Positive external evaluation for Department of Music Studies
Department of Music Studies
24 Apr 2023
/ 21:31
CORFU. The International Evaluation Committee found that there is high quality and quantity of research and artistic activities and achievements of the faculty and research staff, as well as important distinctions, but also lack of sufficient teaching staff.
The report of the international evaluation committee was approved by the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education's Evaluation and Accreditation Council for the Ionian University's Department of Music Studies.
The Committee, consisting of professors from Ithaca College and Berklee College of Music of the USA and the University of Nicosia, completed its work on 9 December 2022 and accredited that the Department's curriculum leads to a Level 7 Qualification according to the National & European Qualifications Framework (Integrated Master).
The findings
The Committee has praised the high quality and quantity of the research and artistic activities and achievements of the faculty and research staff, the important distinctions, publications and artistic projects at local and international level, as well as the international research projects and collaborations that give great 'extroversion' to the Department and, consequently, create an ideal environment for its students.
The Committee also said that the teaching staff are able to provide a cutting-edge, 21st century music curriculum. Moreover, the programme is in high demand and is recognised internationally.
They found that research, artistry and teaching are creatively linked, giving students many opportunities to benefit from the scientific and artistic activities of their professors.
The continuous participation of students in such activities with the support of their teachers (through the Workshops, the Summer Music Academy, the collaborations with important institutions of the country, the various music ensembles, etc.) ensure that they are properly prepared for the labour market, which is proven by the fact that the vast majority of graduates find employment in Greece and abroad.
Moreover, many of the graduates excel in pursuing academic careers in prestigious universities in Greece and abroad and, in general, have bright employment prospects.
The problems
However, the Committee also found some problems such as the lack of sufficient teaching staff, and called for a lighter workload for both teachers and students who have taken certain courses, as well as for a reduction in the curriculum and a strengthening of student counselling.
Another shortcoming mentioned by the Committee is the lack of criteria for the evaluation of artistic subjects due to which the Department is being undermined and is not being developed any further.
In particular the Committee stated the following:
"The Committee urges the state bodies responsible for higher education to address and amend the absence of assessment criteria and quality evaluation indexes for artistic fields such as musical performance and composition in the relevant state laws. As of today, this absence undermines the concept of equality among the various music disciplines and inhibits the Department’s progress."
High value
The report, as a whole, fully supports and confirms the high value of the Department of Music Studies, praising its research, artistic and teaching work in all areas, its international appeal, as well as its student-centred character.
You can find the whole report on the Department of Music Studies website:
https://music.ionio.gr/gr/department/description/
From Professor Anastasia Siopsi,
Head of the Department of Music Studies,
Faculty of Music & Audiovisual Arts,
Ionian University
The Committee, consisting of professors from Ithaca College and Berklee College of Music of the USA and the University of Nicosia, completed its work on 9 December 2022 and accredited that the Department's curriculum leads to a Level 7 Qualification according to the National & European Qualifications Framework (Integrated Master).
The findings
The Committee has praised the high quality and quantity of the research and artistic activities and achievements of the faculty and research staff, the important distinctions, publications and artistic projects at local and international level, as well as the international research projects and collaborations that give great 'extroversion' to the Department and, consequently, create an ideal environment for its students.
The Committee also said that the teaching staff are able to provide a cutting-edge, 21st century music curriculum. Moreover, the programme is in high demand and is recognised internationally.
They found that research, artistry and teaching are creatively linked, giving students many opportunities to benefit from the scientific and artistic activities of their professors.
The continuous participation of students in such activities with the support of their teachers (through the Workshops, the Summer Music Academy, the collaborations with important institutions of the country, the various music ensembles, etc.) ensure that they are properly prepared for the labour market, which is proven by the fact that the vast majority of graduates find employment in Greece and abroad.
Moreover, many of the graduates excel in pursuing academic careers in prestigious universities in Greece and abroad and, in general, have bright employment prospects.
The problems
However, the Committee also found some problems such as the lack of sufficient teaching staff, and called for a lighter workload for both teachers and students who have taken certain courses, as well as for a reduction in the curriculum and a strengthening of student counselling.
Another shortcoming mentioned by the Committee is the lack of criteria for the evaluation of artistic subjects due to which the Department is being undermined and is not being developed any further.
In particular the Committee stated the following:
"The Committee urges the state bodies responsible for higher education to address and amend the absence of assessment criteria and quality evaluation indexes for artistic fields such as musical performance and composition in the relevant state laws. As of today, this absence undermines the concept of equality among the various music disciplines and inhibits the Department’s progress."
High value
The report, as a whole, fully supports and confirms the high value of the Department of Music Studies, praising its research, artistic and teaching work in all areas, its international appeal, as well as its student-centred character.
You can find the whole report on the Department of Music Studies website:
https://music.ionio.gr/gr/department/description/
From Professor Anastasia Siopsi,
Head of the Department of Music Studies,
Faculty of Music & Audiovisual Arts,
Ionian University
