Regulations on the Supervision of the quality of education in higher education (academic supervision regulations)
Date FOR 2013-02-28-237
Affairs Ministry
Published In 2013 booklet 4
Commencement 02/28/2013
Edited
Changes
FOR 2011-01-27-297
For
Norway
Legal
LOV-2005-04-01-15-3-2, LOV-2005-04-01-15-3-3, TO-2010-02-01-96-3-1, FRONT 2010-02-01-96-3-2
Promulgated
03.01.2013 kl. 14.45
Short Title
Study Supervision Regulations
Chapter Overview:
Chapter 1 General provisions (§§ 1-1 - 1-3)
Chapter 2. Surveyor (§§ 2-1 - 2-6)
Chapter 3. Requirements for accreditation as a college (§ § 3-1 - 3-6)
Chapter 4. Requirements for accreditation as a university institution (§§ 4-1 - 4-6)
Chapter 5. Requirements for accreditation as a university (§§ 5-1 - 5-6)
Chapter 6. Evaluation of the institutions' systems for quality assurance of education (6-1)
Chapter 7. Accreditation of studies (§§ 7-1 - 7-5)
Chapter 8. Audit of existing operations (§§ 8-1 - 8-2)
Chapter 9. FINAL PROVISIONS (§9-1)
Remarks to paragraphs
Adopted by NOKUT 28 February 2013 pursuant to the Act on 1 April 2005 no. 15 relating to Universities and Colleges (Universities and Colleges Act) § 3-2 and § 3-3, ref. Regulation of 1 February 2010 no. 96 on quality assurance and quality in higher education and vocational education § 3-1 and § 3-2.
Chapter 1 General provisions
§ 1-1. These regulations apply accreditation and supervision of higher education and institutions that provide higher education under the Act on 1 April 2005 no. 15 relating to Universities and University Colleges § 3-2 and § 3-3 and Regulation on 1 February 2010 No.. 96 quality assurance and quality in higher education and vocational education § 3-1 and § 3-2.
§ 1-2. Applications for accreditation applications for accreditation of courses considered annually after two deadlines. NOKUT may establish deadlines for accreditation as an institution. Application deadlines advertised on NOKUT's website at least six months before the deadline expires.
NOKUT may in special cases establish quarantine of up to two years before the institution get treated a similar application again. The institution shall be notified before a decision on quarantine hit.
§ 1-3. Duty institution is obliged to provide the information necessary for NOKUT be able to make decisions in supervisory matters.
Institution shall keep NOKUT date with information about the institution and its accredited programs as stated in NOKUT database.
Chapter 2. Surveyor
§ 2-1. Appointment of expert NOKUT shall appoint experts on accreditation and auditing of accreditation of studies and institutions and the evaluation of institutions' internal quality assurance system. The institution shall be given an opportunity to comment NOKUT proposal experts before appointment.
§ 2-2. Experts' impartiality Assessors shall have no duties at the institution or program they will evaluate or have other connections to the institution which may cause disqualification.
§ 2-3. Experts' competence for accreditation of studies in the first and second cycle Upon accreditation of studies in the first and second cycle, the experts shall collectively have such skills:
A)
everyone should have expertise in and experience of implementation of similar or related study
B)
least one should have formal qualifications at a higher level than the program to be accredited
C)
least one shall have relevant international expertise in the evaluation of studies in the second and third cycle.
§ 2-4. Experts' competence for accreditation of study in the third cycle and revision of accredited programs in all cycles Upon accreditation of study in the third cycle and revision of accredited degree program, the expert committee collectively have such skills:
A)
everyone should have expertise in and experience of implementation of similar or related study
B)
least one should have formal qualifications at a higher level than the program to be audited
C)
least one shall have relevant international expertise in the evaluation of studies in the second and third cycle
D)
a student or fellow.
