Top grades in QAA subject reviews

by Alan Davidson

Reports from the first set of Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) subject reviews in the University have recently been published. All three subjects -computing, economics and geography gained the top judgements possible -the reviewers have confidence in the academic standards achieved and consider the quality of provision to be commendable. Applied computing gained the additional and rare accolade of having an aspect of its provision deemed 'exemplary' -personal support to students and provision for students with special needs were considered to represent sector-leading practice.

2000/01 was the first year of implementation of the new QAA method. It commenced in Scotland with the intention that it would operate on a UK-wide basis, with all subjects in UK universities reviewed over a cycle extending to 2006. However the English funding council HEFCE decided not to adopt the method, hence removing the UK-wide dimension. Following consultation with the sector, SHEFC has indicated that QAA Subject Review should cease in Scotland following completion of the reviews scheduled for 2001/02. In Scotland the process will be replaced by a new two-part approach: review at the institutional i.e. University level evaluating the University's capability to manage and assure academic standards and quality an enhancement process seeking to identify and disseminate good practice.

Further information:
Subject Review reports: http://www.qaa.ac.uk/revreps/acrev/scotintro.htm
QAA Subject Review method: http://www.qaa.ac.uk/public/acrevhbook/intro.htm
SHEFC policy: http://www.shefc.ac.uk/content/library/circs/01/he5501.html
or contact Alan Davidson, Director of quality Assurance, email a.t.davidson@dundee.ac.uk , tel. 01382 345472.

Picture caption:Professors John Arnott and Alan Newell celebrate the news of their exemplary rating

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