Algiers University

Academic training at the University of Algiers includes an undergraduate level and a graduate one, both under two different systems. The system currently prevailing is known as “the classical system” The new system, currently consisting of a « Licence » degree programme, followed by a Master’s programme, is based on a shorter   and more inter-disciplinary undergraduate curriculum (towards a Licence degree), to be followed by a Master’s programme involving a shorter period of study/ research than is allowed by the Magister still in force. This Master's programme is conceived as training towards doctoral research Doctoral research (hence its acronym, “LMD”). It is meant to be gradually spread through most of the disciplines covered by the University of Algiers. 

1) - The undergraduate level

-  with the classical system, it leads a “Licence” degree after 4 to 5 years’ study according to specialties;

- with the LMD system, a three- year generally multidisciplinary curriculum offers a choice of preparation towards either a “Professional Licence” or towards an “Academic Licence”.

 

2) - The Graduate School includes two levels at either of the two systems:

                                I. with the classical system,

we have:

a)-a first cycle  in preparation to the  Magister (for most  disciplines) or to the Diplôme d’Etudes Médicales Spécialisées-- DEMS (for medical specialties).

In certain specialties a training towards a Diplôme de Post-Graduation Spécialisée (DPGS) is provided.

b) -a second cycle leading to the Doctorate degree (for all specialties). 

II. with the LMD system,

a)- we have :

a first cycle in preparation to the Master’s (“Academic” or “Professional”)

b)-a second cycle in preparation to the Doctorate.                                    

A) THE UNDERGRADUATE LEVEL

 1) Under the Classical System

 This curriculum, and consists of a long cycle (04 years) and a short cycle (03years).

The long cycle is generally a preparation to the Licence degree while the short cycle   leads to a Diploma of Applied Academic Studies (Diplôme d’Etudes Universitaires Appliquées), although in certain cases it may be consecrated by a Licence degree.

           

            ORGANIZATION OF STUDIES AND PASSING FROM ONE YEAR TO ANOTHER 

I.  GENERAL PEDAGOGICAL ORGANIZATION

The general rules in force are provided for by Ministerial   Decision No. 151 of 02/11/1998, modifying and completing Decision No. 128 of 17/09/1998, and by Decision No. 127 of 13/09/1998 on the Evaluation of Core Courses and Student Orientation following completion of the Core Programme. 

The whole teaching system is a yearly or semester-_based modular system, where modules bear different coefficients involving lectures cum practical sessions.

Generally, the Core Programme covers the first year or the first two years before specialization proper. In some cases, internships are organized, generally during the senior year, and a final research paper may be required.  

Attendance is mandatory. Failure to attend 05 sessions of one given module leads to exclusion from the corresponding exam. 

II   REGISTRATION

One may register or re-register in only one Core course or specialty. 

A.    Registration of new high school graduates

Prospective freshmen are first provided with the proper literature and forms in print and through the internet before taking the pre-registration and definite registration steps.  

1)       PRE-REGISTRATION

Pre-registration usually takes place early in July for a period of 02 weeks.

The candidate is oriented on the basis of:

-          his Baccalauréat option ;

-          his overall Baccalauréat average, and, for certain specialties, on his record in the main subjects;

-          the geographical location in which the Baccalauréat was granted to him. 

The candidate is to apply in one of the registration centres provided for near this location.

He must submit ten options, which are then processed by the National Informatics Institute (INI). 

2)      THE DEFINITE REGISTRATION

This takes place during the second half of August.

For the U. of Algiers, the proceedings take place at the Bouzareah campus, each Faculty organizing the registration of its own students.

Each student is entitled to appeal a decision of INI that is not agreeable to him.

At this stage, his application should include:

-          the original copy of his Baccalauréat;

-          The Choice decision made by INI 

-          a birth certificate;

-          two stamped envelopes with his address ;

-          03 ID pictures;

-           -01 Money order for registration fees;

-          a personal data form filled.

 

N.B.: The candidate may withdraw his original copy of his Baccalauréat diploma only on completion of his studies, or in the event he wants to prepare a second Licence degree, or if his registration is terminated and he definitely gives up his studies. 

B.     Re-registration of students passing to the next academic year or repeating their class

Such re-registration is organized by the relevant Faculty.  

C. Foreign degree accreditation

Students having studied abroad  and wishing to register at the U. of Algiers must apply at the « Commission des Equivalences » of the Ministry of Higher Education to get an evaluation  and accreditation of the  modules obtained  and a decision as to  the level they should be registered at  at this university.  

D. Registration to prepare a second Licence     

Such registration is allowed five years after the getting of a Licence degree and is subservient to the relevant Ministerial circular and to availability of pedagogical seats. The earlier Licence not securing any credit into the requirements of the new degree sought. 

E. Terms of Registration into the Long cycle for short cycle studies graduates.

These terms are set by Ministerial Decision No. 131 of 16/02/1998. 

F. Transfers

All applications for transfer into another university must be justified and are subject to a joint agreement between the two universities. They must be submitted at the beginning of the academic year. 

