In 2006, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education undertook a review of how the academic standards of UK higher education awards delivered in China are being maintained.
We found that:
- nearly 11,000 Chinese students were studying for UK higher education programmes in China; around 3,000 of these students will go on to complete their studies in the UK
- UK higher education institutions have put in place quality assurance procedures for UK higher education programmes delivered in China that ensure the security of their academic standards
- students studying in China for UK higher education programmes receive a higher education experience that is comparable to that of students studying in the UK.
Introduction
Higher education in the People's Republic of China (hereafter, China) is continuing to be modernised and is regarded as a driving force in economic development. One element of this is the expansion of partnerships between UK higher education institutions and Chinese institutions to deliver transnational higher education programmes.
In 2006, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) conducted a survey of the extent of UK higher education institutions' links with China. We found that nearly 11,000 Chinese students were studying for UK higher education awards, and that 82 UK higher education institutions had established or were in the process of establishing partnership links with Chinese institutions.
We used this information as a basis for reviewing how academic standards of UK higher education awards delivered in China are being maintained. Our detailed findings are available in UK higher education in China: an overview of the quality assurance arrangements.
Reviewing the partnership links
UK higher education institutions have a responsibility to assure the academic standards of their awards, whether delivered inside or outside of the UK. As part of its work, QAA reviews the partnership arrangements that UK higher education institutions have made with institutions in other countries to deliver UK programmes.
We undertook a review of the partnership links that UK higher education institutions have with Chinese institutions.
The review comprised three elements. The first was an overall survey of UK higher education institutions' partnership links with institutions in China. The second drew on the results of this survey. It involved a desk-based analysis of the partnership arrangements a representative sample of 30 UK higher education institutions had made with Chinese institutions.
The final element of the review was an audit of 10 UK universities' partnership links with Chinese institutions. The universities represented a mix of traditional and newer universities from across the UK. Three teams of auditors visited the Chinese partner institutions. The institutions visited were based in and around Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.
The audit process was undertaken through peer review. The audit teams consisted of academics from the UK with experience of reviewing the maintenance of academic standards. They looked at how the UK institutions assure the quality and standards of the UK awards being delivered in China.
Our findings
UK higher education institutions have established very good working relations with their Chinese counterparts. Procedures and processes have been put in place so that students studying in China get a higher education experience that is broadly comparable to that of students studying in the UK.
The 10 audited universities
In all 10 of the audited universities, the audit teams reported that the academic standards were secure and the quality of learning opportunities suitable.
The individual audits highlight examples where the universities have set up procedures that enhance the system as well as meeting the good practice recommended by QAA.
Selecting a partner
UK higher education institutions take great care when selecting and approving a Chinese partner to ensure that their Chinese partner institution has similar educational objectives to their own and can deliver programmes to the required standard.
The audits showed that institutions commit significant resources to the programmes, particularly of academic staff time, to make sure that the partnership is beneficial for both partners.
The staff experience
The audit found that the interests of staff are considered fully. There is extensive two-way staff development, with UK academics visiting China and vice versa. There is also good communication between teams working in the same subject area in both the UK and Chinese higher education partners.
The student experience
The needs of students are considered carefully by all partners. With around 3,000 out of nearly 11,000 students planning to continue their studies in the UK, institutions pay particular attention to the arrangements for progression from study in China to the UK. These are generally well planned and ensure a smooth transition to life and study in the UK. This is appreciated by students.
Subject staff on both sides of the partnerships are responsive to formal and especially informal feedback from students on the quality of learning opportunities. Many of the UK higher education institutions have ensured that students have the use of UK resources through online access as well as resources provided within China.
Quality assurance procedures
The review highlighted that quality assurance procedures and processes make full use of the UK's nationally recognised guidance on academic standards. In some cases, however, although the processes have been put in place by the UK institution, there is a need to ensure these have been rigorously followed.
The audit also highlighted areas where an understanding of UK higher education quality assurance procedures within the Chinese institutions may not be as clear as it could be. One example is understanding the role of external examiners as independent and impartial advisors who play a critical role in the moderation of students' achievements. The UK institutions can improve on these areas.
Conclusions
Overall, our survey, the desk-based analysis and the audit of the 10 UK universities' partnership links show that quality assurance procedures are in place to assure effectively the standard of UK awards delivered in China.
QAA is assured that students studying for UK higher education awards in China receive a higher education experience that is comparable to that of students studying in the UK.
The 10 audited UK institutions
- University of Abertay Dundee
- The University of Bolton
- City University
- Leeds Metropolitan University
- University of Luton (Now University of Bedfordshire)
- Middlesex University
- University of Northumbria at Newcastle
- Queen Mary, University of London
- The Queen's University of Belfast
- University of Wales, Newport
The 10 Chinese partner institutions visited
- Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications
- China Agricultural University - International College at Beijing
- Hainan Overseas Education Centre
- Nanchang University
- University of Shanghai
- Shanghai University of Finance and Economics
- Shenzhen University
- Research Institute of Tsinghua Shenzhen
- Zhejiang University of Technology
- Zhengzhou University
About QAA
QAA's role is to safeguard the public interest in sound standards of higher education qualifications and inform and encourage continuous improvement in the management of the quality of higher education. We do this by:
- conducting external reviews in universities and colleges
- describing clear academic standards through the nationally recognised Academic Infrastructure
- advising government on applications for degree-awarding powers and university title
- offering advice on, promoting and enhancing academic standards and quality
- contributing to and influencing international quality assurance.
The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education was established in 1997. It is an independent body funded mainly by subscriptions from UK universities and colleges of higher education and contracts with the UK higher education funding bodies and with government departments.
Further information
The individual reports on the audits of the 10 UK universities and UK higher education in China: an overview of the quality assurance arrangements can be found on our website at www.qaa.ac.uk/reviews/
ISBN 1 84482 618 X
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