MAKÜ is starting curriculum simplification studies in line with YÖK's call

At Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ), curriculum simplification studies are being initiated to adapt educational programs to changing needs and to provide more space for students' academic, professional, and social development.

During the Senate meeting held on October 20, preparations for updating and simplifying courses were evaluated in line with the calls of the President of the Higher Education Council (YÖK), Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, regarding the review of curricula.

YÖK's call for curriculum simplification is on the senate agenda

In his statements to universities, YÖK President Özvar wants the program contents to be re-evaluated and more emphasis to be placed on practical education. In his speech at Pamukkale University, he told academics,

“We must now review the content of our departments and programs. We need to envision the teacher according to the course, not the course according to the teacher. We need this. In this regard, you are the ones who will carry out these studies. Please sit down and work, simplify these courses. The number of courses is really too much. Our valuable teachers have serious responsibilities in this regard. Please work on this department by department, faculty by faculty, dear friends. Let us support you as the Higher Education Council.” 

Özvar, who called for this, stated that the studies should be carried out at the department and faculty level.

Özvar emphasized during his visit to MAKÜ in March 2026 that the focus should be on quality rather than the number of courses, that outdated courses should be reviewed, and that the role of academics in guiding students and providing skills should be strengthened.

During the Senate meeting, it was emphasized that this approach should be reflected in the university's educational programs and that students should benefit more from learning opportunities outside of classes.

“Fewer Courses, Deeper Learning”

At the meeting, the presentation titled “Fewer Courses, Deeper Learning: Curriculum Simplification in Undergraduate Programs” by the MAKÜ Educational Development Coordination was discussed.

The presentation highlighted the new needs created by artificial intelligence and digital transformation in education, skill and competency-focused learning, and flexible and lifelong learning opportunities. It was emphasized that with easier access to information, the guiding role of teaching staff has gained importance; practical training in the workplace and strengthening the connection students establish with the industry during their learning process should be prioritized.

With the simplification of curricula, it is aimed for students to dedicate more time to reinforcing what they have learned, researching, developing projects, and applying their knowledge. The development of social, cultural, and sports activities, as well as extracurricular competencies (micro-competencies), is also an important part of this approach.

Bucak Faculty of Business will prepare as a pilot

As a result of discussions, it was decided that academic units would start curriculum simplification studies by acting together with department heads.

It was adopted to plan the preparations to be completed in time for the next academic year. It was decided that Bucak Faculty of Business would prepare as a pilot unit for the upcoming period.

Evaluation by Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar

“At the center of the work we discussed today in our senate is the goal of making the time our students spend at the university more efficient and meaningful. We see the call of our esteemed YÖK President for the simplification of curricula as an important opportunity to re-evaluate our educational programs in terms of our students' needs and the competencies required by the future.

We should jointly question what each course brings to our students, where they will use what they have learned, and which skills they will develop. Our students should have time to learn a subject in depth, research, take responsibility in a project, get acquainted with the industry, and engage with art and sports. We want the simplification we will make in the curriculum to enrich our students' learning experience.

We will carefully carry out this process with the pilot preparation of Bucak Faculty of Business and the contributions of all our units. Our goal is to train graduates who can carry their knowledge into life, produce solutions in the face of new situations, and continue learning. We consider the future of the university together with the power of our students to build their own futures.”