Quality assurance confirmed: 25 degree programs have been successfully re-accredited

In higher education, accreditation is similar to an MOT for study programs – ensuring they meet defined quality standards. Every eight years, each study program at the University of Stuttgart undergoes a comprehensive review process: Are the course content and program structure appropriate? Are the supervision, examination structure, learning objectives and workload suitable? Are the legal requirements being met?

It was now the turn of 25 degree programs from the Faculty of Humanities and the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences. The examiners were impressed by the strong commitment shown by the teaching staff, who offer a diverse and well-focused academic curriculum in the fields of humanities, social sciences, and economics. The study programs have thus been successfully re-accredited. 

The University of Stuttgart, supported by the Quality Development Unit (QE), is allowed to accredit its degree programs independently - in other words, to give them a seal of quality. This is because the university has been system-accredited since 2012. This confirms that the internal quality management system meets all formal and technical requirements for the self-assessment of study programs. To maintain high standards, quality management must also undergo regular evaluations. The system accreditation was last renewed in 2019.

During a study program review, a commission - composed of elected members from the Senate Committee for Teaching and Continuing Education, representatives of the professors, academic mid-level faculty, the student body (stuvus), and students from the study program under review - comes together to assess the program’s quality. Together they draw up recommendations or requirements for the further development of the study programs - these are reported back to those responsible for the study programs for implementation.

Data from anonymous quantitative and qualitative student surveys, for example on courses, course content and examinations, are important for this. Through these surveys, students can communicate their concerns directly and openly to the QE and thus have a direct influence on the further development of their study program. 

Quality assessments provide insights into the academic viability of study programs and support program coordinators in their ongoing efforts to continuously improve and develop their study programs. The aim of the University of Stuttgart is to offer excellent teaching with contemporary and technically sound content, competent lecturers and didactically well thought-out courses in all subject areas. For students, this means reliable and fair study conditions, internationally recognized degrees and excellent opportunities on the job market. 

• Art History (B.A. and M.A.)
• Business Administration (M. Sc.)
• Cultures of Knowledge (M.A)
• Empirical Political and Social Research (M.A. and German-French M.A.)
• English (B.A. and M.A.)
• History (B.A. and M.A.)
• History of Science and Technology GNT (B.A.)
• Movement Science (B. Sc.)
• Movement Science and Biomechanics (M. Sc.)
• Philosophy (B.A. and M.A.)
• Public Planning and Participation (M. Sc.)
• Romance Studies (major subject and B.A. Bachelor’s program with major and minor)
• Romance Studies / Digital Humanities (M. A)
• Social Sciences
• Sports Science: Sociology and Management (B.A. and M.A.)
• Technically Oriented Business Administration (B.Sc. and M. Sc.)

Currently, 12 degree programs from the Faculties of Architecture and Urban Planning, Civil and Environmental Sciences, and the Stuttgart Center for Simulation Science (SC SimTech) are undergoing the review process. External evaluations by academic experts and practitioners provide additional impetus and recommendations for enhancement, helping to prepare graduates effectively for professional challenges and improving their employability.