QAA publishes guidance on contingency planning for international placements

Today QAA has published guidance on contingency planning for international placements; the latest set of supporting documentation for the higher education sector in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper, developed by QAA with the support of experts from across the UK higher education sector, is intended to help providers and students navigate the decision-making process on whether to cancel, defer, replace or resume optional international placements.

The guidance provides nine contingency planning principles, including consistency of provision and in relation to alternative arrangements. It emphasises the importance of meeting learning outcomes, and provides advice to providers on planning upcoming opportunities.

We have also published guidance on contingency planning for UK-based placements, and a set of case studies from a range of UK higher education providers, outlining how they have managed disrupted placements and their contingency plans for forthcoming placements. 

These documents can all be found in the work-based learning section of our COVID-19 supporting resources. You can access all of QAA's other pandemic advice and support on our dedicated COVID-19 page.