Applications are submitted to Scottish Government, who pass them to us for assessment and scrutiny. Any organisation considering this step should contact the Scottish government in the first instance.
Full details of requirements, how to apply, and how the application is considered, can be found in our Handbook.
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Compliance with the ESG
The Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG) provide the framework for internal and external quality assurance in the European Higher Education Area. QAA’s review methods are compliant with these standards, as are the reports we publish. More information is available on our website.
Degree Awarding Powers and University Title in Scotland: Guidance and Criteria for Applicants
Publication date: 29 Jul 2022
Guidance and templates for TDAP
Applicants for TDAP must meet the 1999 Guidance (see Annex 1, Degree Awarding Powers and University Title in Scotland: Guidance and Criteria for Applicants).
They are also encouraged to refer to our guidance on scholarship and the pedagogical effectiveness of staff.
Guidance on scholarship and the pedagogical effectiveness of staff: Expectations for Foundation Degree-awarding powers and for taught degree-awarding powers
Publication date: 30 Jan 2013
Having applied through the Scottish Government and been allocated a QAA SharePoint site, applicants will be asked to upload their critical self-analysis and evidence along with the following completed template.
Taught degree-awarding powers (TDAP): Applicant profile
Publication date: 02 Mar 2015
Applicants are also required to complete Criteria Mapping and Staffing Information Template - available on request from QAA.
Guidance and templates for RDAP
Applicants for RDAP must meet the 1999 Guidance (see Annex 1, Degree Awarding Powers and University Title in Scotland: Guidance and Criteria for Applicants)
Applicants should also consult the QAA guidance on academic staff.
Guidance on applications for the grant of research degree awarding powers: Academic staff (Criterion 1)
Publication date: 21 Feb 2014
Having applied through the Scottish Government and been allocated a QAA SharePoint site, applicants will be asked to upload their critical self-analysis and evidence along with the following completed template.
Research degree awarding powers: data table
Publication date: 02 Mar 2015
Applicants are also required to complete Criteria Mapping - available on request from QAA.
Applicants for University Title
Applicants must already have RDAP and must also satisfy additional criteria in the 1999 Guidance (see Annex 1, Degree Awarding Powers and University Title in Scotland: Guidance and Criteria for Applicants ).
Representations on degree awarding powers
Although we are not the decision-making body, it is concerned to ensure that the advice that it provides on applications is reasonable and fair. Therefore, in the event that an applicant institution has concerns about the advice being given on its application, it may make written representations to us before the advice is provided to the Privy Council. This provides an opportunity for us to reconsider our advice.
Representations on degree awarding powers applications
Publication date: 17 Jul 2018