Frequently asked questions

These are some of the most frequently asked questions we get asked. If you have a particular question we haven't answered here, please feel free to contact us at comms@qaa.ac.uk

1. What did a particular university or college's last review say?
2. Do you have university league tables?
3. Can you explain the various levels of qualifications?
4. What is the best course?
5. What are the kinds of things my course should cover?
6. What will my course include?
7. How can I follow my progress during my study?
8. Do you investigate complaints?
9. Can you tell me if an institution is approved/accredited?

What did a particular university or college's last review say?

If an institution has been reviewed you can find the report in our reviews section. You can see the latest and all past reports. These will tell you what has been judged about the institution.

Do you have university league tables?

No. 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.

Can you explain the various levels of qualifications?

Higher education institutions offer a variety of qualifications. Our guide Understanding qualifications - The frameworks for higher education qualifications will help you understand qualifications in the UK.

What is the best course?

Our review reports can help you understand the quality and standards of any given institution, but we can't make the decision for you. For details of courses offered by institutions please see the UCAS web site for undergraduate study and Prospects for postgraduate study.

If you are over 19 and looking to study in higher education for the first time, have a look at our Access to HE section. This may help guide you in the right direction.

What are the kinds of things my course should cover?

Each university or college sets up its own partiuclar courses so they are the best place to start to find out what your course is likely to cover. However, benchmark statments help to ensure that the standards of degree programmes across the UK meet an agreed level. They highlight the kinds of things courses in particular subjects will cover. Our leaflet Understanding courses - Benchmark statements and programme specifications will help explain more.

What will my course include?

The best place to find out what a course will include is at the university or college. They may well use programme specifications which are a way of outlining the nature of the course. Our leaflet Understanding courses - Benchmark statements and programme specifications will help explain more.

How can I follow my progress during my study?

You will find that your institution will keep you informed. However, Getting the job you deserve, progress files for students is a guide aimed at highlighting how you can follow your progress during your study.

Do you investigate complaints?

No. If you have a complaint you need to follow the appeals procedure in your institution. You might like to read Section 5 of our Code of practice for guidance or alternatively, contact the Office for the Independent Adjudicator for HE if you are in England or Wales, or Universities Scotland in the case of those institutions in Scotland.

Can you tell me if an institution is approved/accredited?

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