The University of Dundee's Department of English has today received a top grading from the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).
The review team 'have confidence' in the standards achieved by the programmes in English. Furthermore, the team found the quality of the department's teaching and learning, of its student progression and of its learning resources all to be "commendable" These are the highest ratings the QAA awards in its academic reviews.
Following their visit to the department in January, QAA assessors highlighted committed staff, the quality of teaching and "clear success in a number of imaginative IT initiatives" as areas where the Department shines.
The QAA also praised the Department for contributing to University English graduates' record of success in a diverse range of careers and postgraduate study.
In 1999, the University of Dundee's Department of English came top of the UK's 100 universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, rated in the subject by the Guardian newspaper.
Head of Department Dr David Robb said, "We are delighted that the high standards to which we work have been confirmed by the QAA. We were given a top grading in our Teaching Quality Assurance review in 1997 and it is great to achieve this again since it confirms that our provision for the study of English is spot on.
"The QAA have recognised not only the quality of our teaching but also our commitment to creating a good relationship with students. This is an important aspect of the department's effort and, like high quality teaching, it is one which we feel is reflected in the success our students go on to achieve in their careers or in further study."
QAA assessors normally complete their assessment of academic departments over two visits. However, they were sufficiently impressed with the Department of English to complete their review in just one visit.
Reviewers expressed overall confidence in the Department's work, stating that the staff's concern for quality allows them to "feel secure that quality and standards in respect of English are being maintained and enhanced."
Also celebrating a top grading following recent QAA reviews are the Departments of History, Computing, Economics and Geography.
English programmes at the University judged on the academic standards and quality of learning opportunities provided were as follows: