Faculty of Medicine Education

Program Design and Approval Process

At Üsküdar University, all processes regarding the launching of new undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as the revision of existing ones, are carried out in a quality-oriented, stakeholder-inclusive, and compliant manner with prevailing regulations. This process moves forward through the synchronized coordination of both academic and administrative units.

1. Needs Analysis and Justification

Prior to introducing a new program, a detailed needs analysis and feasibility study are conducted by taking the following key aspects into consideration:

• National and international advancements within the respective field,

• Labor market demands and workforce requirements,

• Employment opportunities for graduates,

• Internal and external stakeholder feedback (including students, alumni, employers, and sector representatives),

• The strategic goals and objectives of the institution.

2. Program Design

When launching a new program or making amendments to an existing curriculum:

• Program competencies and qualifications are defined in full alignment with the Bologna Process.

• Course structures, ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) workloads, learning outcomes, and instructional methodologies are specified.

• Compliance with the National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education in Turkey (NQF-HETR / TYYÇ) is ensured.

• Detailed curriculum design is conducted in close collaboration with the Quality Commission and members of the respective academic boards.

3. Academic Board and Senate Approval Process

The designed program goes through the following review pipeline:

• It is evaluated and approved first by the relevant department board, and subsequently by the faculty/school board.

• It is submitted to the University Senate for final institutional approval.

• When necessary, the University Quality Commission and the Education and Training Commission deliver their institutional advisory opinions.

4. CoHE (YÖK) Approval and Program Launch

For newly established programs:

• Following the Senate’s endorsement, an official application is submitted to the Council of Higher Education (CoHE / YÖK).

• The process is formally managed through the submission of required documentation and program information forms.

• Upon receiving official approval from CoHE, the program is launched, and student recruitment commences.

5. Continuous Monitoring and Quality Enhancement

Once programs become operational:

• They are periodically monitored and evaluated based on student academic performance, faculty feedback, graduate tracking data, and stakeholder opinions.

• Course contents, instructional methods, or the overall curriculum framework are updated whenever deemed necessary.

• These revisions are processed through the identical quality assurance workflows and institutional approval mechanisms.

Visibility and Accessibility

The curricula of all academic programs implemented across Üsküdar University are presented in a transparent, up-to-date, and accessible manner via the Bologna Information System (BBS).

The system explicitly features the following comprehensive details for each course:

• The faculty member in charge of the course,

• The current course syllabus,

• Intended course learning outcomes,

• Detailed alignment and mapping of these outcomes with the overarching program outcomes.

This framework is openly accessible to both internal stakeholders (students, faculty members, administrative staff) and external stakeholders (alumni, employers, quality evaluators, public institutions, etc.). Consequently, all program design, course planning, and curriculum management operations at Üsküdar University are governed by the core principles of traceability, accountability, and quality assurance.

Üsküdar University Bologna Information System (BBS): https://sis.uskudar.edu.tr/oibs/bologna/

Monitoring Processes

At Üsküdar University, systematic and comprehensive monitoring mechanisms are carried out to continuously enhance the quality of education and ensure high student satisfaction.

• Student surveys conducted at the end of each academic semester, along with various student assemblies, serve to gather student feedback regarding institutional operations and program execution.

• The University's Solution Center addresses student grievances and requests in real time, playing an active role in delivering swift and effective resolutions.

• Regular communication is maintained with Student Representatives to integrate student insights into university governance and curriculum delivery.

• Thanks to the actively implemented open-door policy, students can voice their requests and recommendations directly to authorized executives and departments at any time.

• The weekly office hours of the academic staff are documented within the Bologna Information System, facilitating seamless one-on-one consultation opportunities for students.

• Digital information screens placed on every floor, dedicated mobile applications, and instant SMS notifications ensure that our students are promptly provided with accurate and up-to-date information.

Student-Centered Learning, Teaching, and Assessment

Üsküdar University adopts a student-centered approach as a foundational tenet across all educational processes. This philosophy aims to support the academic, social, and personal development of students holistically, and is executed through active participation across the planning, implementation, evaluation, and improvement phases.

Participatory and Accessible Educational Environment

Our university fosters active student participation in academic and campus life through Student Representatives and student clubs. Regular meetings and feedback from the Solution Center ensure student perspectives are consistently gathered and integrated into management decisions.

