A new publication launched today by Universities UK outlines how quality and standards are assessed and assured within UK universities.

The guide sets out in detail the role of all those involved, including the universities themselves, external examiners, the independent Quality Assurance Agency, the funding councils, professional and regulatory bodies, employers and students. It also describes how all parts of the system work together to improve the quality of UK higher education.

Commissioned by Universities UK’s Student Experience Policy Committee, the guide has had input from the Quality Assurance Agency, the Higher Education Academy, the Higher Education Funding Council for England, and the Office of the Independent Adjudicator.  It describes the six key features of the UK’s system for safeguarding standards and outlines how universities manage quality and ensure that new courses meet agreed standards. It also explains how these measures are scrutinised by external experts across different institutions within the university sector.

Professor Rick Trainor, President, Universities UK, said: “Our aim has been to  produce a clear, simple explanation of how the quality system works for UK higher education. Universities believe strongly in the need to protect and maintain standards across the UK’s higher education system. The steps taken by universities to safeguard standards, deal with problems if they emerge, and learn from experience to improve quality are why we believe we have the best higher education system in the world.

“However, we felt that the mechanisms by which universities and the QAA assure quality and standards are poorly understood.  Public interest in this issue underlines the need for better understanding and a document such as this.”

Professor Trainor added: “The UK model for assuring quality and standards in universities is sound and well-established. It is also well-respected internationally and has influenced parallel developments worldwide. It is a system which has evolved over time and which encourages universities to learn from experience, and each other, in seeking continuously to improve what they do.

“However, we are not complacent. Many universities are large, complex organisations, and in common with all similar organisations, it takes time to implement change and ensure that improvements made when they become necessary. We hope this publication will clarify how the sector is equipped to make those changes and improvements as they deliver a world-class education experience.”

ENDS

Notes

1. The guide, entitled 'Quality and standards in UK universities: A summary', is available to download at: http://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/Publications/Documents/44835UniUK_Summary_lores.pdf

2. Universities UK is the major representative body and membership organisation for the higher education sector. It represents the UK's universities and some higher education colleges. Its 133 members http://www.UniversitiesUK.ac.uk/members/ are the executive heads of these institutions. Universities UK works closely with policy makers and key education stakeholders to advance the interests of universities and to spread good practice throughout the higher education sector. Founded in 1918 and formerly known as the Committee for Vice-Chancellors and Principals (CVCP), Universities UK is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2008.