SOME REMARKS ON THE MARGIN OF CHANGES WITHIN EUROPEAN HIGHER EDUCATION AREA

Abstract

Various models of universities have been formed since Middle Ages. Thanks to their own autonomy, those institutions have preserved their distinctiveness until now. Scientific degrees and titles have confirmed the range of knowledge obtained after graduation. In Anglo-Saxon countries, alluding to medieval traditions, there are some degrees and titles that have the same names. However, scientific titles are more distinct than vocational ones. Yet, the title of doctor honoris causa is given to a person worth the particular plaudits.The measure that gives the possibility of comparison of scientific degrees and titles is the role of liberal arts in the process of education. It means the level of knowledge in the field of seven arts liberated with reference to the level of teaching at university. Moreover, in the 19th century, models of universities started to modify on account of sociopolitical changes. On the one hand, universities were focused on teaching (John Henry Newman), on the other hand, the scientific research was emphasized (Wilhelm von Humboldt). What is more, the attention was paid to education of professionals in particular occupations. Hence, vocational titles are conferred apart from scientific degrees and titles.It is worth remembering that Eastern Europe was greatly influenced by Russian universities which were state institutions from the very beginning. Since 1934 they introduced such scientific degrees as masterʼs degree, candidate of science and doctorʼs degree as well as some scientific titles: full professor (docent), professor, member-correspondent and academic.In 1954 European Cultural Convention of the Council of Europe appointed the basics of operation and cooperation amongst member countries in the field of culture. Ratification of The Sorbonne Declaration in 1998, and then The Bologna Declaration in 1999 develops ever closer the cooperation on unification of the system of higher education.The core of European Higher Education Area is a three-level stage of obtaining higher education (BA, MA and PhD).The implementation of ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) points is aimed to enable the unification of higher education system.The interesting question is an attempt of comparison of scientific and vocational degrees and titles existing in different systems as well as an endeavor of grasping their compatibility. The problem occurs when the attempt deals with degrees and titles absent in certain systems. For instance, in Anglo-Saxon system doctorate is the highest scientific degree, whereas in Eastern Europe there is something beyond that is called a tenure (in Germany it was a job position), docent, full professor, associate professor. Moreover, in Anglo-Saxon system there is no a professor title which is a job position.