The QAA Quality Code identifies a set of assessment quality standards for the Higher Education sector.
These standards are articulated through four expectations which have been identified and contextualised below.
They have been used to inform Ulster’s core assessment policies and practice.
QAA Expectation 1: Course assessment determines whether each student has achieved the specified learning outcomes. Outcomes and standards will be consistent with the relevant national qualification framework’s descriptors.
QAA Expectation 2: The value of qualifications awarded to students at the point of qualification and over time is in line with sector-recognised standards.
QAA Expectation 3: Courses will be well-designed, provide a high-quality academic experience for all students and enable a student’s achievement to be reliably assessed.
QAA Expectation 4: all students will be provided with the support that they need to succeed in and benefit from higher education.
To meet these expectations:
- Assessment processes will ensure that learning outcomes are consistent with the requirements of the relevant national qualifications frameworks.
- Assessments will measure accurately and consistently the extent to which students achieve the learning outcomes both at, and beyond, the threshold level.
- Courses will be designed so that curricula, learning outcomes and assessment are aligned, enabling reliable assessment and an effective learning experience.
- Assessment will support students’ learning and will be designed to enable students to learn through preparing for and undertaking the assessment and from feedback on their performance in the assessment.
- Assessment will be tailored appropriately to different environments (e.g. workplace learning).
- Measurement and representation of student achievement will be reasonably comparable with those of other UK providers.
- The standards of Ulster awards will be credible and secure across the University and its academic partner organisations.
- Student achievement will be measured reliably, fairly, and transparently. External examiners will also be deployed to ensure qualifications have been awarded equitably and in accordance with national standards.
- Course teams will consider and act on External Examiner reports and will focus on assessment within annual course reviews. Teams will also engage students in the development, assurance, and enhancement of the quality of their student experience.
- Assessment policies, procedures and processes will be reviewed and enhanced regularly to ensure they are fit for purpose.
- Recruitment, progression, and development of staff involved in teaching and assessment will include consideration of their knowledge and expertise in assessment.