University praised by education watchdogs

The University of Wolverhampton has been praised for the quality of its teaching and learning following an audit by education watchdogs.
 
The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), which reviews higher education providers, visited the University in February 2015.
 
The aim of the review was to inform students and the wider public whether the University meets the expectations of the higher education sector for academic standards, information provision and the quality of students' learning opportunities*.
 
The report published today (APRIL 30) highlights areas of good practice such as initiatives to raise aspirations and achievement for students and the University’s commitment to enhancing their employment prospects.
 
In particular the report commended the enhancement of student learning opportunities at Wolverhampton, which broadly covers the quality of the teaching, the resources available and the overall academic support, and the creation of staff networks to share good practice.
 
The successful review means the University can display the QAA Quality Mark, indicating to UK and international students that the University of Wolverhampton meets national requirements for standards and quality.

The report states: “In particular, the University is engaged in raising aspirations within the region by encouraging those that may not otherwise do so to access higher education.”

It also refers to the value the University places on feedback from students. “The University shares a positive relationship with the Students’ Union, and this has been instrumental in ensuring university-level enhancements are appropriately informed by the student voice.”
 
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Dr Anthea Gregory said: “We are delighted that this national assessment of academic standards has recognised the high quality of learning opportunities at the University of Wolverhampton.
 
“The report demonstrates that the performance of our students is strong and the quality of our learning and teaching is excellent. As the University of Opportunity, our mission involves taking students from under-represented groups and supporting them to achieve their degrees and to get a graduate job.
 
“This really is testament to our growing success at an exciting time for the University, with the opening of our £25 million Rosalind Franklin Science Centre, the work to build our new £18 million Business School, a £12 million investment in engineering and our plans for the Springfield Campus to provide a hub for construction education.
 
“The positive outcome of our review is a tremendous vote of confidence in our academic standards and approach to ensuring the quality of our courses, and reflects the strong and effective team-working in the University.”
 
In addition, the QAA report states: “In the view of the team, there are two particular areas of enhancement which have led to demonstrable improvements in the quality of student learning opportunities. The first is related to developing student employability - a theme which is embodied in the University’s mission and Strategic plan.
 
“The second stream of work which showcases the University’s approach to enhancement is raising student attainment. […] As well as widening access to higher education through social inclusion strategies, once enrolled at the University students are provided with comprehensive, accessible and tailored support to assist them in realising their academic potential.”
 
The QAA Higher Education Review (HER) review visit took place from 2-5 February 2015.
 
QAA's Higher Education Reviews are carried out by experts from other universities and colleges. Every review team includes a student reviewer, because QAA believes that students should be partners in the quality assurance of their education.

The University of Wolverhampton’s report is available here: http://www.qaa.ac.uk/reviews-and-reports/provider?UKPRN=10007166

* The QAA defines learning opportunities as “the provision made for students' learning, including planned programmes of study, teaching, assessment, academic and personal support, resources (such as libraries and information systems, laboratories or studios) and staff development.”

ENDS

For more information please contact Vickie Warren in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736.