TEACHING EXCELLENCE DATABASE

The doctoral study programme is a three-year, part-time research programme providing the perfect fit for educational, STEAM specialists and communication professionals who want to apply state-of-the art research knowledge and academic skills to contemporary problems at their workplace. The programme offers a premium executive development track designed to be both academically rigorous and intellectually inspiring. The international doctoral programme is jointly offered by university institutions internationally known for their academic excellence and holders of the prestigious accreditation: University Ljubljana, Faculty of Education, International University Burch Sarajevo, University of Mostar and University North. All partner universities are long-established high ranked universities entitled to award doctoral and post doctoral degrees and qualifications.

Methodology

The Universities: University of Ljubljana and Sarajevo (International Bruch University, International Burch University = International Bruch University) are state universities with a long tradition of existence and the right to award doctoral degrees. "Educational and Communication Sciences with the University of the North Annex to the Agreement on the International Joint Cross-Border Doctoral Program Educational and Communication Sciences" in cooperation with the administrative and organizational partner of the University of Burgenland (UAS, Eisenstadt, Austria), with a view to developing further international academic opportunities for students and their universities with a view to strengthening international links between European and European academic institutions. This program: is a unique cross-border doctoral program focusing on Central and Eastern European countries; in its structure and organization it is comparable to the best cross-border doctoral programs within the EU; the new doctoral study program is a three-year research program that provides a perfect fit for educational and communication professionals who want to apply state-of-the-art research knowledge and academic skills; the program offers cutting-edge performance practice designed to be academically and intellectually inspired; the program is designed for people who want to improve their skills with current scientific knowledge and deepen understanding in the field of qualitative and quantitative analysis; takes into account the specificities of small groups of doctoral students, through basic knowledge, and the possibilities for specialization within the EU, especially for the countries of Central and Eastern Europe; allows students to work closely with their mentors and other students and faculties, within their own country and abroad, within their scope of work or the specific areas in which they work; allows students to actively integrate into renowned academic institutions.

Tools, equipment, technology used

Joint postgraduate studies are established on the principles of the Bologna Process; guarantees the quality of experience and scientific production of all participants in the implementation of the study program; provides a broad basis for later scientific and professional work. This study enables the acquisition of competencies for dealing with topics such as theoretical concepts of educational sciences, processing of theoretical concepts through contemporary and historical perspective, study and analysis of contemporary research trends in the field of teacher education and educational sciences, etc. In terms of concrete implementation, the program of this study is realized through: doctoral workshops with introductory lectures on specific topics, essays and collaborative research on specific topics, study stays and fieldwork.

Outcomes and outputs, main results

Improve skills with recent scientific knowledge and deepen understanding in the field of quantitative and qualitative analysis and analytical tools within the EU. Students should develop: • ability to achieve and interpret new knowledge through research and publish the results of their own research; • ability to apply knowledge to design and implement projects that generate new knowledge; • ability to independently critically analyze, interpret and make judgments on current economic topics. Explained in more detail, in accordance with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the Croatian Qualifications Framework (CROQF), according to which doctoral studies represent the highest level of education, students should achieve four basic characteristics of learning outcomes: level of competence corresponding to level 8 qualification framework), scope (ie the total amount of competencies for the said degree), profession profile and quality (ie reliability and trust in the statement of completed doctoral studies on the public document). Upon completion of the doctoral study, students are expected to acquire: • Students receive the academic title of Doctor of Science. Students receive the title of their home University, which is also recognized at other Partner Institutions • factual and theoretical knowledge, which will enable them to evaluate new knowledge in the field of international economic relations and management; • the ability of scientific research, which will enable them to push the boundaries of existing knowledge in the field and contribute to the creation of new knowledge; • skills, with which they will be able to create, analyze and evaluate new methods and instruments, as well as skills of creating new ways of communication and cooperation with people of different identities; • independence in research, with respect for others and constant development of personal, professional and ethical identity; • that is, to build an attitude, which includes commitment to research and development of new ideas or processes, but also responsibility for the success of research, social benefits of its results, and awareness of its possible negative consequences. Given the scope of the overall qualification at the eighth level of the qualifications framework, the study is designed so that students spend all of its structured time working on outcomes that are consistent with the eighth level of the qualifications framework. Ultimately, this will result in an original doctoral thesis from which papers can be published in international peer-reviewed scientific journals. Upon completion of the doctoral study, students are expected to systematically know the field of work and methods used in the chosen discipline and develop the ability of independent research and the skill of managing scientific projects. Furthermore, it is expected that this doctoral study will prepare experts who, by raising the level of quality of expert knowledge in the field of study, will be able to directly contribute to the approximation of Croatian society to European standards. Upon completion of their studies, students will be able to participate equally in interdisciplinary research teams, and will be able to think research, methodologically sound research and interpret research problems that require or want expertise in international economic relations and management. This doctoral study is planned in a way that ensures the acquisition of competencies for various careers of professionals of the eighth level of the educational qualifications framework, both in the public and private sectors. Completed studies allow students to work in areas ranging from academic education to public administration, managerial positions, international agencies.

