Guidance 5(v)Guidance for partner institutions on the implementation of the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Code of Practice
Introduction to the Quality Code
The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Quality Code is a set of nationally agreed reference points which gives all higher education providers a shared starting point for setting, describing and assuring the quality and standards of their higher education awards and programmes and the quality of the learning opportunities that they provide. It is used by higher education providers to design their respective policies for maintaining academic standards and quality and is applied in the design and delivery of programmes of study. QAA reviewers use it as the main reference point for their review work.
About the Quality Code
The quality code is split into three main parts:
Part A Setting and maintaining academic standards;
Part B Assuring and enhancing academic quality;
Part C Information about higher education provision.
Each of these is subdivided into Chapters covering specific themes. Part A contains seven Expectations; Part B contains 11 (one per Chapter) and Part C contains one.The Expectations are supplemented by Indicators of sound practice, which indicate how the Expectations may be met.
Further information regarding the QAA and the Quality Code can be found on the QAA website.
How Middlesex University uses the Quality Code
The University meets the spirit of the code’s precepts by integrating the code’s requirements into its regulations and procedures. When a new part of the code is published, the University benchmarks its practice against it via a mapping process, and updates its regulations, policies and procedures as required.
Partner institution responsibilities in respect of the Code
The Quality Code applies to all providers of higher education programmes that lead to a qualification or the award of academic credit from a UK degree-awarding body. Thus, all partner institutions are required to engage with the Quality Code and to meet the relevant Expectations.
Middlesex University is responsible for setting the academic standards and maintaining those academic standards (Part A of the Code). Partner institutions are responsible for delivering modules or programmes of study and maintaining the academic standards set by Middlesex University.
In respect of Parts B and C, partner institutions are responsible for ensuring that they meet the Expectations of the Code. Some responsibilities are shared – for example partner institutions will complete the Middlesex University Annual Monitoring templates, use Middlesex University programme approval procedures, and apply our procedures for assessment and assessment boards. Other responsibilities are delegated to the partner (see guidance 5(iv) Collaborative Programmes Comparison), and in this case partner institutions will be expected to use the Expectations and Indicators of sound practice in setting their policies and procedures for the delivery of Middlesex University programmes of study. Partner institutions should be able to demonstrate the ways in which they have used the Quality Code in the development and implementation of their policies and procedures.
2017/18