The Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre was accredited for 7 years 

The Assessment Council of the Estonian Education Quality Agency (HAKA) decided to accredit the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre (Academy) for the next seven years and awarded it the HAKA Quality Label. The Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre (the Academy) was accredited by the spcialized agency MusiQuE (Music Quality Enhancement) in close cooperation with HAKA.  

Heli Mattisen, the Director of HAKA explains that MusiQuE is an agency founded by various higher education organizations operating in the performing arts sectors, specializing in quality assessment for higher education institutions in these fields. “According to HAKA, involving a specialized agency initiated by the higher education institutions themselves clearly adds value. HAKA and MusiQuE were able to learn from each other throughout the process, with MusiQuE adapting its standards based on the requirements of HAKA’s institutional accreditation guidelines. The final decision on institutional accreditation was taken by the HAKA Assessment Council,” she added. 

The Assessment Council adopted its decision based on the report of the international assessment panel. The decision highlighted that the academy as a whole is characterized by a clear understanding of its identity, which is also reflected in its mission and vision. During all assessment visit interviews, the Panel found evidence of the high level of respectful treatment, expertise, and commitment of the Academy’s membership and a shared sense of quality. Praise was also given for the creation of the position of Equality Ombudsman by the Academy. In addition, the Academy’s good cooperation with other Estonian universities and research institutions in conducting interdisciplinary projects was recognized. The Panel points out that the way the Academy implements its goals and the needs of the cultural sector through educational processes, taking into account national strategies and societal expectations, is impressive. More details on strengths, areas for improvement, and recommendations can be found on the website of the Estonian Education Quality Agency. 

“Institutional accreditation is an important process for every university, during which external experts assess the institution’s compliance with legislation, objectives, and strategic plans. It was particularly important for us that independent top specialists in the field also evaluated our activities in the light of international criteria and quality expectations, providing recommendations for the next seven-year development period,” said Ivari Ilja, rector of the Academy. “I am very grateful to our Academy family, whose creative, continuous development and quality culture oriented work enabled the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre to successfully pass the institutional accreditation,” he added.