The merging of two or more programmes is a way of developing existing degree programmes and establishing a new degree programme based on the existing programmes without having to apply for prequalification. The primary conditions for avoiding prequalification are (1) that the existing programmes are phased out upon approval of the new degree programme, and (2) that the new degree programme is not expected to have significant negative consequences for existing related degree programmes, given its purpose and career orientation.

The following additional conditions also apply:

• Relevant stakeholders must be involved in the pre-application process, as a minimum the study board, employer panel and the chair of the body of external co-examiners.
• There must be no significant changes to the overall purpose, career orientation or qualification profile as a whole
• The merger must not entail any negative consequences for the labour market and recruitment base for existing, related degree programmes and offerings.

·        The merged degree programme must have one set of admission requirements and one title.

As the application must include a description of the consequences of the new merged degree programme for related programmes in terms of admissions and labour market, the following minimum requirements as regards needs analysis and the involvement of prospective employers can be deduced:

-        Study board – consultation

-        Employer panel – meeting and consultation

-        Chair of the body of external co-examiners – consultation

-        Statement on related programmes

-        (Un)employment statistics for existing and related degree programmes

-        Statement on recruitment for existing and related degree programmes