§ 2-5. Experts' competence for accreditation and revising the accreditation of an institution By accreditation of institutions and revision of accredited institution, the expert committee have such qualifications:
A)
least one should have experience in managing a higher education institution at least on par with the category accreditation applies
B)
least one should be linked to relevant foreign institution
C)
least one shall have expertise in social or business
D)
A student, who has experience of institutional control, other central office or from work in the student organization
E)
least one of first position competence by accreditation to the college
F)
least one with a professorial or docent competence by accreditation to the university and university institution.
§ 2-6. Experts' expertise in evaluating the quality assurance system When evaluating quality assurance system should the expert committee have such qualifications:
A)
everyone should have experience of quality work or evaluation
B)
least one should have experience of management at a higher education institution
C)
least one should be linked to relevant foreign institution
D)
a student, who has experience of institutional control, other central office or from work in the student organization
E)
least one with a professorial or docent competence.
Chapter 3. Requirements for accreditation as a college
(Regulations on quality assurance and quality in higher education and vocational education § 3-3 first paragraph.)
§ 3-1. Institution's primary activity institution's primary activities should be clearly delineated from other activities.
§ 3-2. Institution organization and infrastructure institution's organization must be adapted to the primary activity.
Institution shall
A)
have adequate administrative services and information to students
B)
have adequate resources and facilities in terms of facilities, equipment and library. These must be adapted to the primary activity and constitute a fully acceptable learning and working environment for students and staff
C)
have satisfactory routines for the creation of new studies and revision of established study
D)
have adequate procedures to ensure competence among employees within the primary tasks
E)
facilitate student democracy and student participation in decision making.
§ 3-3. Requirements for research and disciplinarity or artistic development activities Institution research and academic or artistic development activities to be performed in conjunction with educational activities.
Scientific production should be on par with comparable colleges.
Disciplinarity and artistic development activities must be documented.
§ 3-4. Requirements for employees in teaching and research shall be a sufficient number of staff to cover teaching, research and development tasks in the school's disciplines. Employees must have a relevant competence profile.
§ 3-5. Requirements for recruitment, throughput and candidate production institution must have regular admission of students and satisfactory throughput and candidate output.
§ 3-6. Relationship to national and international networks institution shall actively participate in at least one national and one international network that has significance for the primary activity.
Chapter 4. Requirements for accreditation as a university institution
(Regulations on quality assurance and quality in higher education and vocational education § 3-3 second paragraph.)
§ 4-1. Institution's primary activity institution's primary activities should be clearly delineated from other activities.
§ 4-2. Institution organization and infrastructure institution's organization must be adapted to the primary activity.
Institution shall
A)
have adequate administrative services and information to students
B)
have adequate resources and facilities in terms of facilities, equipment and library adapted primary business and constitutes a satisfactory learning and working environment for students and staff
C)
have satisfactory routines for the creation of new studies and revision of established study
D)
have adequate procedures to safeguard employees' competence related to the primary tasks
E)
facilitate student democracy and student participation in decision making.
§ 4-3. Requirements for research and disciplinarity or artistic development activities Institution research and academic or artistic development activities to be performed in conjunction with educational activities.
Scientific production should be stable and on a par with comparable scientific colleges or universities.
Academic and artistic development activities shall be documented and of high quality.
§ 4-4. Requirements for employees in teaching and research shall be a sufficient number of staff to cover teaching, research and development tasks in the institution's disciplines. Employees must have a relevant competence profile.
§ 4-5. Requirements for recruitment, throughput and candidate production institution must have regular admission of students and satisfactory throughput and candidate output.
§ 4-6. Requirements for research or similar grant program for artistic research institution must have regular admission of a reasonable number of candidates and candidates who defends timely.
Chapter 5. Requirements for accreditation as a university
(Regulations on quality assurance and quality in higher education and vocational education § 3-3 third paragraph.)
§ 5-1. Institution's primary activity institution's primary activities should be clearly delineated from other activities.
§ 5-2. Institution organization and infrastructure institution's organization must be adapted to the primary activity.
Institution shall
A)
have adequate administrative services and information to students
B)
have adequate resources and facilities in terms of facilities, equipment and library adapted primary business and constitutes a satisfactory learning and working environment for students and staff
C)
have satisfactory routines for the creation of new studies and revision of established study
D)
have adequate procedures to safeguard employees' competence related to the primary tasks
E)
facilitate student democracy and student participation in decision making.
