Quality in Higher Education, Vol. 16, No. 3, November 2010 ISSN 1353-8322 print; 1470-1081 online/10/030247-09 © 2010 Taylor & Francis DOI: 10.1080/13538322.2010.506708 http://www.informaworld.com Curricular Changes in Accredited Undergraduate Programmes in Argentina MARÍA MARTA CORIA a *, MÓNICA DELUCA b & MARÍA EUGENIA MARTÍNEZ b a Pontifica Universidad Católica, Argentina; b National Commission for University Evaluation and Accreditation (CONEAU), Argentina Taylor and Francis CQHE_A_506708.sgm 10.1080/13538322.2010.506708 Quality in Higher Education 1353-8332 (print)/1470-1081 (online) Original Article 2010 Taylor & Francis 16 3 000000November 2010 MariaCoria mariamarta.coria@gmail.com ABSTRACT This paper assesses the impact on the curricula of undergraduate programmes in Argen- tina of the quality assurance mechanism implemented by the National Commission for University Evaluation and Accreditation (CONEAU). The paper examines curricula changes in pharmacy, biochemistry and agriculture undergraduate programmes to show the major observations made during the accreditation process and the possible tensions generated within institutions throughout the implementation of change. The analysis is based on peers’ opinions about accredited programmes and enquiries made to academics. The evidence shows that universities faced problems when they attempted to implement changes to adjust curricula to quality criteria due to individual and organi- sational resistance to change. The sources of resistance identified are structural inertia, resistance to resource allocation between teaching departments, lack of consensus and threats to expertise and teaching habits. However, as the accreditation process was mandatory and institutions responded to peer review, the accreditation process had a significant impact on programmes because it enabled universities to implement curricula changes. Keywords: accreditation impact; curriculum changes; implementation; undergraduate programme Introduction The accreditation of undergraduate programmes in Argentina began in 2000, five years after the creation of the National Commission for University Evaluation and Accreditation (CONEAU), the unique agency responsible for accreditation. The implementation of this quality assurance mechanism is based on criteria defined by the Ministry of Education in agreement with the University Council, which is a body that includes all the highest author- ities of Argentine universities. *Corresponding author. Aviador Ficarelli 2659 Ciudad Jardin (1684), Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Email: mariamarta.coria@gmail.com