The Quality Code - Keele University
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Quality Assurance

The Quality Code

How Keele uses the Quality Code

At Keele, the Quality Assurance Committee oversees the University's engagement with the UK Quality Code for Higher Education, on behalf of the Senate.

Part A1: for mapping of FHEQ levels against the Keele level descriptors for Academic Year 2012/13 (Senate, June 2012)

Keele Level

Sometimes at Keele  also referred to as

FHEQ Level

To be referred to as

Foundation Year

Level 0

FHEQ Level 3

Foundation Year (FHEQ Level 3)

Level  I

Level 1 or First Year

FHEQ Level 4

Level I (FHEQ Level 4)

Level II

Level 2 or Second Year

FHEQ Level 5

Level II (FHEQ Level 5)

Level III

Level 3 or Final Year

FHEQ Level 6

Level III (FHEQ Level 6)

M Level

Masters Level

FHEQ Level 7

Level M (FHEQ Level 7)

Part A2: the University expects all programmes to reflect their relevant subject benchmark statements (where appropriate).  This is verified at programme approval and revalidation.

Part A3: programme specifications exist for all programmes see page.

The UK Quality Code for Higher Education

The UK Quality Code for Higher Education (the Quality Code) replaces the set of national reference points known as the Academic Infrastructure, from the 2012-13 academic year. A brief guide on its development is available at the QAA website.

The Quality Code is used to assure the standards and quality of higher education in the United Kingdom. It is developed and maintained by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) through consultation with the higher education sector and is used by individual higher education providers to ensure students have the high-quality educational experience they are entitled to expect. It consists of a series of separate Chapters grouped in three parts and published online at Quality Code .

The Quality Code has three parts:

  • Part A: Setting and maintaining threshold academic standards
    • A1.  The national level [includes the FHEQ]
    • A2.  The subject and qualification level [includes the subject benchmark statements]
    • A3.  The programme level [includes programme specifications]
    • A4.  Approval and review
    • A5.  Externality
    • A6.  Assessment of achievement of learning outcomes
  • Part B: Assuring and enhancing academic quality
    • B1.  Programme design and approval
    • B2.  Admissions
    • B3.  Learning and teaching
    • B4.  Student support, learning resources and careers education, information, advice and guidance
    • B5.  Student engagement
    • B6.  Assessment of students and accreditation of prior learning
    • B7.  External Examining
    • B8.  Programme monitoring and review
    • B9.  Complaints and appeals
    • B10.  Management of collaborative arrangements
    • B11.  Research degrees
  • Part C: Information about higher education provision