Review team expresses confidence in the University of Strathclyde’s quality arrangements

A review by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) has expressed confidence in the University of Strathclyde’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. It took place on 11 May 2023.

The team identified the following good practice for the University of Strathclyde:

• There is a very clear and effective approach to strategic planning and an ongoing commitment to enhancing the student experience.
• The University has continued to build on student partnership working with the creation of the Strathclyde Strategic Alliance which complements the Student Partnership Agreement.
• The University has continued to develop and strengthen an effective digital education capacity through a collaborative, deliberate and strategic approach.

The Principal of the University of Strathclyde, Professor Sir Jim McDonald, said: ‘We would like to thank the Review Panel for their diligence and professionalism in undertaking the Review and producing this report. Their positive interactions with staff and students during the QESR process facilitated detailed scrutiny of our education enhancement content and systems, constructive engagement with those they interacted with, and promotion of the strategic value of such externally led reviews.

‘We are delighted to see that Strathclyde’s key strengths in our strategic approach to enhancement, student partnership working and digital education have been recognised by the Review Panel as features of good practice. This is very much reflective of who we are, how we work, and our commitment to delivering high-quality learning and teaching and an outstanding student experience. We look forward to working with students and staff across the University to embed the good practice and recommendations highlighted by the Review Panel, and to furthering the enhancement of our education delivery.’

QAA has also made the following recommendations:

• As the new professional services review process is embedded, the University should produce a timetable of reviews to ensure that all student-facing professional services are systematically reviewed within a suitable timeframe.
• The University should take action to ensure that its Guidance for Postgraduate Research Students Who Support Teaching and Teaching-related Activities is fully and consistently implemented across the University.

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