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Organisation of Quality Assurance

Responsibility for the various tasks within the quality assurance system is distributed across several roles. Below you will find an overview of the roles and their associated responsibilities.

The Board of the Oslo School of Architecture and Design (AHO) has overall responsibility for the institution’s activities, including quality assurance in education. This includes ensuring that the school operates in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, within established frameworks, and that systematic and sound work is carried out to ensure the quality of education.

The Board therefore has overall responsibility for ensuring that quality assurance is well organised and followed up, and that it contributes to the effective fulfilment of the school’s responsibilities.

Committees

Strategic Education Committee (SSU)

The Strategic Education Committee (SSU) has overall responsibility for developing, quality assuring and evaluating AHO’s educational programmes. Based on strategies adopted by the AHO Board, SSU shall propose measures to develop and quality assure AHO’s portfolio of educational programmes.

SSU has responsibility and authority in the following areas:

  • The Strategic Education Committee (SSU) is an advisory body to the Rector on matters relating to AHO’s education and study programmes.
  • SSU shall contribute to ensuring that AHO’s educational programmes are aligned with the school’s strategy.
  • SSU shall contribute to high-quality and relevant education, and ensure that study programmes are adapted to changes in the needs of society and working life.
  • SSU has a coordinating responsibility for AHO’s quality assurance work. SSU shall ensure that up-to-date frameworks and regulations for AHO’s quality assurance work are in place at all times, in accordance with internal and national rules and regulations.
  • SSU may adopt and implement minor changes to AHO’s quality assurance system. Major changes must be adopted by the AHO Board.
  • SSU approves substantial changes to study programmes (Level 3) in accordance with AHO’s quality assurance system.
  • SSU prepares matters for consideration by the AHO Board concerning the establishment or discontinuation of study programmes (Level 4) in AHO’s quality assurance system.
  • SSU shall annually consider reports from programme boards on quality assurance work within the programmes, with a focus on evaluations and follow-up.
  • SSU has a coordinating responsibility for following up AHO’s annual quality assurance report.
  • SSU has a coordinating responsibility for following up external student surveys, such as the Studiebarometer and the SHOT survey.
  • SSU should conduct an annual strategic follow-up of AHO’s educational programmes, with an emphasis on quality and relevance (e.g. through diploma exhibitions), and propose measures where necessary.
  • The Strategic Education Committee may delegate authority to programme committees or other subcommittees/committees.

Members:

  • Rector (Chair)
  • Head of Department, Institute of Architecture
  • Head of Department, Institute of Urbanism and Landscape Architecture
  • Head of Department, Institute of Design
  • Head(s) of Education, Institute of Architecture
  • Head(s) of Education, Institute of Urbanism and Landscape Architecture
  • Head(s) of Education, Institute of Design
  • President of SAHO

The Head of Studies and Workshops is secretary to the committee.

Committee members are appointed for four (4) years, with their term commencing six months after the AHO Board has taken office. SSU shall hold at least three meetings per year. Minutes from the meetings shall be sent to the AHO Board and made available to all AHO employees. Extraordinary meetings may be convened as required.

Programme Board (PS)

The Programme Board shall ensure the quality of, and develop quality assurance for, AHO’s educational programmes and course descriptions. The Programme Board serves as an advisory and evaluative body and promotes academic coherence, relevance and quality, including the assessment of credit transfer and exchange programmes.

Research Committee (FU)

The Research Committee (hereinafter referred to as FU) shall, based on strategies adopted by the AHO Board, propose measures to develop research at AHO and quality assure AHO’s research, research education and research recruitment. FU shall ensure the best possible conditions for research and the best possible research outcomes.

FU has responsibility and authority in the following areas:

  • FU is an advisory body to the AHO Rector in the development and quality assurance of research strategies and research priorities.
  • FU shall assess the quality of calls for applications for PhD positions at AHO.
  • FU is responsible for admission to the PhD programme for internally and externally funded candidates.
  • FU is the appointments committee for PhD candidates at AHO. If FU does not reach a unanimous decision, the matter shall be considered by the AHO Rector.
  • FU shall advise AHO’s management on matters relating to open research, publication policy, knowledge production and research ethics.
  • FU nominates candidates for the conferral of doctoral degrees to the Rector.
  • FU is an advisory body for AHO’s research reporting, including coordinating responsibility for the annual reporting of AHO’s research groups.

