‘Robust arrangements’ for quality at Aberystwyth University according to UK’s independent quality body
| Date: | July 6 - 2022 |
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Aberystwyth University has ‘robust arrangements in place for securing academic standards, managing academic quality, and for enhancing the student experience’, according to a QAA review. The review commended the University’s achievements in several areas such as support for Welsh-medium teaching and learning and the development of local and regional partners.
The review was undertaken by a team of three independent reviewers, who were appointed by QAA and took place online between 25 and 27 April 2022. Overall, the review panel concluded that Aberystwyth meets the requirements of the European Standards and Guidelines (ESG) Part 1 on internal quality assurance, and that it meets the relevant baseline regulatory requirements of the Quality Assessment Framework for Wales.
Its commendations include:
- The University’s readily accessible and embedded support for staff teaching and assessing through Welsh language medium as well as staff and students learning Welsh that encourages engagement and participation with the language.
- The responsiveness of the University to national and regional employability needs through the development of new focused and innovative partnerships.
- The supportive and collegiate relationships the University develops with its partners that enables them to participate as equals in the partnership.
Professor Tim Woods, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Learning, Teaching and Student Experience at Aberystwyth University said: ‘We’re delighted with the outcome of the Quality Enhancement Review which means Aberystwyth University has been awarded the highest judgement available through this process and the recognition of the quality of what we offer students, both in terms of our academic standards and the wider student experience. This report reflects very positively on our provision across the board, including our approach to reaching into new areas which provide much needed skills for employment, both in our own region and in many other regions across the globe.
‘The credit for this report is down to the hard work and dedication of Aberystwyth University staff, working in partnership with the student body, to provide a student experience that is among the best available and from which we hope our graduates will benefit throughout their lives and careers.’
QAA’s report also makes several recommendations, asking the University to:
- ensure effective University oversight of the uptake and engagement of staff and students with the requirements of the personal tutoring system
- implement a system that ensures institutional oversight for the approval of external examiners for research degree awards
- and ensure all students receive timely assessment feedback in line with University requirements.