This workshop introduces the key concepts of academic quality and standards in UK higher education. It explains what academic quality and standards are, why they matter, and how core processes and reference points operate across the sector. The session covers essential terminology, the roles of key sector bodies, and useful resources that support effective quality management. It is suitable for anyone new to higher education and requires no prior sector knowledge. It works as a standalone introduction for non‑specialists or as a foundation for those who wish to build their expertise through further training.

This workshop provides an introduction to micro‑credentials, their purpose and their use across UK higher education. It explores different types of micro‑credential awards, learner groups and delivery modes, and outlines the key quality considerations involved in designing, developing, approving, monitoring and reviewing micro‑credentials. The session also covers relevant regulatory frameworks and signposts useful sector references. It is designed for quality professionals and academic staff who want to understand how to develop and quality‑assure micro‑credentials, and to explore the opportunities and challenges they present.

This workshop explores how UK higher education providers can manage partnership arrangements effectively, including the shared and specific responsibilities of everyone involved. It introduces the different types of organisations providers work with - awarding bodies, other education providers, non‑academic partners and employers - and the range of provision offered, such as validated and franchised programmes, joint degrees and work‑based learning. The session outlines the opportunities and risks associated with these models and the quality processes that support successful partnership working. It is designed for staff new to professional support or academic roles with partnership responsibilities, including collaborative partnership teams, quality professionals and related services. The course focuses on UK provision but may also be of interest to international colleagues.

These are designed to support international members in implementing new practices and approaches to quality assurance in higher education. The sessions are grounded in practical advice and guidance, designed specifically for academic and quality professionals. The virtual workshops are completely flexible - members can access the video content at their own pace, revisit the material, and reflect on the ideas discussed. Current workshops include Step Into Inclusive Learning and Teaching and Step Into Assessment and AI.

This programme is for academic and professional services staff at UK providers who are new to quality or need to understand quality assurance and enhancement as part of their role. We recommend participants have been in post for at least three months. Step into Quality can be a helpful foundation but isn’t required.

 

The programme offers practical insight into the UK quality and regulatory landscape, showing you how to apply key reference points and what effective quality management looks like in practice. You’ll build confidence and clarity in how quality works across UK higher education, including the core principles, the UK Quality Code, external reference points and how quality is managed in different regulatory environments. Through expert guidance, real examples and peer learning, you gain the tools and confidence to carry out your responsibilities and support a strong student learning experience - along with a supportive network of colleagues across the sector.

 

At a time of increasing regulatory complexity, the programme offers space to make sense of the landscape and reinforce shared, effective quality principles.

This programme is for professional services and academic staff who are already working with quality and want to deepen their expertise. It’s suited to those progressing into quality team leader/officer roles or academic colleagues with responsibility for managing academic quality and standards. Completion of Introduction to Quality is helpful but not essential.

 

You’ll explore practical approaches to leading and delivering quality assurance and enhancement, building on core principles and UK reference points. The programme examines current sector challenges, regulatory expectations and common issues encountered in practice, helping you develop effective strategies for managing quality across teams, processes and institutions.

 

QAA’s trusted guidance, sector wide insight and expert facilitation provide a clear, supportive space to navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape and progress your quality leadership. Alongside practical skills, you’ll join a collaborative peer network, gaining shared perspectives and ongoing professional support.