By AZE.US
Azerbaijan is continuing to consider shortening bachelor’s degree programs from four years to three, although the proposed model would not apply to every field of study.
The debate began after lawmaker Fariz Ismayilzade proposed introducing three-year bachelor’s programs, noting that this system already operates in many European countries. Officials and lawmakers are now offering more detail on which academic fields could be affected.
Science and Education Minister Emin Amrullayev previously said the duration of certain programs could be reduced after their curricula are reviewed.
Member of Parliament Jeyhun Mammadov also said Azerbaijan could eventually adopt a system under which bachelor’s programs last three years and master’s programs one year, as is already the case in several countries.
However, the proposal does not envisage shortening every undergraduate program. According to Mammadov, the three-year model could initially be introduced primarily in the humanities. The final list would have to be determined after evaluating curricula and consulting education specialists.
Experts cited during the earlier debate said shorter programs could also be considered in selected areas of the social and natural sciences, education, economics, accounting and information technology.
The model may be less suitable for medicine, law and some engineering disciplines, where students require extensive theoretical instruction, laboratory work and prolonged practical training.
Education specialists warn that one year cannot simply be removed from existing programs. Universities would first have to revise their curricula, eliminate unnecessary or overlapping courses and ensure that graduates still acquire the professional knowledge and skills required by employers.
One option discussed by students and experts is to devote three years to academic and specialized instruction while retaining an additional period for mandatory workplace training.
Supporters of the proposal argue that shorter programs would allow graduates to enter the labor market one year earlier. Families could also save money on tuition, accommodation and students’ living expenses.
No final decision has been announced. The government has yet to determine when the change could be introduced or which degree programs would be the first to adopt the three-year model. Officials say preserving the quality of higher education must remain the main condition of any reform.
AZE.US