The Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, in collaboration with the Quality Assurance Unit (MODIP) of the Democritus University of Thrace (DUTh) and the relevant institutional bodies, has aligned the Quality Assurance Policy of its Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Doctoral Study Programs (Ph.D.) with the overarching Quality Assurance Policy of the University.

The Department of Physical Education and Sport Science (D.P.E.S.S.) of the School of Physical Education, Sport Science and Occupational Therapy of the Democritus University of Thrace (DUTh), in collaboration with the Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications of the National Center for Scientific Research “DEMOKRITOS”, has offered, since the academic year 2018–2019, the Inter-Institutional Postgraduate Program (M.Sc.) entitled “Clinical Exercise and Applications of Technology in Health”.

This M.Sc. program is fully integrated into the strategic planning of DUTh, aiming to further promote knowledge, advance research and the arts, and respond to the country’s educational, research, social, cultural, and developmental needs. It offers advanced-level specialization in theoretical and applied domains of specific scientific disciplines and thematic areas that fall within or complement the academic scope of the undergraduate studies of the organizing Department. Specifically, the M.Sc. in “Clinical Exercise and Applications of Technology in Health”:

Curriculum Development and Quality:

• Designs, reviews, and updates its curriculum transparently and inclusively, ensuring that it:
  • Addresses current scientific demands and educational needs.
  • Achieves defined learning outcomes and qualifications in accordance with the European Qualifications Framework for Higher Education.
  • Promotes scientific knowledge and research in the fields of exercise, physical activity, and health-related technology, for both healthy individuals and clinical populations.
  • Equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the design and implementation of exercise programs for cardiovascular, metabolic, musculoskeletal, and neurological disorders, focusing on physiological adaptations to systematic exercise and the use of modern technological tools to promote health and physical fitness.

Academic Quality Processes:

• Implement quality assurance procedures in line with the Department’s and University’s quality policies, by:
  • Appointing qualified teaching staff in accordance with relevant legislation.
  • Collecting systematic feedback on teaching performance from students on a semester basis.
  • Participating in the internal evaluation process coordinated by MODIP of DUTh.
  • Utilizing a variety of student-centered teaching methods and educational strategies.
  • Supporting student progress and academic development throughout their studies.
  • Encouraging student involvement in scientific writing, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations at national or international conferences.
  • Ensuring the availability and accessibility of educational resources.
  • Applying to the institution of the Academic Study Advisor.
  • Participating in the procedures of the DUTh. Award for Excellence in Teaching.
  • Fostering a culture of respect, cooperation, and participatory problem-solving, following best practices as outlined in the official Complaint and Appeal Handling Regulation.

 

Research and Academic Engagement:

• Supports the quantity and quality of research output by:
  • Promoting academic outreach and fostering collaborations within and beyond the University.
  • Encouraging staff participation in international and national conferences, research projects, and academic partnerships.
  • Supporting international mobility of academic personnel.
  • Exploring alternative funding sources (e.g., projects, sponsorships, donations).
  • Promoting the development of high-quality research with international recognition and dissemination.

Integration of Teaching and Research:

• Promotes a strong linkage between teaching and research activities.

Graduate Employability:

• Monitors the professional integration of its graduates and actively disseminates relevant career opportunities and information beyond formal channels.

Capacity and Resource Management:

• Ensures the annual intake of students remains aligned with its teaching capacity and infrastructure, to maintain high-quality education.

Ongoing Quality Improvement:

• Systematically monitors and evaluates all operational levels of the program and undertakes the necessary actions for continuous improvement.

Transparency and Communication:

• Publishes its Quality Assurance Policy on the official program website and communicates it through all available means to stakeholders.
• Ensures that the program’s website is regularly updated and serves as a reliable source of information for all students.