1. Approval of degree programmes, main fields of study and subsidiary fields of study

The present guidelines concern first- and second-cycle (Bachelor’s and Master’s) degree programmes and cover the approval of degree programmes, main fields of study and subsidiary fields of study that do not already exist as a main field of study. The guidelines also concern the approval of degree programmes leading to double, multiple and joint degrees with other higher education institutions (see section 2).

Under the Rules of Procedure for Uppsala University (UFV 2017/95), the Vice-Chancellor approves new degree programmes and main fields of study following proposals from the disciplinary domain board or faculty board within whose area the programme or field is being established. If the disciplinary domain encompasses several faculty boards, the disciplinary domain board is to state its opinion on the faculty board’s proposal before the Vice-Chancellor makes a decision (UFV 2017/95). The ViceChancellor also approves subsidiary fields of study that do not already exist as a main field of study (UFV 2007/212). Decisions to establish or phase out a third-cycle (doctoral) subject area are made by the disciplinary domain board/faculty board concerned.

Under the Rules of Procedure, the disciplinary domain/faculty board is responsible for systematically monitoring the quality of all degree programmes, main fields of study and subsidiary fields of study. This may be achieved, for example, within the framework of the existing model for review of study programmes.

The requirements for programmes offered by the University are set forth in the Higher Education Act (1992:1434) and the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The present guidelines satisfy the requirements stated in the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG).

1.1 Decision-making process

A proposal from a disciplinary domain board, or a proposal from a faculty board accompanied by an opinion from a disciplinary domain board, is submitted to the Vice-Chancellor by an administrator at the relevant faculty office. The Division for Quality Enhancement prepares the matter for a decision by the Vice-Chancellor, in consultation with the Student Affairs and Academic Registry Division. The proposal is examined on the basis of the information provided, in light of the requirements and aspects indicated in these guidelines. The administrator at the Division for Quality Enhancement presents the matter to the Vice-Chancellor, who approves the programme. The administrator at the faculty office concerned attends the Vice-Chancellor’s decision-making session as the officer responsible for the matter. The dean/equivalent may also attend the Vice-Chancellor’s decision-making session as an additional officer responsible for the matter. (For degree programmes leading to professional qualifications, see also section 1.3 below.)

The background information for the decision should be sent to the Division for Quality Enhancement for feedback and to facilitate processing, before the disciplinary domain board/faculty board concerned decides to present a proposal to the Vice-Chancellor for the approval of a programme. The Division for Quality Enhancement and the Student Affairs and Academic Registry Division provide feedback on the background information.

1.2 Timing

The preparation process must begin sufficiently early to allow the Vice-Chancellor to make a decision no later than in June in the year before the academic year in which the degree programme is to start. The administrator at the relevant faculty office is therefore recommended to contact the Division for Quality Enhancement at an early stage to plan the processing timetable.

1.3 Information to support a decision to approve a degree programme, a main field of study or a subsidiary field of study

For the approval of joint degree programmes with other higher education institutions, see section 2.

Degree programme

For a degree programme, the background information for the decision should be a maximum of ten pages in total, not including the programme syllabus. State the name of the programme in Swedish, with an English translation. The background information must address the requirements and aspects specified below in section 1.3.1. In addition, attach the programme syllabus proposed by the disciplinary domain board/faculty board (see section 1.3.2).

Main field of study

For a main field of study, the background information for the decision should be a maximum of ten pages in total. If the application concerns both a new degree programme and a new main field of study, the description of the new main field of study may be included in the same background information as the degree programme, under a separate heading. The background material must address the applicable requirements and aspects specified below in section 1.3.1. In addition, address the following points:

• Explain why a new main field of study needs to be established.
• Describe the scientific basis of the proposed main field of study.
• Describe what differentiates the proposed main field of study from existing similar main fields of study at Uppsala University. In addition, indicate any overlaps with other main fields of study at the University.
• State the name of the field in Swedish, with an English translation.
• State whether the main field of study is proposed for a Bachelor’s and/or Master’s (60 or 120 credits) degree.

