Review team expresses confidence in Abertay University's quality arrangements

A review by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) has expressed confidence in Abertay University's progress in continuing to monitor, review and enhance its higher education provision to enable effective arrangements to be in place for managing academic standards and the quality of the student experience.

The review was carried out by a team of three independent reviewers who were appointed by QAA. The review visit took place on 7 March 2024.

The team identified the following areas of good practice:

• The University has implemented systematic and integrated enhancement procedures to improve retention rates.  
• The University has taken an effective and proactive approach to student transitions through the development of a suite of microcredentials that provides core academic literacies and supported peer learning.  
• The University provides a high-quality digital learning experience for students through its use of blended learning approaches and accessible virtual learning environments.
• The University has made progress in its use of data to support enhancement, planning and decision-making.

QAA also made the following recommendation:

• The University does not undertake an overall analysis of Institution-led Reviews while the review cycle is in progress. Therefore, the University should implement routine thematic analysis of the outcomes of its Institution-led Reviews at key points within the cycle of reviews, to ensure identification of thematic trends in good practice and areas of development which require institutional oversight or action. 

Professor Liz Bacon, the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Abertay University, said: 'We are delighted that the Quality Enhancement and Standards Review by QAA has confirmed that Abertay University continues to be effective in monitoring, reviewing and enhancing our provision and has effective arrangements for managing academic standards and the quality of the student learning experience. A number of features of good practice have been identified and this outstanding result stands as a testament to the dedication, hard work and professionalism of our staff, students and partners. This underscores our commitment to prioritising the student experience and upholding rigorous academic standards, which are fundamental to us as an institution.

'Our tradition of viewing students as partners is integral to our ethos, particularly as an institution committed to widening access. Moving forward, we remain committed to fostering collaboration across the University as we strive for continual enhancement in the years to come.'

You can read the full Quality and Enhancement Standards Review report for Abertay University on the QAA website.