2006:43 R

Evaluation of thematic master´s programmes and postgraduate programmes at Linköping University

The National Agency is able to determine that the programmes evaluated meet the standards required in higher education. The Agency also notes that there are differences in quality between the various thematic groupings. Some have attained international recognition while others, in particular the centre for applied ethics and the thematic grouping of food, culture and medicine, need enhancement of both qualifications and resources if they are to become competitive.

As the panel points out in its report, the principles on which funding is based are not transparent. It is also unclear what considerations lie behind the establishment of the different thematic groups. It seems important to ensure that there is an evaluation system intended to provide information on which changes can be based, including the decision to withdraw a thematic group. There is also some lack of clarity about their organisation and administration. The matrix organisation that has been chosen enables the avoidance of responsibilities at every level of the university. Moreover, the panel points to the lack of strategic discussion about the future within the thematic groupings. The National Agency also notes the wide range of interpretations of the concept of interdisciplinary study.

The graduate school reform that has set its stamp on postgraduate programmes has led to positive outcomes. These include, for instance, the ambition to assure the quality of theses, joint recruitment in an open enrolment system, a well-considered range of courses on offer and well-developed seminars.

The master´s programmes evaluated are offered in English to a population of students of mixed nationalities. The National Agency has gained a positive impression of the programmes but they do pose some challenges. The funding available for these programmes is meagre as not all their places can be filled. Throughput can also be improved.