On June 13, ANQA conducted a monitoring of the internal quality assurance system at the Northern University. The goal was to observe the state of the internal education quality assurance system, the academic programmes’ (APs) self-audit results, the impact of accreditation on the education institution's QA system and the steps for the follow-up plan implementation.
As part of the monitoring, meetings were held with the education institution's management staff, heads of chairs, teachers, students and quality assurance managers.
The following key issues were addressed:
- Strategic planning
The discussion explored whether the institution’s strategic planning is grounded in resource analysis, risk assessment and stakeholder engagement, supporting the setting of achievable goals.
- AP enhancement
The discussion focused on the measures to enhance APs, the integration of green and inclusive skills, and the inclusion of research components and practical activities.
- Data collection and analysis
The discussion examined the mechanisms for data collection and analysis that support data-driven decision-making, including the regulation of self-audits and the implementation of changes in response to the labour market requirements.
- Students' practical and research skills
The discussion looked into the development of students' practical and research skills through debates, encouragement of critical thinking, employer-based assignments and internships.
At the end of the monitoring, during the meeting with the management staff, the education institution’s achievements and enhancement opportunities were discussed. Importance was attached to the advance planning of the AP self-audit and the conduct of class observations. The need for the integration of AI into the educational process and the modernisation of assessment criteria was highlighted. Emphasis was placed on the steps to enhance proficiency in foreign languages.