Learning outcomes at study programme and course level

2. Study programme quality assurance

In ESG (2015) – Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG) – learning outcomes play a central role in several standards related to quality assurance in higher education, both at the level of internal (institutional) and external evaluation (procedures for initial accreditation of study programmes and reaccreditation of higher education institutions).

In Standard 1.2, it is emphasised that programmes should be designed with clearly defined learning outcomes aligned with qualification frameworks.

Standard 1.3 highlights the importance of student-centred learning through teaching and assessment based on learning outcomes.

In Standards 1.4 and 1.9, learning outcomes serve as the basis for transparent processes of admission, recognition, and progress monitoring, as well as for the continuous improvement of study programmes.

The definition of learning outcomes in the ECTS Users’ Guide (2015) states: Learning outcomes are statements of what the learner knows, understands, and is able to do after completing the learning process.