G. Registration of Foreign Students

1)      Foreign Students benefiting from an Algerian Government scholarship may, under Ministerial Circular No. 47 of 05/05/1986, and through submitting a Certificate established by the Direction de la Coopération of the Ministry of Higher Education of Algeria, apply at any Algerian University. 

2)      Children of foreign residents in Algeria go through the same steps as Algerian students, but require an Authorization of the same Department of the Ministry.

 See link “Information for International Students”. 

III. EVALUATION

 

A.     The General Modalities for Evaluation  

These are established by Ministerial Decisions No. 128 of 17/09/1998 and No. 151 of 02/11/1998 involving practical assignments in sections, mid-terms, finals, and optional second make-up sessions. 

The department’s Pedagogical Committee determines the number of tests per module, such number not exceeding:

-          partial plus one final exam for annual modules;

-          01 partial plus one final exam for semester-_or sub-semester based modules.

 The yearly general annual or semester average is compensatory, calculated on the basis of the averages of marks obtained at the various modules and according to their coefficients. To pass to the next grade, the student should have:

-           A general average equal or superior to 10/20.

-          an average of at least 05/20 per module. 

The « Synthesis » examination, optional and covering the semester or yearly syllabus, is organized for the benefit of students not having passed the normal exam sessions. The new modular average is calculated by averaging the earlier and the new module marks.

Still a second session is organized for those having failed at the Synthesis exam providing the overall average is not below 07/20; the new modular average is calculated as per the earlier rule.

Students failing yet at this exam are authorized to repeat their academic year. 

B.     Repeating years

Repetition is the subject of very strict rules established in relation to each of the four undergraduate years and set forth in Ministerial Decisions No. 127 of 13/09/1998 on Core programmes, 128 of   17/09/1998 and 151 of 02/11/1998. The earlier decisions, particularly those of 18/07/1987 and   03/08/1987, are abrogated. The pertinent regulations concerning medical studies remain valid. The full texts of all regulations are available in the pedagogical services of all departments and in the Central Pedagogical Department at the « Faculty Centrale ». 

2)   Under the LMD system

The « LMD », as part of the  current development experienced in higher education structure world-wide, is designed to    meet the  various imperatives imposed by the national and international contexts and is geared towards achieving a more functional system, allowing among other things a wider range of job outlets at various stages of the curriculum.

This system is a semester-based credit system involving core and optional courses.

The Licence curriculum for the first two years involves the student’s responsible choice of his own programme based on a wide variety of « modules ». Towards the end of his curriculum, he may opt for either continued multi-disciplinary study or for a “major”. As applicable, he may then  either for a  non specialized  curriculum, involving a variety of subjects and leading to jobs other than teaching or research, or for training  allowing him to sign up for the Master’s. Hence the two types of Licence degrees offered: an “Academic Licence” and a “Professional Licence”. For more details see links “LMD”and “Information for Undergraduate students. 

This system is a semester-based and credit system involving core and optional courses.

The Licence curriculum for the first two years involves the student’s responsible choice of his own programme based on a wide variety of « modules ». Towards the end of his curriculum, he may opt for either continued multi-disciplinary study or for a “major”. As applicable, he may then  either for a  non specialized  curriculum, involving a variety of subjects and leading to jobs other than teaching or research, or for training  allowing him to sign up for the Master’s. Hence the two types of Licence degrees offered: an “Academic Licence” and a “Professional Licence”. For more details see links “LMD”and “Information for Undergraduate students”.

Currently, a joint LMD programme is organized as follows between two faculties:

 

For further  information on terms for accessing these trainings, consult No. 119 of MINBAR EL DJAMI’A. 

B) GRADUATE STUDIES

 

1) Under the Classical System

 Since Independence, Graduate studies at the U. of Algiers have been subservient to a series of laws defining:

- The terms under which departments are granted “habilitation”(accreditation) decisions to open either a first or a second cycle graduate school cycle as well as requirements for being admitted to graduate school ;

- The pedagogical and scientific contents of such training;

- The rules for evaluation.

 

The key legislation relating to the Magister and Doctoral programmes consists of Executive N°. 98-253  of 24 Rabi’ Eth Thani, 1419 / 17 August 1998. However, while this law still directs doctoral training, the modalities for accessing the Magister (particularly the rules for evaluating the entrance competitive exam) are henceforward provided for in Ministerial Decision N°. 90 of 12/04/2003. 

Further detail on the conception of graduate studies at the U. of Algiers may be found under the heading « The Higher Education Orientation Law » on this Site. 

The classical system involves two levels:

- A first cycle leading to the Magister degree in most specialties, to the DEMS (Diplôme d’Etudes Médicales Spécialisées) or to the Diplôme de Post Graduation Spécialisée (DPGS). Registration to this level is contingent on success at a national competitive entrance examination.

- A second cycle leading to the Doctor’s Degree. Registration to this level requires a graduation First Cycle degree under the above specifications. 

2) Under the LMD System 

The Master’s programme is designed towards more functionality, with stress put on developing research skills. Research is to become more substantial under the New Doctorate programme, a programme conceived along the lines of the Ph.D.