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In the context of the Bologna reform, the Environmental Sciences programme at ETH Zurich was transformed from a Diploma to a Master's degree programme. In a comparative secondary analysis of graduate surveys of the last homogeneous cohort of Diploma graduates (N = 85) and two Master's cohorts after the reform (N = 108), this study investigated the qualifications required by graduates in their professional activities and matched them with the level of qualification acquired at university. It concluded that graduates' general skills meet professional requirements better after the reform. However, for two out of five domain-specific skills (knowledge of legal aspects, interdisciplinary knowledge) ratings of skill acquisition declined significantly. Nonetheless, Master's graduates showed a slight or substantial knowledge and skills advantage for seven of the eight skills of the programme's qualification profile that were addressed in the survey. The basic quality of the sustainability oriented programme has thus been maintained.

This article discusses the use of Sankey diagrams in curriculum planning in higher education. Sankey diagrams are flow diagrams that visualize student progress and educational pathways. By analyzing student data, institutions can identify common prerequisites, evaluate course sequences, and tailor academic advising to individual student needs. Sankey diagrams also help optimize resource allocation and improve the quality of study programs. The article emphasizes the potential of data-driven decision-making in higher education and highlights the benefits of using Sankey diagrams for curriculum planning, student advising, and institutional excellence. [Extracted from the article]