Overview

The University of Bath has a reputation for excellence as a result of sustained success in education and research over a number of years. A commitment to maintaining academic standards and to continually enhancing the quality of its provision is key to this success. As a self-governing academic institution, the University is responsible for ensuring that appropriate academic standards are being achieved and a good quality education is being offered to its students. It is also publicly accountable for the quality and standards of its provision.

Our approach

The University’s 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 University’s policies and guidance for quality and standards are set out in the Quality Assurance Code of Practice. A continuously developing document, it provides details of baseline expectation, and supports opportunities to develop and enhance practice. It is in addition to, and does not replace, the University's Regulations.

Guides to quality management

Information on key areas of quality management and assurance can be found in the following guides:

• Programme and Unit Development and Approval
• Quality in Student Recruitment and Admissions
• Quality in Student Information and Support
• Quality in Assessment and Feedback
• Guidance for External Examiners

Responsibility for quality at the University

• Faculties and the School of Management are responsible for the implementation of quality management within academic departments and the School.
• Academic Registry has responsibility for the University's academic framework, Quality Assurance Code of Practice and assessment regulations. It influences and advises on matters of academic policy, including academic standards and quality assurance.
  
• The Centre for Learning and Teaching support staff in the delivery of high quality learning and teaching, and facilitate the career development of staff who teach and research.

Student Voice

• Student feedback and engagement with quality management is sought in a number of ways. These are set out in QA48 Student Engagement with Quality Assurance and Enhancement.

Governance

• Committees monitor and review quality indicators, and make process decisions and policy on issues of quality management.
• The supreme academic authority of the University is Senate. It is 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. This includes Education Quality & Standards Committee (EQSC), Courses and Partnerships Approval Committee (CPAC), Curriculum Transformation Committee (CTC) and Academic Programmes Committee (APC).
• Faculty/School Boards of Studies are responsible to Senate for all matters relating to the organisation of education, teaching and research in the Faculty/School, including all examination matters.

External regulation

• The University is a registered provider with the Office for Students (OfS), the independent regulator of higher education in England.

• The University was awarded Gold in the 2017 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) review

• The QAA's UK Quality Code for Higher Education informs the University's own quality management processes, encapsulated in the Quality Assurance Code of Practice.

External peer review

External Examiners

The University attaches great importance to external peer review, and each programme has at least one independent and impartial External Examiner.

For further information on External Examiners, see QA12 External Examining (Taught Programmes).

New programme development

External reviewers support the development of new programmes and courses, and are consulted as part of design and development. Further guidance on the role of external review is detailed in QA3 Approval of New Programmes of Study.

Periodic review of taught and doctoral programmes

The University utilises a range of methods to review the quality and effectiveness of its programmes. These provide assurance of the standards and continuing validity of a programme, while also making recommendations on its future enhancement and development.

This review may take the form of an internal panel, including external members, that sits to review the accuracy and scope of a self-evaluation report produced by a Department, or for a collaborative provision arrangement. Further information is detailed in QA13 Degree Scheme Review.

Professional accreditation of programmes

Professional accreditation is official recognition awarded by an external professional or statutory body that the University or a programme meets a specific standard or criteria. For further information see, QA8 Professional Accreditation.

Sources of further guidance

Staff should contact their Faculty/School Assistant Registrar with any queries in the first instance.