Positive assessment outcomes for Public Administration programmes

The panel specifically reviewed the clear profile of all programmes, connecting theoretical knowledge with a practice orientation positively. Furthermore, they concluded for both Bachelor's and Master's that the teaching-learning environment is strong. The curricula are coherent and feasible, and the course contents allow students to demonstrate the ambitious learning outcomes. The teaching staff combines substantive, methodological and research expertise with educational and assessment skills.

Robust assessment system

The programmes have created a robust assessment system, which is embedded in the school's and university's provisions and policies. The panel complimented the programme board on how the assessment system has been organised since the previous accreditation. According to the panel, the provisions for assessment quality assurance are impressive for both Bachelor and Master programmes and "it is in competent hands with the Examination Board and the Test Committee."

Dr. Brenda Vermeeren, vice Dean of Education: It is always good but also exciting when others look critically at your educational programmes. In recent years, lecturers and education support staff have worked hard to create attractive and content-rich undergraduate and graduate programmes. Programmes that deliver students with good knowledge and skills to move forward in life as a public adminstration academic. Ensuring assessment within the programmes has received extra attention in recent years. I am proud that the committee has positively appreciated our efforts and progress in all aspects and all parts of the programmes. It gives us confidence in the future to further develop our programmes so that our students can help solve future problems in society.' 

International accreditation has been granted by the European Association for Public Administration Accreditation (EAPAA).

Public Administration Rotterdam

At the Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences we teach in three accredited programmes: 

A three-year full-time Bachelor programme, which consists of two tracks offered in Dutch and English, respectively: Bestuurskunde (BSK) and Management of International Social Challenges (MISOC). Both tracks train students to understand and analyse societal challenges: while BSK focuses on the role of government and public sector organisations in managing these challenges at local, regional and national levels, the challenges in MISOC transcend national borders and require an international approach.

A one-year full-time Master programme Public Administration (MPA), which consists of four Dutch-language specialisations and three English-language tracks that share the same set of learning outcomes. The substantive core of the MPA programme is like the BSc programme yet it enables master students to learn at an advanced level about the complex work field of public administration.

A one-year full-time English language Master programme: International Public Management and Public Policy (IMP). The programme shares several core elements with the BSK/MISOC and MPA programmes but stands apart through its focus on international organisations and the European Union, and their interactions with other actors.