Our Degree Awarding Powers Service offers specialist guidance and activities for providers in England* who are either seeking Degree Awarding Powers (DAP) or have existing time-limited or probationary powers.
This service benefits from specialist QAA experts and can include those who have been directly involved in the assessment of DAP applications and have experience of different provider types and operating models.
It is tailored to the individual needs of the provider, depending on where you are in the DAP process - from initial planning and application, to achieving indefinite powers. The focus of activity can range from support with a specific DAP criterion to a full analysis against all the DAP criteria and evidence requirements.
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Benefits include:
- Access to QAA experts with extensive experience of the DAP criteria and evidence requirements.
- Specialist advice on developing an appropriate and robust evidence base to demonstrate how DAP criteria are met.
- Support in the development of effective internal processes and organisational capability and capacity to underpin the operation of DAP.
- Actionable insights into risks or areas of weakness in preparation for a DAP application or assessment.
- Comprehensive written reports, with clear recommendations and next steps.
Our modular approach
We will work with you to determine which of our four modules would be of most benefit. There are a range of entry and exit points to the service and the sequencing of modules is flexible, with some modules available both before and after an application has been made. Within each module, providers can expect to receive:
Pathway to Application
For providers considering their pathway to DAP or getting ready to make an application to the Office for Students (OfS).
- Support to understand the current DAP process and criteria.
- Meetings with QAA experts to explore and advise on your preparations for DAP.
- Identification of risk and potential gaps in policies, procedures and evidence relating to the DAP criteria.
- Written report on your readiness and recommendations for improvement, and co-creation of a development plan.
Pre-Application
For providers seeking expert advice on their prepared application, before submitting to the OfS.
- Detailed review of the your application and supporting evidence.
- Engagement between QAA experts and staff responsible for the application.
- Identification of potential issues or risks in the proposed application.
- Written report with findings and recommendations for improvement.
Mock Assessment Activity
For providers at any stage of their DAP journey, looking to gain experience of being assessed or observed in relation to the DAP criteria and evidence requirements.
- Advice and guidance on observations of practice and site visits.
- Mock visit by QAA experts.
- Attendance by QAA experts at institutional events to observe and advise on internal quality mechanisms.
- Written report with findings and recommendations for improvement.
Targeted Analysis
For providers at any stage of their DAP journey, seeking expert advice, guidance and support on a specific issue or area of practice relating to the DAP criteria.
- Identification of risk and potential gaps in policies, procedures and evidence relating to a specific DAP criterion or evidence requirement.
- Engagement with QAA experts to explore the issues.
- Written report and recommendations for improvement, and co-creation of a development plan (if required).
Watch our video testimonial
Hear from Dr Steve Mackay, Founder and Dean of the Engineering Institute of Technology, about their experience of undertaking our Degree Awarding Powers Service.
Contact us
To find out more about what’s included, and to register your interest, contact our dedicated QAA Team who will be happy to help.
*This service is designed for providers who are, or intend to become, a higher education provider registered in England. QAA cannot provide this service for providers based in the other nations of the UK, as this would conflict with QAA’s existing role to provide formal assessments in those nations.