The quality policy of the academic unit for the development and improvement of the Doctoral Program has been designed and organized according to the standards and principles of the quality policy of the same academic unit of the University of Western Macedonia.
The Department of Psychology is committed to implementing a quality policy that supports knowledge (scientific, technological, research, and professional), with the primary goal of providing scientific education to doctoral candidates according to the European and National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education. In this spirit, the quality policy of the Department ensures the academic profile and orientation of the doctoral program, so that processes are implemented that demonstrate the suitability of the structure and organization of the DP, the adequacy of the qualifications of the teaching staff, as well as the quality of the supporting services of the academic unit and its staffing with appropriate administrative personnel. The academic unit is additionally committed to conducting an annual internal evaluation of the new DP in cooperation with the Quality Assurance Committee (O.M.E.A.) and the Quality Assurance Unit (M.O.D.I.P.) of the Institution to promote the purpose and object of the DP, to implement its strategic objectives, to determine the means and methods of achieving them, and to aim for its improvement continuously. This policy is publicized and applied by all stakeholders.

More specifically, it ensures:

  1. the suitability of the structure and organization of the doctoral program,
  2. the continuous review and revision of the DP,
  3. the creation of laboratories for research development with the aim of linking teaching with research,
  4. the pursuit of learning outcomes and qualifications according to the European and National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education,
  5. close collaboration with the doctoral student association,
  6. close scientific collaboration with other university departments in Greece and abroad,
  7. close cooperation with the broader social environment and organizations based in the region of Western Macedonia.

Moreover, the quality of the educational work and the suitability of the teaching staff are ensured through the following actions:

  1. All legal procedures for the election and advancement of faculty members or special teaching staff are followed, ensuring the meritocracy and transparency of all processes.
    b. An official evaluation process for the teaching work (of all study programs) and the teaching staff operates, conducted by the Quality Assurance Unit for the DP of Western Macedonia (M.O.D.I.P.).
  2. There is provision for the mobility of the teaching staff and unwavering support for collaborations between institutions in Greece and abroad, co-organizing events and conferences, and hosting recognized scholars in the university.
  3. Unwavering support is provided to teaching staff for participation in research projects that occur both within Greece and at the European level.

We ensure the quality education of doctoral students by supporting learning and all academic activities through a network of infrastructure and services that are feasible:
a. Administrative support,
b. Library and reading room,
c. Laboratories,
d. Information services,
e. Teaching assistance,
f. Opportunities for collaborations with institutions and research centers in Greece and abroad.

We closely collaborate with the official body responsible for collecting and processing information for the Department, (M.O.D.I.P.), which has created a platform at https://modip.uowm.gr/, where all information regarding the quality of educational work, the material and technical infrastructure, and administrative services as well as teaching staff is formulated and collected.

We also ensure timely and accurate information for students and the broader public. On the Department’s website www.psy.uowm.gr and psyphd.uowm.gr (under construction), all necessary information is provided regarding various topics, such as: Information on a) the Program (Courses, course descriptions), b) obligations and rights of doctoral candidates, c) Teaching Staff, Support Staff, d) Guides and Study Regulations, e) Research (Research Laboratories, Research programs). The informational material is continuously updated, and exceptional staff ensures the quality and validity of the information.

We conduct internal evaluations that are the result of the cooperation of the entire academic community, and a fruitful dialogue is followed among all involved parties, under the guidance of O.M.E.A. and the Committee of the DP, for the reform, updating, and improvement of the DP, which will guarantee the quality of the educational process provided by the Department.

For the first three years of the program’s operation, the maximum number of doctoral candidates per faculty member is set at 3 (three). The purpose of this specific measure is to monitor the process through the implementation and development of the program for the first time. After evaluating the program and depending on the results, the decision regarding the maximum number can be changed by the Department Council.

The strategic goals of the Department of Psychology regarding the third-cycle programs it organizes include:

  • Providing high-level education through a student-centered approach that dynamically adapts to developments in fields related to the subjects of the DP.
  • Producing high-level research, promoting excellence, and strengthening the connection between teaching and research.
  • Enhancing outgoingness by linking with the local community, the job market, and the graduates, and developing partnerships with national and international scientific bodies, as well as with research institutions in Greece and abroad.

More specific goals of the DP include:

  • The generation of new knowledge and innovative methods at a high level through the promotion of original basic and applied research and teaching in the scientific fields addressed by the Department of Psychology.
  • The thorough preparation of scientists capable of contributing to the advancement of science and technology and taking on leadership roles in their professional and academic careers.

To achieve the above strategic goals, the Department of Psychology implements the following actions and processes:

  1. Continuous monitoring of the organization and implementation of the DP, as well as periodic reformulations, to respond to developments in the fields addressed by the Department of Psychology and to serve the strategic goals.
  2. Strengthening the connection between teaching and research by emphasizing the production of high-level doctoral dissertations and the participation of students in research teams and events.
  3. Systematic recording, standardization, and specialization of the learning outcomes of the DP through a special electronic platform for course descriptions.
  4. Annual evaluation of the programs (courses and instructors), which is implemented by the Internal Evaluation Team (O.M.E.A.) of the Department in cooperation with the Quality Assurance Unit of the University of Western Macedonia.
  5. Extensive use of electronic services to support educational work and the operational processes of the programs (eClass, electronic student registry, course description platform).
  6. Periodic organization of special workshops and informational events aimed at promoting the DP of the Department and strengthening connections with professional and scientific bodies.
  7. Specifically for the DP, supervision for compliance with the regulations and ensuring the scientific prestige of the doctoral dissertations being developed through guidance for each doctoral candidate by competent bodies and the requirement for international recognition of doctoral research through scientific publications after peer review and securing patents.

The achievement of the above goals results from the collaboration and active participation of all members involved in the Department of Psychology, namely the governing bodies, faculty members, scientific and technical staff, and administrative staff, in developing and applying this policy. The Department of Psychology remains committed to cultivating a culture that enhances quality assurance in the DP it organizes. The ultimate goal is the thorough training of high-level researcher-scientists, the national and international recognition of the Department as a center of excellence in doctoral education, the creation of beneficial synergies emphasizing innovation, and the attraction of high-level doctoral students.

Quality assurance processes for third-cycle programs are subject to periodic inspection, conducted by the Assembly of the Department, O.M.E.A., and M.O.D.I.P. of the University of Western Macedonia.

Although the Department of Psychology is newly established (Government Gazette 70/A’/07.05.2019), it continually strives to improve the Doctoral Program, taking special care of the DP’s image and ensuring transparency and quality in the education of doctoral students. Research programs at the international level are being developed in the Department, and the scientific and research work of the academic staff is published in international scientific journals and conference proceedings.

The Quality Policy of the academic unit for the development and improvement of the DP is posted on the Department’s website.