Developing Degree Programs for the Modern World

The Curriculum Workshop focuses on the (further) development of degree programs, prepares them for accreditation, and creates guidelines for curriculum design. We advise faculty members from the initial idea for a new degree program through to the curricular development of existing programs. In doing so, we support program directors and faculty members and also assist with the formulation of learning outcomes.

Please note: The Curriculum Workshop’s advisory and support services are currently unavailable; however, the materials on this page remain available to you.

The Curriculum Workshop at Mainz University of Applied Sciences was adapted to our needs based on the curriculum development model of the Technical University of Cologne, with this adaptation designed to ensure that the Curriculum Workshop meets our specific requirements. It is divided into various process modules, which are described below.

These process modules can be completed sequentially, individually, or in parts. In the Curriculum Workshop, degree programs are systematically analyzed and further developed with regard to program objectives, curriculum structure, and teaching methods. Each Curriculum Workshop represents a unique development process.

A degree program is embarking on a process to strategically refine its profile and develop it in a way that ensures its future viability. The process begins with a facilitated workshop in which the program’s faculty members play a central role. Depending on the objectives and at the request of the program directors, external partners, potential employers, and students may also be involved in the process. This creates a participatory, flexible development process tailored to the needs of the specific program.

In the workshop, for example, key components of a graduate profile are developed collaboratively. These components form the basis for clearly defined program objectives that combine academic quality, practical relevance, and social responsibility. Pedagogical guidance, as well as integration with quality assurance—and, if necessary, with the Center of Excellence for Teaching—ensure service-oriented, professional support throughout the entire development process.

In follow-up workshops, the results can be refined, and concrete measures for teaching and curriculum development can be derived. Step by step, a clear, forward-looking profile takes shape.

In this way, your degree program, too, can benefit from a guided, structured, and participatory development process that is precisely tailored to your specific needs and development stages.

How can you use AI to plan your course and formulate learning objectives?

This workshop combines the content of the introductory workshop on learning outcomes with an AI-based tool for planning and designing courses. As a participant, you’ll learn how to use the AI tool to formulate appropriate prompts to generate learning objectives, teaching methods, and exam questions. The results generated by the AI will be evaluated directly during the workshop. This also provides an opportunity for critical reflection on the use of AI-based tools.

How can learning objectives be formulated for course units, modules, or degree programs?

Providing guidance on this topic is the core focus of the introductory workshop on learning outcomes. As participants, please bring your initial drafts with you. Following an introductory presentation on the recommended formulation of learning outcomes and competency-based approaches, you will have the opportunity to work on your learning objectives. During this working phase, which takes place in a “Think-Pair-Share” format, the facilitator will be available to answer questions. The learning outcomes developed will be discussed in peer groups and then reviewed and reflected upon in a plenary session.

Would you like to work together to improve your skills in formulating challenging learning objectives for course units, modules, or degree programs?

In the advanced workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to work in depth on your learning outcomes. A basic understanding of competency-based topics is required and can be acquired, for example, by participating in the introductory workshop, reviewing the relevant handout, or consulting further reading materials. The workshop will take place in an open, hands-on format, with the facilitator available to answer questions at any time.