Links

The following links to external agencies and bodies may be of interest to both staff and students:

Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) Established in 1997 and an independent body funded by subscriptions from UK universities and colleges of higher education, and through contracts with the main UK higher education funding bodies, the mission of the QAA is to safeguard the public interest in sound standards of higher education qualifications and to encourage continuous improvement in the management of the quality of higher education. top

The Enhancement Themes initiative aims to enhance the student learning experience in Scottish higher education by identifying specific areas (themes) for development.  The themes encourage academic and support staff and students to share current good practice and collectively generate ideas and models for innovation in learning and teaching. top

Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Council (SFC) The Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Council was formally established and received its full powers on 3 October 2005.  It is the new body that funds Scotland's colleges and universities resulting from the merger of the two existing Councils: the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC) and the Scottish Further Education Funding Council (SFEFC). top

Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) SQA is the national body in Scotland responsible for the development, accreditation, assessment, and certification of qualifications other than degrees. top

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) The SCQF is based on a series of national agreements about the levels of the main programmes and qualifications that characterise the Scottish education and training system.  It has been created by bringing together all Scottish mainstream qualifications into a single unified framework: the qualifications of higher education institutions; SQA National Qualifications and Higher National Qualifications; and SVQs. There are 12 levels ranging from Access 1 (National Qualifications) at SCQF level 1 to Doctorate at SCQF level 12. top

Universities Scotland Universities Scotland exists to provide services to its members and to represent, promote and campaign for the Scottish higher education sector. Through this work, it seeks to assist the sector to deliver its essential contribution to the economic, social and cultural needs of Scotland, and to the enhancement of Scotland's international reputation. top

Universities UK represents all UK universities and some higher education colleges.  Its members are the executive heads of these institutions.  Universities UK works to advance the interests of universities and to spread good practice throughout the higher education sector. Its mission is to be the essential voice of UK universities by promoting and supporting their work.  The work of Universities UK is directed by the UK Board and guided by Higher Education Wales, Universities Scotland and the National Council of England and Northern Ireland and Members. top

Student Participation in Quality Scotland (sparqs) sparqs is a free service which is funded by the funding councils to assist and support students, students' associations and institutions to improve the effectiveness and engagement in quality assurance and enhancement in institutions across Scotland. top

The Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) The Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) supports further and higher education by providing strategic guidance, advice and opportunities to use Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to support teaching, learning, research and administration. top

Last updated: 19-Feb-2010