Blended Intensive Programmes (BIP)

These are short, intensive programmes that use innovative ways of learning and teaching, including the use of online cooperation. The programmes may include challenge based learning where transnational and transdisciplinary teams work together to tackle challenges for example those linked to the United Nations’ sustainable development goals or other societal challenges identified by regions, cities or companies. The intensive programme should have added value compared to existing courses or trainings offered by the participating HEIs and can be multiannual. By enabling new and more flexible mobility formats that combine physical mobility with a virtual part, blended intensive programmes aim at reaching all types of students from all backgrounds, study fields and cycles.
Groups of higher education institutions will have the opportunity to organise short blended intensive programmes of learning, teaching and training for students and staff. During these blended intensive programmes, groups of students and/or staff as learners will undertake a short-term physical mobility abroad combined with a compulsory virtual component facilitating collaborative online learning exchange and teamwork. The virtual component must bring the learners together online to work collectively and simultaneously on specific assignments that are integrated in the blended intensive programme and count towards the overall learning outcomes.
In addition, blended intensive programmes can be open to student and staff from HEIs, including local students and local staff. Blended intensive programmes build capacity for developing and implementing innovative teaching and learning practices in the participating HEIs.

Eligible participating organisations

A blended intensive programme has to be developed and implemented by at least 3 higher education institutions (HEIs) coming from at least 3 EU Member States and third countries associated to the Programme.

In addition, any other HEI or organisation located in an EU Member State, third country associated to the Programme or third countries not associated to the Programme may participate in order to send participants.

Duration of the activity

The duration of the physical component of a blended intensive programme must be between 5 and 30 days for learners. No eligibility criteria is set for the duration of the virtual component but the combined virtual and physical components must award a minimum of 3 ECTS credits for students.

Contacts at the University of Coimbra:

BIP OUTGOING: dri.bip-outgoing@uc.pt

BIP INCOMING: dri.bip@uc.pt

Blended Intensive programmes organized by the UC