Quality assurance

The subcontinent plans to create capacity for an extra 10 million students in five years, with particular emphasis on quality of education. But how?

Consultation shows widespread resistance to regulator’s proposal

Too much hangs on them for secrecy to reign, argues Geoffrey Alderman

Watchdog backs down after institutional appeal for second time

Hepi/Which? uncovers huge shortfall in study time

Russell Group member successfully appeals against full QAA review

Students dissatisfied with contact hours, QAA overseas provision review shows. Jack Grove writes

The viva, the final hurdle to gaining a PhD, is labour-intensive, not conducted to any national standard and is dreaded by students who fear an examiner will capriciously halt their career. Is it still fit for purpose? asks Elizabeth Gibney

University says problems at partner colleges affect just 3% of students

Several bodies could carry out university inspections simultaneously to cut the administrative burden

The public-private balance of funding sources needs to be adjusted to protect the public interest, says Roger Brown

Obama’s State of the Union address draws line in sand, QAA conference hears

Institutional review approves academic standards but says ‘lack of clarity’ in marketing claims could be ‘misleading’

Regulator to review range of options for institutions falling short on quality measures

University’s provision in collaboration with overseas partners ‘requires improvement’, report states

Michael Gove is wrong, says Chris Hackley: a return to ‘traditional’ A levels will narrow access and do nothing to raise standards

But critics say plans to relax peer reviews in some universities will introduce risk-based quality assurance by another route

Leaked documents reveal backlash over mooted changes to assessment at Surrey

Essay-writing firm denies inconsistency in its director penning satirical novel. Paul Jump reports

The Quality Assurance Agency will be bailed out by the taxpayer if it is sued by a private college that fails an inspection, it has emerged.

St Mary’s fails to transform into university following QAA critique of hypnosis course. Jack Grove writes