There are 5 main themes to the Programme Accreditation consisting of:

1. Programme Aims and Decision-Making

The first set of criteria begin with the Programme’s aims and decision-making processes. The Accreditation Review Panel evaluates the clarity of the Programme’s aims and intended learning outcomes, their alignment with institutional and national priorities and the overall coherence of curriculum design. The Panel assesses whether these outcomes are effectively embedded within the curriculum structure, content, teaching methods and assessment strategies. They also examine the Programme’s design, approval and monitoring procedures, paying particular attention to the involvement of stakeholders and the Programme’s responsiveness to evolving labour market needs. Mechanisms for continuous curriculum development, student performance monitoring and adaptability are reviewed in this context. In addition, the Panel considers the governance structures in place, focusing on transparency, inclusivity and accountability. They assess how roles and responsibilities are defined, how decisions are made and how both internal and external stakeholders are engaged in the management and strategic direction of the Programme.

2. Student Experience and Lifecycle

The second set of criteria refers to the student experience throughout their time in the Programme. The Accreditation Review Panel assesses how effectively the Programme recruits, admits and integrates students in a manner that is transparent, inclusive and aligned with its aims. The Panel evaluates whether recruitment strategies promote diversity and student success, including fair recognition of prior learning and equitable admission practices. They also consider how well students are inducted and supported to ensure successful integration and retention. Regarding academic progression and assessment, the Panel examines how the Programme monitors student development, encourages active learning and employs diverse, student-centred teaching methods. They evaluate whether assessment strategies align with intended learning outcomes, how feedback is provided and whether policies for academic integrity, moderation and appeals are clearly defined and implemented. This set of criteria concludes with the Panel’s evaluation of how well the Programme prepares students for employment or further study, considering the integration of professional and ethical competencies into the curriculum, engagement with stakeholders and opportunities for real-world application. Finally, the Panel assesses the Programme’s career support systems, graduate tracking and provision of recognised qualifications.

3. Research, Innovation & Internationalisation

The third set of criteria refers to research, innovation and internationalisation, focusing on how the Programme embeds these areas as core elements of public health education. The Accreditation Review Panel examines the structures established to support scientific research, the level of staff involvement and the extent of student engagement through initiatives such as scholarships, internships and collaborative projects. The Panel considers how research activity contributes to learning and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration. They also assess the Programme’s commitment to social accountability and innovation by evaluating its engagement with communities, support for entrepreneurial development and integration of societal priorities into the curriculum. In addition, the Panel reviews how the Programme promotes internationalisation through coherent strategies, dedicated structures and activities that broaden global perspectives and enhance the experiences of both students and staff.

4. Resources

Criteria set four refers to resources and focuses on how the Programme ensures high-quality delivery through its academic, administrative and support systems, as well as its financial and public communication infrastructure. The Accreditation Review Panel examines the qualifications, recruitment processes and professional development opportunities available to teaching staff, alongside their capacity to respond to a diverse student population and contribute to a collaborative and innovative academic environment. The Panel also evaluates the adequacy and training of technical, administrative and managerial staff, ensuring that operational functions are effectively supported. Financial sustainability is assessed through the planning and allocation of resources, with particular attention given to mechanisms that support students financially, such as scholarships and mobility funding. The Panel further reviews the provision of holistic support services, including wellbeing, safeguarding, accessibility and social support such as accommodation, meals and counselling. Finally, the Panel evaluates how the Programme communicates publicly, assessing whether information on areas such as admissions, curriculum, qualifications and outcomes are transparent, accurate, accessible and regularly updated.

5. Quality Systems

The last criteria set deals with Quality. The Accreditation Review Panel has to evaluate to what extent the Internal Quality Management System (IQMS) of the Programme is functional and effective, thus enabling the Programme to plan, implement, monitor and improve the activities in the different areas. The Accreditation Review Panel has to be satisfied that the results and conclusions produced by the IQMS are systemically used in the strategic management and governance of the Programme and in all the decision-making processes, assuring continuous improvement of education, research, cooperation with society and all the different support services of the institution. The Accreditation Review Panel needs to certify that the information system is robust and that there are mechanisms encouraging the participation of the academic and research staff,  of the technical, administrative and management staff and of the students in the quality systems.