Quality cycle of internal evaluation and accreditation
Internal accreditation takes place for each degree programme at intervals of 8 years. The processes of curriculum development, internal evaluation as well as formal examination and external assessment intertwine within the framework of accreditation.
Every fourth year, the faculties conduct a self-evaluation of their degree programmes. Extensive quantitative and qualitative data are analysed, assessed against the background of the mission statement and university-wide quality goals, and measures for quality development are derived from this with the support of local university didactics. The results are documented in a self-report. In curriculum workshops, faculties are supported in the competence-oriented development of their curricula and the module and qualification goals of the degree programmes are coordinated in the Examination Regulations, Module Handbook and Diploma Supplement on the basis of a process moderated by higher education didactics.
These documents and the respective "self-report" form the basis for the internal accreditation procedure every eight years. In this process, compliance with the formal and subject-related criteria according to the Study Accreditation Ordinance is checked for each degree programme on the basis of the documents mentioned. For the formal criteria, this is done by the Central Administration of the FH Aachen, for the subject-related criteria by external experts. The internal review report and the vote of the experts are submitted to the Rectorate. The Rectorate decides on the accreditation and, if necessary, sets conditions.
An interim evaluation, which takes place two years after the self-report, takes a look at the implementation and success of the measures decided upon as well as any accreditation requirements and documents them in a status report. Every two years, the Rectorate and the faculty hold discussions on quality development and target agreements in teaching and learning ("quality dialogues") on the basis of the self-report and status report. By linking all the elements described above, a quality management system in teaching and learning is created that is designed for continuity and sustainability.
