Studijski programi.
Development and Reform of Study Programmes
The new higher education system, based on the principles of the Bologna Process, was introduced at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Sarajevo, in the winter semester of the 2006/2007 academic year, following several years of preparation, numerous discussions among academic staff and the consideration of various proposals.
A significant contribution to the development of the new curriculum was made through international cooperation with faculties of civil engineering at European universities that had already begun implementing, or were actively preparing to introduce, the new European higher education system in accordance with the Bologna Process. These included the universities of Stuttgart, Vienna, Lausanne, Zurich, Bochum, Zagreb and Munich.
In developing the new curriculum, particular attention was paid to the needs of the construction industry. These needs were assessed through numerous contacts and the exchange of experience between experts from the Faculty of Civil Engineering in Sarajevo and professionals working in design and construction. Compared to the traditional system of studies, the new curriculum was better aligned with the requirements of the construction industry and contemporary developments in civil engineering.
Study Structure
The higher education reform introduced a new three-cycle structure of studies: the first cycle – Bachelor's studies, the second cycle – Master's studies, and the third cycle – Doctoral studies.
The first cycle (Bachelor's studies) lasts three years. Upon successful completion, students are awarded the appropriate academic degree in Civil Engineering or Geodesy, in accordance with the relevant study programme.
Successful completion of the first cycle is a prerequisite for enrolment in the second cycle (Master's studies), which lasts two years. Upon successful completion, students are awarded the academic degree of Master of the Profession in Civil Engineering or Geodesy. This degree differs from the former academic degree of Master of Science, which was awarded under the previous higher education system.
Students are encouraged to complete both cycles of study, in accordance with their individual capabilities and professional goals, thereby acquiring broader professional knowledge and competencies required for careers in civil engineering and geodesy.
Significant changes have also been introduced in the process of obtaining a doctoral degree. The third cycle (Doctoral studies) lasts three years, or six semesters. Unlike the previous system, doctoral studies include organised coursework and examinations during the initial phase of the programme, followed by research work and the preparation of a doctoral dissertation.
Upon successful completion of the programme, students are awarded the academic degree of Doctor of Technical Sciences in the relevant field of Civil Engineering or Geodesy, in accordance with the applicable regulations and study programme.
ECTS System for the Assessment of Studies
Introduction of the ECTS System
Alongside the reform of the study structure and the transition to a model comprising three-year Bachelor's and two-year Master's programmes, a new system for measuring student workload and academic achievement was introduced: ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System).
Study Structure and ECTS Credits
Under this system, each academic year of study is worth 60 ECTS credits. The number of credits awarded upon successful completion of each study cycle is presented below.
The first cycle of studies lasts three years. Upon successful completion, students earn a total of 180 ECTS credits.
Drugi ciklus studija traje dvije godine i obuhvata dodatnih 120 ECTS bodova. Završetkom prvog i drugog ciklusa studija, koji ukupno traju pet godina, ostvaruje se 300 ECTS bodova.
The three-year doctoral programme comprises a total of 180 ECTS credits, equivalent to 30 ECTS credits per semester.
Significance of the Bologna Process
The introduction of the Bologna Process marked a significant step for the Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Sarajevo, towards the modernisation of higher education, the enhancement of study programme quality, the strengthening of international cooperation, and the alignment of education with European standards and the needs of contemporary engineering practice.