Recent accreditations enhance value of lifelong learning offer

In today's competitive job market, staying ahead of the curve is essential. The TU Delft Extension School for Continuing Education’s recent accreditations from professional bodies help professionals do just that.

 

 

Importance of accreditation

Accreditation not only affirms the quality of our courses but also their credibility in the educational and professional landscape. For learners, this means an extra aid in career progression.

External accreditation ensures our courses and programs are valued by professional associations, providing learners with the confidence that independent bodies recognise the relevance of their education.

― Clelia Paraluppi - Quality Assurance Officer

Commitment to excellence

The Extension School delivers high-quality online courses designed for professionals in engineering, design, and science. “By emphasising flexibility and accessibility, we enable professionals globally to advance their education without pausing their careers. Our high-standard instruction, course materials, and assessment ensure that our offerings are inherently valuable.” says Maaike van Buul, Manager Business Development. She goes on to explain that, “We continually seek to enhance this value and one way to do that is for courses to be externally accredited.”

Maaike van Buul - Manager Business Development

Achieving accreditation

We recently secured accreditations for Medical Technology courses, adding to existing ones for Water Treatment — fields in which TU Delft excels. Obtaining global accreditation is challenging due to numerous accrediting bodies across sectors and countries. We are therefore pleased to grow the number of accredited courses we offer. This gives learners and their employers a recognised mark of quality regardless of their location.

Before granting accreditation, associations thoroughly review:

  • Course learning objectives: alignment with industry standards
  • Assessment: effectiveness in measuring objectives
  • Institution’s profile: credibility and reputation
  • Target audience: relevance to learners’ needs
  • Instructors: expertise and experience
  • Study load: appropriateness for participants

Accredited courses signify that our programs meet high-quality standards, reflecting our commitment to excellence. These endorsements are a source of pride and a testament to our educational rigour.

Industry perspectives

Bart van Straten, an industry expert and prolific lecturer of courses on circularity in the hospital industry, elaborates on the significance of accreditation in professional fields: "Accredited courses are perceived as more valuable, particularly in the medical industries, due to their assurance of quality, employer recognition, potential for career advancement, and transferability of credits. Accreditation sets a standard within higher education that aligns with industry needs and professional standards, enhancing both the individual's qualifications and the industry's confidence."

Van Straten also highlights the recognition of accredited courses by employers: "The medical industry inherently values accreditation, as many medical training programs require it. Continuous Professional Development (CPD) accreditation is essential for ensuring the quality, relevance, and recognition of professional training programs. It aligns training with industry needs, providing a minimum education standard and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Professionals who follow accredited programs are more likely to be recognised by employers for maintaining high standards of competence and continuous improvement."

Bart van Straten - Expert in the field of sustainability and the circular healthcare economy