§ 5-3. Requirements for research and disciplinarity or artistic development activities Institution research and academic or artistic development activities to be performed in conjunction with educational activities.
Scientific production should be stable and on a par with comparable universities.
Academic and artistic development activities shall be documented and of high quality.
§ 5-4. Requirements for employees in teaching and research shall be a sufficient number of staff to cover teaching, research and development tasks in the institution's disciplines. Employees must have a relevant competence profile.
§ 5-5. Requirements for recruitment, throughput and candidate production institution must have regular admission of students and a satisfactory throughput and candidate output.
§ 5-6. Requirements for research or similar grant program for artistic research institution must have mist four doctoral programs with regular admission of a reasonable number of candidates. For at least two doctoral programs require that candidates have defended within a reasonable time. For two of doctoral education is the minimum requirement that a reasonable number of candidates at least two years had a satisfactory progression in the PhD course.
Chapter 6. Evaluation of the institutions' systems for quality assurance of education
§ 6-1. NOKUT evaluation criteria In evaluating the institutions' internal quality work done that a comprehensive assessment of the quality management system and institutions active use of it. It should be stressed:
A)
Stimulus to quality work and quality culture, the institution encourages commitment to quality work among staff and students and their democratic institutions
B)
Measure, plan and management framework: the objectives, responsibilities, processes and actors involved in the quality system is clearly described (system structural design), and how the system of quality assurance developed in line with the institution's needs,
C)
Obtaining documented information about quality of studies: about securing and assessment of the quality of each study based on documented information systematically gathered from several sources, and whether there are specific processes for quality assurance Creation of new studies,
D)
Analysis, assessment and reporting: whether the information system generating analyzed, evaluated and presented to the responsible boards and management level
E)
Use of knowledge for quality improvement: the improvement measures implemented on the basis of the quality analyzes made.
Chapter 7. Accreditation of studies
§ 7-1. Basic conditions for accreditation following requirements in the law on universities and colleges to be considered for accreditation:
A)
Regulations and governance systems
B)
Appeal
C)
Learning Selection
D)
Individual education
E)
Diploma and Diploma Supplement
F)
Quality Assurance System.
Requirements in relevant regulations and curricula of the Ministry shall be met.
The recruitment of students to the study should be large enough that the institution can establish and maintain a satisfactory learning environment and a stable course.
For studies with practice, there must be satisfactory agreements regulating major issues of importance to students.
§ 7-2. Plan of study program must have an appropriate name.
The study described the requirements for learning outcomes, cf. National Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning. It should be formulated one overall learning outcomes for each study, defined knowledge, skills and general competence.
The following conditions shall comply with and be adapted to learning outcomes description so that the learning outcomes achieved:
A)
study content and structure
B)
teaching and learning methods
C)
examination arrangements and other forms of assessment.
The program will have a clear relevance for employment and / or further study.
The program will have a satisfactory connection to research, academic and / or artistic development, tailored level, scope and character of the study.
The program shall have arrangements for student exchange and internationalization. These arrangements should be adapted to the study level, scope and character.
Institution must have premises, library services, administrative and technical services, ICT resources and working for the students, who adapted the program.
§ 7-3. Academic environment linked to the study professional circles composition, size and overall competence should be adapted to the study as described in the plan of study and at the same time sufficient to safeguard the research and academic or artistic development work performed.
The academic community should actively participate in national and international partnerships and networks relevant for the study.
At least 50 percent of the employment related to the study should consist of employees in positions at the institution. Of these, there should be people with at least associate professor level in the central parts of the program. For the various cycles applies additionally:
A)
For the first cycle, at least 20 percent of the total academic staff be employees with associate professor level.
B)
For the second cycle, at least 10 percent of the total academic staff be professors or associate professors and a further 40 percent to employees with associate professor level.