Members:

  • Pro-Rector (Chair)
  • Head of the PhD Programme
  • Head of Research, Institute of Architecture
  • Head of Research, Institute of Urbanism and Landscape Architecture
  • Head of Research, Institute of Design
  • One representative of the PhD candidates

The secretary of FU must be employed in AHO’s Section for Research Administration and Academic Library. The academic representative from each department shall be the department’s Head of Research. The representative of the PhD candidates is elected by and from among the PhD candidates themselves.

The composition of FU shall ensure that the diversity of research disciplines at AHO is represented and that the committee as a whole has substantial R&D expertise (research and development). All representatives must have appointed deputies.

Committee members are appointed for four (4) years, with their term commencing six months after the AHO Board has taken office. FU shall hold 4–6 meetings each semester. Minutes from the meetings shall be sent to the AHO Board and made available to all AHO employees.

Learning Environment Committee (LMU)

Pursuant to Section 10-10 of the Universities and Colleges Act, all universities and university colleges are required to have a Learning Environment Committee.

The Learning Environment Committee at AHO works to promote a good physical and psychosocial environment at the school. The committee meets twice each semester and has the following members.

Student Committee at AHO (SAHO)

The Student Committee at AHO (SAHO) is responsible for ensuring that students are represented on all relevant boards and committees. SAHO provides organisational training for all student representatives.

Admissions Committee

The Admissions Committee is responsible for developing, administering and assessing the entrance examinations for admission to the first year at AHO, in accordance with guidelines established by SSU and the academic management.

Equality and Diversity Committee

The Equality and Diversity Committee serves as an advisory body to AHO’s governing bodies on matters relating to equality and discrimination.

The Equality and Diversity Committee has particular responsibility for ensuring that the Equality and Anti-Discrimination Act and applicable provisions concerning equality, diversity and discrimination are followed up in practice. It shall also take an active and creative role in promoting equality and diversity work.

The Equality and Diversity Committee reports to the AHO Board.

Main responsibilities

  • The Equality Committee shall develop and propose objectives and measures for equality work at AHO through action plans.
  • The Equality Committee shall identify any differences and inequalities, assess the need for new equality measures and initiate such measures where appropriate.
  • The Equality Committee shall prepare an annual internal report to the Board and management team on the implementation of the action plan and equality work at AHO in general. The committee may request reports from departments and other AHO committees within relevant areas.
  • The Chair of the committee organises and convenes meetings. The Equality and Diversity Committee shall hold at least one meeting per semester.

Roles

Rector

Organisational position

  • The Rector is AHO’s highest-ranking leader and reports to the Board.
  • The Pro-Rector for Education is the Rector’s deputy spokesperson, deputy in academic matters and deputy in representative settings.
  • The Director is the Rector’s deputy in financial, administrative and academic-administrative matters.

Qualifications, appointment and term of office

  • The Rector shall have a high level of academic or artistic expertise within one of AHO’s disciplines.
  • The Rector must have, or be able to establish, legitimacy within the organisation and demonstrate a strong network among educational institutions nationally and internationally.
  • The Rector must have strong collaborative skills, leadership experience and leadership abilities, be able to work systematically and strategically, and have the ability to build relationships internally and externally.
  • The Rector is appointed to a four-year fixed-term position, with the possibility of extension for one term in accordance with the Universities and Colleges Act. The Board itself is responsible for advertising and appointing the Rector.

Main responsibilities

  • The Rector is AHO’s highest-ranking leader, with responsibility for the day-to-day and strategic management of the institution’s academic and administrative activities in accordance with the frameworks and instructions established by the Board.
  • On behalf of the Board, the Rector shall contribute to safeguarding the Board’s responsibility for ensuring that the institution maintains a high academic standard.
  • The Rector shall contribute to developing good cooperation with external partners, including academic communities, other educational institutions, businesses and public-sector organisations.
  • The Rector shall safeguard AHO’s interests, including in relation to national and local authorities, and contribute to institutional academic networking nationally and internationally.
  • The Rector shall participate in the school’s academic activities and represent the school nationally and internationally.
  • On behalf of the Board, the Rector has overall responsibility for and leadership of AHO’s activities and shall oversee these activities.
  • Section 4-5 of the Universities and Colleges Act sets out the Rector’s main responsibilities.

