Recognition of Studies and Qualifications in Music

 

Recognition of studies and qualifications is an important aspect in the realisation of freedom of movement within the European Union. In order to reach this freedom of movement, the European Union has developed several tools for the recognition of studies and qualifications.

 

Addressing the recognition of studies and qualifications is also relevant at the global level, with the aim to facilitate the mobility of music students and musicians worldwide. This issue has been studied by the working group of the 'Mundus Musicalis' project (the first project in the field of music supported by ERASMUS MUNDUS), which collected data on the various credit point systems that can facilitate the recognition of studies, as well as on the recognition of qualifications at international level. The outcomes of this work can be found in the handbook “The International Recognition of Studies and Qualifications in Higher Music Education” downloadable below.

 

In relation to this issue, a distinction needs to be made between the following types of recognition:

 

  1. Recognition for academic purposes (for the continuation of studies abroad or for the recognition of a study period abroad as part of the regular studies) To organise this recognition in Europe, the EU has developed several tools, such as the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) and the Diploma Supplement (DS). The documents listed below give general information about the recognition of studies and qualifications, as well as information on the general use of ECTS and the DS. More information about the use of credit points in music training can be found on the web page The use of credit points and modules in music study.

     

  2. Recognition for professional purposes (to be allowed to work in a certain profession) In Europe, this recognition is organised through a system ofEU directives for regulated professions. In order to assist professional musicians looking for work in another country and wanting to know more about which music profession is regulated in which European country, the AEC has made a list of regulated professions in the field of music. In the framework of the ‘Mundus Musicalis’ project, this list has been extended with the addition of regulated professions in music in countries outside Europe.

 

Additional general information about the recognition of studies and qualifications, the relevant procedures and national contact persons can also be found in the documents below.

 

Downloadable documents

Handbook "The International Recognition of Studies and Qualifications in Higher Music Education"

  English

Recognition of studies - the European Credit Transfer System ECTS

  English
Europass  English 
Guidebook "Recognition of foreign qualifications", Andrejs Rauhvargers, 2004  English

 

The Handbook “The International Recognition of Studies and Qualifications in Higher Music Education” consists of 3 parts:

  • Part A gives general information about the international recognition of studies and qualifications in higher education.
  • Part B addresses academic recognition in the field of music and the various tools that can support it, such as credit point systems and the diploma supplement. It also includes an overview of the use of credit point systems in 31 countries worldwide.
  • Part C presents information on professional recognition, including a reflection on the importance of professional qualifications in the field of music, general information on professional recognition procedures with a distinction between regulated and non-regulated professions, and a comprehensive list of regulated professions in music in 36 countries worldwide.