Evaluation of education
Educational evaluations at Uppsala University
As described in the Guidelines for Uppsala University's Model for Review of Study Programmes, educational evaluations at Uppsala University are based on external and internal collegial reviews and includes student/doctoral student participation. The model integrates ongoing quality assurance procedures and annual follow-ups with educational evaluations every six years.
University-wide quality report based on completed reviews carried out at Uppsala University
Faculty board models for review of study programmes and annual follow up (only in Swedish)
The model is decentralised and is based on the disciplinary domain and faculty boards’ responsibility for ensuring and improving quality, which allows the model to be designed and adapted to suit local conditions. The disciplinary domains and faculty boards have developed forms and routines for reviews of study programmes and annual follow-up. The model integrates ongoing quality enhancement initiatives and annual follow-ups with educational evaluations. All first-, second- and third-cycle (Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD) study programmes will be assessed at least once every six years in a review.
An annual conference for reviews of study programmes at Uppsala University is conducted with the aim to provide an additional opportunity for constructive criticism from other colleagues and students/doctoral students at the University, and for the dissemination of good practice and lessons learned. The conference and a university-wide quality report are both parts of Uppsala University’s Model for Review of Study Programmes.
Uppsala University’s Model for Review of Study Programmes is based on the following principles. The model:
- is decentralised and based on continuous quality enhancement work
- is based on an exploratory approach to evaluations in which external peer review and collegial work forms are natural components
- promotes quality and includes student/doctoral student participation
- is stringent, i.e. able to identify and remedy deficiencies
- is as simple and cost-efficient as possible
External review ensures that the University’s programmes are subject to independent review and can be compared with equivalent programmes at other higher education institutions. Internal review by a colleague from another faculty/discipline at Uppsala University helps to call into question matters that may be taken for granted in the subject area and enhances the exchange of knowledge and experiences across the University. Both teachers and students take part in the evaluations. In 2017, a pilot including ten study programme reviews was conducted.
For more information, contact Maria Wolters or Therese Ljunghammar
Programme evaluations by the Swedish Higher Education Authority (UKÄ)
In addition to the programme evaluations that are being conducted within the framework of Uppsala University’s model, the Swedish Higher Education Authority (UKÄ) also perform programme evaluations within the national system for quality assurance of higher education. During 2017, eight research education programmes at Uppsala University were assessed by UKÄ (ethics, history of religion, history, computer science, psychology, economics, art history and pedagogy). During 2018, the programmes for pre-school education as well as the programmes for primary and upper secondary educations was assessed at UU, together with the research education programme in literature science. In the following years up to year 2022, the programmes for nursing and a selection of specialist nursing programmes will be evaluated by UKÄ, together with a selection of research education subjects in chemistry and medicine (including pharmacy).
For more information, contact Therese Ljunghammar.
Swedish higher education authority´s quality evaluations, 2011-2014
At Uppsala University, 186 study programmes and examinations were evaluated in the years 2011–14. In conjunction with external evaluations of this type, support is provided. Through a continuous dialogue with the Swedish Higher Education Authority, faculties and departments receive up-to-date information about the evaluations and how to prepare for them.
Feedback is given on self-evaluations, action plans and action reports.
For more information, contact Maria Wolters or Åsa Kettis.
