On October 22nd, 2020, representatives of universities, university associations, ASIIN and the German Accreditation Council discussed the present and future of quality assurance of “dual” study programmes (programmes featuring a large practical component) in Germany in a webinar jointly organized by the Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University (DBHW) and ASIIN Consult GmbH.

The presentations and discussions highlighted the diversity and heterogeneity of the models and formats of dual study programs and highlighted the challenges this poses for internal and external quality assurance. The event also illustrated the outstanding role played by the DHBW or German states’ "umbrella brands" such as hochschule dual Bayern, Rhineland-Palatinate Cooperative State University or Duales Studium Hessen, particularly in the development of relevant quality standards.

In connection with this, the discussion of accreditation practice and current criteria under the new accreditation law led to a number of proposals that could be an impetus for future development of the criteria by the German states and the Accreditation Council.

For further information, please contact Dr. Siegfried Hermes (hermes@asiin.de).