The experts hoped for the preservation of elements of the Bologna system in higher education

Live from the MK press center, leading experts in the field of higher education in the Russian Federation, Professor of the Institute for the Development of Education of the Higher School of Economics Irina Abankina and Evgeny Szhenov, scientific director of the Scientific and Educational Policy Expert and Analytical Center, spoke about how universities can change in connection with Putin’s installation on the reform of the higher education system. The breakdown of the system is not expected, there will be “fine focusing” and soft restructuring.

– Previously, we had a rather rigid division into bachelor’s and master’s programs – and a specialist, – Abankina said. – 80% undergraduate and only 20% specialist. We must first equalize the rights of a specialist and a master’s degree. And to make changes in postgraduate studies – it should train personnel for science and teaching.

There will be more variability in the future. The President indicated that the first level of education will lose strict deadlines, it will be 4-6 years. Maybe 5 or 5.5 – in medicine, engineering. I really hope that our 2 + 2 + 2 system will also be preserved, the student will be able to deepen his knowledge, while maintaining the flexibility of the learning path. No diplomas are discriminated against, all levels of education will remain.

Yevgeny Szhenov emphasized that what is going on is not the dismantling of the Bologna system, but a fine focusing of higher education. “The abolition of the Bologna system is too loud.” “Not revolutionary measures, but planned work” are being carried out, the development of those lines that the vice-premiers and relevant ministries worked out earlier. “During the period of the Bologna experiment, we have not moved so far from the specialty,” Szhenov said.