Milestone for Joint Master

On 27 May 2025, AQ Austria carried out an on-site visit at St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences as part of the accreditation process for the Joint Master’s Degree Programme Citizen-Centered Digital Health and Social Care. The visit marks an important step towards the implementation of the programme.

“It’s inspiring to see our international collaboration taking shape. This programme is more than just a qualification – it represents a shared commitment to innovation and meaningful progress in the field of digital health and social care,” says Carla Harold, Quality Assurance Officer.

Studying Digital Health Across Europe

Developed within the framework of the European University Alliance E³UDRES², this interdisciplinary programme prepares future professionals to tackle the challenges of digital transformation in healthcare – including demographic change and the rising demand for personalised (tele)care.

What sets the programme apart is its distinctly international structure: students study in three countries – Austria, the Netherlands, and Finland – spending one semester at each of the participating institutions. The consortium comprises St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences, Saxion University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands), and JAMK University of Applied Sciences (Finland).

On-Site Visit

Accreditation by AQ Austria is mandatory for universities of applied sciences in Austria. This procedure is conducted in accordance with the European Approach for Joint Programmes. During the visit, the panel of experts reviewed the infrastructure, met with the development team, and evaluated the programme’s academics and overall readiness.

For the on-site visit and the preparatory meeting the day before, representatives from all partner universities also travelled to St. Pölten to take part. These in-person meetings not only provided the expert team with valuable insights, but also helped to strengthen the interpersonal relationships among representatives of the partner institutions.

“A special thank you goes to Kaisa Jokinen (JAMK University of Applied Sciences) and Daniëlle Ouwejan (Saxion University of Applied Sciences), who are responsible for implementing the programme at their respective institutions. Their commitment and international perspective made a valuable contribution to achieving this milestone," says Jakob Doppler, Academic Director Citizen-Centered Digital Health and Social Care¹.

With the conclusion of the visit, the programme moves one step closer to offering a forward-looking, cross-border education in digital health and social care.

¹ subject to accreditation by AQ Austria pursuant to the European Approach for Quality Assurance of Joint Programmes.