New resources support short course and technical provision ahead of LLE launch

The Quality Assurance Agency has published the first in a new set of Characteristics Statements which focuses on short-cycle courses, supporting providers as they develop their offer under the new Lifelong Learning Entitlement.

Characteristics Statements describe the distinctive features and structures of different types of tertiary qualification, including micro-credentials, HE apprenticeships, Foundation Degrees and Master's and doctoral programmes, in terms of their purposes, general characteristics and typical outcomes.

Short-cycle courses generally lead to qualifications at FHEQ levels 4/5 or SCQF levels 7/8, and most commonly relate to professional, vocational or technical study.

This new Characteristics Statement includes reference to Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs). QAA has also now published, in partnership with the Gatsby Foundation, a set of new guidance documents relating to these qualifications, which focus on high-quality, sector-specific technical skills, and are approved against employer-informed standards to receive the Department for Education's quality mark. This HTQ-readiness Toolkit provides a resource to support the design, validation and ongoing quality assurance of Higher Technical Qualifications.

"Short-cycle programmes will prove crucial in supporting policy aspirations across the UK for lifelong learning, impactful and sustainable post-16 education, and governments' industrial and economic strategies," says QAA Quality Enhancement & Standards Specialist Nick Watmough. "We very much hope that the timely publication of these resources will support the tertiary sector in the design, development and delivery of this increasingly important area of provision."

Helena Vine, Head of Public Affairs at QAA, adds: “Growing sub-degree provision is a longstanding ambition of governments across the UK, but it’s yet to be realised. Ahead of the LLE launch, it was important to us at QAA to develop resources that provide further structure around the quality and standards of shorter, more flexible provision and, in turn, strengthen confidence in it. We’re pleased to work with The Gatsby Foundation in delivering this and hope the resources contribute to making this policy ambition a practical reality.”

You can read more of Nick's thoughts about the value of this kind of provision in our latest QAA blog.