Introduction to Quality

6 June 2024 – 14 June 2024 (Online)

This professional development course provides an overview of key elements of quality management across all four nations of the UK. It covers the key reference points for quality and standards such as the UK Quality Code for Higher Education, as well as different ways in which quality assurance and enhancement can be managed by a provider.

Who this training is for

• Staff at UK higher education providers who are QAA Members. It is intended for anyone working within the sector who does not already have specialist knowledge in this area, including those who are new to quality management or in entry-level, quality-related roles.
• Places are limited to two per QAA Member (the course is not available to those with Introductory Membership).
• If this course doesn’t feel right for you, take a look at our other professional development courses. For more senior quality practitioners or those who have experience in a quality-related role, we would recommend our Quality in Practice: Quality Management course. If you’re not sure, please email us for advice.

About the course

The course programme provides full details of what's included. 

It will provide an overview of key elements of quality assurance across all four nations of the UK and encourage participants to share any experience and ideas. Areas covered include:  

• the UK quality assurance regulatory landscape (including the role of QAA and the UK Quality Code for Higher Education) and key reference points for quality and standards  
• different ways in which quality assurance (and enhancement) might be managed within a provider.   

From Thursday 6 June 2024, participants will be able to access online activities and pre-recorded presentations, which will be added to as the course progresses. Also integral to the course are two 'live' online sessions on:   

• Tuesday 11 June 2024 (10.00-12.00) 
• Friday 14 June 2024 (10.00-11.00) 

The Teams site will remain open until Friday 21 June 2024 to allow continued access to the resources. If you have any particular needs that might impact on your ability to engage with the materials and/or the live sessions, please contact us for a conversation on how we can best support you.

Please see the indicative outline programme for more details on how the course is structured.  

The first live session is structured around discussions in breakout groups linked to different topics such as admissions and course design. This includes reflection on key reference points including the UK Quality Code and the European Standards and Guidelines (ESG), and there are specific suggestions about how to prepare for this following the second pre-recorded session. However, if you would like more time to prepare, you will find it helpful to (re)read the UK Quality Code and look at some of the Advice and Guidance and the ESG (2015).  You will be invited to give your topic preferences for the breakout groups when the joining information is sent out shortly before the course starts. 

What is the commitment for this course?

Participants must be available for the full duration of this course, including both live sessions plus able to commit three to five hours to complete asynchronous activities. These include pre-recorded presentations that are released over the duration of the course, reading and discussion posts. Please see the indicative outline programme which will help you plan your time during the course.  

There is also an expectation that participants will engage in and contribute to the activities and live sessions. This includes working within the supportive and collaborative ethos of the course and respecting the diverse backgrounds and levels of experience of other participants.  

What if the course is full?

Our professional development courses are extremely popular. We therefore ask that you email us if you can no longer attend.

This course is scheduled to run three times over the academic year. If places on this date are full, visit our professional development programme page to check for additional dates, or email us to join the waiting list.

Places are limited so please do let us know or deregister if you are no longer able to take up your place. If you have any questions or want to discuss anything further, please email membership@qaa.ac.uk.

Can't make this date?

This course is scheduled throughout the academic year. If you are unable to register for this iteration, sign up to our Member Update to be amongst the first to hear when new dates are released!