We advise government on the merits of applications for degree awarding powers and university title, but are not responsible for awarding them. The power to award degrees is regulated by law. It is an offence for an institution to purport to award, or to offer to award a UK degree, unless it is authorised so to do. An Act of Parliament in 1992 provided for such powers to be granted by the Privy Council, which acts on the advice of government.
The scrutiny of degree awarding powers and university title applications is one of our most important responsibilities since, in making these recommendations, in each case we are helping to redefine the UK's higher education sector. Applications for taught and research degree awarding powers or university title must be made to the Privy Council which then forwards the submission to the relevant territorial Minister with higher education responsibilities. Applications are then sent to us for advice. Our remit is to offer confidential guidance on the application, through the appropriate Minister, to the Privy Council.
Our role in the application process
The brief guide to degree awarding powers explains fully QAA's role in applications for degree awarding powers and university title
For consultation October - December 2008
Policy on the disclosure of records relating to applications for degree-awarding powers and university title (Circular letter)
The QAA Board have approved a revised policy on the disclosure of records relating to applications for degree awarding powers and university title. Under this policy, all records are closed until the Privy Council’s decision on an application has been made public.
We are inviting organisations that have gone through these application processesss, or those that may consider doing so in the future, to share their views. All replies will be collated and retained anonymously. If you would like to respond to this consultation, please see the Circular letter for details.
Advisory committee on Degree awarding powers
Committee meeting dates: 2008-09
- Friday 19 September 2008
- Thursday 4 December 2008
- Friday 20 March 2009
- Friday 19 June 2009
Applicant organisations in England and Wales
Degree awarding powers and university title
The Guidance for applicant organisations in England and Wales, produced in August 2004, explains the process for applicants - PDF version | HTML version
Note: The DAP/UT guidance and criteria are currently being revised with a view to publication later this year. The criteria remain unchanged but there will be some re-ordering and clarification of the associated guidance.
Foundation Degree awarding powers
The guidance for applicant further education colleges in England, produced in May 2008, explains the process - PDF version | HTML version
Additional information can be found in the frequently asked questions - PDF version | HTML version
Degree awarding powers and university title fees
|
QAA subscribers |
Non-subscribers |
Taught degree awarding powers |
£35,000 |
£50,000 |
Research degree awarding powers |
£25,000 |
£35,000 |
Taught and research degree |
£40,000 |
£55,000 |
University title |
£6,000 |
£9,000 |
| Foundation Degree awarding powers | n/a | £45,000 |
Applicant organisations in Scotland and Northern Ireland
The Guidance for applicant organisations in Scotland and Northern Ireland, produced in October 1999, explains the process for applicants - PDF version | HTML version
Accredited universities and colleges
We do not accredit universities and colleges or hold a list of them. A list of recognised bodies, those with the power to award their own degrees, and listed bodies, those able to offer degrees on behalf of a recognised body, can be found on the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills web site.
Further information
Irene Ainsworth or Nick Pack
Reviews Group
Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education
Southgate House
Southgate Street
Gloucester GL1 1UB
Tel: Irene Ainsworth: (01452) 557019 or Nick Pack (01452) 557039
Email: i.ainsworth@qaa.ac.uk or n.pack@qaa.ac.uk
Further information about the taught and research degree awarding powers and university title process can be found at the following websites:
Privy Council
Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills
Scottish Government
Welsh Assembly
Department of Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland
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