How is our education performing? Initial results of the programme assessment
Every six years, the quality of educational programmes is assessed. In November, an external panel thoroughly reviewed the Bachelor's and Master's programmes in Psychology. Two intensive days full of interviews, documentation and evaluations have provided a clear picture of the strengths and the concrete points for attention for the coming years.
Two days under the microscope
Over the course of two days, an external panel of peers from the field spoke extensively with students, lecturers, alumni, the Board of Examiners and the Board of Education. Together with the documentation submitted in advance, these conversations formed the basis for their assessment according to the four NVAO standards: intended learning outcomes, teaching-learning environment, student assessment, and achieved learning outcomes.
The verdict: all four standards positive
The panel’s conclusion is clear: both the Bachelor’s and the Master’s programme score positively on all four standards. Director of Education Pascal Haazebroek: ‘It is fantastic that we have scored so well. These are results that we are really happy with.’ In addition, the review committee has particularly high praise for specific aspects of both programmes.
What stands out about the Bachelor's programme?
- The broad structure of the programme and the possibility to switch between exit profiles by flexibly choosing from specialisation courses;
- The strong performance of the study advisers, including the absence of waiting lists for students;
- A demanding first year due to the number of theoretical courses, which students indicate is essential later in the programme;
- Good preparation for the Master’s programme.
And about the Master’s programme?
- The broad range of specialisations;
- The clear presence of the scientist–practitioner model: applying theory and translating it into (professional) practice;
- The strong performance of the study advisers, including the absence of waiting lists for students;
- A very strong and highly competent teaching team.
And now: continuing to improve
Although the panel is very satisfied, it also has some clear recommendations for the coming years. The most important point: the learning outcomes for both the Bachelor's and Master's programme, which set out what students should know and be able to do at the end of the programme, are in need of renewal. They have remained unchanged for a long time, while the world and the discipline are evolving. For the next programme assessment in 2031, these learning outcomes must therefore be updated to a certain extent.
In addition, the panel advises:
- increasing the capacity and/or support for the Board of Examiners to create room for innovation;
- better integrating learning objectives of different types within Bachelor’s courses with separate lectures and workgroups;
- continuing to monitor the alignment of the Bachelor’s programme with the Leiden Master’s, and with Master’s programmes elsewhere;
- bringing the average study duration of the Master’s programme closer to the nominal duration, partly by critically reviewing the internship process for both Dutch and international students;
- taking active measures regarding assessment and GenAI.
Finally: thank you to everyone who makes this possible
The Board of Education wishes to sincerely thank all colleagues who contribute to these excellent programmes for their dedication, energy and enthusiasm. Thanks to everyone’s engagement and professionalism, our programmes continue to be of high quality, and together we will be able to maintain this. The Board of Education would like to specifically thank everyone who contributed to the site visit on 17 and 18 November.
To monitor the quality of higher education, the independent Dutch Flemish Accreditation Organisation (NVAO) assesses educational institutions. The programmes offered by the Institute of Psychology are also assessed every six years. The assessment is an important part of the accreditation. If the outcome is positive, the programme's accreditation is renewed and we are allowed to continue our education. More information