Study Programme Management

The aim of study programme management is to ensure the quality of development and delivery of study programmes and their timely, data-based improvement, so that they are based on the principle of unity of research and studies, respond to societal needs, are characterised by internationalisation and interdisciplinarity, and follow a student-centred approach.

Study programme management consists of two sub-processes:

development and approval of intended study programmes,
evaluation and improvement of existing study programmes.

Their implementation and responsibilities are specified in the VU Study Quality Manual.

Social stakeholders participate in study programme management, assuming responsibility for ensuring and improving study quality.

Academic Staff

Continuously develop their pedagogical and subject specific competences.
Regularly update the content, learning and assessment methods of taught course units (modules).
Provide students with constructive and timely feedback on their learning progress.
Share good teaching practices with colleagues.
Participate in the activities of Study Programme Committees (SPC), working groups and commissions.
Implement the provisions of study quality policy and comply with academic ethics.

Students

Actively participate in the study process and responsibly fulfil the requirements set out in course unit (module) descriptions
Provide feedback on the quality of teaching and study experience
Contribute to SPC activities and represent student interests in the improvement process
Participate in evaluations and quality improvement initiatives
Contribute to strengthening academic culture by committing to academic integrity

Alumni

Provide feedback on the relevance of acquired competences to labour market needs
Contribute to study improvement through advisory activities
Deliver guest lectures, participate in discussions, share experience
Contribute through patronage or other forms of support

Social Partners

Provide expert insights on labour market trends and competence needs
Participate in SPC activities, internships evaluation, and final thesis defence
Offer internships, deliver guest lectures, propose research or project topics
Collaborate in developing new study programmes or course units (modules)
Contribute through patronage or initiatives promoting study quality enhancement

Study Programme Committees (SPCs)

Ensure programme compliance with VU strategic provisions and external requirements
Monitor programme content, learning outcomes, teaching and learning methods and assessment
Evaluate student feedback and initiate changes
Involve social partners, alumni and students in decision-making

Administration (central and core academic units)

Ensure development and implementation of regulations, procedures and standards
Coordinate programme development, updates and evaluation
Analyse data and provide recommendations
Administer study processes and provide academic information
Consult participants of the study process
Ensure conditions for competence development
Maintain information systems