Tertiary Quality Enhancement Review guide published

QAA Scotland has published its Guide for Institutions on the new Tertiary Quality Enhancement Review (TQER) method, alongside its report on the TQER consultation process.

QAA was commissioned by the Scottish Funding Council to develop TQER as part of the new Tertiary Quality Enhancement Framework (TQEF) - the quality assurance and enhancement framework for further and higher education provision delivered by colleges and universities in Scotland.

TQEF comprises a shared set of principles, delivery mechanisms and outputs that can be applied to give assurance on academic standards and the quality of the student learning experience, and ensure accountability for public investment in learning and teaching.

TQER was developed through an extensive consultation process involving Scotland's universities, colleges, students' associations, representative bodies and networks. This consultation process, its responses and outcomes are detailed in the accompanying TQER Analysis of Sector Consultation - Responses and Decisions.

The new TQER guide sets out how provision delivered by colleges and universities will be reviewed to support quality assurance and enhancement. It details the key roles and stages in the TQER process, its evidential requirements, reporting and outcome protocols, its follow-up activities and the responsibilities of review teams, and has a strong emphasis on student engagement and partnerships.

'TQER is a peer-led, enhancement-focused approach which has been co-created with staff and students from across Scotland's tertiary institutions,' explains QAA Scotland's Alastair Duthie. 'It places student interests and the student voice at the heart of Scotland's quality system. It also recognises the value, commitment and professionalism of staff across Scotland's system and seeks to provide support and challenge for institutions to deliver meaningful experiences for students and to develop their learning and teaching.'

TQER will be delivered independently by QAA in line with the requirements of the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG).