Tallinn University of Technology was accredited for seven years

The Quality Assessment Council for Higher Education of the Estonian Quality Agency for Higher and Vocational Education (EKKA) decided to accredit Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) for seven years.

The expert panel that assessed TalTech brought out several strengths of the university. The panel found, for example, that TalTech stands out for its well-developed study programmes. In addition, the university was found to be socially inclusive. TalTech is actively contributing to several professional organizations and various action plans in Estonia.

The Council acknowledged the university’s ability to implement a thorough reform of the organizational structure, study programmes and research groups. In doing so, TalTech has responded effectively to the recommendations of previous institutional accreditations and the changing external environment.

At the same time, the Council found that TalTech should review the learning outcomes proposed in the study programmes. The Council believes that the learning outcomes should comply better with the European Higher Education Area quality assurance standards and guidelines.

Rector of Tallinn University of Technology Tiit Land commented that the seven-year accreditation is great recognition for the university in many ways. “First of all, it is a confirmation that the university has done a significant job over the last seven years and is on the right track,” he explained. “This is also proved by the recognition of the Council for the reforms implemented at the university, which included structural changes, teaching and research. Secondly, it is pleasing to receive positive feedback from external experts on the strategic goals of the new development plan. Full accreditation shows that we have adequately assessed the strengths and areas for improvement identified in the self-assessment report.”

Focus on learning and teaching

Land added that the panel made recommendations for further development across all 12 standards. “It is positive that the importance of teaching as a central process of the university was also noted by the panel,” he said. “Providing quality education is our daily focus. We will continue to work to ensure that our students have the best learning experience. We will thoroughly review the panel’s feedback and set out further actions to implement the report’s recommendations and suggestions.”

Heli Mattisen, the director of EKKA, said that one of the strengths of Tallinn University of Technology is the ambitious allocation of resources. TalTech focuses on important areas like teaching and learning, research, staff development, digitization and infrastructure. According to her, the university also stands out for its efficient and informed management.

All higher education institutions in Estonia must undergo institutional accreditation at least once every seven years. Institutional accreditation is an external evaluation, in the course of which the compliance of the management, teaching, and research activities and the study and research environment of the higher education institution with legislation, the goals of the educational institution, and the development plan is assessed. The evaluation is carried out by an international expert panel. Based on their assessment report the accreditation decision is made by the Quality Assessment Council. TalTech passed the institutional accreditation for the first time in 2015. Check out the evaluation decisions and reports here.

Image: TalTech