Lessons learnt

The Joint Doctoral Program is a unique cross-border doctoral program that focuses on the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and, in its structure and organization, can be compared to the best cross-border doctoral programs within the EU. It takes into account the specifics of small groups of students (future doctoral students), basic basic knowledge, and through a multitude of specializations, allows students to work closely with professors within their individual areas of specialization at university institutions abroad.

Adaptability and sustainability of the best practice (for other institutions)

The International Doctoral Program promotes student mobility. The program envisages that the first year of international doctoral studies will be held in Austria - University of Applied Sciences Burgenland (UAS) Eisenstadt, Austria. For the second two years, the student can study at a selected partner university - in Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and in Ljubljana (Slovenia) or in Varaždin (Croatia). ECTS credits and the implementation of the Bologna Program allow students horizontal and vertical mobility at any selected institution in the country and abroad.

Promotion of best practice

The Department of Communication and Public Relations of the University of the North cooperates with the economy, and contracts have been concluded on the basis of which students can access data for study purposes. Teachers are actively involved in economic activities, through the development of professional projects, membership in associations, local and regional government bodies, organization of humanitarian activities, implementation of actions to improve and protect the environment, and other projects relevant to various economic activities and the community as a whole. Through the organization of scientific and professional conferences, round tables, counseling and ethical action in the environment, teachers and associates of the Department contribute to the development of local, regional and national communities. Given that the University of the North educates mostly deficient staff and is the only higher education institution of this type in the wider region (in terms of diversity of study programs and size), the justification of existing studies and the intention to open an International Joint Cross-Border Interdisciplinary Doctoral needs of the region, but also the space outside it. This is a continuous attempt to satisfy the labor market in an area of ​​about 500,000 inhabitants. Most of our graduates are currently employed. Enrollment quotas are adjusted to the needs of the labor market, but also to the interests of students. All places for full-time students are filled in the summer enrollment period, and in part-time study the occupancy rate in most study programs is over 90%. Based on the above, great interest can be expected for the proposed study with a significant share of students coming directly from the economy.

Scope and impact

• Course/department level
• Faculty level
• Institutional level
• Cross-institutional level
• National level
• EU/EHEA/International level

Impact is vissible on all levels since this is joint cross-border international study programme.

6.1 Digitalization

• Outstanding, innovative, excellent practices of online / blended / hybrid learning
• Innovative, novel methodology in using digital tools/devices in teaching
• Innovative use of digital administration tools
• Digital skills development and assessment both general and profession-related, embedded in course design, in teaching and assessment

Reasoning: Digitalisation is important part of this practice since students had hybrid type of lessons. They had all courses on digital e-learning platforms.

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6.2 Internationalization

• Developing students' multicultural awareness
• Innovative practices of blended mobility
• Students engagement in international projects
• Courses implemented in international cooperation (projects, co-teaching, virtual/blended mobility, etc.)
• Courses offered to international multicultural students both online and offline

Reasoning: The Associate Doctoral Programme offers geographical, interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral mobility and international collaboration in integrated cooperation between university partners in an international Consortium. The International Joint Doctoral Programme promotes professors and student mobility. With the established programme of study, the first year of the international joint doctoral programme is held in Austria - University of Applied Sciences Burgenland (UAS) Eisenstadt, Austria.

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6.3 Inclusion and diversity, universal design

• NOT RELEVANT

Reasoning:

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6.4 Sustainability

• NOT RELEVANT

Reasoning:

3.3 Public contact datas

Name	Email address	Website
Marin Milkovic	international@unin.hr	https://www.fh-burgenland.at/studieren/doctorate-programmes/doctoral-programme-in-educational-communication-sciences/