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Independent body QAA expresses confidence in the University's quality arrangements
Abertay University has made significant progress in monitoring, reviewing, and enhancing its academic standards and the quality of the student experience, according to a review by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
In March 2024, the QAA conducted an extensive Quality Enhancement and Standards Review (QESR) at Abertay to assess the effectiveness of its systems in maintaining high standards and quality. The assessment was carried out by a team of three independent reviewers appointed by QAA.
The team considered a sample of quality process reports, relevant guidance documents for annual monitoring and institution-led periodic review, along with minutes from institutional committees, and met with staff and students.
The subsequent report commended the University's achievements across several areas, particularly highlighting its success in facilitating student transitions and establishing an inclusive and accessible digital learning environment.
The full set of commendations included:
- 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.
Commenting on this outcome, Professor Liz Bacon, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, 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.
The Scottish Funding Council has a statutory obligation to ensure that measures are in place for assessing and enhancing the quality of the higher education institutions it supports. It is assisted by QAA, which reviews all Scottish institutions regularly.
Professor Bacon added:
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.
Read the full Quality and Enhancement Standards Review report for Abertay on the QAA website.
