QAA publishes three reports on the University of Wales

This statement covers three reports published today by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). The reports relate to the University of Wales.

QAA conducted an Institutional review of the University of Wales in October 2010. Following completion of this review, allegations were made in a BBC Wales programme relating to the University's collaborative links with a number of overseas colleges. These links involve colleges delivering courses that lead to a University of Wales degree.

QAA immediately requested an explanation from the University of Wales into the allegations. While the University's response was being considered, QAA was contacted directly by a group of students from Turning Point Business School in Singapore about alleged failings in their University of Wales-validated courses. After an initial investigation by QAA it became clear that a full investigation under QAA's Concerns process was required. This was combined with an investigation into the earlier allegations made by the BBC.

Between September 2010 and January 2011, QAA conducted an Audit of overseas provision in Singapore, looking at a sample of UK institutions' partnerships with colleges in Singapore. One of these was TCA College and its links with the University of Wales.

Institutional review report

The review team reached judgements of 'confidence' in the University's management of academic standards.
The team also reached a judgement of confidence in the quality of learning opportunities available to students.
However, it did identify weaknesses in the University's external validation processes, and recommended that it should immediately begin a series of reviews of all its existing collaborative partnerships.

Report of Concerns investigation

The Concerns investigation focused on how the University satisfies itself about the good standing of its partner organisations. It centred on three particular partnerships: Turning Point Business School, Singapore; Accademia Italiana, Bangkok; and Fazely International College, Kuala Lumpur.
As part of the initial investigations, the concerns team were able to talk directly to students, staff and the authorities in Singapore conducting a thorough investigation into the allegations.
The findings of the Concerns process found serious shortcomings in the operation of the University's management of its collaborative arrangements.

Audit of overseas provision report

An audit of UK institutions' partnerships with colleges in Singapore was conducted in 2010-11 and included the University of Wales' link with TCA College, Singapore.
This report also identifies weaknesses in the University of Wales' external validation arrangements.

QAA considers that the shortcomings identified are serious and need to be addressed as a matter of urgency. In order to ensure that the matters contained in the reports are addressed in an effective and timely manner, QAA is working closely with the University to agree an action plan, detailing actions completed and progress made, which will be monitored through regular meetings between the University and QAA officers.