The Dual Higher Education (DHE) Model Framework helps higher education institutions create successful Dual programmes.
The DHE Model Framework offers a clear structure for developing, implementing, and assuring quality in Dual Study Programs across Europe. It sets out specific dimensions, criteria, and guidelines. These help higher education institutions create successful Dual programmes.
The framework supports responsible people in higher education institutions who plan, conduct, and develop Dual Study Programmes. It considers all three main stakeholders: students, the world of work, and higher education institutions.
The model comprises seven interconnected dimensions that frame all aspects of Dual Higher Education:
Integration of the world of work into the policies and strategic framework of the higher education institution allows for action on Dual education. This ensures both success and sustainability.
The institution’s statutes must include Dual education as an option in their course portfolio.
Alignment of study programme and work placement through admission processes for Dual students and their corporate partners.
The skills and competences that the Dual student will develop in the practical phase with the world of work partner are closely related to the study programme (alignment of theory and practice). The world of work partner’s match to the study programme must be checked.
Practical and administrative arrangements regarding the Dual study course, established bi- or multilaterally between the three parties.
Bi- or multilateral contract/agreement on purpose, content, design and implementation of the Dual study course between the main stakeholders (higher education institution, world of work, student).
Collaboration between academic staff and professionals from the world of work for implementing learning content.
Close interconnection of different learning environments aiming for continuous development of competencies and rising employability. There is a curriculum-defined set of skills and competencies which students develop during work placement periods.
Organisation of the learning and teaching process linking theory and practice phases.
Mutual commitment for validating the skills acquired in the workplace.
The higher education institution commits to recognising the learning outcomes developed and assessed in the world of work through the award of ECTS credits for work placements.
Close collaboration between the higher education institution and Dual corporate partners for monitoring and evaluation of the study programme, stakeholders’ performance and impact.
Practical phases are included in the Quality Assurance system of the higher education institution, linking them to European Standards and Guidelines (ESGs).
This DHE Model Framework 1.0 forms the basis for creating clear criteria and subcriteria. It covers all aspects of Dual Higher Education, from required standards to excellence.
Using this systematic approach, the EU4Dual Quality Label can be developed and applied. This ensures consistent quality standards for Dual study programmes in Europe.
The framework is designed as a living document. The EU4Dual Joint Dual Master programmes are the first real test of the framework.
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This website reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
