About The quality assurance agency for higher education
The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) is a UK-based organization that is dedicated to safeguarding standards and improving the quality of higher education. QAA ensures that students receive the education they are entitled to expect, regardless of where it is delivered around the world.
QAA was established in 1997 as an independent body responsible for monitoring and advising on standards and quality in UK higher education. Since then, it has become a trusted authority on higher education quality assurance, both within the UK and internationally.
One of QAA's primary functions is to review and evaluate institutions offering higher education programs. This includes conducting audits of universities, colleges, and other providers to ensure that they meet national standards for academic quality. QAA also provides guidance on best practices in teaching, learning, assessment, and student support.
In addition to its work with individual institutions, QAA plays an important role in shaping policy related to higher education quality assurance. It works closely with government agencies such as the Department for Education (DfE) and Office for Students (OfS) to develop policies that promote high-quality teaching and learning across all sectors of higher education.
QAA's international work focuses on promoting good practice in quality assurance around the world. It provides advice and support to governments, universities, colleges, accreditation bodies, professional associations, employers' organizations - anyone involved in delivering or recognizing qualifications - helping them develop their own systems or improve existing ones.
One key area where QAA has made significant contributions is through its development of subject benchmark statements. These statements define what can be expected from graduates who have studied particular subjects at different levels (e.g., undergraduate or postgraduate). They provide a framework against which institutions can design their courses so that they meet national expectations for academic standards.
Another important aspect of QAA's work is its involvement with degree-awarding bodies (DABs). DABs are organizations authorized by law to award degrees in the UK. QAA works with DABs to ensure that they meet national standards for academic quality and that their degree programs are recognized by employers and other institutions around the world.
QAA's commitment to promoting high-quality higher education is reflected in its partnerships with a wide range of organizations. These include professional bodies, student unions, employers' organizations, and other stakeholders who share QAA's vision for excellence in teaching and learning.
In conclusion, The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) is an independent organization dedicated to safeguarding standards and improving the quality of higher education wherever it is delivered around the world. Its work includes reviewing institutions offering higher education programs, providing guidance on best practices in teaching and learning, shaping policy related to higher education quality assurance, promoting good practice internationally through advice and support to governments, universities, colleges accreditation bodies etc., developing subject benchmark statements defining what can be expected from graduates who have studied particular subjects at different levels (e.g., undergraduate or postgraduate), working with degree-awarding bodies (DABs) ensuring they meet national standards for academic quality etc.