MSC Political Analysis

The School has made a special effort to ensure that its curricula maintain a necessary balance between theory and empirical analysis, aiming for a multidimensional and in-depth approach to political action and political structures. It seeks to shape scientists capable of describing and interpreting identities, relationships, ideologies, and policies, and supporting decision-making processes in the public sphere.

Quality Policy of the Department

The quality policy begins with the goals of the Undergraduate Study Programme (USP). The objectives of the School’s Study Programme are:

• The continuous improvement of the quality of studies, following international standards of best practices

• The cultivation of students’ critical, research, and creative thinking

• The proper combination of depth and breadth of knowledge

• Specialization in cutting-edge areas and conducting research at an international level

• Encouragement and support of students’ scientific activity through the organization of numerous events

• The Department’s outreach through promoting the research conducted within to society, the state, and the international academic community

Achieving these goals is a fundamental concern of the School and is made possible thanks to the high caliber of its faculty and the active participation of students in its activities. Specifically, for the implementation of this policy, the Academic Unit commits to applying the quality procedures outlined in the next section.

Action Planning and Specific Objectives

The action plan for implementing the goals of the USP includes the following dimensions:

A. Suitability of Curriculum Structure and Organization – Learning Outcomes and Qualifications

Aligned with the European and National Qualifications Frameworks for Higher Education

• Use of digital tools to improve the quality of education

• Introduction and development of academically broad courses (e.g., presentation techniques, academic writing)

• Systematic monitoring of students’ progress and performance

• Increasing student mobility

• Monitoring developments in the curricula of top Political Science Departments in Europe and globally to adopt best practices

• Modernization of the curriculum at all levels

B. Promotion of Quality and Effectiveness of Teaching

• Use of course evaluation data from students to improve teaching quality and effectiveness

• Increasing faculty mobility, communication, and collaboration with academic staff from other universities in Greece and abroad

• Supporting faculty participation in conferences and events that expose them to best teaching practices

C. Enhancing the Department’s International Profile and Faculty Qualifications

• Participation of the Department in international university evaluation organizations

• Support for faculty participation in international conferences and research networks

• Increasing the number of international students (e.g., via Erasmus+)

• Expanding internationally oriented activities that also involve undergraduate students

• Increasing the number of staff with international work experience and/or international recognition

D. Promoting Quality and Quantity of Research and Integrating Research with Teaching

• Closer collaboration among faculty to improve prospects for securing research funding

• Increasing research funding within the School

• Student participation in presentations, workshops, and conferences organized by the School

• Student involvement in research and development projects

• Integration of educational material from research projects into teaching

E. Strengthening Acquired Skills – Connection with the Labor Market and Graduate Career Support

• Monitoring labor market trends (nationally and internationally) and adapting the USP accordingly by introducing new courses that meet emerging needs

• Providing students with information and guidance about their studies and career prospects

• Communicating and showcasing the School’s achievements and best practices to students and alumni

• Improving and expanding the internship programme

• Maintaining communication with alumni and monitoring their career development

F. Improvement of Support Services and Infrastructure

• Continuous monitoring and improvement of the quality and effectiveness of services offered by the School

• Ongoing efforts to solve the School’s longstanding housing/infrastructure issues

• Optimal utilization of temporarily available School spaces

• Modernization, improvement, and expansion of available digital infrastructure

• Attracting donations

The above goals and action plan will be reviewed through the annual review and internal audit of the USP’s quality assurance system, as well as through the collaboration of the Internal Evaluation Group (OMEA) with the Institution’s Quality Assurance Unit (MODIP). Finally, this quality policy will be available on the School’s website.