SFC Responds to QAA Targeted Peer Review of the University of Glasgow

Photo: University of Glasgow

The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) has published the report of its Targeted Peer Review (TPR) of the University of Glasgow in response to a Concern raised to the Scottish Quality Concerns Scheme by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC). The Concern was submitted on the basis of maintenance of academic standards and the potential for systemic failure in following the university’s assessment regulations. It was submitted after an internal investigation by the University following the death of a student, although the focus of the Concern (and the subsequent TPR) was on the broader potential for systemic issues at the University rather than the specifics of that case, which are outwith SFC’s remit.

In responding to the report published by QAA Scotland, Jacqui Brasted, Director of Access, Learning and Outcomes, said:

“The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) thanks QAA Scotland for conducting such a thorough and robust investigation following concerns we raised under the Scottish Quality Concerns Scheme regarding the maintenance of academic standards and assessment regulations at the University of Glasgow.

“The findings of this report are deeply concerning. We have a statutory duty to secure the provision of high-quality education across the colleges and universities we fund. We will therefore be working closely with QAA Scotland and the University of Glasgow to ensure that the recommendations outlined in this report are implemented as a matter of urgency.

“Given the serious nature of these findings, we are also commissioning QAA to conduct a national review of the assessment and associated policies and procedures across the sector to enhance the assurance we already receive regarding academic standards and the quality of the student experience.”