Transparent and Accessible Academic Information

Course syllabi, program outcomes, and ECTS credit allocations are explicitly accessible via the Bologna Information System (BBS), ensuring students have clear and transparent access to all academic processes.

Applied and Interactive Education

Across diverse disciplines ranging from communication to engineering, applied courses are conducted in fully equipped spaces such as studios, laboratories, and news workshops. High-quality learning environments are cultivated through interactive teaching methods and an academic staff possessing extensive sector experience.

Effective Assessment and Feedback Mechanisms

Student feedback is collected at the end of each term through end-of-semester evaluation surveys and institutional events like "Meetings with the Rector." This data is meticulously analyzed by academic boards to drive continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Flexible and Customizable Course Selection

Students are encouraged to select courses aligned with their individual interests and career objectives from a rich elective course pool. The course registration process is dynamically managed, with each student receiving dedicated guidance from their academic advisors.

Internship and Internationalization Opportunities

In addition to mandatory internships, voluntary internship options are offered, and students are given the opportunity to intern abroad within the scope of the Erasmus+ program. All internship practices are fully integrated into the student's total ECTS workload.

Accessible and Inclusive Education

Necessary physical and academic adjustments are provided for students with disabilities based on individual requirements, including administrative accommodations such as reader/scribe support during examinations.

Support Mechanisms for International Students

International students receive dedicated guidance from the Directorate of International Relations and the International Student Relations Office. Courses can be delivered in English upon demand, and comprehensive orientation and counseling are provided to facilitate academic and social integration.

Academic Advising Systems

Every student is monitored individually by their designated academic advisor from their freshman year through to graduation, ensuring continuous support for both academic and personal development.

Digital Communication and Continuity

Continuous information flow between students and faculty members is maintained via the internal digital network, STIX. Lecture materials, official announcements, and other academic contents are made available through this digital environment.

Competence, Specialization, and Faculty Development

One of the core building blocks of our educational quality is a highly qualified and specialized academic faculty. Within this scope:

• Faculty members are strictly supported to deliver lectures within their specific fields of expertise, and dedicated funding and leaves of absence are provided for scientific research.

• Active institutional support for scientific activities is provided to academicians through the university's ARGEYEP (Research, Development, Innovation, and Project) unit.

• The postgraduate and doctoral pathways of research assistants are systematically supported with the explicit goal of long-term academic advancement.

• Academic performance is closely monitored via the Smart Activity Tracking System (FTSmart), facilitating data-driven institutional development plans.

Assessment, Evaluation, and Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes defined for each course at the beginning of the semester are measured and analyzed at the end of the term through various assessment methods (examinations, projects, practical applications):

• The quality assurance system has been rendered operational through student surveys, internship evaluation reports, and feedback gathered via the STIX software.

• In cases where program outcomes are not fully achieved, root cause analyses are conducted, and corrective actions are implemented within the respective academic boards.

• An Assessment and Evaluation Coordinatorship is active within our university, conducting periodic reporting and review meetings on an academic term basis.

Program Content, Curriculum, and Methodologies

Curricula are prepared in alignment with the core values of our university and the visions of respective departments, shaped by the insights and feedback of internal and external stakeholders:

• Our elective course system allows students to take courses from different departments, aiming to foster a personalized academic vision.

• Theoretical knowledge is transformed into practice through applied courses, internship programs, and industry collaborations.

• The "University Culture" course is mandatory, designed to facilitate the integration of students into social, cultural, and academic life.

Graduation, Recognition, and Certification

To graduate from our university, students are required to:

• Successfully complete all courses in their curriculum,

• Achieve a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 2.00 out of 4.00,

• Successfully fulfill their compulsory internships.
  All processes are executed within the framework of the Üsküdar University Associate Degree and Undergraduate Education-Training and Examination Regulations.

Student Rights and Feedback Processes

The rights of our students are protected not only by legal regulations but also by the "Directive on Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Principles of Conduct," uniquely drafted for our university.

• The "Directive on the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination" is strictly implemented against potential harassment and discrimination cases, ensuring a safe, fair, and equitable learning environment.

• Student suggestions, complaints, and requests are processed through the Solution Center, initiating immediate resolution workflows.

