Our work in Wales

Want to compare the main qualifications in Wales to other countries in the UK and Ireland?

Take a look at the updated easy-to-use guide - Qualifications can cross boundaries - a rough guide to comparing qualifications in the UK and Ireland (PDF)

QAA works closely with a range of organisations in Wales to ensure that quality and academic standards are maintained in Welsh institutions. Our dedicated Team Wales monitors, evaluates and reports on all of our activities in Wales. This section provides details about our review activities in Wales, useful links to partner organisations, other relevant areas of the website and Welsh translation services, our work with students and our Welsh communication.

Review activities in Wales

QAA operates the following review methods in Wales:

Institutional review is the review process introduced in higher education institutions in Wales during 2003-04.
Summative review is the review process applicable to all higher education in further education provision in Wales from 2010-11.
Developmental review is the review process introduced in further education institutions delivering directly-funded higher education in Wales in 2007-08.
Access to Higher Education - QAA licenses access validating agencies (AVAs) to recognise Access to Higher Education programmes, and to award certificates and diplomas to students. We review the AVA in Wales - the Open College Network Wales.

Welsh Language Scheme

QAA adopts the principle that in the conduct of its business in Wales, it will treat the English and Welsh languages on the basis of equality. Take a look at our Welsh Language Scheme for further information.

QAA has submitted its annual monitoring report of the Welsh Language Scheme to the Welsh Language Board. In its response, the Welsh Language Board has praised the success of the scheme, highlighting examples of good practice. Read more >>

Printed copies of the Welsh Language Scheme are available from the Project Officer for Wales, Pat Cooper. She can be contacted on 01452557116 or email p.cooper@qaa.ac.uk. Alternatively, you can download the PDF - English | Cymraeg

Working with students

Institutional review in Wales: guides for student representatives
These guides are for student representatives, including course reps and students' union officers, or their equivalent, in Welsh higher education institutions. They will help you understand your role in institutional review in Wales.

Student membership of institutional review teams and QAA strategy on student engagement
We have been considering proposals for having students as members of institutional review teams in Wales as part of a wider strategic approach to engaging students in quality assurance and enhancement. Find out more about QAA's work in student engagement >>

Further information

If you would like to discuss the work of QAA in Wales further, please contact Julian Ellis, QAA Officer for Wales, on 01452 557127 or email j.ellis@qaa.ac.uk