07.06.10
1994 Group comments on HEPI report on comparability of degree standards
Commenting onthe new HEPI report Paul Marshall, Executive Director of the 1994 Group said:
"A great strength of the UK higher education system is the diversity and flexibility of provision which allows the sector to meet the wide range of differing needs of students, government, businesses and communities. We support the reports conclusion that real comparability between different programmes ofstudy at different universities is neither feasible nor desirable. No national agency should attempt to achieve through its actions parity of degree standards between institutions."
"However, we must ensure that throughout this diverse range of provision the very highest quality of academic experience is maintained through a single simplified national system of quality assurance. We recognise the benefit that such a system provides, particularly to reassure international students of the quality of their degrees. The future focus of the QAA should be to ensure that minimum standards are adhered to by assessing the quality of outputs."
"Providing transparent and accurate information about universities and the nature of what they offer must be a priority in delivering a high quality academic experience. Students need clear and accessible information to enable them to make realistic and well-informed choices from the diverse range of options available."
Notes to Editors
1. The report will be available from the HEPI website: www.hepi.ac.uk from Thursday, 3 June.
2. The 1994 Group's final submission to Lord Browne's Review of Higher Education Funding and Student Support recognised the need to retain a single simplified national system of quality assurance. The Group believes that the interests of students would be best protected by the provision of accurate IAG in advance of application, the QAA and the conditions of the current Financial Memorandum and, ultimately, the continuation of a powerful independent complaints body in the form of the Office of the Independent Adjudicatorfor Higher Education (OIAHE). The Group also recommended exploring the possibility of a sector-owned ‘student charter' setting out a package of minimum standards that a student might expect from a university experience. The full submission is at: www.1994group.ac.uk/documents/public/1994GroupSubmission_BrowneReviewPhase2_14May2010.pdf
3. The 1994 Group represents 19 of UK's leading student-focused research-intensive universities. It was established in 1994 to promote excellence in university research and teaching. See our website at www.1994group.ac.uk
4. 1994 Group members include 10 of the top 18 universities in the UK in The Guardian University Guide League Table published on the 12th May 2009. 7 of the top 10 universities for student experience are 1994 Group Universities (2009 National Student Survey). In 17 major subject areas 1994 Group universities are the UK leaders achieving 1st place in their field (THE RAE subject rankings 2008). 57% of the 1994 Group's research is rated 4* 'world-leading' or 3* 'internationally excellent' (RAE 2008, HEFCE).
5. The 1994 Group represents: University of Bath, Birkbeck University of London, Durham University, University of East Anglia, University of Essex, University of Exeter, Goldsmiths University of London, Institute of Education University of London, Royal Holloway University of London, Lancaster University, University of Leicester, Loughborough University, Queen Mary University of London, University of Reading, University of St Andrews, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of Surrey, University of Sussex, University of York.