The system of postgraduate studies is an important element of HE system of any country as it lays a foundation for an innovative economy and competitive science system. Moreover, it also ensures the reproduction of the HE system itself. Extending the Bologna principles to this area of education corresponds fully to the trends and needs of European and global economies and lays in the area of priorities for education reforms in Armenia and Georgia. So far, the attention paid to this sector, especially in the field of Environmental Protection (EP), was not sufficient. For instance, in Armenia, the country running a nuclear power station, the postgraduate curriculum in the field of environmental radiation protection is not available! All specialists in this field have to study abroad. In Georgia, the country the economy of which fully depends on tourism and agriculture (e.g. wine production), there are no postgraduate courses in the field of food safety. At the same time, the thematic area of EP represents a lasting and important priority both in Europe and in the target countries. In fact, capacities in EP are a core prerequisite for ensuring the quality of life and competitiveness of the economy, especially for such small countries as Armenia and Georgia, the countries with very clear Smart Specialization Strategies. That is why; the ERASMUS+ programme continuously announces this field as a priority area for cooperation with the target countries.

The overall objective of the project is to significantly improve the quality of postgraduate studies in the field of Environment Protection in Armenia and Georgia on the basis of complex modernization of postgraduate studies in line with the Bologna principles, Salzburg principles of EAU and best European practice.

Project Coordinator: Tuscia University - Italy