The UK Quality Code for Higher Education (Quality Code) articulates the principles of UK higher education for securing academic standards and assuring and enhancing quality.
Built on a shared understanding across the UK, the Quality Code enables providers to see what is expected of them and what they can expect of each other, irrespective of the regulatory framework in which they operate. It informs the public, protects students’ interests and champions the UK’s world-leading reputation for high-quality education provision.
How the Quality Code is used
All providers across the UK can use the Quality Code to satisfy themselves, external stakeholders and international partners that their quality processes support enhancement above the baseline. Because the Quality Code aligns to the ESG, it offers providers an internationally recognised framework through which they can demonstrate their delivery of a high-quality student experience, enabling students to succeed in their studies and progress their personal and professional goals.
For providers who use the Quality Code as a reference point as part of their regulatory requirements, the following information explains which version of the Quality Code you should use.
In Scotland
The 2024 Quality Code will be used from start of academic year 2024-25 as a reference point to support the principles of Tertiary Quality Enhancement Review and alignment with the European Standards and Guidelines.
In Wales
The 2024 Quality Code will be used from academic year 2025-26, following a 12-month implementation period.
In Northern Ireland
The Department for Economy Northern Ireland are currently planning a new enhancement-led review method for Northern Ireland and intend the Quality Code to be a reference point within that.
For the purposes of Educational Oversight Review
The 2024 Quality Code will used from start of academic year 2024-25 for providers being reviewed under the Educational Oversight Review method.
In England
There is no regulatory requirement to use the Quality Code (unless you are subject to the Educational Oversight Review). It is advisable to check with collaborative partners about which quality frameworks they align to particularly if they require alignment to the ESG.
Podcast - The value of the UK Quality Code for Higher Education
In this QAA podcast, our expert panel discuss the value of the Quality Code for different roles within higher education providers. They also look at the next steps in using the 2024 edition and the opportunities that come with this new iteration of the Code.
Access the Quality Code
It is important that you refer to the correct version of the Quality Code while we transition the 2024 edition into the sector. If you are unsure which version to use, please contact the relevant QAA team.
Developing the Quality Code 2022-24
QAA is committed to the Quality Code continuing to be a sector-led reference point across the UK and has followed a consultative approach to its redevelopment. A new edition was launched in June 2024.
The Quality Code needed to be redeveloped because of changes to the regulatory structures of higher education across the UK and the introduction of explicit tertiary approaches in Wales and Scotland. It also offered the opportunity to consider the direction, structure, content and presentation of the Quality Code to ensure it remains valued and useful across the UK, as well as supporting the international reputation of UK higher education.
You can find out more about how the new Quality Code was developed on our Redeveloping the Quality Code 2022-24 web page.