The study programme “Global Political Economy (M.A.)” was assessed by FIBAA. This assessment procedure took place within the framework of the Certificate for Quality in Internationalisation project. FIBAA convened an assessment panel which studied the self- evaluation report and undertook a site visit in Kassel on 16 October, 2014.

The panel found that there is an implicit and supported policy of intended internationalisation but that there is a lack of an explicit short term and long term strategy defining the why, how, what and outcomes of the internationalisation of the programme. The panel deems the underlying criteria of this standard to be met satisfactory. The panel therefore assesses Standard 1. Intended internationalisation as satisfactory.

The panel found that the programme has a genuine, although not always very explicit focus on the achievement of international and intercultural learning outcomes by its students. The panel deems all the underlying criteria of this standard to be met. More work should, however, be invested by the programme in describing these international and intercultural learning outcomes in a more explicit way and in directly linking these to the goals of the programme regarding internationalisation as soon as these have been described more explicitly. Also including relevant stakeholders, especially alumni and the working field, more systematically in proving the graduates’ achievements is recommended. Based on these considerations, the panel assesses Standard 2: International and intercultural learning as satisfactory.

The panel deems all the underlying criteria of standard 3: Teaching and Learning, to be met and in the case of criterion 3c even systematically surpassed. In fact, the learning environment can be regarded as an international example. The panel therefore assesses Standard 3: Teaching and Learning as good.

For standard 4: Staff, the panel deems that the programme meets the underlying criteria. The panel, in line with the observations made by the programme itself, advices to enhance the international composition of the staff. The panel also recommends to pay more attention to professional development in intercultural competences of the existing staff, as well as to their international research and teaching experiences. The panel assesses Standard 4: Staff as good.

The panel noted both from the documentation and meetings with students and graduates a general satisfaction and appraisal of the student body composition, international experienceand support. The panel deems all the underlying criteria of this standard to be met. Furthermore, the programme is designed to allow students freedom of choice regarding courses they wish to follow and complete, and also adapt the curricula to a certain extent and consequently allows them to attain a unique and individual international qualification profile. The panel therefore assesses Standard 5: Students as good.

The panel is of the opinion that criterion 5a, composition of the students, is even systematically surpassed and can be considered as an international example.

Based on the documented internationalisation goals, the programme has successfully implemented effective internationalisation activities which demonstrably contribute to the quality of teaching and learning.