Quality and Standards

In conjunction with the Deputy Principal (Learning and Teaching) and the Chair of the Quality and Standards Committee, the Academic Registry has responsibility for policy development and operational matters associated with the quality and standards of the University's research, learning and teaching, awards and student learning experience.

High standards are taken to signify levels of attainment which meet or exceed the current expectation of our stakeholders, these being the Government, students, employers, professional institutions and many others with a legitimate interest in our affairs.

Quality assurance has the aim of providing these stakeholders with evidence that the standards are attained in all areas and that agreed processes in the University are operated correctly and professionally. The University has in place a Quality Assurance Framework which brings together all the relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and codes of practice associated with standards and assurance under the overarching processes of approval, monitoring and review.

Quality enhancement has the broader aim of influencing the processes themselves so that they are improved and constantly developed to yield increased efficiency internally and compliance with the changing expectations externally, as well as taking deliberate steps to improve the learning experiences of all students. The University's process for enhancement are incorporated within the overall framework for approval, monitoring and review, and are detailed in the strategies for Learning & Teaching, Research & Knowledge Transfer, International Development, Student Experience and their associated Operational Plans.

At a national level, the University's processes for quality (both assurance and enhancement) and standards are overseen by the Quality Assurance Agency (delegated to QAA Scotland) and the Scottish Funding Council.

If you have any queries please contact Helen Crosby, Academic Registry, on H.A.Crosby@hw.ac.uk or +44 (0)131 451 3445.