18.02 What can constitute an essential change to the subject of accreditation?

The explanatory memorandum to Section 28 MRVO lists nine changes that may be “in particular” essential changes: These concern

1. Study program title,
2. Standard period of study for the study programme,
3. Final degrees of the study programme,
4. Concept of the study programme,
5. Qualification goals of the study programme,
6. Profile of the study programme,
7. Contents of the study programme,
8. Establishment of specializations that lead to substantially different competencies among graduates,
9. if an identical curriculum is offered in different forms of delivery, at different learning locations or by different partners.

The term “essential change” is an undefined legal term that must be interpreted.  There is room for judgment here. The list of examples of possible essential changes in the explanatory memorandum provides orientation for the interpretation of the undefined legal term. Cf. FAQ 18.03 on how the Accreditation Council interprets the term.

The rationale is obviously based on program accreditation. All FAQs in this chapter therefore deal with program accreditation with the exception of FAQs 18.10, 18.11 and 18.12, which are partly or entirely dedicated to system accreditation and Alternative Procedures.

Note on the amendment: Parts of the FAQ correspond to the previous FAQ 18.02 (valid until July 2023).