Quality Policy of the Department of Social Work for the Distance Learning Postgraduate Study Programs
1. Strategic Purpose and Commitment
The Quality Policy of the Department of Social Work of the School of Health Sciences of the Hellenic Mediterranean University for the distance learning Postgraduate Programs (MSc) is fully harmonized with the corresponding Quality Policy of the Institution and the guidelines of the National Authority for Higher Education (HAHE), promoting a culture of quality and continuous improvement, transparency and academic accountability. The Department aims to offer high-level postgraduate education to promote scientific research and the development of innovative interventions in the field of social work and social welfare. The Quality Policy specializes through specific strategic quality objectives and monitoring indicators, which are periodically evaluated in the context of the continuous improvement of the Master's Programs.
At the same time, the Department seeks to promote academic excellence, scientific innovation and the internationalization of postgraduate studies, through a modern and student-centered digital learning environment. In particular, for the implementation of this policy, the Department is committed to implement the quality assurance procedures provided for and analyzed in the Quality Manual of the Institution, and applied to all the Study Programs of the Department with the required specialization in the postgraduate programs of distance learning and in direct cooperation with the Quality Assurance Unit of the University (MODIP). The Department actively promotes the development of a culture of quality at all levels of operation of the MSc, encouraging the participation of teachers, students, alumni and social partners in the evaluation processes with the aim of providing quality education.
2. Basic Principles and Axes of Quality
The quality policy of the Department of Social Work for the Distance Master's Programs is based on the provision of high-quality student-centered education through modern digital technologies and pedagogical approaches to distance learning. The educational process is supported by the Institution's Learning Management System (LMS) and combines synchronous and asynchronous forms of teaching, aiming at the active participation of students, the development of critical thinking and interactive learning.
The Department promotes the continuous updating and improvement of postgraduate programs through cooperation with social and professional bodies, graduates and other social partners, strengthening the connection of studies with modern social and professional needs and the employability of graduates. Emphasis is placed on internationalization, extroversion and the development of collaborations with academic and research institutions abroad, as well as on participation in international scientific networks and actions.
At the same time, the Department ensures universal accessibility, equal participation and academic integrity in the educational process, by implementing digital identification, plagiarism checking, personal data protection and support for students with disabilities, in accordance with the current institutional framework and the policies of the Institution.
3. Implementation and Support of Quality Policy
The implementation of the Quality Policy of the distance learning Postgraduate Programs of the Department of Social Work is based on an integrated quality assurance framework, which operates in full agreement with the Internal Quality Assurance System of the Hellenic Mediterranean University and the procedures of the Quality Assurance Unit (MODIP). This framework supports the systematic monitoring, evaluation and continuous development of all academic, administrative and technical functions of the MSc. The implementation of the quality policy is supported by clearly defined evaluation and feedback processes, which concern the entire educational process, the learning outcomes, the quality of the teaching work, the operation of the digital infrastructures and the effectiveness of the support services provided. Data collection and analysis is carried out on a regular basis through course and teacher evaluation questionnaires, quality indicators, attendance and graduation statistics, as well as through consultation processes with students, graduates, lecturers and external social and professional bodies.
The Internal Evaluation Team (O.M.E.A.) of the Department, in collaboration with the Quality Assurance Unit, is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the quality policy, preparing evaluation reports and formulating proposals to enhance the quality of the services provided. At the same time, the competent bodies of the Master's Programs, the teachers and the administrative services of the Master's Program cooperate for the continuous upgrading of the quality of studies, the improvement of the learning experience and the effective support of students. An important element for the provision of quality education is the training and professional development of the teaching staff in digital pedagogy, distance education and the use of modern educational technologies. Through the actions of the Teaching and Learning Support Center (KEDIMA) and the corresponding structures of the Institution, the strengthening of teachers' skills and the adoption of innovative educational practices are supported.
The Department utilizes the University's digital infrastructure and information systems to effectively support quality assurance processes, administrative operation and educational process. The implementation of the Quality Policy is based on mechanisms of continuous monitoring, evaluation and feedback, which support informed decision-making with the aim of continuous quality upgrading and optimization of the MSc. Through the periodic evaluation of processes, infrastructures and learning outcomes, the Department ensures the adaptation
of the program to developments in science, technology and societal needs, while enhancing the quality, transparency and accountability of academic operation.
4. Roles and Transparency
The implementation of the policy is based on the cooperation of the Quality Assurance Unit, the OMEA, the Teaching-Research Staff, the Administrative Services and the students. The Quality Policy is reviewed periodically, following the recommendation of the OMEA. and in collaboration with the Quality Assurance Unit (MODIP), to meet the developments of distance education, the requirements of the HAHE. and the needs of the academic community. Its implementation, monitoring and review is carried out in accordance with the procedures of the Institution's Internal Quality Assurance System. Key quality procedures, evaluation results, and improvement actions are made public through the official websites of the Institution and the MSc, enhancing transparency and academic accountability. To support the quality assurance procedures, the Institution's information systems and digital services are utilized, which operate under the coordination of the Quality Assurance Unit.
The Quality Policies of the Institution and the MSc are publicly available through the official websites of the Quality Assurance Unit (MODIP). (https://qa.hmu.gr/) and the Department of Social Work (https://sw.hmu.gr/qual_innov).