University of Birmingham awarded top marks for teaching quality

The University of Birmingham has been commended by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) for both the quality and enhancement of its student learning opportunities.

A commendation is the highest rating possible and is confirmed in a QAA report published today (May 12, 2016) on the quality and standards of provision offered at Birmingham.

The team of QAA reviewers who visited the University earlier this year praised nine areas of good practice, including the high value placed on teaching and sustained engagement with employers, and made no recommendations for improvement.

Professor Sir David Eastwood, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Birmingham, said: “We are absolutely delighted that today’s report reinforces our commitment to offering outstanding teaching alongside world-class research. The review confirms Birmingham’s strength in developing and delivering high quality programmes that unlock a wide-range of opportunities for our students.

“The recognition for our engagement with employers and work to enhance employment opportunities for our students and graduates also reflect our recognition as University of the Year for Graduate Employment.”

The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) works with higher education institutions to define, safeguard, and improve academic standards and the quality of higher education in the UK.

QAA reviewers commended both the quality of student learning opportunities and the enhancement of student learning opportunities at Birmingham. Among the areas of good practice highlighted in the report were:

• the high value placed on teaching, and the enabling of staff to develop and improve as teachers
• the systematic use of data about student learning to identify ways of enhancing learning opportunities
• the University's sustained engagement with employers, which enhances learning and employment opportunities for students
• the culture of evidence-based and contextualised decision making which contributes to the enhancement of students' learning opportunities

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.

A successful review means that the University can display the QAA Quality Mark, indicating to UK and international students that the University meets national requirements for standards and quality.

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For more information please contact Deborah Walker, Head of Communications, on +44 (0) 121 414 6681. Out of hours please call +44 (0) 7789 921165 or email pressoffice@contacts.bham.ac.uk