Development of a Jordanian-European double degree master program in mechatronics engineering

Abstract

This paper describes the procedure followed to implement a double-degree master program in mechatronics engineering between Jordanian and European universities. Initially, a study of world-wide master curricula was carried out, followed by a survey of Jordanian industry and academia. This helped clarify the structure and content of the desired master program, such that it addressed the needs of the perspective students and the job market in Jordan and the region. To formulate a final degree structure and course content, it was necessary to work closely with European partners in an iterative approach. Some of the problematic questions that had to be answered pertained to: varying course credit systems; amount of time students spend at each university; student academic background; country-specific accreditation rules; university specific needs. This work is one result of a three-year European funded TEMPUS project between October 2011 and October 2014. The first double degree students enrolled in the developed program at Philadelphia University, in Amman - Jordan, in October 2013 with two German universities as partners.