Academic Accreditation of the Undergraduate Program
The Department of Physical Education and Sport Science (D.P.E.S.S.) of Democritus University of Thrace achieved the impressive excellent rating of full compliance in all ten evaluation criteria by international independent experts, as defined by the Hellenic Quality Assurance and Accreditation Agency (HQA), during the accreditation process of the Undergraduate Program of Studies (UPS) of the Department, which took place from October 21 to 26, 2019.
The three external evaluators, who were selected by HQA, were Mr. Adamantios Arampatzis, Professor at Humboldt University of Berlin (Germany), Mr. Kostas Karadakis, Associate Professor at Southern New Hampshire University (U.S.A.), and Mr. Stefanos Volianitis, Associate Professor at Aalborg University (Denmark).
The Evaluation and Certification Council of the National Authority for Higher Education (NAHE), as HQA was renamed, accepted on July 2, 2020, the Certification Committee's Report, based on which it certifies that the Undergraduate Program of Studies in Physical Education and Sport Science of Democritus University of Thrace fully complies with the principles of the NAHE's Quality Standard for Undergraduate Programs of Studies and the Quality Assurance Principles of the European Higher Education Area (ESG), for level 6 studies of the National and European Qualifications Framework.
The certification is valid for four years, from 05-29-2020 to 05-28-2024.
What is academic certification?
Academic certification is an impartial process conducted under conditions of transparency and meritocracy by a recognized Independent Authority, based on specific, predetermined, internationally accepted quantitative and qualitative criteria and indicators, aiming at the objective assurance and continuous improvement of the quality of Higher Education. The certification of UPS includes evaluation in the following ten distinct areas:
- Quality Assurance Policy
- Design and approval of study programs
- Student-centered learning, teaching, and assessment
- Student admission, study progress, recognition of studies, and degree awarding
- Teaching staff
- Learning infrastructure and student support
- Information management
- Public information
- Continuous monitoring and periodic internal evaluation of UPS and
- Periodic external evaluation of UPS
The PESS of Democritus University of Thrace demonstrates in practice that it is an active academic entity with organized operational structures and the necessary expertise, as it successfully responds to the challenges of today that Higher Education is called to address, both at an educational and research/academic level.
What is the benefit for graduates?
Academic certification ensures that graduates of an accredited study program have acquired a specific combination of knowledge, competencies, and skills aligned with European academic certification criteria. Additionally, it serves as a passport for Greek graduates to enroll in Postgraduate Study Programs in Europe and internationally, many of which positively evaluate the possession of an accredited degree. It also enhances the mobility of Greek graduates and increases employment opportunities in positions where holding an accredited degree is a hiring prerequisite. It is noted that holding accredited degrees is a current trend in the European labor market and a key hiring criterion for new graduates.
