Introduction

This text provides a concise description of the quality policy that guides and directs the design and implementation of the Postgraduate Programs of the Department of Political Sciences at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. The Department’s quality policy always aligns with the legal and regulatory framework of the state. Additionally, as a complementary document to the quality policy adopted and implemented by AUTh (https://qa.auth.gr/el/node/7234), it is in harmony with, specifies, refines, redesigns, and continually redefines its objectives based on the institution’s quality strategy.

Basic Principles

The primary objective of the Department is to provide students, at all levels of study, with an education of exceptional quality, preparing them for a successful career in the fields of political science, public administration, and international relations. To achieve this, the Department follows and implements the quality policy of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), specifically targeting continuous improvement in the quality of education and research, enhancement of the quality of departmental processes and services, continual improvement of working conditions and the quality of life within the Department, transparency at all levels, and the promotion of the Department’s work in society, the state, and the international scientific community. Regarding the Postgraduate Programs (P.M.S.), the Department offers multiple different programs to its students. For these programs, the Department has formulated and implements a comprehensive quality policy that guides their development process. This policy operates in conjunction with the AUTh quality policy and complies with the relevant special standards of the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education (H.A.H.E.).

In summarizing the quality policy of the Postgraduate Programs of the Department, this text focuses on three main objectives: academic excellence, completeness and effectiveness of the educational process, and the continuous improvement of the Postgraduate Programs.

Academic Excellence

The Department of Political Sciences aims to provide high-quality education to its students. The Postgraduate Programs (P.M.S.) of the Department are designed to offer them an in-depth understanding of various fields within political science, including theory, methodology, and practical applications. These programs are consistently structured to be scientifically rigorous, comprehensive, up-to-date, and adhere to high standards of quality in teaching, research, and evaluation. To achieve this goal, the Department employs teaching staff (faculty members, adjunct faculty, and assigned personnel) highly specialized in their respective fields, dedicated to teaching, research, and providing academic support to students. Faculty members bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom, utilizing innovative teaching methods to help students learn and develop their knowledge base and skills.

The Department ensures that the teaching staff involved in the postgraduate programs continue to possess the necessary qualifications, technical knowledge, and experience to deliver high-quality education and guidance to our students. Additionally, the Department ensures that the P.M.S. comply with the specifications and provisions imposed by the current regulatory framework and any guiding principles of AUTh. Simultaneously, the Department has an internal quality assurance system in place. It provides modern infrastructure for students, including contemporary or renovated classrooms, computer labs, and research facilities. The Department also grants access to a wide range of academic resources, including online databases, electronic journals, and books, ensuring that students have the necessary resources to succeed in their studies. Furthermore, the Department conducts the process of shaping the P.M.S. ethically and responsibly, adhering to the highest standards of academic ethics and professional integrity.

Effectiveness of the Educational Process

The effectiveness and success of the education of our students are at the core of the quality policy of the Postgraduate Programs of the Department of Political Sciences. The Department seeks and is committed to providing students with the tools they need to achieve their academic and professional goals. To this end, the Department provides a supportive educational environment that encourages academic success and personal development. It includes clear and measurable learning outcomes for each postgraduate program and evaluates the extent to which participants have achieved these outcomes using various methods such as exams, assignment writing, and continuous assessment.

The Postgraduate Programs of the Department are designed to help students develop critical thinking, research skills, and analytical abilities required to successfully conduct and complete complex research/applied projects in the fields of political sciences that interest them. The Department offers a comprehensive curriculum covering a wide range of topics, including international relations, political analysis, comparative politics, political theory, political history, and public policies. The Postgraduate Programs also provide opportunities for students to engage in research and scientific writing, including high-level diploma theses. Additionally, to ensure the quality development of its Postgraduate Programs, the Department actively involves students in their development, regularly seeking their evaluation and incorporating their feedback into the redesign of the programs.

Continuous Improvement

The Department of Political Sciences sets as a permanent goal the continuous improvement of all its educational programs to provide our students with excellent education, preparing them for a successful career in political sciences. To achieve this goal, the Department seeks and implements continuous evaluation of the Postgraduate Programs. The Department periodically reviews the curriculum, teaching methods, and, as far as possible, its facilities and infrastructure to ensure they meet the needs of its students. As mentioned earlier, the Department also seeks feedback from students and faculty to identify areas for improvement. The feedback is used to examine and implement any changes in the Postgraduate Programs, including updating study programs, changing teaching methods, and upgrading facilities.

Conclusion

The quality policy of the Postgraduate Programs of the Department of Political Sciences focuses on academic excellence, student-centered educational effectiveness, and the continuous improvement of the quality of the work they provide. The Department is committed to providing high-quality education that prepares students for successful scientific presence and professional careers in the field of political sciences. The Department’s commitment to academic excellence is demonstrated through the high expertise of its teaching staff, its infrastructure and facilities, and the academic resources it provides. The Department’s commitment to the success of students is evident through the effectiveness of the comprehensive study program, the supportive learning environment, and opportunities for research (integrated into teaching following the research-led teaching model). Finally, the Department’s commitment to continuous improvement is demonstrated through the ongoing evaluation and assessment of its Postgraduate Programs