Dear Colleague
New draft master's degree characteristics reference point available for consultation
I am writing with information about a new draft reference point for those with an interest in, or responsibility for, master's degrees in the UK. This has been developed by QAA in response to a number of requests from practitioners in higher education. In developing it we have worked closely with an external advisory group and taken into account discussions held at two sector-wide events (for details see www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark/masters). The reference point will be for advice and guidance purposes only and will not be a formal part of the Academic Infrastructure.
The landscape for taught postgraduate degrees in the UK is complex. This draft reference point seeks to reflect and accommodate current diversity of programme type, including aims, mode of delivery, methods of teaching, learning and assessment, and intended outcomes, rather than to prescribe any particular model. Higher education institutions are encouraged, however, to be as clear as possible in describing their programmes and locating them amidst the diversity that currently exists, drawing upon the characteristics identified in the draft reference point as appropriate.
The new draft reference point is intended to be of practical help to providers and other interested parties, including those wishing to understand more about the nature of UK master's degrees in general. Institutions are encouraged to consult the guidance contained in the document when designing, delivering and reviewing new and existing programmes, and when describing programmes in information intended for prospective students and others.
The draft reference point offers guidance on the nature of different types of master's degree, all of which are expected to meet the outcomes identified in the qualification descriptor of The framework for higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (August 2008) or The framework for qualifications of higher education institutions in Scotland (January 2001). In some instances, there may be additional points of reference that providers may wish to draw upon, including a small number of subject benchmark statements for master's degrees in particular disciplines, and the guidance or requirements of relevant professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.
In accordance with QAA's normal practice, we want to ensure that all institutions and other relevant organisations have an opportunity to see and, if they wish, to comment on the new draft reference point. There is no obligation on you to respond, but any comments you provide will be taken into account when the final version is prepared.
We should be grateful if any responses could be made by no later than 27 November 2009. Please reply by e-mail to masters@qaa.ac.uk All responses will be considered by QAA in consultation with the external advisory group in preparing the final version of the document.
Yours sincerely
Peter Williams
Chief Executive
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