Curriculum, Quality and Partnerships

The University of South Wales’ (USW) commitment to quality assurance and enhancement (QAE) is of a holistic nature. The university articulates and subscribes to the core principles of the regulatory frameworks by establishing quality policy and principles that inspire USW’s quality assurance and enhancement activities.

 

The Quality Framework

The USW Quality Framework ensures that academic standards and the student learning experience are upheld and continuously improved. As a degree-awarding institution, USW is responsible for the academic integrity of its qualifications, ensuring they are comparable to those across other UK universities. The framework is designed to:

  • Monitor academic standards and student experience against internal and external benchmarks.
  • Ensure consistency across diverse subject areas.
  • Provide a mechanism for critical review to promote best practices.

USW's commitment to quality is integrated throughout its operations, aligning with regulatory expectations and the university's strategic vision.

Roles and Responsibilities

USW's quality management framework is clearly structured, primarily under the Curriculum, Quality and Partnerships (CQP) team.

  • Academic Board: Defines standards, assures quality, and advises on academic activities.
  • Vice-Chancellor: Holds overall responsibility for academic standards and quality assurance.
  • Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Oversees academic standards and chairs the Quality Assurance Committee (QAC).
  • Quality Assurance Committee (QAC): Reviews the quality framework, oversees annual reviews, and monitors External Examiners.
  • Faculties: Responsible for day-to-day course management, with delegated responsibilities to Deputy Deans, Heads of Subject, Course Leaders, and Module Leaders.
  • All USW Staff: Expected to continuously reflect upon and improve practices to enhance learning and the student experience.
  • Curriculum, Quality and Partnerships (CQP) Team: Leads review of policies, advises colleagues, manages External Examiners, and ensures compliance with external bodies.

Internal Quality Assurance

Internal mechanisms ensure high-quality new awards, enhanced existing awards, high teaching standards, and student achievement. These include:

  • Design, development, and approval of new courses
  • Major and minor modifications and monitoring of taught courses
  • Periodic review and revalidation
  • Data-driven Enhancement and continuous monitoring
  • Quality Audits

External Quality Assurance

USW incorporates external measures for independent verification of academic standards:

  • External Examiners: Provide independent verification of academic standards.
  • Quality Enhancement Reviews: Periodic QAA and Medr reviews.
  • PSRB Accreditation: Seeking and maintaining accreditation from Professional, Statutory, and Regulatory Bodies.

If you like to explore more about Quality Assurance and Enhancement at USW, please get in touch with us via email [email protected].   

Regulations