ShareSuspension of the deadlines for the accreditation of recognised degree programmes
Royal Decree 463/2020, 14 March, whereby a state of emergency was declared to deal with the public health crisis situation due to COVID-19, provides for the suspension of administrative deadlines for the handling of procedures by public sector entities. It also provides for the normal time frames to be re-established once the current restrictions set in place by this legislation and any extensions are finally lifted.
The deadlines for the renewal of accreditation for recognised programmes of study were accordingly postponed as of 14 March 2020. This means that the deadline for the renewal of accreditation will be extended by the period of time that the state of emergency is in place.
In order to avoid any prejudice, AQU Catalunya, in coordination with the universities in Catalonia, is nevertheless undertaking site visits by way of video link in order to make progress with accreditation procedures and the introduction of institutional accreditation in faculties and schools.
The accreditation of all recognised programmes of study in Catalonia must be renewed within the following time frames:
a. Recognised first/bachelor's degrees of between 180 and 240 credits can be offered for a maximum period of six years prior to having to renew accreditation.b. Recognised first/bachelor's degrees of 300 credits can be offered for a maximum period of seven years prior to having to renew accreditation.c. Recognised first/bachelor's degrees of 360 credits can be offered for a maximum period of eight years prior to having to renew accreditation.d. Recognised master's programmes can be offered for a maximum period of four years prior to having to renew accreditation.e. Doctoral/PhD programmes can continue to be delivered according to the terms laid down in the most recent programme specification for a maximum period of six years.