17.2 In the case of regulated study programmes, must the professional suitability of the study programme be proven as part of the accreditation process?

Yes, if a career goal promise is made; this is usually the case.

Accreditation on the one hand and compliance with professional requirements on the other are legally separate procedures in which separate decisions are made. If there is a procedural connection according to § 35 MRVO, this is only organizational (see FAQ 17.6). (Teacher training programs and full and partial theological study programmes are an exception; these are listed separately in the MRVO under § 25 para. 1 sentences 3 to 5. With regard to full and partial theological study programmes, the decision of the Accreditation Council requires the approval of the responsible ecclesiastical authority according to § 22 para. 5 sentence 2).

However, professional aptitude is always relevant for the accreditation decision if the higher education institution promises that graduates can gain access to a regulated profession upon completion of the study programme (possibly with further admission steps, examinations, etc.), i.e. the practice of this profession is part of the qualification goals according to § 11 para. 1 sentence 1 MRVO.

§ Section 11 (1) sentence 1 MRVO states: “The qualification goals and the intended learning outcomes are clearly formulated and take account of the objectives of higher education set out in Article 2 (3) number 1 of the interstate study accreditation treaty in a comprehensible manner.”

In the referenced passage of the State Treaty, the objective of “enabling qualified gainful employment” is relevant in the context discussed here.

According to § 12 para. 1 sentence 1 MRVO, proof must be provided that the intended qualification goals have been achieved:

“The curriculum is adequately structured, taking into account the defined entry qualification and with regard to the attainability of the qualification goals.”

According to § 12 Para. 1 Sentence 1, it must therefore be proven, among other things, that the ability to pursue a qualified occupation is given. If the higher education institution promises that graduates will be able to pursue a regulated profession upon completion of the study programme, i.e. the pursuit of this profession is the intended qualification goals, the higher education institution must prove within the framework of § 12 para. 1 sentence 1 MRVO that it also fulfills this “promise of professional goals”. This in turn requires proof of professional suitability as part of the accreditation procedure. This also applies if it is a polyvalent study programme that is not only, but also, intended to qualify students for a regulated profession.