Subsidiary field of study

All main fields of study can be a subsidiary field of study for a Degree of Bachelor at Uppsala University (UFV 2007/212). Additional subsidiary fields of study are established in accordance with these guidelines. For a subsidiary field of study, the background information for the decision should be a maximum of ten pages in total. If the application concerns both a new degree programme and a new subsidiary field of study, the description of the new subsidiary field of study may be included in the same background information as the degree programme, under a separate heading. The background material must address the applicable requirements and aspects specified below in section 1.3.1. In addition, address the following points:

• Explain why a new subsidiary field of study needs to be established.
• Describe the way in which the subsidiary field of study constitutes a cohesive knowledge field with reasonable depth.
• Describe what differentiates the proposed subsidiary field of study from existing similar main/subsidiary fields of study at Uppsala University. In addition, indicate any overlaps with other main/subsidiary fields of study at the University.
• State the name of the subsidiary field of study in Swedish, with an English translation.

Degree programmes leading to professional qualifications

For degree programmes leading to professional qualifications, in addition to a decision approving the degree programme, a decision of the Swedish Higher Education Authority granting degreeawarding powers is also required. The Vice-Chancellor makes the decision to forward the application of the disciplinary domain/faculty board for degree-awarding powers to the Swedish

Higher Education Authority on the basis of the information provided by the disciplinary

domain/faculty board. The application for degree-awarding powers must be drawn up as directed in the instructions from the Swedish Higher Education Authority. The background information for approval consists of the application, together with a supplementary account addressing the requirements and aspects not included in the application but requested in these guidelines (see section 1.3.1). The Division for Quality Enhancement and the Student Affairs and Academic

Registry Division give support and feedback on the application and the supplementary account.

A decision to approve a programme can suitably be made at the same time as the Vice-

Chancellor’s decision to apply to the Swedish Higher Education Authority, with the proviso that the approval of the programme is conditional on the degree-awarding powers sought being granted. An administrator at the relevant faculty office is the administrator responsible and rapporteur at the decision of the Vice-Chancellor to forward the application to the Swedish Higher

Education Authority. An officer from the Division for Quality Enhancement also attends the ViceChancellor’s decision-making session as an expert on Swedish Higher Education Authority procedures.

An officer from the Division for Quality Enhancement is the administrator responsible and rapporteur at the Vice-Chancellor’s decision to approve the programme, and the administrator from the faculty office then attends the meeting as the officer responsible for the matter. The dean/equivalent may also attend the Vice-Chancellor’s decision-making session as an additional officer responsible for the matter.

1.3.1 Requirements and aspects to be addressed

The background information for the decision on the degree programme/main field of study/subsidiary field of study must address the requirements and aspects specified below. The purpose of this is to give preparation bodies and the Vice-Chancellor as decision-maker a picture of the planned programme/field and to make it clear that formal requirements are satisfied.

Background and reasons for establishment

Give a brief description of the proposed programme/field. State reasons for establishing the programme/field

and why it is desirable with reference to the entire range of courses and programmes offered at the University, as well as nationally and, if relevant, internationally. Describe any overlap with other programmes at the University.

Present an analysis of societal needs for individuals with the education concerned, and the estimated demand from students.

In addition, describe how the background information has been produced and whether any development funding has been obtained from the Vice-Chancellor. This account must also show the ways in which students have been involved in developing the new programme and state whether potential employers or subject representatives at other higher education institutions have been consulted.

Requirements for the programme

• Competence of teachers and skills enhancement

High educational quality requires teachers with academic qualifications in the subject, educational expertise, supervisory skills and, where relevant, ties to working life. Give an account of the availability of permanently employed teachers who have appropriate academic qualifications and are trained in teaching and learning in higher education, and of doctoral students and any other staff who will be involved in the programme. Describe the opportunities available to them to enhance their skills in teaching and learning in higher education and other skills. State whether teachers from different departments will be participating and whether relevant, specific expertise from outside higher education will be involved.

• Research basis

Describe the participation of teachers who are active researchers in the programme. Describe how the programme conveys the scientific basis of the subject, how the students participate in research-based activities and how they develop a scientific approach.

• Progression

Describe progression with reference to the qualitative targets in the Higher Education Ordinance and how this progression will be ensured.

• Design of teaching

Describe how the design of teaching and the assessment process will support students in their learning and contribute to students taking an active part in the learning process. For professional programmes, also describe how the design of teaching and the assessment process will contribute specifically to supporting the development of professional skills.

• Systematic quality assurance, quality enhancement and student participation

Describe how the quality of the programme will be systematically assured and enhanced, and give an account of the factors that will enable the department and the disciplinary domain board/faculty board to ensure that the programme maintains good quality over an extended time period.

Describe planned modes of student participation and student influence in the programme, for example, course evaluations and student representation in decisionmaking bodies.

