Quality management
What is it?
Quality management is the term we use to describe the processes by which the University assures itself that its standards are maintained and the quality of education experienced by our students is maintained and enhanced.
The national body responsible for the oversight of quality in Higher Education Institutions is the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). The QAA's expectations are described in the UK Quality Code for Higher Education which informs the University's own quality management processes. Periodically, the QAA carries out a review of an institution's ability to maintain standards and manage the quality of its provision. The University was reviewed by the QAA in May 2013 - read the full report.
Our approach
Our processes for managing quality and standards are set out in the Quality Assurance Code of Practice. Through the Code of Practice we are not only seeking to provide the baseline level of provision but also looking for opportunities to develop and enhance practice.
Our approach to quality is underpinned by five core elements:
- reliance on sound academic principles in the design and delivery of learning and teaching;
- the importance of the informed student voice;
- the importance of peer review from colleagues in other academic institutions, professional bodies, industry and commerce;
- a multi-stranded approach to enhancement;
- a commitment to quality management processes that are efficient as well as effective.
The faculties and the School of Management have responsibility for quality management within their respective departments and groups. The Learning and Teaching Enhancement Office provides support and guidance to the faculties on quality management and learning and teaching. For further information on how quality is managed at faculty and institutional level see the section on administration of quality.
We make decisions and monitor our processes through Committees. The supreme academic authority of the University is Senate which is the body responsible for regulating and directing the academic work of the University. Under delegated authority from Senate a number of committees have responsibility for aspects of quality management and the student learning experience including University Learning Teaching and Quality Committee, Programmes and Partnerships Approval Committee and Academic Programmes Committee. These institutional committees inform business at faculty / School level.
