Quality assurance

Hepi report recommends more practice-led courses guided by employer needs, with further education colleges playing a ‘larger role’

Roger Brown weeds out ill-advised plans as he digests Hefce’s consultation on quality assurance

HEA proposals aim to address ‘cosy’ relationships and quality assurance processes

ABI College investigation finds only two of 45-strong cohort have achieved intended qualifications

Universities face having to navigate two quality frameworks as Jo Johnson makes teaching excellence framework a priority amid Hefce reforms

Universities minister raises concerns about increasing number of students receiving top grades

Cost rises to £1.1 billion with FE and alternative providers added

In this blog, news editor Simon Baker considers whether we’ve seen it all before with Hefce’s proposals

That is the promise of a sector-wide consultation about the regulatory future, argues Madeleine Atkins

New system to ‘put student needs at the centre’

Irish regulator warns of potential threat of QAA’s move to risk-based review system

The UK’s “internationally admired system of peer review” should remain part of any future higher education quality assurance system, the head of the sector’s standards watchdog has said.

The Quality Assurance Agency carries out work of national importance. G. R. Evans questions the wisdom behind outsourcing its duties

Higher Education Academy report into quality assessment recommends creation of a task force to establish guidelines around the 2:1-2:2 borderline

Institutional reviews by the Quality Assurance Agency could become a thing of the past in favour of more robust internal monitoring by universities themselves, a draft policy paper suggests.

Details of another appeal kept secret despite chief executive’s promise to reveal information

Concerns investigation reveals problems with course launched in conjunction with private company

Critics cry ‘cop-out’ over decision on publishing report

Study finds inconsistencies in grading for borderline 2:1 and 2:2 essays

Universities awarding qualifications to those studying in the Caribbean must do more to monitor graduate employability

Proposal for financial penalties to maintain standards is rejected following sector-wide consultation

Response to Hefce consultation on quality assurance raises fears of an all-powerful regulator susceptible to political influence

The proportion of students scoring top degrees at the University of Cambridge has increased significantly since 1960, according to a new analysis

QAA report followed claims university had bent rules to allow students sponsored by Saudi government extra resits

The standards of research and teaching would be best protected by department-based reviews, argues Roger Brown

Three of the UK’s funding bodies want to “re-test assumptions” about the importance of comparability of standards across the sector’s institutions

Nearly one in three English further education colleges offering higher education that were reviewed last year have been told to make improvements

Rise in the number of private institutions is blamed for slipping standards

Without a system for sharing assessment practice, it’s nonsense to assume that a 2:1 is the same everywhere, says Chris Rust

Former employee made claims about standards on electronics course

Hefce’s decision to invite external bodies to bid for work undertaken by the higher education watchdog carries risks, warns Peter Williams

Positive feedback as agency makes recommendations after controversy over student grades at the School of Management

Hefce move could signal the end of single regulatory body

A consultation has been launched on the future of quality assurance in UK higher education

University of Bedfordshire accused of giving those sponsored by Saudi Arabian government preferential treatment

Hefce-commissioned report recommends adjusting questions to counter fears that survey is being filled in ‘without sufficient thought’

Announcement follows immigration minister’s statement on student visa crackdown

Nick Hillman on plans to use the powers to sort good universities from bad

Hefce report reveals more firsts and 2:1s than expected at some institutions

Nation’s universities to face QAA-style scrutiny under new regime

Higher education may be “sleepwalking” towards a new quality control system based on Ofsted-style inspections, a leading sector figure has warned.

Former head of oversight at standards watchdog advising private colleges how to pass review

Geoffrey Alderman argues standards watchdog’s decision flies in face of its commitment to openness and transparency

Agency head Anthony McClaran elaborates on what the role will entail. Plus the latest higher education jobs and appointments

Legislation a must after scrapping of student quotas

Australia’s universities don’t consider data burden for ‘traffic light’ reports to be excessive, forum hears

Report calls for overarching body to fill gaps in national ‘framework’

Rare recognition by standards watchdog

Report on Erbil conference highlights challenges facing Iraqi universities

Ensuring prospective students get accurate information on workload, class sizes and teaching is the aim of new guidance from the quality watchdog

Richmond, the American International University in London has become one of the rare private providers to pass a full review by the quality watchdog.

Newest union member will apply national and European resources to improve qualifications, access and research

The subcontinent plans to create capacity for an extra 10 million students in five years, with particular emphasis on quality of education. But how?

Consultation shows widespread resistance to regulator’s proposal

Too much hangs on them for secrecy to reign, argues Geoffrey Alderman

Watchdog backs down after institutional appeal for second time

Hepi/Which? uncovers huge shortfall in study time

Russell Group member successfully appeals against full QAA review

Students dissatisfied with contact hours, QAA overseas provision review shows. Jack Grove writes

The viva, the final hurdle to gaining a PhD, is labour-intensive, not conducted to any national standard and is dreaded by students who fear an examiner will capriciously halt their career. Is it still fit for purpose? asks Elizabeth Gibney