The first CHARM-EU training module will come out in January 2021
In January 2021, the micropilots for the several training modules will be launched. Among 100 and 200 students from the five universities that build up CHARM-EU, led by the UB in alliance with Trinity College Dublin, Utrecht University, the University of Montpellier and Eötvös Loránd University of Budapest -will take part in this European University.
In January 2021, the micropilots for the several training modules will be launched. Among 100 and 200 students from the five universities that build up CHARM-EU, led by the UB in alliance with Trinity College Dublin, Utrecht University, the University of Montpellier and Eötvös Loránd University of Budapest -will take part in this European University.
During the academic year 2021/2022, the pilot for a masterʼs degree as a concept test to test the university model will take place. The proposed model aims to adapt the 21st century multidisciplinary reality and escape the classic methodology, with a unique and innovating academic offering revolving around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
A 21st century-adapted university
The rector of the UB, Joan Elias, said that CHARM-EU -the only European university led by a Catalan center- will offer an academic offering based on the European values of freedom, autonomy and respect for human rights. “The main challenges we think of are the reconciliation of humanity with the planet, offering an innovative educational experience and re-thinking the university and adapting it to the 21st century”, noted Elias.
The first pedagogical proposal, whose profile has to be shaped, will consist on a module (regarded as a credit pack) to be coursed in the three years of the co-funded period, by the 100-200 students from the five participating universities that are part of the CHARM-EU alliance. The proposed model wants to escape from the classic methodology and will not be a closed curriculum. In some way, Elias said, “it is about re-thinking the Erasmus mobility programs with a cross-sectional offer to reconcile humanity with the planet”. The rector gave the example of the trend change in the US, where the tradition is different than ours and students do not follow a classic training, they get credits from different places. The project of the alliance wants the students to build their curriculum with the academic logics following their interests, and that is why it offers a great amount of flexibility and seeks the way to combine face-to-face learning, mobility and distance learning.
“CHARM-EU wants to break ground and adapt to reality so that students learn in a multidisciplinary way”, stressed the vice-rector for Communication, Francisco Esteban, who added that “one of the main objectives is for the syllabus to be innovating from a psychopedagogic perspective”. Although a great part of the studies will be given in English as vernacular language, a part of these studies could be taught in the local language of every country. This is another of the rich details of the Project. “We want to take back the idea of regarding Europe as a unit when it comes to knowledge, crossing frontiers”, said Elias.
Planned calendar
2019-2020: design of a pilot model to apply to any other alliance.
September 2019: : workshop with students from the five CHARM-EU universities, to help thinking the project.
Gener de 2021: launch of the first modules, like pilot microtests, to seek the maximum flexibility. This test can be done with modules from bachelor, master and doctoral studies that students from the five CHARM-EU universities can course as well as people interested in that specific training.
September 2021: launch of the first masterʼs degree.
The European Commission gave CHARM-EU a 5 million euros economic aid but the total budget of the project is 6.5 million; therefore, the universities of this alliance will add 1.5 million euros. Other companies and institutions (such as Agbar and AQU) confirmed their bet on the project and are affiliated collaborators. Also, the Catalan Government and the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training have been asked for funding support. The students will benefit from all the existing grants and new grants are expected to be implemented.