The Department of Academic Quality is responsible for ensuring adherence to external quality requirements, supporting relationships with external bodies, and for keeping the university informed of national developments in quality management.
Office for Students (OfS)
The is an independent public body. The OfS is not part of central Government but reports to Parliament through the Department for Education (DfE). The OfS aims to ensure positive outcomes for all students and sets requirements for the quality and standards of the courses we offer at 51Âþ».
Quality Assurance Agency (QAA)
The is the UK’s independent quality body, advising on standards and quality in UK higher education. The QAA developed, and maintains, the UK Quality Code for Higher Education as a reference point for effective quality assurance.
Click here to view QAA's action plan in response to outcomes
Office for Standards in Educations, Children's Services and Skills (OFSTED)
51Âþ»â€™s higher and degree apprenticeships are subject to inspection by  under its Inspection Framework for Further Education and Skills.
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Additionally, our Higher National Diploma (HND) programme is delivered and awarded under the  license agreement. This allows 51Âþ» as an awarding body to customise and devise our own higher-level programmes under the license. For Pearson related queries, contact 
Louise Newell.
Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies (PSRBs)
51Âþ» also manages relationships with a number of PSRBs who accredit and inspect some areas of provision. DAQ maintains the central record of PSRB relationships –  contact Laura Sanderson for more information.
Other external reference points
There are other external reference points which inform our academic regulations. These assist in setting and maintaining academic standards, and guide on the use of credit in the design of programmes leading to qualifications. Please contact Sally Lloyd for additional information.
Surveys and returns
51Âþ»â€™s Strategic Planning and Insight team are responsible for the university's statutory data returns including  and information to support student surveys, such as the National Student Survey and Graduate Outcomes. These external surveys and returns are national initiatives conducted annually across most higher and further education institutions.