Reaccreditation of degree programmes

Principles

• As a basic principle, accreditations are issued for a limited period of time. Once the accreditation period expires, the HEI is not entitled to hold the quality seal or to label the degree programme as accredited any longer
• Degree programmes whose valid accreditation is expiring require a reaccreditation if they are to be considered accredited and if the quality seal is to remain valid
• To this end, a so-called reaccreditation procedure must be conducted, which may lead to a continuance or to a refusal of the accreditation
• The General Criteria for the first accreditation in their most current version also apply to the reaccreditation of degree programmes
• A reaccreditation may also be conducted by an agency which did not carry out the first accreditation procedure

Main focus of the reaccreditation of degree programmes

At the time of reaccreditation, the degree programme concerned has already been realised for a certain period of time. The evaluation of quality must therefore include the results attained during this period:

• For example, all statistic data available on the course of study (exam results, dropout rate, number of first-year students, number of graduates, proportion of special student groups, workload, etc.)
• For example, student achievement/success in study, evidenced by graduate surveys and studies on the fortune of graduates
• For example, the students’ workload realised in the individual models and evidence on the feasibility of the courses offered
• For example, the results of internal and external evaluations of the quality management of an HEI regarding the degree programmes in question
• For example, the changes and improvements made to a degree programme within the accreditation period and evidence of its content-related and structural further development

Documents

In the case of reaccreditation the HEI should include reports and results of the preceding accreditation in the standard documentation of an accreditation procedure of degree programmes. You will find a list of the required documents and recommended structure in the latest version of the “ASIIN General Criteria for the Accreditation of Degree Programmes”.

Deadlines

Depending on the quality seal applied for and on the national legal policy to be applied, there is a possibility to temporarily extend the valid accreditation in order to conduct a reaccreditation procedure. Such a preliminary extension would avoid “gaps in accreditation” which would otherwise affect graduates in a given year. The decision on the extension is made by the ASIIN Accreditation Commission for Degree Programmes.

We will be happy to discuss with you personally whether your degree programmes may be extended and which deadlines need to be met. Please contact the programme managers in question by phone or by email.

Discontinuance of a degree programme and reaccreditation

If an HEI does not continue a degree programme after first accreditation, it is possible to extend the accreditation for the period of study of the students enrolled at the time of expiration of the accreditation deadline. The ASIIN Accreditation Commission for Degree Programmes decides on the extension, provided that:

1. The degree programme is closed prior to the expiration of the accreditation deadline
2. The HEI substantiates that the degree programme will not differ considerably from the preceding accredited degree programme for the remaining period of time
3. The required human and material resources are available for the remaining period of time in a sustainable manner