Skip to main content Accessibility Statement

The UK Quality Code is a sector-led reference point which can be used in a range of flexible ways. It enables providers to understand the key features of provision that are fundamental to securing academic standards and to offering a high-quality student learning experience. It offers a framework upon which to evaluate and enhance policies and practices and aligns with recognised international reference points such as the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG).


Built on a shared understanding across the UK, the Quality Code enables providers to see what is expected of them and what they can expect of each other, irrespective of the regulatory framework in which they operate. It informs the public, protects students’ interests and champions the UK’s world-leading reputation for high-quality education provision.

Which version of the Quality Code should I use?

 

The Quality Code 2024 is currently in a transition phase of implementation. For information about which edition to use in each UK nation, and for Educational Oversight Review, please visit the Quality Code page where you will also find a link to the 2018 Quality Code should you need it.

Read the Quality Code 2024


The full Quality Code 2024 is available as a downloadable PDF, along with a summary document detailing the 12 Sector-Agreed Principles. You can also view these Principles on this web page, organised by theme. The Quality Code is also published in Welsh.


UK Quality Code for Higher Education 2024

Publication date: 27 Jun 2024

UK Quality Code for Higher Education 2024 - Sector-Agreed Principles

Publication date: 27 Jun 2024

Mapping the Quality Code to other quality and standards frameworks


In response to sector demand, QAA will provide a series of documents that map the Quality Code to the following frameworks:

  • Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG 2015)
  • Office for Students B Conditions (England)
  • Tertiary Quality Enhancement Framework (TQEF) principles (Scotland).

How the Quality Code is structured

Sector-Agreed Principles and Key Practices

Click the Principle of the Quality Code you are interested in to display its Key Practices. See the Quality Code 2024 document for full information. 



Strategic approach

Evaluating quality and standards

Implementing the approach to
quality enhancement and standards

Advice and Guidance

The Quality Code will be accompanied by a set of Advice and Guidance. Each section will align with one of the 12 Sector-Agreed Principles and is designed to unpack and expand upon each of those Principles and its Key Practices.


We are keen to ensure that the Advice and Guidance reflects the current landscape and continues to be sector-led. To do this, we are establishing 12 writing groups, supported by expert readers, representing the four nations of the UK and the diversity of providers.  We expect this process to take three years, split into three tranches - see the development schedule. In the interim, transitional Advice and Guidance is being prepared using content from existing sources, which we hope to publish by October 2024. 


Writers and readers group members


Expert writers and readers have now been appointed to develop the first tranche of Advice and Guidance from September 2024 to June 2025. Group membership is detailed below.


Principle 1: Taking a strategic approach to managing quality and standards
Writers - Name and Institution
Graham Achilli-O'Brien Luminate Education Group
Katie Akerman University of Chichester
Sam Booth-Malone Leeds Trinity University
Stephen Bunbury University of Westminster
Mark Charters Glasgow School of Art
John Craig Kingston University
Dr Roisin Curran Ulster University
Professor Stephen Doughty Bangor University
Kelum Gamage University of Glasgow
Graham Garforth Open University
Gianluigi Giorgioni University of Liverpool
Liz Grant University of Bedfordshire
Peter Greenall Blackpool and The Fylde College
Rebecca Groves University of Northumbria at Newcastle
Richard Harrison University of York
Martin Jones Open University
Maggie King Heriot-Watt University
Professor Chris Maguire The University of Law
Stephen Scott University of West London
Emma Sheffield De Montfort University
Tess Winther University of East London
Laura Witt Istituto Marangoni

Principle 1: Taking a strategic approach to managing quality and standards
Readers - Name and Institution
Claire Barton Nottingham College
Professor Brian Green University of Strathclyde
Jenny Marie University of Greenwich
Andrew McDowell Queen’s University, Belfast
Rebecca Penny Staffordshire University
Nicola Poole University of South Wales

Principle 2: Engaging students as partners
Writers - Name and Institution
Faye Ap GeraintAberystwyth University
Emily BastableUniversity of Southampton
Damien CorridanQueen’s University, Belfast
Dr Casey CrossLancaster University
Rachel GarnhamOpen University
Lorraine GibsonUniversity of Strathclyde
Natacha HardingUniversity of Winchester
Jeremy HarveyUniversity of Stirling
Dr Annie Hughes Kingston University
Terri-Anne JonesBath Spa University
Andrea OrmisherThe Trafford and Stockport College Group
Dr Gayatri PatelAston University
Olivia RowlandArden University
David SmithUniversity of Westminster
Heather WadeUniversity of Huddersfield
Mary WatkinsUniversity of Portsmouth
Graham WynnUniversity of Northumbria at Newcastle

Principle 2: Engaging students as partners
Readers - Name and Institution
Professor Catriona BellQueen Margaret University
Phil CardewLeeds Beckett University
Chris LaityUniversities Wales
Maureen McLaughlinAston University
Derfel OwenLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
James PerkinsThe Royal Central School of Speech and Drama

Principle 8: Operating partnerships with other organisations
Writers - Name and Institution
Sheila Adamson Queen Margaret University
Phil Berry King’s College London
Claire Blanchard University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Dr Georgiana Busoi University of Portsmouth
Emma Connolly Belfast Metropolitan College
Myfanwy Davies Bangor University
Dr Nick Dickson CEG UFP Ltd
Diane Glautier University of East London
Professor Frank Haddleton University of Hertfordshire
Fran Haygarth University of Central Lancashire
Angela Jones University of Dundee
Professor Steve King University of York
Sasha King Regent College London
Lorraine Lavery Queen’s University, Belfast
Emma Lewis New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering
Martin Lockett University of Nottingham
Claire Nixon University of Essex
Jason Smith University of Huddersfield
Dr Marta Vizcaya Echano Staffordshire University

Principle 8: Operating partnerships with other organisations
Readers - Name and Institution
Trish Barker University of Liverpool
Craig Best University of Manchester
Alison Chapman Royal Academy of Dance
Wing Chow University of Law
Michael Dobbin University of York
Stuart Evans Cardiff Metropolitan University
Richard Kamm University of Bath
Isabel Lucas Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Rosie Scott-Ward Hartpury University
Kirsty Young Scotland’s Rural College

Key reference points