C)
For the third cycle stated requirements of regulations on quality assurance and quality in higher education and vocational education § 3-1 third paragraph.
The academic community should engage in active research, disciplinarity and / or artistic development. For the various cycles applies additionally:
A)
For the first cycle shall academic community have proven results at a level that is satisfactory for the study content and level.
B)
For the second cycle shall academic community have proven results of high level.
C)
For the third cycle shall academic community have proven results of high international standards and with adequate scientific breadth.
For studies with practice, the academic community and external practice supervisors have appropriate experience in the field of practice.
§ 7-4. Supplementary Regulations for the accreditation of courses or parts of study included in a joint degree shall be clearly stated which parts of the study the different partner institutions are responsible.
There must be adequate procedures for the development and quality assurance of the program as a whole.
The parts program consists of shall constitute one whole in accordance with the learning outcomes of study.
Parts offered by institutions subject to the Act on 1 April 2005 no. 15 relating to universities and colleges must meet standards and criteria for accreditation of studies in § 7-1 to § 7-3.
§ 7-5. Special provisions for institutional participation in institution-wide artistic scholarship program must be in place regulations governing participation in the program. Participation in the program, roles and responsibilities of participating institution should be clearly described.
Institution and fellow rights and duties should be clearly described in a separate agreement form.
Academic environment size and expertise to be adapted to teaching and supervision and the development work that must be performed to ensure and develop the artistic quality of the program.
Institution must conduct active and relevant artistic development activities with good width at the international level relating to participation in the program.
Institution must demonstrate how the fellows' participation in the program incorporated into the academic and professional development.
Institution shall actively participate in the compulsory part of the program.
Institution must offer its fellows required compulsory and optional courses within their own specialization.
Chapter 8. Audit of existing business
§ 8-1. Basis for NOKUT audit of existing operations NOKUT may independently initiate an audit of all activity in Norwegian higher education. The audit is based on the quality requirements expressed in the standards and criteria respectively. institution and studies in Chapters 3 to 7 of the regulation, and § 3-3 of the Regulations on 1 February 2010 No.. 96 on quality assurance and quality in higher education and vocational training, and implementation ability and track record.
§ 8-2. Inspectorate content Institutions are required to pave the way for NOKUT so NOKUT may conduct necessary supervision. Implementation of the Authority shall be decided by NOKUT after an assessment of the conditions mentioned in § 1.8. NOKUT can grant institution deadline to correct the deficiencies.
Chapter 9. FINAL PROVISIONS
§ 9-1. Commencement and transitional rules These regulations enter into force immediately. From the same date, the Regulations on 27 January 2011 no. 297 on the supervision of the quality of education in higher education. Applications for accreditation and revision of accreditations which commenced in NOKUT before this regulation enters into force, processed by the previous regulations. Studies and institutions already accredited when the regulation comes into force, have until 31 December 2013 to meet the requirements of the regulation.
Remarks to paragraphs
To § 1-1 Scope
NOKUT supervision is a control of the institutions' internal quality assurance of educational activities and that their curriculum meets standards and criteria that are expressed in laws and regulations.
To § 1.2 Applications for accreditation
This provision will help to ensure effective progress in the application review process and equal ratings.
Both administrative and expert assessment could trigger quarantine on the basis of conditions at the institution.
To § 1-3 Duty
When applying for accreditation will be indicated in the guidance information to be submitted. At other supervision will NOKUT request the necessary information.
It's just institutions and studies accredited by NOKUT included in NOKUT database. Institutions must notify renaming studies or institution, location of accredited courses, closures of studies etc. Beyond this, the institutions have no obligation to report to NOKUT.
To § 2-3 to § 2-6
Requirements for expert competence encompasses both formal qualifications and professional experience.
First cycle equivalent bachelor's degree level, second cycle corresponds to masters level and third cycle corresponds to PhD level.
To § 2-4 expert competence by accreditation of studies in the third cycle and revision of accredited programs in all cycles
The requirements for the competence of such experts applies to all revisions, regardless of the level of study being audited.
