Quality Management for Teaching and Learning

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Welcome to the Quality Management for Teaching and Learning

The Quality Management system for Teaching and Learning thrives on open dialogue and the inclusion of the diverse perspectives of all stakeholders. It comprises defined processes with responsibilities and areas of competence, as well as standards and objectives for the introduction to, further development of, (re-)accreditation, modification and discontinuation of degree programmes. The aim is to foster a shared awareness of quality amongst all stakeholder groups.
Cooperative and trust-based collaboration is vital to the QM system. This centres on respectful discussion and constructive, critical dialogue. The accompanying processes are designed to be transparent and accessible to all those involved. As a learning system, it is continuously being developed.

Moodle enrolment code: Qualität

QM Manual on Moodle »
Areas of action

The responsibilities of the Quality Management for Teaching and Learning include:

Advice and support: Subject-specific and department-specific advice on quality criteria, and support with programme development and accreditation.

Coordination and communication regarding accreditation procedures: Coordination of (re-)accreditation procedures, including communication and consultation with internal and external stakeholders, as well as documentation of the process’s progress and deadline management.

Further development of the QM system: Conceptual and substantive further development of the QM system in studies and teaching, as well as its tools

Preparation for and follow-up on QM boards and committees: Substantive and organisational preparation, support and follow-up for the central QM boards and committees (including the Internal Accreditation Commission and the Quality Advisory Board).

Liaison tasks: Exchanging information and communicating on QM-related topics amongst all stakeholders.

If you have any questions or comments regarding quality management, please do not hesitate to contact us. Together, we can create a vibrant and sustainable culture of quality at the Hochschule Niederrhein.

QM Manual Moodle Course

The QM Manual Moodle course is the information and guidance platform for lecturers, staff, students and anyone else who is interested. It provides a structured overview of the university’s quality management system and clarifies interrelationships, responsibilities and processes.

In the Moodle course, you will find, amongst other things:

  • a clear introduction to the Quality Management System for Teaching and Learning,
  • information on key stakeholders and their roles,
  • descriptions of key processes and procedures,
  • relevant documents, regulations and legal frameworks,
  • further resources and useful links.

This Moodle course helps you to find your way around quickly, apply quality processes with confidence and actively contribute to the further development of studies and teaching education. We recommend that all target groups use the course regularly and keep up to date with the latest developments in quality management.

Enrolment code: Qualität

To the QM Manual Moodle course »
The diagram illustrates the Hochschule Niederrhein’s quality policy for the quality management system (QMS) in studies and teaching education. In the centre is a dark blue oval containing the key statement: “Our QMS is… vibrant, flexible, dynamic, learning”. Below this it states: “We are guided by five principles inspired by the Agile Manifesto.” These five principles are explained both visually and in text around the central element: Decentralised organisation (top left): Quality development takes place on a decentralised basis, supported by central processes. “For us, this means: our QM system is meant to be put into practice – with decentralised scope for action, a focus on service and support from the QM team.” Targeted quality dialogue (top right): Discussion about quality is more important than mere key figures. “For us, this means: Key performance indicators form the foundation course for further development, supplemented by comprehensive discussions on quality.” Degree programmes (bottom right): Degree programmes are developed collaboratively and with a focus on the future. “For us, this means: We document carefully and in a way that makes sense for society – using a streamlined reporting system.” Feasibility (bottom centre): Feasibility is more important than perfection. “For us, this means: measures are linked to resources; the focus is on sustainable and responsible implementation.” Interaction and engagement (bottom left): Exchange matters more than strictly adhering to standards. “For us, this means: standardised processes provide guidance, but room for manoeuvre is important for a vibrant quality culture.” In the top right-hand corner, four overarching values are highlighted by icons: Shared awareness of quality Trust-based and cooperative collaboration Appreciative engagement Constructive and critical dialogue At the bottom left is a QR code with the note: “More information in the QM Handbook for Studies and Teaching Education”. In the top right-hand corner is a seal bearing the inscription: “Successfully system-accredited”.
The aim of the quality management system

The aim of the quality management system is to ensure, assess and continuously improve the quality of studies and teaching education. A key aspect of this is to give the relevant stakeholders the autonomy to shape effective quality development at a local level.

Guiding Principles for Teaching and Learning
University Development Plan 2022–2026
HSNR is system-accredited

The Quality Management System for Teaching and Learning at Hochschule Niederrhein (HSNR) has been successfully certified by the Accreditation Council of the German Federal States. The positive assessment was issued without any conditions and forms the foundation for the HSNR to make the transition from programme accreditation to system accreditation. It is therefore now authorised to evaluate and certify its Degree programmes independently and to award them the Accreditation Council’s quality distinction. The system accreditation is valid for a period of eight years.

System accreditation is a quality assurance procedure for higher education institutions. Unlike programme accreditation, where individual degree programmes are assessed externally, the focus here is on the institution’s internal quality management system. An independent accreditation agency assesses whether the internal structures and processes ensure that all programmes meet academic standards and statutory requirements.

The assessors emphasised that the Hochschule Niederrhein has established a well-thought-out and structured quality management system that is ideally suited to safeguarding and further developing studies and teaching education. They were particularly impressed by the close integration of the long-term eight-year development and accreditation cycle with a shorter evaluation cycle, which allows for greater agility.

The HSNR has been working since 2021 on expanding the Quality Management System for Teaching and Learning – which forms the foundation for system accreditation – and has successfully completed all the steps required for a decision by the Accreditation Council.

The Accreditation Council, established by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK), is the central body for quality assurance in the German higher education system. Its remit is to ensure that higher education institutions and degree programmes meet academic standards and legal requirements.

Timeline of the system accreditation process at the Hochschule Niederrhein (HSNR). The process began in April 2020 with the endorsement of system accreditation by the Executive Board, the Senate and the University Council. In January 2021, work began on developing and implementing the quality management system. The first internal accreditation procedures commenced in May 2022. The first two internal accreditation procedures were completed in August 2023. In December 2023, the self-assessment report was submitted to the accreditation agency ZEvA. In January and July 2024, the first and second system assessments were carried out by external assessors from ZEvA. In November 2024, the application for system accreditation was submitted to the Accreditation Council. Finally, the Accreditation Council completed the certification process in March 2025, and the HSNR is system-accredited until 2032.

A glimpse into the launch event

Brainstorming processes

Workshop: Guiding Principles for Teaching
and Learning

Leonie Blume, M.A.
Staff member for quality management in studies and teaching education
Sonja Grapke, BA.
Staff member for quality management in studies and teaching education
Claudia John, M.Sc. (on parental leave)
Staff member for quality management in studies and teaching education
Claudia Kohlen
Staff member for quality management in studies and teaching education
Dipl.-Kff. Frederike Königs, MBA
Head of quality management in studies and teaching education
Anna Lohmann, B.Sc.
Staff member for quality management in studies and teaching education
Ann Kristin Siegers, M.A.
Staff member for quality management in studies and teaching education
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