Universities Scotland’s Learning & Teaching Committee wrote a letter to QAA relating to QAA Scotland’s consultation on the Tertiary Quality Enhancement Review (TQER) method. This letter is a collective high-level response has been shared with QAA. Many institutions will also be responding directly with more detailed responses to the questions. The LTC response covers a number of areas including:
- We welcome the fact that TQER is peer-led and enhancement-focussed and that it will centre the student voice and student interests. This builds on the strengths of ELIR.
- We welcome the continuing focus on co-creation and partnership between SFC, QAA, other quality agencies, universities and how it has now expanded to include Scotland’s colleges. We think that it is this sector ownership that allows Scotland’s universities (and now colleges too) to engage fully and to deliver the best learning experience for students.
- We have had some questions about the scope of TQER with relation to, for example international provision (including international year one and foundation years) and college partnerships.
- We note that the TQER method is now more expansive than ELIR which will place additional burden on institutions. This will take time and may be a more challenging prospect for those institutions who will be under review in the early part of the cycle.
- We welcome the recognition of institutional distinctiveness and context in the TQER approach. We welcome the ability to tailor the review to the institution, including the composition of the review team.
- We comment that there will be substantial training requirements to support institutional staff and students in preparing for TQER and there will be a need for comprehensive guidance and support for student sabbaticals who will be the Lead Student Representative role in their year of office.
- We would find it helpful to see the specification of data that SFC will provide. This will help institutions, especially those whose reviews appear early in the cycle.
- We agree with the format of the judgements and welcome the inclusion of enhancement and the reference to assurance on academic standards.
- It would be helpful to understand more about the actions arising from institutional partner reviews and particularly on potential SFC action. It would also be helpful to define more clearly how the Scottish Concerns Scheme will integrate into TQER.