The requirements for good degree programs are constantly evolving, for example with regard to competency goals, teaching and learning formats, or professional fields of action. To ensure the quality of education and promote innovative ideas for studies and teaching, the University of Münster's study programs are regularly reviewed and further developed using a Quality Management System (QMS).
An essential element of this process is the so-called program conferences. Here, all stakeholders - from students to teachers to staff members involved in studies and teaching - come together to discuss the current state of a program. Together, they analyze where improvements are necessary and decide which steps should be taken next. These approaches are then recorded in a quality development plan, making it easier to track and evaluate progress and successes.
This process forms a cycle that supports the continuous development of study programs while ensuring the high quality of education. Through close collaboration among all stakeholders, it is ensured that study programs are always up-to-date and meet the needs of students and society.
process overview
The ongoing development of degree programs is an essential part of academic work at the University of Münster. Within an eight-year accreditation period, there are various steps to review and improve the quality of degree programs.
The responsibility for conducting regular program conferences to develop degree programs lies with the faculties. To prepare for a program conference, a faculty may choose to conduct a preliminary analysis. A preparation group collects relevant information such as survey results, data, and key performance indicators, and creates an initial assessment that serves as a basis for discussion during the program conference.
Dialogue orientation as a principle
During the program conference itself, students, faculty members, and staff involved in studies and teaching come together to assess the quality of a degree program and discuss potential improvements. Different perspectives are brought to the table, and using the University of Münster's quality criteria, development objectives and potentials are identified. Based on this, concrete measures are planned, such as introducing new content, adapting websites, or changing teaching methods. These measures can be diverse and range from minor adjustments to comprehensive reforms.
To monitor the planning, implementation, and success of innovations, they are recorded as measures in a quality development plan. These measures are reviewed for their effectiveness within the framework of program conferences based on monitoring. The development of new measures can occur at any time, even outside of program conferences.
Measures can also involve changes to examination regulations. It is crucial that such changes can only be made once a year and must be carefully planned accordingly.
Closing the loop
Ultimately, the successful implementation of innovations and the improvement of study quality are decisive for the development of a degree program. Therefore, it is essential to consider how the effectiveness of a measure can be evaluated through (data-driven) monitoring within the framework of future program conferences before implementing it.
The evaluation closes the feedback loop of degree program development, making it an essential part of the Quality Management System (QMS) at the University of Münster and ensuring the quality of degree programs.
