Study Quality Department

The Study Quality Department is a structural unit of Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU), the purpose of which is to support the monitoring, analysis, and continuous improvement of study quality, in accordance with the University’s strategy.

Manager

Mārtiņš Upmacis

Manager, Study Quality Department

Rīga Stradiņš University Main Building

16 Dzirciema iela, Rīga, LV-1007

martins.upmacis@rsu.lv

Functions

Accreditation and licensing

The Study Quality Department (SQD) coordinates the accreditation process for study programmes and provides support for the development and licensing of new programmes. In the development of new study programmes, SQD experts assist programme directors in the formulation and mapping of learning outcomes to ensure that the programme content and teaching methods align with the intended outcomes. During the licensing and accreditation processes, SQD provides support in planning and coordinating the preparation of documentation, assessing its compliance with external quality requirements, compiling information submitted by various departments, and contributing to the preparation of self-assessment reports for study programmes and fields.

Accreditation and licensing process

Analysis of study process quality

The improvement of RSU study programmes is based on the monitoring of results and the careful analysis of study-related data. To ensure systematic quality monitoring, the SQD has developed quality criteria and indicators for study programmes, which reflect key characteristics at three levels: institutional, content-related, and individual. The improvement of RSU study programmes is based on the monitoring of results and the careful analysis of study-related data. To ensure systematic quality monitoring, the Study Quality Department (SQD) has developed quality criteria and indicators for study programmes, which reflect key characteristics at three levels: institutional, content-related, and individual. The SQD monitors, compiles, analyses, and presents these indicators and their development trends to RSU staff and management. Monitoring data and quality indicators are also used to evaluate the impact of pedagogical innovations and targeted initiatives implemented by RSU to improve the quality of studies.

One of the essential tools for analysing the content of study programmes is the mapping of learning outcomes, which helps assess the alignment of learning outcomes at both the programme and course levels. The SQD supports programme managers in this process by organising mapping workshops and providing individual consultations.

Study analytics

The SQD plays an important role in collecting and processing student feedback at both the course and programme levels. At the university level, the SQD compiles and analyses data from course and programme evaluation surveys. This information is used to assess student satisfaction with academic staff, programme choices, and other key aspects of the study experience. Student feedback is analysed institutionally, while at the faculty level, study programme directors, heads of structural units, and course leaders work with this data in greater depth. Additionally, the SQD is involved in analysing feedback from graduates and employers to gain a broader understanding of the effectiveness of study programmes and their alignment with labour market needs.

The SQD is responsible for the development and calculation of key performance indicators (KPIs) for study programme quality. These indicators cover areas such as programme demand, student satisfaction, dropout rates, graduation rates, employer feedback, among others. SQD experts define the methodology and threshold values for these indicators, analyse the results over time, and compare performance across study programmes. This analysis helps identify areas requiring further attention and supports a culture of continuous improvement in study quality. The data prepared by the SQD is used both for internal quality assurance processes and for external evaluations, including accreditation, national higher education quality monitoring, and university rankings.