EUR-ACE label awarded to the degree programmes in computer science and engineering at the University of Oulu
The degree programmes in Computer Science and Engineering were awarded the European EUR-ACE label following an accreditation by the Finnish Education Evaluation Centre (FINEEC). This was the first accreditation of the programmes.
The accreditations are conditional and first valid for a year until 25ThSeptember 2027. FINEEC Committee for Engineering Education shall decide by this date, whether the accreditations continue by 25th September 2032. Decision will be made based on the development report submitted by the University of Oulu.
Strategic alignment, diverse teaching methods and students’ support services are strengths of the programmes
The curricula are well aligned with the mission and strategic priorities of the University of Oulu, including its emphasis on research-based education and current technological developments. The programmes use a broad range of teaching and learning methods, including lectures, practical exercises, laboratory work, project-based learning, group work, blended learning and self-paced activities. This diversity supports the development of both theoretical knowledge and practical engineering competences.
Student support services constitute a significant strength. The combination of Student Tutors, Tutor Teachers, Super Tutor Teachers, and centralised study guidance and wellbeing services provides students with accessible, continuous support throughout their studies.
University sees participation of the external stakeholders and students in the accreditation useful
University has worked systematically to obtain accreditation. In total, it took about a year to prepare the self-assessment and plan the site-visit programme together with FINEEC.
“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.
“Accreditation was an important opportunity for our degree programme to review our operations through an external and independent assessment. The assessment provided us with valuable information about the strengths and areas for development of the degree programme and reinforced our belief that the research-based expertise we offer is well-suited to the needs of today's working life and the digitalising society.
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”, comments degree programme director Satu Tamminen.
The development target is to better include transversal and multidisciplinary competences
The review team also gave the degree programmes development recommendations. The programmes must ensure that transversal and multidisciplinary competences are explicitly reflected in the relevant course-level learning outcomes and assessment methods. This should include, where applicable, communication, teamwork, project management, ethical and legal awareness, business and management perspectives and broader societal and professional considerations.
The programmes should further develop the existing mapping between the courses, the programme and the FINEEC reference learning outcomes to demonstrate more clearly how the intended competences are covered across the curriculum and the different specialisations. The mapping should support the identification of possible gaps, overlaps and differences between study paths and be used systematically in curriculum development and review.
Accreditations of engineering degree programmes in FINEEC
Accreditation of engineering degree programmes in FINEEC is based on the international EUR-ACE standard and can lead to the EUR-ACE quality label if the degree programme meets the requirements set by the standard. The aim of the accreditations is to support the development of quality in engineering degree programmes and to increase the international comparability and recognition of Finnish engineering degrees in working life. The accreditations are voluntary for Finnish higher education institutions.
accreditation report at FINEEC web site
Further information:
Lead Advisor for Evaluation Kati Isoaho, +358 533 1199, kati.isoaho@karvi.fi