Bologna Process in the national context of Ukraine - tribute to fashion or necessary step?

The major goal of this thesis was to reach an understanding if the reforms brought by the Bologna Process are needed for the higher education system of Ukraine. This was examined by the following research questions: 1. How much are the university lecturers and students aware about the aims and goals of the Bologna Process? 2. Does Ukrainian system of higher education need to be reformed and if so, what the reforms should be? 3. Is Ukrainian system of higher education ready for the reforms brought by the Bologna Process? 4. Is the two-tier degree system effective within the Ukrainian social and economic conditions? 5. What positive and negative consequences of the Bologna Process reforms for the Ukrainian system of higher education could be singled out? The research subjects were lecturers and professors from the Ukrainian universities. The universities chosen represent the different stages of involvement into the Bologna Process ­ initial, middle and advanced. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were chosen to get the insight on the Bologna Process of the lecturers and professors as one of the main participants in the Bologna Process. The general attitude to the Bologna Process and its reforms was positive; thus, the conclusion was reached that the Bologna Process reforms are needed by the Ukrainian system of higher education. However the view that Ukraine has to overcome certain difficulties in order to be a full member of the process was shared by the respondents. Key words: Bologna Process, Ukraine, higher education system, harmonization