QAA hosts roundtable with Universities Minister Michelle Donelan MP, PSRBs and higher education providers

On 24 February, QAA convened a second roundtable discussion between the Minister of State for Universities in England, Michelle Donelan, Universities UK and senior representatives of higher education providers and professional, statutory and regulatory bodies (PSRBs). This is part of our ongoing programme of work on behalf of our members to help ensure students on accredited courses can graduate on time and move safely into the workplace.

The discussions touched on a number of key areas including student and employer confidence, placements and models for completing learning and teaching.

Providers welcomed the announcement that students on practice-based courses would soon be able to come back on campus, with others due to follow.

The Minister highlighted that providers, in partnership with PSRBs, have worked incredibly hard with great agility and imagination to ensure students could continue to achieve the learning outcomes of their courses. Students who have experienced the difficulties of the pandemic alongside changed arrangements for completing their courses, have demonstrated great resilience, which is a skill many employers will find attractive. It is also key that PSRBs and providers can confirm students have met the learning outcomes and professional competencies for their courses, thereby securing the academic and professional standard of their awards, as would be the case in any other year.

You can find out more in our statement about the meeting. A note for QAA Members will be available in the Membership Resources area shortly.