The methods listed below are no longer used by QAA for the process of review. For details about current review methods, please see Types of review. For further information and copies of reports carried out using previous methods, please get in touch.
Academic Review
England
Academic Review was the subject-level review process used for directly funded higher education in further education colleges in England from 2002 to 2007. Between 2002 and 2004 it was also used in some higher education institutions as part of the transitional arrangements between review methods.
Review of postgraduate research degree programmes
England and Northern Ireland
In 2005-06, QAA was contracted to undertake a special review of postgraduate research degree programmes in England and Northern Ireland.
Review of postgraduate research degree programmes in Wales
During 2005-06 QAA was contracted to undertake a review of postgraduate research degree programmes in Wales.
Quality Assessment and Subject Review
England and Northern Ireland
Quality Assessment was introduced in 1993 and, prior to the formation of QAA, was operated by the Higher Education Funding Council for England. The assessment looked at the student learning experience and student achievement. Each subject area was judged as 'excellent', 'satisfactory' or 'unsatisfactory'.
The Subject Review method (April 1995 - December 2001) evaluated the quality of educational provision within a subject area. It focused, at the level of the subject, on the quality of the student learning experience and student achievement. Taught programmes of study at all levels were reviewed.
Review of Foundation Degrees
England and Northern Ireland
During 2002-05, QAA carried out reviews of Foundation Degrees in England. In 2003, we carried out a review of a sample of Foundation Degrees in Northern Ireland.
Major Review of healthcare programmes
England
During 2003-06, QAA carried out reviews of all NHS-funded healthcare programmes as part of a contract with Skills for Health, in partnership with the Department for Health, the Nursing and Midwifery Council, the Health Professions Council, and the Strategic Health Authorities. This review process, known as Major Review, was part of the Partnership Quality Assurance Framework for Healthcare Education.
Developmental Review of higher education in further education colleges
Northern Ireland
QAA developed a Developmental Review method to review higher education in further education colleges in Northern Ireland over the 2008-09 academic year. This review provided an opportunity for colleges to demonstrate the effectiveness of their management of quality and standards, as set out in their partnership agreements with institutions and awarding bodies.