Validation Discipline-specific learning outcomes

The discipline-specific learning outcomes in Flanders describe the educational qualification and thus substantiate a collective set of competences which all students throughout Flanders are expected to acquire within a particular programme. In a structural consultation process, discipline-specific learning outcomes are set down collectively by the institutions providing a particular (new or reformed) educational qualification.

General info

NVAO validates the discipline-specific learning outcomes for the master’s, bachelor’s, and graduaat programmes (HBO5) in Flanders once such programmes have been endorsed by the Flemish Council of Universities and University Colleges (VLUHR – for bachelor’s and master’s programmes) or by the Council of Flemish University Colleges (VLHORA – for graduaat programmes). This extends to both new programmes applying for initial accreditation and the updating of existing discipline-specific learning outcomes.

The discipline-specific learning outcomes are ranked at the appropriate level in the Flemish qualifications structure and published in the qualifications data bank of the Agency for Higher Education, Adult Education, Qualifications and Study Grants (AHOVOKS).

Steps

Application

The procedure for the validation of discipline-specific learning outcomes commences upon receipt of an application by the NVAO. An application for ...

The procedure for the validation of discipline-specific learning outcomes commences upon receipt of an application by the NVAO. An application for the validation of discipline-specific learning outcomes (DSLOs) may relate to one or more educational qualifications.

Admissibility and review of the application

The NVAO coordinator analyses the application on the basis of the application file. If the requirements have been met, the discipline-specific l...

The NVAO coordinator analyses the application on the basis of the application file. If the requirements have been met, the discipline-specific learning outcomes (DSLOs) can be validated. If the requirements have not been met, the NVAO may decide that the DSLOs are inadmissible and cannot be validated. In such cases, the NVAO informs the applicant accordingly.

Validation of the DSLOs

Based on the documents submitted and the analysis thereof, the NVAO validates the discipline-specific learning outcomes (DSLOs). Validated discipli...

Based on the documents submitted and the analysis thereof, the NVAO validates the discipline-specific learning outcomes (DSLOs). Validated discipline-specific learning outcomes are automatically recognised as educational qualifications and subsequently registered in the Qualifications Database. The NVAO aims to complete the procedure within four weeks of issuing the acknowledgement of receipt of the application. For new programmes, the validation will take place no later than the decision-making stage following the application file submitted for the Initial Accreditation.

Request submission