TecCOMFrame: Developing Prototype Technical Communication Curricula

In Europe, the number of academic programs in technical communication is limited, and the academic profile of the field remains low as a result. The three-year TecCOMFrame project, designed to address the shortage of academic programs, began in October 2015. The project involves academic partners from eight European countries and is coordinated by Tekom Europe, the European Association for Technical Communication. The project deliverables include an academic competence framework and several prototype curricula developed from the competence framework. The process of developing the prototypes was iterative and collaborative. The purpose of the prototypes is to provide inspiration and guidance for academics planning to develop a technical communication program. The prototypes follow European norms as outlined by the Bologna process: each curriculum corresponds to a level within the European Qualifications Framework, specifies European credits, and includes modules, subjects and learning goals. The prototypes include a three-semester master's program and a master's-level specialization in a language studies program.