QAA publishes latest resources in Supporting Successful Student Transitions project

The latest suite of resources in our ‘Supporting Successful Student Transitions’ project is now available for QAA Members, produced in our capacity as a membership organisation. This comprises a podcast on student transitions into college-based higher education, a case study from the University of West London on monitoring and enhancing retention among underrepresented groups and an expanded version of the Student Guide to the Hidden Curriculum, first published in October 2021.

The podcast discusses the unique nature of college-based higher education and how to support students transitioning into higher education in a college setting, featuring Leon Annett from Cardiff and Vale College, and Jane Nickisson from Salford City College.

It is likely to interest staff inside and outside the college higher education sector as the tips on student transitions have wide applicability. Leon and Jane also recently produced a blog for QAA on student transitions in college higher education.

Our latest case study - Monitoring and Enhancing Retention Among Underrepresented Groups - reflects on current approaches to monitoring and enhancing retention at the University of West London (UWL), primarily focusing on Black, Asian and ethnic students.

The Student Guide to the Hidden Curriculum aims to explain some of the terminology that students may encounter upon entering higher education and will also serve as a useful resource for students as they progress through their academic journeys.

Dr Ailsa Crum, QAA’s Director of Membership, Quality Enhancement and Standards said: 'The latest resources in our Supporting Successful Student Transitions project add to what is already an extensive suite of practical resources that QAA Members can consult when planning institutional activities to support the transition of a diverse range of student groups. We are grateful to all of the members who have contributed to this project.'

These resources are available to students and staff from QAA Member institutions via the Membership Resources site. Students can sign up to the site by completing this simple form.