Admission, Progression, and Mobility

• Student admission is carried out based on the results of the central exam administered by the Assessment, Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM).

• Lateral transfer, vertical transfer, double major, and minor applications are managed in accordance with the relevant institutional regulations.

• Student mobility is actively supported through ERASMUS+ and exchange programs, encouraging students to gain international experience.

Related Links:

• Üsküdar University Regulations

• Bologna Information System

• Üsküdar University ARGEYEP (Research, Development, Innovation, and Project)

Learning Resources, Accessibility, and Support Services

Üsküdar University possesses a robust library infrastructure that facilitates access to information and responds effectively to the needs of students and academicians. Our libraries are accessibly located across all campuses, operating with a user-oriented service approach.

Well-Equipped Library Infrastructure

Our libraries, situated across all campuses and blocks, consist of technologically supported spaces specifically designed for individual and group studies. Our libraries feature:

• Group study rooms equipped with LCD screens,

• Individual study stations with partition panels and integrated power outlets,

• Secure, spacious, and comfortable study halls.
  Our Faculty of Medicine Library includes a dedicated 24/7 study area with an outdoor garden, offering a secure, quiet, and highly productive environment for all users.

Extensive Access to Digital and Printed Resources

Our university provides students and academicians with rich access to both physical and digital resources. The resources offered include:

• Up-to-date printed publications,

• E-books and e-journals,

• Multimedia content,

• National and international academic databases.
  The library system operates in an integrated manner, with departmental libraries functioning under the coordination of the Central Library.

24/7 Support and Training Opportunities

Users can receive assistance 24/7 through the live support line managed by expert librarians. Furthermore:

• Training sessions covering topics such as the utilization of academic resources, research methodologies, and database access are announced on public platforms accessible to all students and are recorded in accessible formats.

Continuous Development Based on User Feedback

The quality of our library services is regularly evaluated and continuously enhanced in line with user feedback. Consequently, all service workflows are restructured to remain up-to-date, flexible, and responsive to user needs.

Accreditation Initiatives

Üsküdar University pursues its accreditation initiatives with an approach aimed at continuously improving educational processes and embedding quality assurance into the institutional culture. By participating in nationally and internationally recognized accreditation processes, we document the compliance of our programs with the principles of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Üsküdar University participates in the Institutional Accreditation Program (KAP) conducted by the Higher Education Quality Council (YÖKAK), monitoring its institutional development through internal evaluation reports, external evaluation processes, and the activities of the Quality Commission.

Alongside these processes, our university aims for continuous development in the fields of education, research, and societal contribution by:

• Integrating the quality assurance system into the institutional strategic plan,

• Establishing a widespread and sustainable framework through quality representatives in every academic unit.
  Our university also sets application targets for internationally recognized accreditation bodies, extending its efforts to a global scale.

Accreditation Framework at the Faculty of Medicine

At the Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine, accreditation initiatives are carried out in full compliance with the national standards defined by TEPDAD (Association for Evaluation and Accreditation of Medical Education Programs) and the Higher Education Quality Assurance Regulation. The Faculty institutionalized this process through the Medical Education Accreditation Commission, the Quality Commission, and the Self-Evaluation Committee established in 2024.

With the Undergraduate Education Workshop organized in 2025, the accreditation process was evaluated with the active participation of internal and external stakeholders; the current status of the faculty was analyzed in line with the updated standards in the TEPDAD 2025 guideline. This study marked a significant step toward disseminating a culture of quality assurance across all academic and administrative units.

Adopting an evidence-based quality management approach, the Faculty has systematized process monitoring, stakeholder surveys, student feedback, curriculum review meetings, and digital archiving applications. Commission activities are tracked via the KEYPS and UKS-Pro systems, while assessment-evaluation, advising, and student well-being practices are continuously enhanced.

As of today, Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine has completed its accreditation preliminary preparation phase and plans to submit its official application to TEPDAD in May 2026. In this process, the main targets are the preparation of the self-evaluation report, the standardization of the evidence management system, and achieving full alignment of the educational program with TEPDAD 2025 standards.

The ultimate objective is to complete the accreditation site-visit process within 2027, positioning Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine as a medical school that has secured its national accreditation certificate and established a highly sustainable quality assurance system.