Pedagogical development of Master's Programmes for the Bologna Structure at Chalmers - IMPACT

Paper in proceeding, 2009

Chalmers has adapted the Bologna model with a 3-year BSc (since 2004) and a 2-year MSc (since 2007). All MSc level studies are organised in ~50 MSc programmes taught in English. This is part of our long term strategic development towards a full integration of the Bologna process. When Chalmers decided to develop the new MSc programmes the project IMPACT was established (2007-2009) to support this huge process. The main objectives of IMPACT was to 1) establish internationally competitive and attractive programmes for national as well as international students and 2) make students graduating from the programmes competitive in an international job market. IMPACT has supported over 100 pedagogic subprojects selected in an open and transparent application procedure. Near 90% of the resources were used by direct development work or training of staff in English presentation. This paper presents IMPACT's strategy, some subproject examples and quality assurance (sub-project applications and reports, yearly questionnaires, workshops and group interviews.) The overall impression is that IMPACT has enabled teachers to engage in pedagogical development beyond the regular curriculum development, strengthening the full range of Chalmers' programmes. Enrolment is steadily increasing (615 foreign students started in 2008) and the admitted students produce good results.