Educational problems of civil engineering at Tallinn University of technology

Abstract

In 2002 transition to curricula, in compliance with the Bologna agreement, was started at Tallinn University of Technology (TUT). This is a so-called 3+2 system, with the nominal period of studies three-year for bachelor's degree and two-year master's degree studies, which can be followed by studies for a doctoral degree for a nominal period of four years. However, the Faculty of Civil Engineering applied the curricula for engineers, established in the integrated curricula of bachelor's and master's studies. The nominal time of studies lasted for five years, and upon completion qualifications equal those of the master's degree courses, whereas the University can award master's degrees. This could be followed by a four-year studies for a doctoral degree. There is an imaginary line in the curricula of civil engineering study 180 ECTS credits (nominal time of three-year studies), which would mean meeting the requirements of the bachelor's degree programme. This work presents our experience of multiple changes in the curricula of civil engineering, including changes in the current curricula according to the Bologna declaration. It also discusses its negative and positive impacts on the preparation of engineers and researchers, forwarding information, using equipment, and other facilities.