External Regulation

Degree Outcomes Statement

This is the current Degree Outcomes Statement for Nottingham Trent University.  The Statement was approved by Nottingham Trent University's Academic Standards and Quality Committee in March 2022 as part of its annual cycle of Academic Assurance activity.

Below is a video that is available to students which explains NTU's Assessment Framework.

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Teaching Excellence Framework

CADQ leads the submission of the Government’s Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework by working closely with all of NTU’s Schools to develop our submission and evidence that NTU is an outstanding place to study. NTU is currently rated as a Gold institution, the highest rating available.

Launched in 2017, The Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF) is a national exercise which assesses excellence in higher education teaching at universities and colleges, and the outcomes of their student’s post-graduation. Metrics used include NTU’s NSS results, information on student continuation and post-study employment data.

CADQ uses the TEF as a benchmarking practice to ensure NTU’s students’ experiences of teaching are sector-leading. Specifically, we use the data from NSS, non-continuation, and post-study employment to analyse and make interventions where needed. These interventions are part of a continuous process, ensuring that we are continually improving our offer.

The TEF recently had an independent review led by Dame Shirley Pearce, and we await the outcome of such.

You can find out more about NTU’s TEF accreditation here.

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Quality Assurance Agency

The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) is the designated body for the assessment of quality and standards for Higher Education in England on behalf of the Office for Students. CADQ leads on ensuring alignment with QAA expectations and uses the advice and guidance as a benchmark for innovation.

The QAA sets the standards of UK higher education through the provision of the UK Quality Code for Higher Education. CADQ ensures alignment of NTU academic policy to the UK Quality Code and the Expectations and Core Practices therein. Academic policy, regulations, procedures and processes are detailed in the NTU Quality Handbook.

The QAA’s advice and guidance to providers are used as a minimum benchmark at NTU to inform best practice and innovation. An example of this is around assessment, where CADQ has led significant developments in degree algorithms to ensure rigour and fairness. This innovative work is now being used as a case study and example by the QAA on how to address national concerns around grade inflation.

As the UK’s Designated Quality Body, the QAA also conducts reviews of Higher Education providers and gives advice on the quality and standards of providers.

NTU’s 2015 QAA Review

Higher Education institutions are routinely reviewed by the QAA to ensure practice and processes ensure robust quality and standards at each institution. NTU was last reviewed in 2015 under the QAAs former Higher Education Review Framework.

The review found that NTU meets UK expectations in the following four areas:

• the setting and maintenance of academic standards;
• the quality of student learning opportunities;
• the quality of information; and,
• the enhancement of student learning opportunities.

View the full report of NTU’s Higher Education Review.

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Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies (PSRBs)

Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies (PSRBs) are a diverse group of professional bodies, employers, and regulators which set standards for and may regulate entry into given professions.

Many PSRBs are authorised to accredit, approve or recognise specific Higher Education qualifications leading to a relevant qualification for which the PSRB may have statutory or regulatory responsibility.

PSRB arrangements are likely to have a positive impact on students' employment prospects and contribute to the ongoing maintenance and improvement of the quality of UK Higher Education.

NTU has arrangements with over 60 PSRBs, covering over 200 courses. Details of NTU’s PRSB accredited courses can be found on our PSRB Register. Past accreditation information can be obtained by contacting CADQ.