• Connection between the programme and a future labour market

Describe the labour market basis of the teaching, how the programme prepares students for future working life, and, where relevant, forms of collaboration with potential employers.

• Internships or placements (if relevant)

State whether the programme includes internships or placements. If so, state who is responsible for arranging internships or placements and how this will be done. Where internships or placements are compulsory, describe what will be done to ensure that they are available to all students. Explain how placements or internships will be quality assured.

Formal and practical requirements

• Scale and funding

State the planned scale and funding of the programme.

• Service and support for students

Describe the provision of service and support to students taking the programme. Where relevant, describe the planned arrangements for providing support to international students.

• Special facilities and equipment needs

Describe the availability of special facilities or equipment needed for the programme.

• Admission requirements

State the prior knowledge that will be required for admission to the programme (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7).

• Degree

Explain which degree the programme will lead to after completion of studies, in accordance with

the degree requirements in the University’s local system of qualifications (UFV 2007/212, 2010/168).

• Opportunities to progress from the programme/field to second- and thirdcycle education

Describe the opportunities to progress from the degree programme/main field of study to second- and third-cycle education.

Other aspects

• Internationalisation

Describe the role of internationalisation in the programme/field, including aspects of internationalisation at home (for example, how the advantages of an international student group will be actively used and how any challenges will be dealt with).

• Equal opportunities – gender equality – widening participation

Describe how the programme/field takes account of and integrates equal opportunities0F[1] and gender perspectives in its design and implementation. Describe also plans for promoting and broadening recruitment to the programme/field and conditions provided to encourage widening participation.

• Sustainable development

Describe how the programme/field helps to promote sustainable development. Sustainable development has economic, social and environmental aspects, but can also involve health, political and technological aspects.

1.3.2 Syllabus for degree programme

The background information for the decision to approve a degree programme must contain a proposed syllabus. The proposed syllabus must contain a list of courses included in the degree programme, a description of the structure of the programme, and the prior knowledge required and other conditions beyond general entry requirements that apply for admission to the programme (specific entry requirements). The proposed syllabus may be provisional regarding courses included, but should indicate the main courses.

The programme syllabus must always be in Swedish, and, if the language of instruction is not Swedish, it must be translated into English.

The programme syllabus is to have the following structure:

• The name of the programme in Swedish, with an English translation
• Scope of programme (number of credits)
• Level(s) of programme
• Date of decision
• Decision-making body
• Semester in which the syllabus comes into effect
• Admission requirements
• Purpose
• Goals (expressed as expected study outcomes with reference to the qualitative targets in the Higher Education Ordinance, Annex 2)
• Structure of programme and courses included in programme (describing progression)

• Degree (in Swedish, with an English translation)
• Other regulations
• Transitional provisions (where relevant)

Information concerning application and admission subject to decision by the Vice-Chancellor should not be given in the programme syllabus. This includes matters such as selection arrangements, application deadlines, campus, and starting and ending dates of semesters.

After the Vice-Chancellor has approved the degree programme, the disciplinary domain board/faculty board adopts the programme syllabus after preparation by the relevant faculty office. The administrator at the faculty office sends the decision to the Student Affairs and Academic Registry Division.

2. Approval of joint degree programmes with other higher education institutions

A joint programme is an integrated programme coordinated and provided jointly by two or more higher education institutions. A joint programme leads to a double or multiple degree with separate degree certificates from two or more institutions or a joint degree with a single joint degree certificate. Joint degree programmes with higher education institutions outside Sweden should take the European Approach for Quality Assurance of Joint Programmes into account.

Cooperation on a joint degree programme requires integration of both academic and administrative issues, and this must be clarified in a written agreement. The agreement must state how the participating higher education institutions apply national laws and local rules and how educational quality will be assured (see further section 2.3.3). Section 2.3 indicates the information required in background information for a decision to approve a joint degree programme.

Section 2.4 indicates the additional requirements that apply when establishing a joint degree programme that leads to a joint degree.

2.1 Decision-making process

The Vice-Chancellor’s decision to approve the programme is required before the higher education institutions cooperating on the programme enter into their written agreement. Approval is conditional on an agreement being entered into. However, a joint degree programme within the framework of educational cooperation requires parallel work on the agreement between the participating higher education institutions and on the background information for the decision. In other respects, the same decision-making procedure is followed as in section 1.1 above.

2.2 Timing

See section 1.2.

2.3 Information to support a decision to approve a joint degree programme

The background information for the decision consists of a document addressing requirements and aspects in accordance with the instructions below, which should be approximately 10 pages in length, and a joint programme syllabus proposal from the disciplinary domain board/faculty board and the participating higher education institutions.

2.3.1 Requirements and aspects to be addressed

All requirements and aspects required in section 1.3.1 must be addressed. The headings below contain additional points to be addressed arising out of the special requirements applying to joint degree programmes.

• Systematic quality assurance and quality enhancement

Describe the arrangements for external and internal quality assurance of the programme and how continuous work on quality enhancement will be ensured. The description must show how conditions will be created to ensure that quality assurance and quality enhancement occur systematically and in collaboration between the participating institutions.

Describe planned modes of student participation and student influence in the

programme, for example, course evaluations and student representation in decisionmaking bodies.

• Scale and funding

Describe the funding and scale of the joint degree programme. Describe how the extra costs that the collaboration may entail will be financed.

• Service and support for students

Describe the planned arrangements for providing service and support to students, bearing in mind the special conditions associated with a joint programme involving other higher education institutions in and outside Sweden.

• Degree

Explain which degree the programme will lead to after completion of studies, in accordance with the degree requirements in the University’s local system of qualifications (UFV 2007/212, 2010/168). In addition, state which degrees the programme will lead to after completion of studies at other higher education institutions, including which higher education institution(s) will issue degree certificates. This statement must also show whether the programme leads to a double/multiple degree or to a joint degree.

• Opportunities to progress from the programme to second- and third-cycle education

Describe the opportunities to progress to second- and third-cycle education at Uppsala University and other participating higher education institutions.

• Reasons for cooperation

Describe the advantages the cooperation is expected to entail for students participating in the programme, and the advantages for the departments involved, the relevant faculty/disciplinary domain and Uppsala University in general.

• How the collaboration will be organised

Describe the division of responsibilities between the cooperating parties with regard to tuition fees, organisation of parts of the programme, admission, assessment and issuing of degrees, transfer of grades awarded, disciplinary measures, etc.

• Challenges arising from cooperation and how they will be managed

Describe any problems observed during the preparatory process and challenges that can be foreseen in the light of previous experience of educational collaboration with other higher education institutions. Describe strategies for preventing these problems and for dealing with them if they should arise.

• Recognition and/or accreditation of participating higher education institutions

Describe how other higher education institutions participating in the degree programme are recognised and/or accredited by relevant authorities or accreditation bodies that are accepted by Swedish and European higher education institutions. It must be shown that the higher education institutions involved have the right to issue the planned degree under their national legislation and their own internal regulations.

2.3.2 Syllabus for degree programme

The programme syllabus is structured as described in section 1.3.2 and in accordance with the written agreement.

The programme syllabus (and the course syllabi for courses given at Uppsala University) must always have an original version in Swedish and must be translated into English if the language of instruction is not Swedish.

2.3.3 Structure of agreement between higher education institutions

An agreement must be drawn up between the higher education institutions participating in the educational cooperation. The administrator at the faculty office is responsible for this being done. This agreement must be reviewed by the Legal Affairs Division and the Student Affairs and Academic Registry Division. The Division for Quality Enhancement provides comments. To economise on time when drawing up the agreement, these divisions should be involved as early as possible in the process. The agreement is to be signed by an authorised representative of Uppsala University. The administrator at the faculty office sends the agreement to the Student Affairs and Academic Registry Division when it has been signed by the higher education institutions.

An agreement regulates the following matters:

• Which higher education institution(s) is/are responsible for assessing students’ eligibility, selecting participants and admissions.
• Which higher education institution(s) is/are responsible for administration associated with the degree, application procedures, issuing degree certificates, procedures concerning appeals, arrangements for credit transfers and who is responsible for the transfer of grades awarded (higher education institution or student).
• Arrangements for management and governance of the programme and the division of roles between the higher education institutions as regards information, monitoring, quality assurance, study guidance, rules and disciplinary cases.
• Financing and management of fees, division of income and expenses between the higher education institutions, including management of any tuition fees.
• The contents of the programme syllabus, such as admission requirements, purpose of the programme, intended learning outcomes, degree, structure of the programme and courses, who will give which courses.
• Conditions affecting students and insurance issues.
• Mobility of students and teachers.
• Who has ownership of materials produced.
• Arrangements for discontinuing the programme (transitional provisions, what happens when the agreement expires/is terminated and how students can complete their education in any such case).
• Arrangements for terminating the agreement.
• Other terms and conditions.

