Academics from the University have contributed to a revised Benchmark Statement on Education Studies, published today by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
The statements are vital reference points for universities across the UK in designing, delivering and reviewing academic programmes. They describe the nature of study and the academic standards expected of graduates in specific subject areas. They set out what students across the UK should be expected to know, understand and be able to do by the time they graduate.
Professor Richard Woolley, Head of the School of Education, who chaired the QAA panel on Education Studies said:
“This has been one of the most positive, creative and uplifting experiences. I worked with a fantastic group of colleagues. The energy and creativity that came from them was huge.
“I said at the very beginning that I wanted us to be ambitious for our subject and I really feel we achieved that during the process. I think we've set an ambitious agenda for our subject. There are diverse views and all those are welcome and included in the statement. It isn't just a benchmark to be measured against – it's a benchmark that's something to aspire to."
Professor Woolley was joined on the panel by Hull academics Professor Sarah Jones of Global Education and Dr Lee Fallin, Lecturer in Education Studies and Director of MA Education Programmes, further reinforcing the University’s voice in defining academic standards and subject development.
Andy Smith, Quality & Standards Manager at QAA said:
"We're hugely grateful for the work of all those who join the advisory groups and particularly the chairs and deputies who engage so enthusiastically and meticulously to produce statements that are so valued by their subject communities."
Also published today are revised editions of the Statements for Accounting, Finance, Philosophy and Music, as well as for Librarianship, Information, Knowledge, Records and Archives Management, and Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics, and a new Statement for Public Policy and Public Administration.
QAA is an independent charity working to benefit students and higher education, and one of the world's experts in quality assurance. QAA works with governments, agencies and institutions globally to benefit UK higher education and its international reputation.