QAA publishes consultation on new method for the evaluation and enhancement of the quality of UK transnational education

QAA has today published the proposed new method for the evaluation and enhancement of the quality of UK transnational education (TNE). Commissioned by Universities UK (UUK) and GuildHE in July 2020 to develop the approach, the new proposals by QAA will be open to consultation until 12 November 2020. The consultation will seek views on how the method can operate to meet the needs of the sector.

The method maintains a UK-wide approach to the quality enhancement of TNE and has been developed in line with principles outlined in the commissioning letter from UUK and GuildHE. It will be enhancement-led and informed by robust metrics where available.

The programme consists of a published schedule of country-specific activity, while the quality enhancement approach is designed to identify shared challenges, areas for development and effective solutions, through highlighting innovative and effective practice. This approach will complement internal and external quality assurance within the UK and provide confidence for the wide range of stakeholders, both in the UK and internationally.

Dr David Llewellyn, Chair of GuildHE and Vice-Chancellor of Harper Adams University, said: ‘UK higher education is delivered across the globe and has an international reputation for excellence. We must constantly reflect on how we safeguard and develop this reputation and we are therefore pleased that QAA has developed a new method to evaluate the quality of UK education delivered abroad. The proposed method is based on the principles that GuildHE and Universities UK outlined in our commissioning letter and we look forward to hearing sector views on the suggested approach through the consultation.’

Vivienne Stern, Director of Universities UK International, said: ‘TNE is a key component of UK universities’ international activities and also a pillar of the cross-government International Education Strategy. Having a system that ensures that the excellent quality of education delivered overseas is not only maintained, but continuously improved, is essential for UK universities to keep their pre-eminent position as global partners of choice.’

Douglas Blackstock, Chief Executive Officer of QAA said: ‘We’re incredibly pleased to put this method out to consultation. The strategic value of TNE is of huge importance not only to UK higher education institutions, but also to the students studying on these programmes and to overseas governments and regulators. A key component of this approach is that QAA works in partnership with the local quality agencies and regulators, providing confidence that the quality of UK higher education meets local needs.

QAA is building on our expertise in safeguarding standards and enhancing quality across the UK and working with many partner quality agencies in other countries, to provide the sector with this bespoke new service.’

You can find full information about the consultation, including how to respond and details of specially arranged workshops, on our TNE consultation web page. The closing date is 12 November 2020.