Quality Review

On the other hand, if the collected evidence from previous years of review indicate a record of continuing high performance then the need for quinquennial Quality Review is negated. Academic Quality Services will determine the type of Quality Review that your programme/subject area will be subject to.

• Self Evaluation Document template: Is a structured and data-informed, self-reflection exercise designed to ensure subject area teams reflect fully on the performance of all aspects of their subject and programmes, and explore ideas for enhancing the student experience. The document brings together key information around learning, teaching and assessment, culture and values and postgraduate research, to ensure subject areas reflect holistically, and provides subject leaders with the opportunity to provide context for the Quality Review Event. As the Self-Evaluation Document includes the core information included in Annual Programme Review, subject areas undergoing Quality Review are exempt from the Annual Review process. The Self-Evaluation Document and the data contained within provide the basis for risk assessment, which will determine the type of review required.
• Quality Review Event: The primary benefit of the Quality Review process is in bringing stakeholders together to talk through the challenges and learn from effective practice. A meeting, varying in time between a few hours and two days will be held to ensure the subject area can be reviewed in depth, and conclusions for enhancement formed. The Subject Area/Programme Team will meet with the Review Team, which will include academics, students, an External Subject Specialist and, increasingly, engage employers wherever possible.
• Quality Review Report: Reports will be published within five working days of the Quality Review Event, and will provide a summary record of areas of discussion and any commendations, requirements and recommendations made by the Review Team. The Subject Area must provide a response to actions taken to address any requirements and recommendations within the timeframe provided by the Review Team.

The Quality Review process is designed to:

• Ensure that the curricula, learning outcomes, structure, teaching, learning and assessment methods remain valid, current and appropriate in the light of external subject standards, latest academic and pedagogic research and practise and the UK Quality Code for Higher Education, and deliver the student experience expected of a Swansea University award.
• Ensure that the Subject Area or Programme under review has the resources, expertise, space and facilities to continue to deliver an excellent student experience.
• Ensure an effective culture is in place within the subject area to embed an approach of continuous enhancement and student partnership.
• Highlight areas of good practice or innovation worthy of dissemination and to draw to the attention of the institution matters of generic interest or concern.
• Ensure that appropriate and timely action is taken to address shortcomings identified by students, the Faculty/School, the University or other stakeholders including external bodies.