To § 3-3 Requirements for research and disciplinarity or artistic development
If there is no comparable colleges, can college environments used as a basis of comparison.
To § 3-4 Requirements for employees in teaching and research
There is no requirement for breadth of an institution subject (s) in order to be accredited as a university college.
To Chapter 6 Evaluation of the institutions' systems for quality assurance of education
Institutions shall continuously and systematically work to ensure and improve the quality of education. The internal system for quality assurance of education to cultivate knowledge institution requires the assurance and development of educational programs offered. Quality assurance should include all course as an institution provides, all parts of the program and all forms of communication. Through regular routines and processes in an annual cycle is generated, evaluated and used information about each program, and on the institution's educational activities in general.
Institution quality assurance system for the educational activities of the institution property. That is why the institution itself that from own size, academic profile and other local needs decide how it should be designed. The same applies to the documentation generated by the system.
Chapter 7. Accreditation of studies
The criteria in this section apply regardless of how the program is arranged (on campus, decentralized, as distance education, etc.). "Studies / courses" and "student" is used as a common terminology for all levels and types of studies covered by this regulation.
Institutions can not create new subjects or topics in an accredited degree program without even accreditation authority at the current level, cf. Act 1 April 2005 no. 15 relating to Universities and University Colleges § 3-3. This means that changes in an accredited degree program must be made within subjects or topics that have already been accredited. NOKUT note that providing an accredited place based study that Internet studies, require a new application for accreditation. The same applies if the institution wants to change or expand the legal basis for a master's degree education.
To § 7.1 Basic conditions for accreditation
Section of this section is provided to make it clear and predictable which provisions of the Universities and University Colleges Act NOKUT supervises. NOKUT requires that these provisions are complied with by any institution at any time.
A satisfactory practice agreement must contain provisions for external practice supervisors' competence and capacity, regulating measures for supervising students and show the institution's responsibilities and guidelines for quality assurance.
To § 7.2 Plan of study
-
§ 7-2 subsections: Learning outcome descriptions for individual subjects / courses in the program will collectively provide the overall learning outcomes as formulated for study. "Overall learning outcomes defined in the knowledge, skills and general competence 'is taken directly from the National Qualification Framework for lifelong learning. By taking the concept into the academic supervision regulations clarified that the learning outcomes for all studies described in this way. That it can only be described one overall learning outcomes of the study, also implies that any specializations must lead to the same learning outcomes. The learning outcomes of studies with professional requirements such studies curricula must meet both professional requirements and the requirements of the National Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning.
Programme's scope of work will be between 1,500 and 1,800 hours per year for full-time studies, in line with ECTS.
-
§ 7-2 fifth paragraph: This provision requires clear correlation between the study and research, in line with the higher education statutory requirement that higher education should be based on research. It is "study" that is the key word in this provision, that is how research is used in the study.
-
§ 7-2, sixth paragraph: There should be arrangements for both internationalization and student exchange, which means that both requirements must be met. The plans must be documented in the form of legally binding agreements.
To § 7.3 Academic environment linked to the study
-
§ 7-3, first paragraph: The academic environment means those individuals who provide regular and direct contribution to the development, organization and implementation of the program. The academic community is specified in FTEs.
-
§ 7-3, third paragraph: Main employment meant that the institution is the main employer for the employee. With associate professor level meant job categories Lecturer, Associate Professor, post.doc., Senior lecturer and professor. Docent is a research and teaching position at the same level as a professor, but with other professional basis.
Statistics on scientific publications in public databases included in the assessment of academic group results for all cycles. Disciplinarity and artistic development as there are no national statistics, must be documented otherwise.
-
§ 7-3 fourth paragraph: If academics at the new institutions under the law have not documented scientific results can be presented results associated with the employees within the Department.
To § 8.1 Basis for NOKUT audit of existing operations
Examples of implementation capacity and proven results, admission of students, graduate output / throughput, achievement of learning outcomes, research-based education and more.
To § 8-2 Authority content
It is NOKUT initiating everything supervision of existing education, and that determines the shape of the audit.
