ShareNew guide to the assessment of foreign centres offering degrees in Catalonia published
AQU Catalunya has updated its Guide to the assessment of institutions offering foreign degree programmes in Catalonia with the twofold aim of adapting it to the requirements of the new Royal Decree 640/2021 and harmonising it with the institutional assessment processes followed by university centres in Catalonia.
The internationalisation of higher education is becoming increasingly consolidated and, at the same time, presents multiple formulas, including cross-border higher education, that is, education beyond the borders of the provider granting the degree. The development of measures to guarantee the quality of this internationalisation has become a relevant issue, not only to guarantee the rights of the different users, but also to think of new structures that take advantage of its potential.
In accordance with the Law on Universities in Catalonia, teaching institutions wishing to offer courses leading to degrees awarded by institutions in other countries must be assessed by the Agency before being authorised by the Catalan Government ministry responsible for universities.
AQU Catalunya has had a guide to the assessment of such centres since 2016. Now, in 2022 it has published an updated version, with two main features:
- It has been adapted to Royal Decree 640/2021, of 27 July, on the creation, recognition and authorisation of universities and university centres and the institutional accreditation of university centres.
- It harmonises with the institutional assessment processes developed in university centres in Catalonia and, therefore, with the newly implemented guide to institutional accreditation. Assessment of the centre's potential to adequately deliver the degree programmes is undertaken whilst ensuring it complies with the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG).
This guide received contributions from the Directorate General for Universities and was approved by the Institutional and Programme Review Commission (CAIP) last July.
Guide to the assessment of institutions offering foreign degree programmes in Catalonia