The Bologna Process outlines two possible alternatives for implementing the new education model: undergraduate degrees consisting of 240 ECTS credits (4 years) and undergraduate degrees consisting of 180 ECTS credits (3 years). This is the difference between Spanish universities and ESEC. Spanish universities, together with some European countries, have adopted the 240 ECTS credit system for undergraduate degrees; however, ESEC is following the system adopted by France, given that ESEC belongs to the French group Toulouse Business School, which has adopted the 180 ECTS credit system (3 years) for its bachelor or undergraduate degrees. Students who want to do a Bachelor or Master degree in Management at ESEC will be studying according to the system defined by France according to its adaptation to the Bologna Process.

What are the reasons for choosing one way or the other?

Spanish universities must adapt their current system to other universities. The system based on 240 ECTS credits makes this adaption process easier, since most degrees (licenciaturas) at Spanish universities lasted four years. ESEC and the ESC Toulouse Group have in some way already adapted to the Bologna Process. From the beginning, their bachelor (undergraduate) degree programme has been a 3-year programme with a total of 60 ECTS credits per year, thus totalling 180 ECTS credits. This is the system that has been adopted by most European countries. In addition, from a methodological point of view, the teaching model at a business school like ESEC has always been very practical and focused on teamwork and active participation by students and has taken into account the needs of businesses by including required internships, which fits perfectly into the new model established by Bologna. Therefore, the current adaptation task is centred on updating syllabi in order to bring them fully into line with the new system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bologna Process adapts studies to current job-market needs, promoting the quality, individual work and personal skills of students. In line with its unwavering goal to educate through excellence, ESEC has become part of this international project. For many years now, bachelor-degree students have had Personal Development and Professional Career classes as part of their course of studies. In addition, they have enjoyed personalised monitoring through Assessments that make it possible to learn in depth about their specific skills and thus promote them and to become aware of their weaknesses and hence be able to work on them. This method enables students to advance both professional and personally.