Introduction
This document provides a concise overview of the quality policy that guides the design and implementation of the Postgraduate Study Programmes (PSPs) of the Department of Political Sciences at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH). The Department’s quality policy is fully aligned with the legal and regulatory framework of the Greek state. As a complementary document to the quality policy adopted and applied by AUTH (https://qa.auth.gr/en/node/7234), it is also harmonized with, specialized according to, and continually redefined based on the strategic quality objectives of the University.
Core Principles
The primary objective of the Department is to offer students across all study cycles a high-quality education that prepares them for successful careers in the fields of political science, public administration, and international relations. To achieve this, the Department implements AUTH’s quality policy, particularly its goals of continuous improvement in teaching and research quality, enhancement of departmental procedures and services, ongoing improvement of working conditions and quality of academic life, transparency at all levels, and promotion of the Department’s work within society, the state, and the international academic community.
Regarding its postgraduate programmes, the Department has developed and applies a comprehensive quality policy that guides their development. This policy complements AUTH’s institutional quality framework and complies with the specific standards of HQA (Hellenic Authority for Higher Education).
Summarizing the quality policy for the Department’s PSPs, this document focuses on three main objectives: academic excellence, educational integrity, and continuous improvement.
Academic Excellence
The School of Political Sciences is committed to providing high-quality education to its postgraduate students. Its MSc programmes are designed to offer a deep understanding of various political science fields, including theory, methodology, and practical applications. These programmes are continuously updated to remain academically rigorous, comprehensive, and aligned with high standards in teaching, research, and assessment.
To support this goal, the School employs highly qualified faculty members (tenured and adjunct), who are experts in their fields and dedicated to teaching, research, and student support. These instructors bring extensive knowledge and experience into the classroom and utilize innovative teaching methods to help students expand their knowledge base and develop their skills.
The School ensures that all teaching staff involved in its postgraduate programs maintain the necessary qualifications, expertise, and experience to provide high-quality education and academic mentoring.
Additionally, the Department ensures that all MSc programmes comply with the current regulatory and institutional framework, including all requirements set by accreditation bodies and the Greek state. The School also operates an internal quality assurance system.
The MSc programmes are supported by modern infrastructure, including renovated lecture halls, computer labs, and research facilities. Students also have access to a wide array of academic resources, such as online databases, e-journals, and electronic books. This ensures that they are well-equipped to succeed in their studies.
Finally, the School conducts all program development processes with the highest standards of academic ethics and professional integrity.
Educational Integrity
The effective and successful education of its postgraduate students is at the core of the School’s quality policy. The Department is committed to providing students with the tools they need to achieve their academic and professional goals.
It fosters a supportive learning environment that promotes academic success and personal growth. Each postgraduate program includes clearly defined and measurable learning outcomes, and the extent to which students achieve these outcomes is assessed through various methods, such as exams, essays, project work, and continuous assessment.
The School’s MSc programs are designed to develop students’ critical thinking, research capacity, and analytical skills, enabling them to successfully undertake and complete complex research or applied projects in their areas of interest. The curriculum offers a wide range of subjects, including international relations, political analysis, comparative politics, political theory, political history, and public policy.
MSc students are also given opportunities to engage in research and scholarly writing, including the preparation of high-quality master’s theses.
To ensure the quality development of its postgraduate programs, the School actively involves students in the evaluation and redesign of its curricula by regularly collecting and integrating their feedback.
Continuous Improvement
The School of Political Sciences is committed to the ongoing enhancement of its academic programmes, aiming to provide students with an exceptional education that prepares them for successful careers in political science. To this end, it continuously evaluates its MSc programmes.
The School periodically reviews its curriculum, teaching methods, and, to the extent possible, its infrastructure to ensure that they meet student needs. As mentioned earlier, feedback from both students and faculty is actively sought to identify areas for improvement. This feedback is used to implement potential changes, including curriculum updates, pedagogical innovations, and infrastructure upgrades.
The Quality Objectives for the MSc in Political Analysis are as follows:
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Further consolidation and dissemination of the programme’s distinct identity and increased attractiveness to prospective students.
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Enhancement of student communication channels through the use of new technologies (e.g., website) and personalized academic advising.
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Development of interdepartmental and inter-institutional collaborations, both nationally and internationally.
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Assurance of academic quality through the expansion and optimal composition of teaching personnel.
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Increase in the programme’s visibility and recognition.
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Improvement of educational resources, learning environment, and daily operations.
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Encouragement of student participation in academic life, quality assurance processes, and research-related activities.
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Strengthening of alumni relations and post-graduate engagement.
Public Communication
The Quality Policy is communicated and disseminated to the academic and administrative staff, students, and other relevant stakeholders. It is also published on the official website of the Postgraduate Programme.