The first private profit-making institution has been granted degree-awarding powers by the Privy Council. Some might see this as the beginning of the end, others that the end has arrived. In fact, neither has happened. The measures that the Quality Assurance Agency has put in place will ensure that only those providers with a track record of excellence in their field can apply for taught degree-awarding powers.
Since the amendment to the legislation in 2004 we have not seen the rush as anticipated, not even an orderly queue. All we have seen is a small number of providers successfully apply, having demonstrated that they have the rigour to administer degrees, despite the continuing scaremongering of a minority within the sector.
Steve Lambert
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