Internationalisation and cooperation:lesson learned from the joint Master course in Information Studies by distance

Abstract

The paper is a reflexion on the experience of the International Master in Information Studies by distance, a joint course delivered by the University of Northumbria at Newcastle (UK) and the University of Parma (Italy) and now at its 4th intake. The following questions will be answered, focusing on the specific case study:

a) Why start a joint international course? Benefits expected and real outcomes of the internationalisation of the joint Master; b) Is there good models or good practice for joint courses? The quality assurance experience of the joint Master has been based on QAA code of practice, trying to integrate Italian and English processes and system for quality control; c) What are the main barriers or obstacles to overcome in a joint course? Specific cultural, legislative and financial obstacles will be defined togeher with the solutions applied.

In conclusion, lesson learned from the joint Master in Information Studies gives evidence that an international course is not limited to an international content but should include quality and recognition of qualifications issues and it addresses cross-cultural skills for all actors involved.