At Freie Universität Berlin external experts are regularly consulted in the appraisal and further development of degree programs. Discussions during these consultations concern subjects such as

• whether course content is still academically relevant and up-to-date,
• whether courses have a strong connection to research, and
• whether the courses offered are geared toward future-oriented professional fields.

The dean’s office organizes this form of peer consultation at least every eight years and whenever a degree program is to be newly established or reformed. The results are discussed in the department’s central education commission, the department council, and the dean’s office, and taken into account in the further development of degree programs. They are also included in the quality report that is submitted to the Executive Board as part of establishing benchmarks.