Introduction

The University of Göttingen is a leading research university with high standards in research and teaching and an outstanding international reputation. As a result it places great importance on the quality of teaching and learning and is strongly committed to providing a high quality, research-based, forward-looking and innovative education as well as excellent study conditions for the 27,428 students currently enrolled on a total of 216 degree programmes. An explicit focus on research, high standards of teaching, and systematic allowance for the diversity of students contribute to every student being enabled to achieve their best in their studies.

Besides the general task of ongoing quality assurance, the University has also taken on the challenge of establishing a functioning quality management system for teaching and learning, one that matches its public profile and ambitions at the same time as responding to the demands of the accreditation process. A key part of this, therefore, is the creation and permanent establishment of systematic quality assurance procedures in accordance with the standards applicable within the European Higher Education Area. This guide on quality management in teaching and learning is part of the quality management system of the University of Göttingen, and is based on the description of core processes in the area of teaching and learning. The guide documents quality assurance procedures and measures in place at the University of Göttingen in order to make them transparent to all involved: students, teaching staff and other employees. The first of the three main sections of the guide presents the structure of the university – in particular in the area of teaching and learning. The second section focuses on the quality assurance tools used in teaching and learning, whilst the third explains the measures and strategies which have been established as part of quality assurance. The fourth section introduces the University’s diversity strategy and outlines its implementation. It presents the management structures, stakeholders and services such as the University of Göttingen’s advice and contact points in Equal Opportunities and Diversity. Section five of the QM guide describes in detail the various systems and processes in teaching and learning. It includes a process map that offers an overview of the related management, core and support processes. The QM guide concludes with an outline of the plans for development of quality management in relation to teaching and learning.