. Participants will discover the many forms VE can take (bilateral vs multilateral; co-designed vs ready-made; etc.) and think about which model(s) better suit their context. Some examples will be discussed.

Trainer: Samira Bonucci (University of Padua – International Projects Unit) and Prof. Marco Cappellini (Lyon1 – Institut National Supérieur du Professorat et de l’Éducation)

Registration deadline: 4 September

Advanced Module 7: Erasmus Mundus initiatives

Thursday, 11 September, 10:00 – 11:30 (CEST)

Participants will be introduced to the Erasmus Mundus Design Measure and Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters. Requirements and key documents necessary for applying will be illustrated and insights about how to effectively plan and structure an Erasmus Mundus project will be shared.

Trainer: Samira Bonucci (University of Padua – International Projects Unit)

Registration deadline: 8 September

Advanced Module 8: Financial planning

Tuesday, September 23, 2025, 10 – 11.30am (CEST)

Participants will learn about the key aspects of financial planning for joint programmes. This includes developing a comprehensive budget plan that considers income sources like programme fees as well as potential costs such as accreditation, staff, events, and more. Different scenarios for setting and managing programme fees across partner institutions will be explored. Participants will also understand how to structure a financial agreement covering fee policies, cost estimation, and allowing flexibility for future adjustments.

Trainers: Samira Bonucci (University of Padua – International Projects Unit), Tabea Mager (Leipzig University)

Registration deadline: 18 September

After this three Arqus Joint Programme Training, more modules will be offered in autumn 2025, spring 2026:

Advanced Module 9: Degree Design

Participants will explore the key concepts and processes related to joint diplomas and joint diploma supplements for students in joint programs. The module will cover the minimum requirements, common elements, and flexibility allowed when designing these credentials across the diverse regulatory contexts of Arqus partner countries. Discussions will focus on harmonising joint diploma practices, recognising challenges and opportunities stemming from different national and institutional regulations.

Trainer: Samira Bonucci (University of Padua – International Projects Unit)

Advanced Module 10: Student Administration of Joint Programmes

The training module focuses on aspects of student administration in jointly organised study programmes. It covers application, selection, and admission procedures, along with corresponding communication processes. Additionally, it addresses topics like orientation, residence permit and health insurance requirements for students, organisation of mobility paths, and the process of transferring credits and grades between institutions. Furthermore, the module delves into the issuing of academic degrees and diploma documents, and best practice examples will be presented.