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2006:8 R

Evaluation of master's programmes in engineering at higher education institutions in Sweden

This evaluation covered the eleven Swedish universities and higher education institutions that offer master´s programmes in engineering. The evaluation was carried out by a panel of assessors and based on a frame of reference drawn up by the panel in consultation with the higher education institutions involved and a number of other stakeholders. Each higher education institution and master´s programme has conducted its own self-evaluation and these, together with discussions with various groups during site visits to the higher education institutions, have provided the basis for this evaluation. This material has enabled the panel to come to the conclusion that those awarded Swedish master´s degrees in engineering are good and internationally competitive. The panel feels that the standard of master´s programmes in engineering is sound but that they can be improved. The programmes should be extended to five years.

Instruction in the engineering and natural sciences and in mathematics is generally adequate but the social, economic and environmental applications of technology are inadequately covered in the programmes. The dialogue with future employers should be improved and programmes should contain more hands-on practice than they do today. The teachers are highly qualified, particularly in academic terms, but are under a great deal of pressure. They are obliged to make inroads into their spare time and time that should be devoted to research to cope with their teaching. There are shortcomings in the administration and management of master´s programmes in engineering as responsibilities and powers are not always monitored. On the whole there is a lack of any systematic, overall approach to quality assurance procedures.

The higher education institutions are adopting sound internationalisation measures but far too few students take advantage of opportunities to study abroad. Most programmes are well equipped to receive students from abroad.

The proportion of women beginning these programmes has declined. This is not merely a question of recruitment but also involves teaching methods and the culture of the discipline.

There has been a major expansion of master´s programmes in engineering with four new higher education institutions and a large number of programmes in all. At the same time there has been a decline in the numbers applying in spite of major recruitment drives. Today there are a number of milieux that are small and vulnerable and there are no mechanisms for any realistic assessment of the number of places to offer. Throughput is poor and the higher education institutions have no system for monitoring or improving student progress. The funding system for higher education does not allocate appropriate priorities. There should be incentives for higher education institutions to adopt profiles, invest in the kinds of programmes required by the labour market and enable students to complete their studies in the normal period.

The report begins with the National Agency for Higher Education´s decisions and reflections. This is followed by the report of the panel of assessors.

Swedish National Agency for Higher Education  Visting address: Luntmakargatan 13  Box 7851, 103 99 Stockholm
Phone: 08-563 085 00  Fax: 08-563 085 50  Email: hsv@hsv.se