Specific responsibilities and tasks

  • The Rector is secretary to the Board and shall, in consultation with the Chair of the Board, prepare and provide recommendations on matters submitted to the Board.
  • The Rector is responsible for implementing the Board’s decisions and ensuring that the allocation of resources and property is carried out in accordance with decisions made by the Board.
  • On behalf of the Board, the Rector shall ensure that overall financial and asset management is carried out in accordance with the Ministry’s general provisions on financial management and the conditions for the allocation of funds.
  • The Rector prepares and submits budget proposals and annual accounts to the Board and keeps the Board continuously informed about the financial position in relation to the budget and other matters of significance to the institution’s activities.
  • The Rector shall maintain regular dialogue with departments and other academic units on important matters and issues of an overarching and strategic nature, and ensure a high standard of academic activity.
  • The Rector has the right to attend meetings of all the institution’s boards, councils and committees.
  • The Rector nominates the Pro-Rector for Education and Vice-Rector for Research to the Board following an internal process at AHO; see the role descriptions for these positions.
  • The Rector establishes and disbands Programme Boards following a recommendation from the Pro-Rector for Education.
  • The Rector shall maintain an ongoing dialogue with student representatives.

 

Course Coordinator

The Course Coordinator has a central role in AHO’s quality assurance work. This section provides information about the role’s responsibilities and relevant resources.

Role description for Course Coordinator

Each course has a Course Coordinator who is responsible for planning, delivering and evaluating the course. The Course Coordinator is appointed by the Head of Department and has the following responsibilities:

Teaching planning
  • The Course Coordinator is responsible for ensuring a clear connection between teaching and assessment methods and the learning outcomes defined for the course.
  • The Course Coordinator shall plan teaching for the course, including proposing teaching staff and use of the workshops. The Course Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that all participating teachers are informed about the teaching plan.
Delivery
  • In consultation with the Programme Board, ensure that the learning outcomes for courses support and lead towards the learning outcomes of the study programme. This also applies to courses that form part of several programmes.
  • Follow up coursework requirements for the course and report to the study administration before the associated assessment methods.
  • Propose the assessment committee for the course, including a new assessment committee in the event of an appeal against a grade. Examiners must have been approached and agreed to undertake the examination.
  • Contribute to ensuring that students with specific needs receive appropriate accommodation in the teaching of the course.
Course evaluation
  • Submit a course report to the study administration.
  • Ensure that a mid-semester evaluation is carried out. The results of the evaluation shall be discussed with the students.
  • Continuously evaluate the course content, core literature, organisation and assessment methods. Propose and implement any changes that may improve the quality of the course.
  • Contribute to measures that promote the quality of the study programme of which the course forms part, as well as the study and learning environment for students across the programme.

Class Representative

Class representatives are a central part of the quality assurance system, as they provide students with their most direct channel for giving feedback on their studies. Student representatives participate in meetings with study advisers and Heads of Department, and take an active part in the mid-semester evaluation of the course.

Head of Department

Role description for Head of Department

Reporting
  • Reports directly to the Rector and is a member of the Rector’s management team.
  • Leads the department’s management team.
Qualifications and term of office
  • High academic or artistic expertise within one of AHO’s disciplines.
  • Must demonstrate strong collaborative skills, solid leadership experience, the ability to work strategically and systematically, and competence in building internal and external relationships.
  • Appointed by the Board to a four-year fixed-term position, with the possibility of two extensions.
  • The Deputy Head of Department serves as deputy and is appointed by the Rector or Head of Department.
Main responsibilities and specific tasks
  • Overall responsibility for the department’s academic and administrative activities, including teaching, research and budget management.
  • Ensure that the department follows the Board’s strategies and objectives.
  • Appoint members of the management team and delegate responsibilities and tasks to staff in consultation with the Rector.
  • Promote links between research and teaching, dissemination and innovation.
  • Responsible for the academic development of the department’s programmes, including international collaboration and exchange agreements.
  • Ensure quality assurance and compliance with the annual cycle for quality assurance.
  • Strategic staffing planning, pedagogical development and updating of staff expertise, including the preparation of work plans.
  • Support and develop the research environment and facilitate good framework conditions.
  • Maintain dialogue with internal and external partners.
  • Facilitate department meetings that ensure participation and involvement.
  • Create a good working and learning environment and promote collaboration and dialogue.
  • Personnel responsibility for permanent and temporary staff.

Head of Education

Role description for Head of Education

The Head of Education has both a strategic and an operational role. The position reports to the Head of Department and coordinates teaching within a defined area of responsibility, which may include a programme, discipline, undergraduate or master’s education. The role includes quality assurance of the curriculum, course development, staffing planning and academic follow-up of staff, in cooperation with Course Coordinators and the Head of Department.

Organisational position

The Head of Education carries out their work under delegation from the Head of Department. The position is part of the Department Management Team (ILG). The ILG is the Head of Department’s closest management body. The group shall ensure that the department’s responsibilities are clearly distributed and fulfilled in accordance with the school’s obligations relating to education, research and dissemination. The department’s strategic development tasks shall be aligned with AHO’s overall strategy and determined by the Head of Department following dialogue in the Rector’s Management Team (RLG).

The Head of Education works closely with the study administration and is a member of the Strategic Education Committee (SSU).

Main responsibilities

The role includes coordinating teaching within a defined area of responsibility, which may be a discipline, undergraduate education or master’s education. The Head of Education assists the Head of Department with planning and quality assurance of teaching, and works with the Head of Department on staffing planning and development of the department’s course portfolio. The role also includes proposing resources, part-time teaching staff and collaborative measures, subject to the Head of Department’s approval for matters affecting finances, working hours, engagement of external personnel and use of AHO’s facilities.

Responsibilities in relation to Course Coordinators
  • Ensure the quality of the curriculum within the area of responsibility, including overall learning outcomes, academic progression and relevant course provision.
  • Initiate and coordinate course development in connection with study and staffing planning.
  • Work with Course Coordinators on resource allocation and staffing, and coordinate proposals with the Head of Department.
  • Contribute to the academic development of staff associated with the area of responsibility.
  • Proposals for courses and staffing plans must be approved by the Head of Department and may be considered by the Programme Board in accordance with applicable frameworks.
Qualifications, appointment and term of office
  • High academic or artistic expertise, normally at associate professor or professor level.
  • Minimum 50% permanent or fixed-term position.
  • Term of office is 2–3 years, with the possibility of extension.
  • The percentage of the position allocated to the role depends on the size of the area of responsibility and is agreed directly with the Head of Department.
  • The Head of Education receives a fixed allowance in accordance with AHO’s guidelines.
  • The Head of Education may be a member or chair of the Programme Board.

Head of Research

Role description for Head of Research

The Head of Research assists the Head of Department with the strategic development and follow-up of the department’s research, including research strategy, project portfolio and the PhD programme. The role includes external and internal collaboration and representation on the Research Committee.

Organisational position and mandate

The Head of Research carries out their work under delegation from the Head of Department. The position is part of the Department Management Team (ILG). The ILG is the Head of Department’s closest management body. The group shall ensure that the department’s responsibilities are clearly distributed and fulfilled in accordance with the school’s obligations relating to education, research and dissemination. The department’s strategic development tasks shall be aligned with AHO’s overall strategy and determined by the Head of Department following dialogue in the Rector’s Management Team (RLG).

The Head of Research works closely with the research administration and represents the department on AHO’s Research Committee (FU).

Main responsibilities

The Head of Research assists the Head of Department with the development and follow-up of the department’s strategic work relating to research, annual plans, and the follow-up of research groups and individual researchers. The Head of Research shall maintain an overview of the project portfolio and project funding and act as a point of contact between department management and the research environment. The Head of Research represents the department in research-related bodies.

