Evaluation and accreditation in Germany: the case study of the Technische Universitaet Berlin

The accreditation system finds its roots in the Quality Evaluation system, a system for higher quality assurance thet has been operating in Germany the early 80s. The Quality Evaluation procedure comprises three steps: internal Evaluation (for each degree programme), external Evaluation (by a number of appointed indipendent peers), follow-up (quality assurance is not generally a selecitive procedure but a continuous process). The two systems coexist: accreditation requires evaluation, but evaluation does not necessary lead to further accreditatio. Today the Techinische Universitaet Berlin has successfully adopted the spirit and implemented the accreditation system procedures. Its long tradition of internal and external evaluation has contributed to the favourable reception of the accreditaton culture. T.U. berlin is fully aware of the main advantages of the accreditation system: a better recognition of its degree programmes a long with their international acceptance; a better quality of study degree courses; the possibility to attract skilled students and more resources.