European Approach for Quality Assurance of Joint Programmes

The European Approach for Quality Assurance of Joint Programmes (hereinafter: the European Approach) makes it possible for a joint programme to obtain accreditation in all countries where programme accreditation is mandatory on the basis of a single assessment procedure. This applies to all countries within the European Higher Education Area in which the programme is offered. In countries where programme accreditation is not mandatory, the European Approach can also add value to internal quality assurance processes, for example as part of an internal mid-term review.

Under the European Approach for Quality Assurance of Joint Programmes, a single quality assessment will suffice for programmes to obtain accreditation in all the countries of the European Higher Education Area in which programme accreditation is mandatory.

In many cases, Dutch and Flemish programmes that are offered in collaboration with one or more institutions in other countries are faced with different national accreditation requirements. This hampers the development of joint programmes, whereas such programmes are desirable in the purview of internationalisation. For this reason, NVAO has worked on appropriate solutions for more than two decades, together with its European partners.

For example, NVAO has coordinated the ECA project JOQAR, which has contributed greatly to a European solution. NVAO's work finally resulted in the European Approach for Quality Assurance of Joint Programmes, which was adopted by the Ministers of the European Higher Education Area in May 2015.

This European Approach comprises a single framework with standards and procedures for the assessment of international joint programmes. Such joint programmes, which are taught by institutions in several countries, may carry either a single joint degree or several national degrees.

This framework enables all the quality assurance agencies included on the European Register to assess joint programmes. The Ministers have agreed that the outcomes of assessments conducted on the basis of the European framework will be recognised in all the countries of the European Higher Education Area. The NVAO now only assesses joint programmes with the European Approach framework.

Please note: the NVAO only accepts applications under the European Approach with panel reports from other EQAR registered agencies if the reports follow the European approach format.

EUROPEAN APPROACH

Do you want to know more about the applicable standards, the history or how countries implement the European Approach nationally?

PROCEDURE the netherlands

For the assessment of joint degrees and joint programs a specific procedure applies in the Netherlands, based on the European Approach.

PROCEDURE Flanders

For the recognition of international joint programmes, a specific procedure applies in Flanders, based on the European Approach.

Files

European Approach for Quality Assurance of Joint Programmes