Frequently asked questions

If you have a question that isn't answered here, please do not hesitate to contact us.

I don't always understand today's qualifications; can you help?

Yes, we've produced a leaflet called Understanding qualifications. It gives details of the various levels of qualifications offered within higher education and what you can expect from a student with that qualification. Information on qualifications from GCSE level upwards are covered in the National Qualifications Framework available at the QCA.

I'm trying to employ someone from overseas but don't understand their qualifications; can you help?

No. However, UK NARIC is the official source of information and advice on the comparability of international qualifications from over 180 countries worldwide with those in the UK. For further information about UK NARIC and how they can help you, please see their web site at www.naric.org.uk

Can you tell me if someone I want to employ studied at an officially recognised university or college?

QAA does not approve/accredit institutions. Details about recognised higher education institutions in the UK can be found on the Department for Education and Skills website.

I'm looking to train my staff can you recommend someone to use?

While we don't recommend training organisations, the government backed Learn Direct web site can help advise where to start looking.

The Access to Higher Education scheme helps get people on the first rung of the ladder towards doing a degree. For further details see the Access for HE section.

How do I know the quality of a degree course?

Our review reports will tell you the judgement that we have reached about a university or college following a review visit.

Where does a particular university or college appear in the league tables?

QAA does not produce performance tables for universities or higher education institutions. Performance tables have been published in some newspapers, however these tables are not official and newspapers use a variety of sources for their data.