Qualifications, appointment and term of office
  • The position is a 2–3 year appointment, with the possibility of extension, among staff with at least a 50% permanent position and qualifications at associate professor or professor level.
  • The role comprises up to 20–30% of a full-time position, depending on strategic priorities and workload, within the employee’s existing position. The time may be allocated from both teaching and research time by agreement with the Head of Department.
  • The Head of Research receives a fixed allowance in accordance with AHO’s guidelines.
Key tasks
  • Ensure dialogue within and between research environments within the department and across the other departments.
  • Assist researchers and research environments with project development and applications for external funding.
  • Lead and coordinate meetings with research group leaders.
  • Assist the Head of Department in assessing applications for research sabbaticals.
  • Coordinate the visibility and communication of the department’s research.
  • Coordinate with the PhD programme and follow up PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers, including staff development conversations and career guidance.
  • Coordinate the department’s contribution to and participation in AHO’s PhD programme.
  • Propose expert assessment committees for PhD positions based on input from academic environments.
  • Together with the Head of Department, quality assure expert assessments in applications for appointment and promotion, and ensure objectivity and academic standards.

Head of the PhD Programme

Responsibilities and authority

  • The Head of the PhD Programme shall lead and develop AHO’s PhD programme within the framework established in the role description.
  • The PhD Programme Board has programme responsibility for the programme and its training component (30 ECTS credits). The Head of the PhD Programme has day-to-day responsibility for doctoral education.
  • Delegated budget authority for the PhD programme’s budget from the Pro-Rector.

Qualifications

  • The Head of the PhD Programme shall be a person with a high level of academic expertise. The position requires a doctoral degree in a relevant field, and the person shall be an accomplished researcher and a skilled educator.

Organisational position

  • The Head of the PhD Programme is a fixed-term appointment of four years, with the possibility of extension. The Head of the PhD Programme uses teaching and administrative time for their role as programme head. The position reports to the Pro-Rector, while personnel matters are reported to the respective Head of Department.
  • The Head of the PhD Programme must be a permanent employee in an associate professor or professor position at one of AHO’s three departments.
  • The role encompasses AHO’s entire academic portfolio, and the Head of the PhD Programme is expected to maintain good academic and organisational contact with all departments.
  • The Head of the PhD Programme is a member of the PhD Programme Board and has primary responsibility for presenting matters to the board.
  • The Head of the PhD Programme is a member of the Research Committee.

Responsibilities

  • Strategic development of the PhD programme and doctoral education.
  • Day-to-day responsibility for planning and delivering courses in the training component of the PhD programme.
  • Coordination of doctoral education and point of contact for PhD candidates and supervisors on academic matters.
  • Lead the continuous development of quality assurance in the PhD programme together with the PhD Programme Board.
  • Work closely with the Section for Research Administration and Academic Library on practical, administrative, academic and financial matters.
  • Responsible for the candidates’ progress seminars and follow-up of these seminars with departments, supervisors and individual PhD candidates.
  • Supervision of candidates and collaboration with other supervisors.
  • Responsible for competence development for supervisors and AHO’s supervisors’ forum.
  • Ensure that structures are in place to support the academic and social learning environment in the PhD programme.
  • Prepare an annual report on doctoral education together with the PhD Programme Board. This shall be approved by AHO’s Research Committee.

Pro-Rector for Research and External Relations

The Pro-Rector reports directly to the Rector. The Pro-Rector is a member of the Rector’s Management Team and chairs AHO’s Research Committee. The Pro-Rector acts as the Rector’s deputy within their area of responsibility.

The Pro-Rector must have qualifications at associate professor or professor level. A doctoral degree and a strong record of research are required.

The position is a full-time position, with a minimum of 20% allocated to the Pro-Rector’s own research.

The position is a four-year fixed-term appointment, with the possibility of extension.

The main responsibility is to follow up AHO’s strategic priorities relating to research and external relations, as agreed with the Rector. The Pro-Rector has delegated authority and responsibilities from the Rector in relation to AHO’s research and innovation activities. The Pro-Rector has a specific responsibility for strengthening AHO’s research profile and contributing to building the school’s reputation.

Specific responsibilities and objectives for the Pro-Rector’s term of office shall be prepared before the position is publicly advertised and may therefore vary depending on current strategic priorities.

The Pro-Rector has personnel management responsibility for the Head of Section in the Section for Research Administration and Academic Library. In addition, the Pro-Rector has line-management responsibility for the Head of the PhD Programme and overall budget responsibility for the activities of the PhD programme.

The Pro-Rector has responsibility for an operating budget. The Pro-Rector represents AHO in UHR Research and UHR Innovation, as well as in other relevant national forums for research, innovation and engagement with society.

Published Aug. 28, 2026 7:21 PM - Last modified Aug. 28, 2026 7:22 PM
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