EUR-ACE label awarded to the degree programmes in computer science and engineering at the University of Oulu
EUR-ACE is an internationally recognised quality assurance framework for engineering degree programmes. Its purpose is to support the continuous development of degree programmes and to strengthen the international comparability and recognition of engineering degrees. This was the first accreditation for the degree programmes.
The evaluation particularly praised the strong alignment between the curricula and the University of Oulu's strategic goals, the integration of current technological developments into teaching, and the wide range of teaching and learning methods employed. Student support services were also highlighted as a significant strength. These include student tutors, teacher tutors, super teacher tutors, and centralised study guidance and wellbeing services that provide support throughout the entire study journey.
“Accreditation enhances the quality and international competitiveness of degree programmes and provides our students and stakeholders with independent assurance of the high standard of education. At the same time, the accreditation process provides valuable feedback that allows us to develop education to be effective and relevant to the needs of working life” says Education Dean Jari Hannu from the University of Oulu.
According to Programme Director Satu Tamminen, the accreditation process offered a valuable opportunity to review the programme through external evaluation.
"The participation of students and stakeholders in the assessment was particularly useful, as their views highlighted the functionality and development needs of the degree programme from different perspectives. Accreditation provides us with a concrete and more targeted basis for the continuous development of our operations," Tamminen comments.
The accreditation panel also provided recommendations for further development, particularly regarding how the transversal and multidisciplinary competences are explicitly reflected within the curricula and the more systematic assessment of learning outcomes.
The accreditation conducted by FINEEC is based on the international EUR-ACE standard. Its aim is to support the continuous improvement of the quality of engineering degree programmes and to enhance the international recognition of engineering degrees.