Circular letter CL 03/05
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Number |
CL 03/05 |
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Subject |
Postgraduate research degree programmes - review of quality and standards |
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Publication date |
Monday 21 February 2005 |
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Recipients |
To Heads of HEFCE-funded higher education institutions, Heads of Universities in Northern Ireland |
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Of interest to |
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Further information |
Julian Ellis j.ellis@qaa.ac.uk |
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Response date |
22 April 2005 |
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Respond to |
Julian Ellis j.ellis@qaa.ac.uk |
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Attachments |
Dear Vice-Chancellor or Principal
Postgraduate research degree programmes - review of quality and standards
In September 2004 Sir Howard Newby sent a letter, Postgraduate research degree programmes: minimum standards and funding (HEFCE 18/04), to all institutions outlining arrangements for the establishment of minimum standards for postgraduate research degree programmes and for the monitoring of institutional practice.
The definition of standards contained in the letter has been accommodated within the revised section of the QAA Code of Practice on postgraduate research programmes. We understand that HEFCE (and DEL in Northern Ireland) expects all institutions in receipt of its funding for postgraduate research degree programmes to ensure that their programmes are provided in line with the revised QAA Code of practice from the beginning of the next academic year (2005-06).
From 2006 onwards QAA will review arrangements through its revised methods for institutional audit. This will provide an effective mechanism for reviewing research degree standards without adding significantly to the totality of QAA review activity.
In the mean time, as indicated in HEFCE 18/04, we have been asked by HEFCE and DEL to undertake, during 2005-06, a one-off survey of HEIs' alignment with the revised Code of practice. This survey will be largely paper based and will allow HEFCE and DEL to link their funding for research degree programmes to evidence of the quality of these programmes also from 2005-06.
The arrangements for the special review are included in the enclosed Operational description. We welcome comments from institutions on these proposals and would be grateful if these could be sent to Julian Ellis, Assistant Director, QAA, by 22 April 2005.
On the basis of the feedback we receive we will prepare guidance for institutions on the conduct of the special review and we will provide a briefing event for institutions in the autumn of 2005. The review itself is due to be carried out between December 2005 and February 2006.
I look forward to receiving your comments on the Operational description by 22 April 2005.
Yours sincerely
Peter Williams
Chief Executive
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