Programme accreditation in Germany

Individual procedure

In an individual procedure, a study programme at state and state-recognised higher education institutions in Germany is assessed as part of programme accreditation and a decision is made by the Accreditation Council after the application has been submitted.

The degree programme is assessed with regard to the fulfilment of the formal and subject-related content criteria as part of a peer review procedure. The result of the assessment is presented in a structured manner in the accreditation report.

The assessment of an individual degree programme allows an in-depth examination and a focus on details. As in all procedures, EVALAG attaches great importance to a needs-based procedural design.

Bundling procedure

Up to ten degree programmes can be assessed in a bundle if they are close in content. Combined study programmes are a special feature of bundle procedures.

The bundles should be approved by the Accreditation Council before the start of the procedure. It is recommended that the composition of the expert group is also specified.

Each individual study programme is the subject of assessment in the procedure and is assessed according to the formal and subject-related criteria. The accreditation report offers the possibility of a summarised presentation and evaluation in the case of a group assessment.

In order to realise a development-oriented procedure, EVALAG attaches particular importance to the profile of the composition of the expert group and the specific design of the on-site visit in the case of cluster assessments.

Joint Programmes and the European Approach

Since 2015, the "European Approach for Quality Assurance of Joint Programmes" has offered the possibility of recognising assessments by international quality assurance agencies under defined conditions. According to this European approach, joint programmes offered by German and other universities in other European countries that conclude with a joint degree can be accredited. The decision can be recognised by the respective decision-making bodies (e.g. Accreditation Council) and countries. The developed procedure and the defined standards facilitate recognition and create transparency across countries and cultures.

Joint programmes are characterised by an integrated curriculum in line with the European approach. The various universities from countries in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) are jointly responsible for coordinating and offering the programmes. The degree programmes lead to double/multiple degrees or a joint degree.

Special types and contents of degree programmes

EVALAG supports you in the assessment procedures for degree programmes with"special profile requirements", e.g. dual or career-integrated profiles. In addition, EVALAG has proven expertise in the field of quality assurance and governance in teacher education.

In the fields of art, music and performing arts, EVALAG works together with various types of higher education institutions and academies. For EVALAG, modular study programmes, large modules based on productions, small modules and many examinations based on auditions are the core of study programmes at universities of art and music. Thanks to its diverse experience and understanding of the specific needs of art and music colleges and academies, EVALAG can support the institutions on their way to strengthening their internal quality culture. EVALAG is aware of the situations at universities and academies of this type and works with them to find alternative and innovative ways of developing quality.

The special features and challenges of private universities as well as the academisation of the healthcare professions with the associated teacher training for (specialist) vocational schools are also an integral part of EVALAG's portfolio. If changes arise during the process, such as the Nursing Studies Strengthening Act passed at the end of 2023, EVALAG proactively incorporates these and coordinates them with the institutions.