Principles for the review of main field of study applications for degree awarding powers concerning master s degrees (one-year)

Transcription

1 Dnr:2010/1006 Principles for the review of main field of study applications for degree awarding powers concerning master s degrees (one-year) Approved on 11th March 2010 by the chairmen presiding over The Faculty of Health, Social Work and Behavioural Sciences The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences The Faculty of Business, Economics and Design The Faculty of Science and Engineering The Board of Education Science In force from 11th March 2010 This is a translation of the Swedish document.

2 General Decisions relating to degree-awarding powers are made by the faculty board / board of Education Science concerned. A main field of study is a defined area of knowledge with its own title. A main field of study can coincide with a subject but can also encompass a broader area of knowledge. The following criteria should be fulfilled for the definition of a main field of study at Linnaeus University: 1. International / National validity The title designation of a main field of study should be firmly rooted in the academic world and be well-established in an international context. 2. Research connections The main field of study should be a field where scholarly research can be conducted. 3. Long-term tenability The title of the main field of study should be tenable and suitable for use on a long term basis. Degrees with a short term sell-by date are not desirable. The following aspects can be taken into consideration when evaluating the three points above: international academic journals in the main field of study international research in the main field of study international degrees offered within the main field of study Review Process In order to be granted degree awarding powers within a main subject area for a master s degree (one-year), the requirement unless specific rules state otherwise is that there should be at least three PhD-qualified teachers of which one should have an associate professor-level of expertise within the main subject area of study or with equivalent teaching expertise based on artistic / creative achievements or tried and tested experience. The review process begins with an application from the school addressed to the faculty committee for first cycle and second cycle programmes with regards to the right to award a master s degree (one-year) within a specific subject area. The application from the school should be signed by the head of school. The application will be scrutinized by two reviewers appointed by the faculty committee for first and second cycle programmes. One of the reviewers should belong to a closely-related field of study from the same disciplinary 2 (6)

3 domain at Linnaeus University. The other reviewer should be a well-qualified subject representative (at least associate professor) from another university / university college. Prior to the external review and working together with representatives of the main field of study and the chairman of the committee for first and second cycle programmes, the internal reviewer will act as the coordinator of the review process. He /she should work to ensure that the application is of a sufficiently high standard to be approved without problem in an external review process. During the external review process, the internal reviewer /coordinator should remain in contact with the external reviewer for any possible updating of supplementary material, clarifications or improvements to the application. He /she should also organise visits to the school and other practical details in connection with the review. Over the course of the review, the internal reviewer should remain in close contact with the school administering the main field of study applied for. The reviewers will evaluate the application documents, visit the school concerned and review the prerequisites against the criteria stated. Following completion of the review process, the group will submit a written report to the faculty committee for first and second cycle programmes, which will then approve the proposal for further referral to the faculty board or board of education science. The proposal should state the main field of study s title designation in Swedish and English together with proposals relating to how quality assurance procedures and the periodic review of the approved right to award degrees should be implemented. Remuneration to reviewers A fee will be paid to external reviewers. The Faculty Office has up-to-date information with regards to the recommended fee. Costs (fees, possible travel costs and accommodation) for the reviewer will be paid by the school concerned. Criteria to be assessed The application should include a description of the following points: 1. Organisational criteria for the programme in question Organisation and scope of the programme Prerequisite knowledge and admission requirements Breadth and depth of the main field of study Organisational stability long term 3 (6)

4 Opportunities for further studies following the award of degree in the main field of study It is also important to shed light on the following issues: The programme s connection with research / environments for artistic-creative development The programme s prerequisites for a critical and creative / reflective approach The extent of internationalization in the programme Student influence Diversity Equal opportunities Sustainable development Internationalisation Co-operative ventures involving the surrounding community 2. Teacher qualifications and expertise It is important to ensure: that the total number of teaching staff employed until further notice and other teachers is in proportion to the scope of the proposed programme that teachers have the requisite research, artistic/ creative, pedagogical and other necessary expertise for teaching, supervision and examination within the programme that teachers will be provided with substantive opportunities for inservice training and pursuit of their own research / artistic-creative development. 3. Infrastructural criteria Library and literature provision as well as other pedagogical teaching materials. IT resources and other necessary equipment Functions, facilities and equipment provision supporting the organisation (these points encompass aspects such as access to adequate material resources as well as various supporting service functions) 4. Goals and learning outcomes Syllabi should consist of goals (learning outcomes) worked out in accordance with the Degree Ordinance which in turn is part of the Higher Education Ordinance. 4 (6)

5 The requirements should be clearly and unambiguously documented, for example in the form of grade criteria or similar and are presented as instructions for the conduct of written examinations, degree project work and other forms of examination. 5. Course programme evaluation and quality assurance development Course evaluations Quality assurance development Approval decisions Decisions regarding the right to award degrees will be approved by the faculty board / board of education science concerned. In decisions pertaining to the right to award degrees, the title of the main field of study will be stated in Swedish and English together with a statement concerning when the quality assurance review and follow-up of the approved rights to award degrees will be carried out. 5 (6)

6 Beslutat av: Beslutsdatum: Dnr: 6 (6)