Reconstructing Higher Education? The Case of Master's and PhD Programmes in Education in a Portuguese Institution

Abstract

Whether and to what extent we are in the process of reconstructing higher education following the Bologna Process orientation is the issue underpinning this article. To address this issue, the authors consider data from an exploratory survey conducted in a Portuguese university, focusing on the field of education. They take into account the contents of the educational policies at supranational level in Europe and at national level in Portugal. In addition, they draw upon the conceptual debate about policy and politics. They acknowledge changes taking place in the organisational structure of the academic programmes, as well as in the students' perceptions. Additionally, critical issues concerning the organisation and implementation of these programmes allow them to identify challenges for universities and issues that need deeper inquiry and continuous monitoring.