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Our purposes, values and standards

Purposes

To achieve its mission, QAA works in partnership with the providers and funders of higher education, staff and students in higher education, employers and other stakeholders, to:

  • safeguard the student and wider public interest in the maintenance of standards of academic awards and the quality of higher education
  • communicate information on academic standards and quality to inform student choice and employers' understanding, and to underpin public policy-making
  • enhance the assurance and management of standards and quality in higher education
  • promote wider understanding of the nature of standards and quality in higher education, including the maintenance of common reference points, drawing on UK, other European and international practice.
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Values

QAA's work is underpinned by core values.

The importance of higher education

QAA acknowledges the academic vocation and the importance of higher education in the lives of citizens. We respect the diversity and autonomy of higher education providers, and value the high regard in which UK higher education is held internationally.

The entitlements of learners

Students are entitled to a higher education that has value, with academic standards that reflect national expectations and awards that meet published specifications; and to fair and equitable treatment in all aspects of their studies. QAA values the participation of students in the assurance of academic standards and quality.

The significance of the responsibilities of the providers of higher education

The providers of higher education have the primary responsibility for protecting academic standards and quality; QAA works with them to meet that responsibility. We depend on help from many colleagues in higher education and the professions who work with us, and we value their contribution to our peer processes.

The validity of the public interest in higher education

The public invests a lot in higher education. It has a legitimate expectation that the standards of higher education qualifications are maintained and that the quality of provision supports learners to achieve the necessary standards.

Standards

QAA sets itself high standards in all its work.

Integrity

We aim to show impartiality, fairness, independence and honesty in our work and to base our judgements on evidence.

Professionalism

We aim to achieve high professional standards and provide a cost-effective service. We aim to get it right first time. Where we get something wrong, we will acknowledge it, correct it and learn from it.

Accountability

QAA is accountable to its subscribers - the universities and higher education colleges - and to a wide range of other stakeholders. We aim to demonstrate that we use our resources to good effect.

Openness

We aim to be open and approachable, and to be transparent in our work and methods. We aim to communicate in a clear, consistent and accessible way.

 

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