Quality and Standards

Introduction

The University is responsible for the academic standards of all awards granted in its name, and the quality of students鈥� teaching and learning. 吃瓜群众 has, over many years, developed an integrated and systematic approach to the management of academic quality and standards, adopting a range of quality assurance mechanisms designed to establish, maintain monitor and review the academic standards of its awards and enhance the quality of learning opportunities at all points of delivery, including collaborative provision at partner institutions both in the UK and internationally.

The University鈥檚 approach to quality assurance is underpinned by a number of key principles:

  • The University Senate, supported by the Education and Student Experience Committee and its sub-committees, has the primary responsibility for the management of academic standards and quality;
  • Senate approves the regulatory frameworks, policies and procedures relating to quality assurance;
  • a commitment to promote an culture of continuous improvement in programme delivery and management and the learning environment;
  • engagement with students, and relevant stakeholders through appropriate representation, consultation and feedback mechanisms;
  • the use of relevant external and internal reference points, including the Quality Assurance Agency鈥檚 UK Quality Code for Higher Education, subject benchmark statements and the requirements and expectations of professional , statutory and regulatory bodies (PSRBs);
  • the use of external subject specialists in the approval and review of the curriculum and in monitoring assessment;
  • recognition that responsibility for programme delivery and management lies within Schools. All academic staff have a duty to carry out allocated teaching, curriculum development and student support activity to the highest possible standards.
  • Schools have robust mechanisms for the quality assurance and enhancement of all academic provision within the School, including research degree programmes.

Internal Reference Points

The University鈥檚 processes for assuring quality and standards are set out in detail in the Academic Quality Manual, which comprises a series of Academic Regulations, Codes of Practice, Guidelines and Procedures. In executing these processes, the University is able to demonstrate to external bodies such as the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) and the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) that it has procedures in place to allow it to discharge its responsibilities for academic quality and standards effectively.

In summary, the University applies the following quality assurance mechanisms to all taught programmes:

  • Peer-based validation and revalidation, with input from academic staff from outside the University (external subject specialists) and University and student reviewers;
  • Annual programme monitoring, by the programme team;
  • External Examiners to monitor academic standards;
  • School, College and University committees to allow scrutiny and consistent application of regulations, policies and procedures, with input from academic staff and student representatives;
  • Module evaluation and Staff-Student Liaison Committees to provide formal systems for students to give feedback and raise issues about the operation of the programme.

The following mechanisms also apply to research degree programmes:

  • External Examiners to monitor academic standards;
  • School, College and University committees to allow scrutiny and consistent application of regulations, policies and procedures, with input from academic staff and student representatives;

Further information on the University鈥檚 quality assurance mechanisms can be found via the links below.

External Reference Points

The national body responsible for the oversight of academic quality in higher education institutions in Wales is the . The QAA鈥檚 expectations are outlined in the , which closely informs the University鈥檚 own quality assurance mechanisms. The in Wales every six years to confirm their compliance with the expectations of the Quality Code, and their planning, development and use of enhancement activity. The University was last reviewed in December 2024, after which the QAA reported that:
Based on the information presented, the review team judges that:

  • 吃瓜群众 meets the requirements of the ESG Part 1 for internal quality assurance.
  • 吃瓜群众 meets the relevant baseline regulatory requirements of the Quality Assessment Framework for Wales.

This is a positive judgement, which means the University has robust arrangements for securing academic standards, managing academic quality and for enhancing the quality of the student experience. It confirms the University’s commitment to delivering high-quality education while meeting both European and Welsh national benchmarks for academic standards, student support, and continuous improvement.

The Quality Enhancement Review highlights 吃瓜群众’s success in this rigorous evaluation, reaffirming its position as a leader in delivering outstanding education and an exceptional student experience, with enhancement at its core.

The QER identified six commendations for 吃瓜群众, which are:

  • Student Partnership: The strong relationship between the University and students, with the views and feedback of students at the forefront of initiatives/projects to enhance the student experience.
  • Welsh Language and Bilingualism: The extent to which the Welsh language and bilingualism are deeply embedded in the culture of the University, to the clear benefit of all staff and students in terms of learning opportunities and a sense of belonging.
  • Student Support: The extensive and responsive support available both academically and pastorally, to help support students’ needs throughout their time at the University.
  • Staff Development: The significant value placed on staff development and the extent to which this is fully embedded across the University, which is of considerable benefit to both staff and student learning.
  • Assessment Equivalence Framework: The implementation of the Assessment Equivalence Framework to ensure fairness and consistency in assessment practices within and between disciplines.
  • Data-Driven Enhancement: The systematic integration and use of data to inform quality assurance processes, facilitate tailored student support, and to underpin targeted enhancements.

The review team made no recommendations.

Following the review visit the University and the Students’ Union have jointly developed an Action Plan, this is an integral part of the QER process. The implementation of the action plan will be monitored by the Quality Enhancement Review Group and reported through the Education and Student Experience Committee.

The University also ensures that all its academic provision is aligned with the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW).