A quarterly publication of AQU Catalunya

94

July 2019

AQU Catalunya has published and just released the Report on the 2017-2018 meta-evaluation of the ex-ante accreditation and modification of recognised degree programmes.

The report graphically lays out the development and outcomes of the reviews and analyses the four main areas of the procedure: applications for ex-ante accreditation and modification, the decision deadlines for ex-ante accreditation dossiers, the outcomes and the costs of the review and evaluation procedures.

In the 2017-2018 academic year, unlike previous years, the Agency published two calls for applications for the ex-ante accreditation and modification of recognised degree programmes. The first was between October 2017 and February 2018, and the second from March 2018 to November 2018.

The reason for the two calls for applications was a change in the schedule agreed with the Directorate General for Universities, according to which from 2018 onwards the ex-ante assessment of proposals for first degrees (bachelors), master's and doctoral degrees submitted by higher education institutions in Catalonia has to be carried out one year prior to their introduction.

Broadly speaking, the time series data show continuity with previous academic years. As regards the number of applications received for both ex-ante accreditation and modification, however, there was a significant increase in the two projects. In the case of programme modifications the increase was due to the fact that, in the second call, 113 applications to regularise the number of places offered in the programme specification were received.

Ex-ante accreditation and modification applications. 2017-2018 academic year

Ex-ante accreditation and modification applications. From 2011 to 2018

As for the outcomes, a high percentage of the applications submitted for both ex-ante accreditation and modification were successful, which was similar to previous years. There were no significant differences in the outcomes between the applications submitted according to the level of programme (first degrees, master's and doctoral degrees), review panel or applicant institution.

Ex-ante accreditation results. 2017-2018 academic year

Modification results. 2017-2018 academic year