Looking for advice? Take a look at our answers to frequently asked questions about higher education and the work of QAA.
We hope that our FAQs help with your enquiry, but if you can’t find what you are looking for please get in touch.
If you're looking for more specialised information:
Q I have a complaint about my university. What should I do?
A You should first follow the complaints procedure of the institution concerned, then, if necessary, contact the OIA or the SPSO. QAA has no power to consider personal complaints from students or staff.
If you supply evidence that the institution has jeopardised academic standards or the quality of its programmes QAA will consider opening a Causes for Concern enquiry.
Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA)
Telephone: +44 (0)118 959 9813
Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO)
Telephone: +44 (0)800 377 7330
Concerns about standards and quality in higher education
Q Is X course at X university accredited/recognised?
A Lists of recognised universities and providers are held by BIS.
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)
Q What level is my qualification?
A Your awarding institution will be able to tell you. QAA's frameworks for higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and Scotland outline the different levels.
Frameworks for higher education qualifications
Q Where can I find, review and compare official information about higher education providers?
A Official information regarding subjects and universities/colleges can be found at the Unistats website.
Unistats
Q How do I apply to university?
A For full-time undergraduate courses, contact UCAS. For part-time or postgraduate courses, apply to the institution you wish to study at.
UCAS
Q Where can I find information on further education or lower level qualifications?
A Ofqual, and in Scotland the SQA, can answer queries about lower level qualifications. QAA deals with higher education.
Ofqual
Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA)
Q I have a qualification from X country. What is the equivalent as a UK qualification?
A UK NARIC provides information on the comparability of international qualifications.
Q What is Access to Higher Education (HE)? How do I apply?
A The Access to HE website provides full details including courses and providers in your local area.