Quality assurance and evaluation of education

Utrecht University guarantees the quality of its education through a coherent system of internal and external quality assurance. This system is embedded in the university's administrative processes and forms a structural basis for innovation and improvement.

Internal quality assurance

Internal quality assurance follows a cyclical model (plan–do–check–act) at all levels within the university and is laid down in the faculty quality assurance manuals. The starting point is the joint educational vision (elaborated in the Utrecht Education Model) and a quality culture in which lecturers, students, alumni and the professional field play an active role. Employee participation is involved in quality assurance of education at programme level, faculty level and institutional level. 

Deans can submit applications twice a year to start, change or terminate programmes and courses. For programmes, the process of internal certification by the Executive Board is the first step in quality assurance: it is a prerequisite for inclusion in the University Register of Programmes (URO), external assessment by NVAO and CDHO, and registration in RIO. 

In brief

  • University level: the Executive Board formulates the educational vision and strategic plan and monitors their implementation.
  • Faculty level: faculty boards translate the educational vision into their own quality assurance plans and engage in regular consultation with programme management and the Executive Board.
  • Programme level: education directors, lecturers, examination boards, programme committees and students work together on the daily assurance and improvement of their programmes.

External quality assurance

The quality of education is periodically assessed by external committees. Each programme is reviewed once every six years, with a committee of independent experts assessing the quality of education on the basis of the Assessment Framework for the Higher Education Accreditation System of the NVAO (Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Organisation). 

In addition, Utrecht University participates in the Institutional Quality Assurance Assessment. This assessment takes place every six years and focuses on the functioning of the internal quality assurance system in relation to the university's quality culture. The frameworks for the ITK are also included in the NVAO assessment framework.

The NVAO website provides more information about the Dutch accreditation system.

Development interviews

Since 2016, development discussions have been part of the programme assessment. In these discussions, programmes and review panels engage in an open dialogue about the most important developments and areas for improvement for the future. The panel ensures a safe setting in which dilemmas and possible directions for development can be discussed without this leading to a judgement.

In accordance with the NVAO accreditation framework and the Higher Education and Scientific Research Act (Article 5.13, paragraph 6), the report of the development meeting is adopted by the panel and made public by the institution's board.

2025

2024

2023