The University has reponsibility for internal Quality Assurance and Enhancement processes and exercises responsibilities through its Academic Governance structure and policy. These processes are designed to meet the expectations of the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) as well as, other national framework, benchmarks and statuatory obligations.
The Quality and Standards team within the Centre of Teaching Excellence and Student Sucess helps to support Faculty and Institutes in fulfilling responsibilities outlined within both the St Mary's Quality Assurance and Enhancement Handbook and the broader national and international context.
Overall responsibility for Quality and Standards is vested in the Academic Board, chaired by the Vice-Chancellor. Strategic responsibility for Quality and Standards resides with the Provost, The Quality Assurance and Enhancement Committee (QAEC) recommends to the Academic Development Committee (ADC) decisions relating to quality standards and enhancement. The Collaborative Provision Sub-Committee (CPSC) reports to the QAEC. Operational management of Quality and Standards is the responsibility of the Head of Quality and Academic Partnerships, and the Dean of Learning and Teaching, who are supported by the staff of the Quality and Standards Office in the Centre for Teaching Excellence and Student Success.
The Quality and Standards Managers are responsible for quality assurance and enhancement activities such as programme validation and revalidation, programme modification and module modification processes, programme monitoring, and external examiner administration, although each Manager has areas of particular expertise.
Collaborative Provision and Partnership activities, such as approval and development of new partnerships and programmes, modifications and annual review and monitoring is undertaken by a dedicated Collaborative Provision Quality and Standards Managers.
A copy of the Quality Assurance and Enhancement handboook can be found here
For advice and support on any Quality Assurance matter, please contact the team by emailing qateam@stmarys.ac.uk