Whether you are at the earliest stages of planning an application, preparing documentation for submission, or progressing from probationary to indefinite powers, our experts can help you understand expectations, identify potential risks and demonstrate readiness.
When might you need this service?
Providers typically engage with us when they:
- Need clarity on what assessors will expect to see.
- Want to understand the DAPs criteria and evidence requirements.
- Are unsure whether their policies, processes and governance arrangements are sufficiently mature.
- Want to reduce risk, uncertainty and delays in the application process.
- Need an objective assessment of their readiness.
- Want to identify gaps before submitting an application.
How QAA can help
Our specialists include experts with direct experience of Degree Awarding Powers assessments, giving providers valuable insight into the requirements, evidence expectations and common challenges associated with DAPs applications.
We can support you throughout your DAPs journey:
DAPs readiness reviews
Understand whether your organisation is adequately prepared to begin the DAPs application process and identify areas requiring further development.
Evidence and documentation review
Receive expert feedback on self-evaluation documents, supporting evidence and application materials before submission.
Gap analysis
Identify areas where policies, procedures, governance arrangements or evidence may not fully demonstrate the required criteria.
Development planning
Build a clear roadmap for strengthening institutional capability and progressing towards Degree Awarding Powers.
Mock assessment activities
Experience realistic assessment scenarios to help prepare staff, senior leaders and governance bodies.
Support for probationary and time-limited powers
Gain expert guidance as you work towards achieving indefinite Degree Awarding Powers.
Areas we can support
The service is fully bespoke and tailored to your needs, experience and current stage in the DAPs process, enabling you to prioritise the most valuable areas and select outputs that support your next steps. Our team can help you strengthen arrangements relating to:
How we’ve helped providers on their DAPs journey
I would definitely recommend getting external advice. There are lots of higher education consultants out there, but you can’t beat somebody who’s actually been there and done it, as QAA have – both in supporting providers and assessing them, as well as working with the OfS. That experience is hugely valuable. Everyone we spoke to at QAA from the very first contact was really engaged, supportive, and hugely experienced in terms of what was required.
Norland University of Early Childhood
Read the full case study
QAA has many years of experience conducting DAPs assessments and therefore has a level of expertise that makes it the natural choice to work with us. The report provided was comprehensive and well written, with clear recommendations for enhancing our DAPs submission.
Istituto Marangoni London
Read the full case study
I can highly recommend QAA if you want good advice and counsel. They have a team of very passionate and enthusiastic professionals who are very knowledgeable.
