Programmatic accreditation

Programmatic Accreditation

External peer review of academic program quality against AAC standards.

AAC Programmatic Accreditation supports higher education institutions seeking external review of academic program quality, learning outcomes, curriculum design, teaching and assessment, resources, stakeholder engagement, and program-level quality assurance.

Start Application（https://www.aac.cw/application-form） View Accreditation Process（https://www.aac.cw/accreditation-process） Contact AAC（https://www.aac.cw/contactus）

Program-level quality assurance

What Programmatic Accreditation Reviews

AAC Programmatic Accreditation focuses on the external review of a specific academic program. The procedure examines whether the program is clearly designed, properly resourced, effectively delivered, aligned with its stated aims and learning outcomes, and supported by appropriate quality assurance processes.

Program Design and Purpose

AAC reviews whether the program has clear aims, coherent learning outcomes, appropriate curriculum structure, and a defined academic profile.

Teaching, Learning, and Assessment

AAC reviews how teaching, learning, assessment, academic integrity, and student progression are organized and monitored.

Resources and Academic Staff

AAC reviews whether the program has appropriate academic staff, administrative support, learning resources, and operational capacity.

Quality Assurance and Improvement

AAC reviews whether the program is monitored, evaluated, improved, and informed by student, staff, and stakeholder feedback.

Standards

AAC Programmatic Accreditation Standards

Programmatic Accreditation is conducted against AAC standards for program-level quality assurance. The standards support a structured review of institutional context, program design, delivery, resources, stakeholders, and continuous improvement.

01

Institutional Overview

The institutional context, mission, legal status, governance, and capacity relevant to the program.

02

Ethics and Diversity

Ethical principles, diversity, fairness, inclusion, and responsible treatment of students and stakeholders.

03

Strategic Design of Program(s)

Program aims, learning outcomes, curriculum structure, academic coherence, and strategic relevance.

04

Quality Management and Improvement

Program-level quality assurance, monitoring, evaluation, feedback, and continuous improvement.

05

Administration and Teaching Staff

Academic leadership, teaching staff, administrative support, qualifications, workload, and staff development.

06

Student and Stakeholder Engagement

Student support, student participation, stakeholder engagement, employer input, and external feedback.

07

Learning and Teaching

Teaching methods, assessment design, learning environment, academic integrity, and student achievement.

08

Program Handbook

Program information, academic rules, student guidance, assessment requirements, and public communication.

International reference

Based on Recognized Quality Assurance Principles

AAC accreditation guidelines are informed by the European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG). Other national and international quality assurance references may also be reflected in the formulation of AAC standards.

Learn More about ESG →（https://www.aac.cw/web/content/2437?download=true&unique=19d41215996851bb4eacee81b5d7142e42e5c26f）

Procedure

Programmatic Accreditation Procedure and Timeline

The Programmatic Accreditation procedure normally takes about 8 to 12 months. The procedure provides AAC and the higher education institution with a structured evaluation of program strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, risks, and improvement priorities.

Typical duration: about 8 to 12 months from application and scope confirmation through review, decision, and publication.

Phase 1

Application and Scope Confirmation

Initial meeting with the higher education institution.

Submission of the application form and initial self-report or application materials.

Approval by the AAC Accreditation Commission for the official opening of the accreditation procedure.

Phase 2

Official Opening and Review Procedure

Signing of the accreditation contract.

Preparation of the self-report according to AAC standards and guidelines.