Understanding Mutual Recognition of Qualifications (MRQs)
Executive Summary
- Contributions and Motivations: The motivations for developing MRQs are multifaceted, including economic advantages, global collaboration, and alignment with in-country internationalization strategies.
- Types of MRQs: MRQs can take many forms, including Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), and Treaty-level Agreement. The term 'MRQ' is used as an umbrella term for all types.
- Organizations Involved: Developing and implementing MRQs involves several national-level organizations across borders, often including governmental and non-governmental agencies.
- Stages and Processes: The process for setting MRQs follows a general roadmap, including reviewing similar documentation and involving various stakeholders. The development and implementation phases face common risks such as political instability and non-recognition of qualification components.
- Digital Considerations: Recent MRQs increasingly incorporate digital considerations, such as qualification components like pedagogy, examinations, and quality assurance.
Key Findings
- Survey and Interview Data: The report includes insights from surveys and interviews conducted with stakeholders in countries without existing MRQs, focusing on their perceptions and motivations.
- Target Countries: Some countries have already established MRQs with the UK, while others are yet to do so. Examples include China, Egypt, India, Mexico, Peru, Spain, and Vietnam.
- MRQ Definitions:
- MRA: A ratified agreement covering various qualifications, typically taking longer to develop and enforce.
- MoU: A non-ratified agreement for cross-border qualification recognition, often serving as the initial step for mutual recognition.
Methodology
- Research Methods: The study used a combination of desk-based research and stakeholder engagement through interviews and surveys.
- Interview Categories: Interviews were categorized into roles such as Education Directors, International Education Leads, Project and Research Managers, and Advisors and Researchers.
- Thematic Analysis: Two rounds of thematic analysis were conducted using SWOT and PESTLE frameworks.
Target Countries
- China: Signed an MRA with the UK in 2003.
- Egypt: Signed an MoU with the UK in 2018.
- India: Signed an MoU with the UK in 2022.
- Indonesia: Currently has no MRQ with the UK.
- Mexico: Signed an MRA with the UK in 2015.
- Oman: Currently has no MRQ with the UK.
- Pakistan: Currently has no MRQ with the UK.
- Peru: Signed a treaty-level agreement with the UK in 2018.
- Saudi Arabia: Currently has no MRQ with the UK.
- Spain: Signed an MRA with the UK in 2023.
- Vietnam: Currently has no MRQ with the UK.
Conclusion
The report aims to enhance stakeholder understanding of MRQs, their motivations, and the stages and processes involved in their development and implementation. It also highlights the evolving nature of MRQs in light of the digital revolution and the unique challenges and opportunities associated with them.
