AQU Catalunya has recently published its methodology for the accreditation of doctoral (PhD) programmes. The guidebook includes the dimensions and criteria for review, the relevant indicators, and recommendations for drafting the self-assessment report. The agency collaborated with universities in Catalonia to produce the guidebook, for which an open consultation was held during July and October 2017.
During a review of a doctoral programme, the following aspects are sought: compliance with legal requirements and Spain’s qualifications framework; adequate resources for teaching staff, learning support services, infrastructure, and physical resources; conformity of grades with relevant and appropriate procedures for the assessment of student learning outcomes; matching of the academic background of doctoral degree holders with characteristics of doctoral/PhD students and the potential of the labour market; and internal quality assurance mechanisms for ensuring regular analysis of the learning process and continuous improvement of the training of students.