Transitions into and within Higher Education
Publication date: 07 Jan 2026
Enabling learner progression into and within higher education
During 2024-25, QAA was commissioned by Medr (the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research) to explore effective practice and initiatives, across the tertiary sector in Wales, to support learners progress into higher level programmes and better support their ability to learn.
From a review of successful practice across the UK, and 14 commissioned case studies, five key themes were identified that support successful transitions:
Belonging – a strong sense of community improves student retention and wellbeing.
Skills development – early and integrated academic support builds confidence and capability.
Information – clear, inclusive and impartial information enables informed decision-making and enables realistic expectations.
Induction – structured and ongoing induction prepares students for their HE journey.
Peer mentoring – support from fellow students enhances social and academic integration.
Read the report from this work which is provided here alongside the collection of case studies from providers in Wales.
Cardiff University’s well-established Student Mentor Scheme has supported over 50,000 first-year undergraduates through their transition into university life.
University Ready is a collaborative initiative from all Welsh universities to provide free, bilingual resources, hosted on OpenLearn, to support learners transitioning into HE.
This example of the National Enrichment Programme Enhanced is a collaborative initiative between The Open University in Wales and Coleg Gwent to support FE learners progressing to HE or employment.
Cardiff University’s Pathways to a Degree programme provides flexible, part-time routes into HE for adult learners from under-represented and disadvantaged backgrounds, supported by tailored academic and pastoral guidance.
Read about Coleg y Cymoedd’s collaboration in the HE4ME initiative, developed by the University of South Wales, to raise aspirations and support college students’ progression into HE.
Coleg Cambria’s Academic Skills – Foundations to HE Study programme supports adult learners on Access to Higher Education Diplomas, particularly those from under-represented backgrounds.
Healthcare Heroes is a collaborative, careers-focused initiative from Wrexham University and Coleg Cambria that raises awareness of healthcare-related HE pathways and careers to inspire and inform school pupils and college students.
Cardiff University’s Aspire programme is an initiative to support sanctuary seekers (refugees, asylum seekers and migrants) by addressing the unique barriers they face in accessing HE.
This curriculum-based collaboration between the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and Gower College Swansea has enhanced progression into HE for Level 3 Engineering learners.
Reaching Wider is a pan-Wales collaborative programme that works with universities, colleges and schools to improve social mobility by widening access to HE for under-represented groups. This national online bilingual mentoring programme hosted by Reaching Wider, supports young people aged 14-19 from under-represented groups in exploring educational pathways. Read the partnerships case study.
Wrexham University has developed a digital transition support tool to better prepare students, particularly those first in their family to attend HE or returning after time in work, for university life.
Read the mentoring case study for Reaching Wider, a pan-Wales collaborative programme that works with universities, colleges and schools to improve social mobility by widening access to HE for under-represented groups.
Agored Cymru offers 16 Access to HE Diplomas, regulated by QAA. This case study demonstrates how this popular award is supporting adults into HE across Wales.
Student perceptions of enhancement
QAA Cymru was commissioned by HEFCW (now Medr) to conduct a study to capture how enhancement of the student learning experience is perceived by students at Welsh providers. The study comprised a series of 12 focus groups involving 40 students based at three further education colleges, seven higher education institutions and two alternative providers. The key findings and recommendations from the study can be seen in this report.
Student Perceptions of Enhancement - Summary
Publication date: 29 Oct 2024
Collaborative enhancement
QAA Cymru was delighted to host a lively webinar on 21 May 2024 to share experiences of collaborative enhancement working across the UK. The webinar formed a part of a Higher Education Funding Council of Wales (HEFCW) funded QAA project, exploring collaborative enhancement; the benefits and challenges of collaborative working, including consideration of any issues working across UK borders; and the relationships between college and university partners in tertiary projects. You can find a summary of the key discussion points below.
Event summary: Collaborative Enhancement Benefits and reflections from across the UK
Publication date: 05 Jun 2024