2.4 Special requirements for degree programmes leading to a joint degree

Uppsala University may plan and carry out a programme leading to a joint degree jointly with one or more higher education institutions in or outside Sweden (Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 17). This applies on condition (a) that the degree programme is planned and carried out jointly by the institutions issuing the degree and (b) that the institutions have the right to issue the planned degree under their own national legislation. The institutions participating in the degree programme must be recognised and/or accredited by competent authorities or accreditation bodies that are accepted by Swedish and European higher education institutions. The degree programme is to be approved in accordance with the procedures in effect at each participating institution.

The degree programme must be based on a written agreement (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 11a) regulating in detail the division of responsibilities between the parties that are jointly carrying out the programme.

As regards agreements on joint degrees, further points of governance must be regulated between Uppsala University and the other higher education institution(s). Before the agreement can be established, it must be ensured that each higher education institution participating in the cooperation has the right to issue the degree that the cooperation concerns.

The agreement must clarify the following (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 11b): • Which part of the programme (which courses) the higher education institution will organise:

this means that courses to be taken at Uppsala University and included in the degree must be indicated.

• Which part of the programme (which courses) another higher education institution will organise: this means that courses to be taken at another higher education institution and included in the degree must be indicated.
• To which higher education institution or institutions organising parts of the programme an applicant to the programme is to be admitted: this means that the higher education institution to which students are to be admitted to the programme as a whole must be indicated.
• That the higher education institution may admit applicants only to the part of the programme arranged by the higher education institution: this means that despite what is stated above, Uppsala University must conduct admissions to the joint degree programme but in connection with students taking the courses organised at Uppsala University.
• When a student who has been admitted to a part of the programme by another higher education institution will be considered to be a student at Uppsala University: this means specifying when the student can be considered to be a student at Uppsala University, with the rights and obligations that this entails.
• That students will be able to transfer credits for the part of the programme successfully completed at another higher education institution to the programme at the higher education institution without special review: this means that it will be possible to transfer credit for courses included in the programme without special review at Uppsala University, which in turn means that regardless of the higher education institution at which courses are given, all courses that can be included in the joint degree must be indicated in the agreement before the programme starts.
• What qualification the programme can lead to at each of the higher education institutions: this means that the name of the Swedish degree (and the name of the degree used by the other higher education institutions) must be stated in the agreement and subsequently in the degree certificate.
• Other conditions required for the organisation of the programme: this means that the agreement must indicate other special requirements that are specific either to the programme or for Uppsala University. This includes the qualification requirements and learning outcomes specified in the Higher Education Ordinance and local regulations.

As an annex to the agreement, a proposal is to be drawn up for the design and contents of the degree certificate and the diploma supplement. The participating higher education institutions should determine the appearance and contents of the certificate and the supplement together, following the national and local regulations that must be followed in the design. This process should be started early during planning and involve the Student Affairs and Academic Registry Division at Uppsala University and corresponding divisions/departments at the other higher education institutions.

3. Change in entry requirements for degree programme

The Vice-Chancellor decides on changes in entry requirements for degree programmes begun in the first cycle (Bachelor’s level) and intended for beginners. Proposals from a disciplinary domain board/faculty board to change the entry requirements for such degree programmes are processed by the faculty office concerned, in consultation with the Student Affairs and Academic Registry Division. For a change in the entry requirements for a joint degree programme, an agreement between the participating higher education institutions must be included in the information on which the Vice-Chancellor’s decision is based. The administrator at the faculty office concerned presents the matter to the Vice-Chancellor, who decides on changes in entry requirements. The administrator sends the decision to the Student Affairs and Academic Registry Division.

The disciplinary domain board/faculty board decides on changes in entry requirements for degree programmes begun in the first cycle (Bachelor’s level) and intended for students other than beginners, and for degree programmes begun in the second cycle (Master’s level). Changes in the entry requirements for joint degree programmes must be made in agreement with participating higher education institutions. The administrator at the relevant faculty office sends the decision to the Student Affairs and Academic Registry Division.

4. Change of courses or specialisations in a degree programme

A decision to change the courses or specialisations in an existing degree programme is taken by the disciplinary domain board/faculty board by changing the syllabus. In the event of new specialisations or other major additions, the administrator at the faculty office concerned contacts the Student Affairs and Academic Registry Division för consultation and impact analysis. The new programme syllabus must contain any necessary transitional provisions and other regulations. A change of courses or specialisations in a joint degree programme must be made in agreement with participating higher education institutions. The administrator at the relevant faculty office sends the decision to the Student Affairs and Academic Registry Division.

