Quality assurance

Study finds inconsistencies in grading for borderline 2:1 and 2:2 essays

Universities awarding qualifications to those studying in the Caribbean must do more to monitor graduate employability

Proposal for financial penalties to maintain standards is rejected following sector-wide consultation

Response to Hefce consultation on quality assurance raises fears of an all-powerful regulator susceptible to political influence

The proportion of students scoring top degrees at the University of Cambridge has increased significantly since 1960, according to a new analysis

QAA report followed claims university had bent rules to allow students sponsored by Saudi government extra resits

The standards of research and teaching would be best protected by department-based reviews, argues Roger Brown

Three of the UK’s funding bodies want to “re-test assumptions” about the importance of comparability of standards across the sector’s institutions

Nearly one in three English further education colleges offering higher education that were reviewed last year have been told to make improvements

Rise in the number of private institutions is blamed for slipping standards

Without a system for sharing assessment practice, it’s nonsense to assume that a 2:1 is the same everywhere, says Chris Rust

Former employee made claims about standards on electronics course

Hefce’s decision to invite external bodies to bid for work undertaken by the higher education watchdog carries risks, warns Peter Williams

Positive feedback as agency makes recommendations after controversy over student grades at the School of Management

Hefce move could signal the end of single regulatory body

A consultation has been launched on the future of quality assurance in UK higher education

University of Bedfordshire accused of giving those sponsored by Saudi Arabian government preferential treatment

Hefce-commissioned report recommends adjusting questions to counter fears that survey is being filled in ‘without sufficient thought’

Announcement follows immigration minister’s statement on student visa crackdown

Nick Hillman on plans to use the powers to sort good universities from bad

Hefce report reveals more firsts and 2:1s than expected at some institutions

Nation’s universities to face QAA-style scrutiny under new regime

Higher education may be “sleepwalking” towards a new quality control system based on Ofsted-style inspections, a leading sector figure has warned.

Former head of oversight at standards watchdog advising private colleges how to pass review

Geoffrey Alderman argues standards watchdog’s decision flies in face of its commitment to openness and transparency

Agency head Anthony McClaran elaborates on what the role will entail. Plus the latest higher education jobs and appointments

Legislation a must after scrapping of student quotas

Australia’s universities don’t consider data burden for ‘traffic light’ reports to be excessive, forum hears

Report calls for overarching body to fill gaps in national ‘framework’

Rare recognition by standards watchdog

Report on Erbil conference highlights challenges facing Iraqi universities

Ensuring prospective students get accurate information on workload, class sizes and teaching is the aim of new guidance from the quality watchdog

Richmond, the American International University in London has become one of the rare private providers to pass a full review by the quality watchdog.

Newest union member will apply national and European resources to improve qualifications, access and research

The subcontinent plans to create capacity for an extra 10 million students in five years, with particular emphasis on quality of education. But how?

Consultation shows widespread resistance to regulator’s proposal

Too much hangs on them for secrecy to reign, argues Geoffrey Alderman

Watchdog backs down after institutional appeal for second time

Hepi/Which? uncovers huge shortfall in study time

Russell Group member successfully appeals against full QAA review

Students dissatisfied with contact hours, QAA overseas provision review shows. Jack Grove writes

The viva, the final hurdle to gaining a PhD, is labour-intensive, not conducted to any national standard and is dreaded by students who fear an examiner will capriciously halt their career. Is it still fit for purpose? asks Elizabeth Gibney

University says problems at partner colleges affect just 3% of students

Several bodies could carry out university inspections simultaneously to cut the administrative burden

The public-private balance of funding sources needs to be adjusted to protect the public interest, says Roger Brown

Obama’s State of the Union address draws line in sand, QAA conference hears

Institutional review approves academic standards but says ‘lack of clarity’ in marketing claims could be ‘misleading’

Regulator to review range of options for institutions falling short on quality measures

University’s provision in collaboration with overseas partners ‘requires improvement’, report states

Michael Gove is wrong, says Chris Hackley: a return to ‘traditional’ A levels will narrow access and do nothing to raise standards

But critics say plans to relax peer reviews in some universities will introduce risk-based quality assurance by another route

Leaked documents reveal backlash over mooted changes to assessment at Surrey

Essay-writing firm denies inconsistency in its director penning satirical novel. Paul Jump reports

The Quality Assurance Agency will be bailed out by the taxpayer if it is sued by a private college that fails an inspection, it has emerged.

St Mary’s fails to transform into university following QAA critique of hypnosis course. Jack Grove writes