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Watchdog queries degree standards Watchdog queries degree standards
(1 day later)
The university watchdog is calling for improvements in the "robustness and consistency" of how degrees are awarded.The university watchdog is calling for improvements in the "robustness and consistency" of how degrees are awarded.
The Quality Assurance Agency has been investigating reports questioning the reliability of degree standards.The Quality Assurance Agency has been investigating reports questioning the reliability of degree standards.
It calls for a review of the tests used to check the English language skills required by overseas students.It calls for a review of the tests used to check the English language skills required by overseas students.
The Universities Secretary John Denham says there is no systemic problem with university academic standards.The Universities Secretary John Denham says there is no systemic problem with university academic standards.
The QAA's report follows a series of concerns over academic standards, raised last summer.The QAA's report follows a series of concerns over academic standards, raised last summer.
READ THE REPORT QAA final report [192k] Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader here
The watchdog has found a number of areas of concern which it says will require further examination.The watchdog has found a number of areas of concern which it says will require further examination.
It says that action is needed to improve how degrees are assessed and classified "within and between institutions" - and for explanations of the variations in assessment.It says that action is needed to improve how degrees are assessed and classified "within and between institutions" - and for explanations of the variations in assessment.
It also raises questions about the admittance and recruitment of overseas students - who have become an increasingly important factor in university finances.It also raises questions about the admittance and recruitment of overseas students - who have become an increasingly important factor in university finances.
Inquiry by MPsInquiry by MPs
There have been allegations that students have been accepted on courses who do not have sufficient English language skills.There have been allegations that students have been accepted on courses who do not have sufficient English language skills.
The QAA report says there should be a "review of the efficacy and appropriateness" of the language testing schemes used by universities.The QAA report says there should be a "review of the efficacy and appropriateness" of the language testing schemes used by universities.
In response to questions about the objectivity of external examiners, the report says that the "process should be made more transparent and should be better explained in order to facilitate understanding of its intentions, limitations, operation and role".In response to questions about the objectivity of external examiners, the report says that the "process should be made more transparent and should be better explained in order to facilitate understanding of its intentions, limitations, operation and role".
The House of Commons select committee for innovation, universities, science and skills, has been carrying out its own inquiry into university standards.The House of Commons select committee for innovation, universities, science and skills, has been carrying out its own inquiry into university standards.
England's Universities Secretary, John Denham, told MPs that he did not believe there was a systemic problem, but there were areas that needed to be examined.England's Universities Secretary, John Denham, told MPs that he did not believe there was a systemic problem, but there were areas that needed to be examined.
Mr Denham said the system was not good at resolving some of the long-running allegations of malpractice there had been.Mr Denham said the system was not good at resolving some of the long-running allegations of malpractice there had been.
The Quality Assurance Agency needed to communicate better how it dealt with concerns over quality and standards.The Quality Assurance Agency needed to communicate better how it dealt with concerns over quality and standards.
Some persistent issues came up from time to time - such as the role of external examiners - on which the QAA could issue "good practice" guidance.Some persistent issues came up from time to time - such as the role of external examiners - on which the QAA could issue "good practice" guidance.
RankingsRankings
He was asked whether he seriously thought a first class degree in geography from Oxford was the same as one from Southampton Solent.He was asked whether he seriously thought a first class degree in geography from Oxford was the same as one from Southampton Solent.
Mr Denham said the institutions, staff and type of teaching were different but there would be national reference points about what the courses should include and each would have systems to ensure those were met.Mr Denham said the institutions, staff and type of teaching were different but there would be national reference points about what the courses should include and each would have systems to ensure those were met.
He did not think it feasible to have a body that would give comparative rankings to every degree course in the country.He did not think it feasible to have a body that would give comparative rankings to every degree course in the country.
Was there a system to look at how standards were assessed within institutions? Yes, he said.Was there a system to look at how standards were assessed within institutions? Yes, he said.
Should a national body check on each degree course?Should a national body check on each degree course?
"I just think that would take a huge part of the higher education budget for very little benefit," Mr Denham said."I just think that would take a huge part of the higher education budget for very little benefit," Mr Denham said.