Quality and Standards
The Quality Framework
QMUL’s quality framework is informed by the Strategic Plan 2010-2015, by the Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy 2010-2015, by the Queen Mary Statement of Graduate Attributes and by the key external reference points provided by the QAA in the Academic Infrastructure. QMUL’s quality framework comprises:
- Programme / module development - including programme approval, amendment and withdrawal and module approval, amendment and withdrawal
- Programme specifications
- Programme and assessment regulations
- The Queen Mary Academic Credit Framework
- External examiners
- Student representation and feedback
- Annual reports on programmes of study, including the analysis of student data on admission, progression and completion
- Periodic Review
- External reviews by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education and by Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies.
The Quality Handbook
QMUL's Quality Handbook has been revised for 2011-12. Staff are advised to consult individual web pages for any specific queries, and the contacts given on them for any particular advice needed.
Responsibility for quality and standards at Queen Mary
Senate is the custodian of quality and standards at Queen Mary, and its work is informed by reports from the Principal and Vice-Principals and the Chairs of its Boards. Monitoring and review processes also report directly to Senate, which retains oversight of these key quality assurance mechanisms.
The revised academic governance structure places responsibility for quality and standards on individuals rather than committees. The Vice-Principal (Teaching and Learning) has responsibility for quality and standards and this role is supported by an advisory group. Faculty Vice-Principals and Executive Deans, Deans for Taught Programmes and Deans for Research and School/Institute leads for teaching and research have responsibility for quality and standards at Faculty/School/Institute level.
The Academic Registry and Council Secretariat (ARCS) advises the Vice-Principal (Teaching and Learning) on the effectiveness of QMUL’s policies and procedures for the management academic standards and for quality assurance. ARCS monitors and reviews the operation of these policies and procedures within Schools and Institutes with the aim of ensuring a set of consistent approaches across QMUL. ARCS staff are able to provide advice on all aspects of quality and standards and colleagues in Schools/Institutes are encouraged to contact ARCS staff with any queries that they may have.
Sources of information on quality assurance in higher education (Queen Mary is not responsible for the content of external sites)