5. Change in the name of a degree programme, main field of study or subsidiary field of study

The Vice-Chancellor decides on changes in the names of degree programmes, main fields of study or subsidiary fields of study. The administrator at the faculty office concerned contacts the Division for Quality Enhancement and the Student Affairs and Academic Registry Division for consultation and impact analysis. The Division for Quality Enhancement then prepares the proposal in consultation with the Student Affairs and Academic Registry Division and presents the matter to the Vice-Chancellor, who decides on the change of name. The administrator at the faculty office concerned attends the ViceChancellor’s decision-making session as the officer responsible for the matter. In the event of minor changes, the administrator at the faculty office concerned can present the matter to the Vice-Chancellor, following consultation with the above divisions. The administrator responsible sends the decision to the Student Affairs and Academic Registry Division.

Proposals from a disciplinary domain board/faculty board are to describe the following:

• Background and reasons for the proposed change.
• Consequences for students.
• Any consequences for the degree programme, main field of study or subsidiary field of study.

A decision by the Vice-Chancellor is not required, however, if it the change only concerns the English translation of a degree programme, main field of study or subsidiary field of study. The disciplinary domain board/faculty board approves such changes. The administrator at the faculty office concerned contacts the Student Affairs and Academic Registry Division for consultation. The decision of the disciplinary domain board/faculty board should indicate reasons for the change and any consequences for students. The administrator sends the decision to the Student Affairs and Academic Registry Division.

6. Phase-out of a degree programme, main field of study or subsidiary field of study

If the requirements for offering a degree programme, a main field of study or a subsidiary field of study change, a disciplinary domain board/faculty board can propose to the Vice-Chancellor that the programme/field of study be phased out. If the requirements for offering a joint degree programme change so that the parties decide to discontinue their cooperation, the programme must be phased out as specified in the written agreement between the higher education institutions.

Before phasing out a degree programme or suspending admission to a programme or a main/subsidiary field of study, the following points must be observed:

• The quality of the education provided to students already admitted to the programme/courses in the field must be guaranteed.
• Students admitted to the programme/field must be informed in good time when courses included in the programme/field will be given for the last time.
• Students who have been granted an approved leave from studies must either be offered an individual study route or another solution.
• Guidelines on working conditions for first- and second-cycle students at Uppsala University (UFV 2016/327) and other transitional provisions.

6.1 Procedure prior to phase-out decision

A main or subsidiary field of study cannot be phased out as long as there are students who have the right to be examined on courses in the field.

A proposal from a disciplinary domain board/faculty board on phasing out a degree programme, main field of study or subsidiary field of study must be submitted to the Vice-Chancellor by an administrator at the faculty office concerned. The Division for Quality Enhancement prepares the matter in consultation with the Student Affairs and Academic Registry Division. The administrator from the Division for Quality Enhancement presents the matter to the Vice-Chancellor, who decides on the phase-out. The administrator at the faculty office concerned attends the Vice-Chancellor’s decision-making session as the officer responsible for the matter. The dean/equivalent may attend the Vice-Chancellor’s decision-making session as an additional officer responsible for the matter. The administrator sends the decision to the Student Affairs and Academic Registry Division.

6.2 Background information for phase-out decision

A proposal to phase out a degree programme, main field of study or subsidiary field of study must describe the following:

• Background and reasons for the phase-out.
• Consequences for students, participating departments, other activities and the University’s overall course and programme offerings, as well as any consequences for other degree programmes, main fields of study or subsidiary fields of study affected.

A proposal to phase out a degree programme must address the following aspects concerning students already admitted to the programme:

• How the programme will be guaranteed for already admitted students.
• Transitional measures.

For joint degree programmes, the background information for the decision must also show that the participating higher education institutions agree on the proposed phase-out.

A proposal to phase out a main field of study must explain which degrees the phase-out applies to (Bachelor’s, 60-credit Master’s and/or 120-credit Master’s degree). The disciplinary domain board/faculty board must state how it will ensure that students can complete their studies and must detail transitional measures. In the proposal, the board must state whether the field will continue to exist as a subsidiary field.

[1] What is meant by ‘equal opportunities’ is that everyone has equal rights and opportunities, regardless of their legal sex, gender identity or gender expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation, age or social background (Uppsala University: Mission, Goals and Strategies, UFV 2018/641).