Publication of the University’s ELIR Report 2019

The University has been commended for our positive working relationship with students and our commitment to providing high-quality teaching and learning, in the Enhancement-led Institutional Review (ELIR) report from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).

The QAA, the UK’s independent quality body, appointed a team of five independent experts to review the University earlier this academic year. The team awarded the University commendations in six areas, including: 

  • our productive and collaborative relationship with students 
  • an excellent postgraduate research student experience 
  • the steps we have taken to prioritise learning and teaching across the University 
  • recognition of the Academic Skills Centre as a centre of excellence for the wide-ranging and innovative staff and student development opportunities it provides. 

The QAA also reports on our commitment to equality and diversity, and our considerable success in widening access to students from disadvantaged postcode areas. 

It added that the University has taken innovative steps to champion equality and diversity, including offering a transitions course for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Anxiety Disorders, and running stalls in shopping centres staffed by male nurses to recruit more male students into Nursing.

The QAA's report makes three recommendations, including a priority action for us to enhance our oversight of collaborative activity to ensure we have effective arrangements in place for identifying and mitigating academic risks.  

The report also recommends we progress the positive work that has begun to improve student engagement, representation and support for our distance learning students. 

As well as commending Dundee for its effective relationships with its students, the QAA reports on the opportunities for staff to develop their skills and practice, and the way the University recognises high-quality learning and teaching, for example through its promotions policy. 

Professor Andrew Atherton, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University, said, “This is a very positive judgement on our core activity and one which is testament to work across our Schools and Professional Services, and with the Students’ Association.

“The University received six commendations and praise in three other areas, which is testament to our commitment to and high performance in education and learning. Our students have consistently rated the student experience that we provide as being of very high quality. The ELIR report commends many aspects of our work, while also providing valuable recommendations of how we can continue to enhance our activity.”

The full ELIR report is available here


For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
Head of Corporate Communications
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
Tel: +44 (0)1382 384910
Mobile: 07800 581902
Email: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk