We can investigate concerns about academic standards and quality in Scottish Higher Education institutions (HEI) raised by students, staff and other parties through our Scottish Concerns Scheme. This is not a mechanism for addressing individual complaints or grievances. Institutions should address this through their internal mechanisms and, ultimately, via the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.

What is a concern?

We use the term concerns to mean concerns about how HEIs manage their academic standards, the quality of learning opportunities, and the information that they make available about their provision. Where such concerns indicate serious systemic or procedural problems, a detailed investigation will be conducted. The Scottish Concerns Scheme sets out the arrangements by which that can happen. The aim of the Scheme is to promote public confidence in the Scottish university sector by offering a responsive means for exploring cases brought to QAA's attention outside the regular review arrangements.

How do I raise a concern?

Submissions to the Scottish Concerns Scheme should be made using the submission form and must be accompanied by documentary evidence to justify any inquiries to the HEI concerned.Those raising concerns could consider making a request under the Freedom of Information Act or by means of a Subject Access Request to the HEI to get information to support their submission.

Guidance and submission form