Inspectors have praised the quality of higher education courses at East Riding College in a newly published report.
The team of reviewers from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) made the most positive judgements in each of the three key areas and also outlined areas of best practice.
The report follows on from a two-stage “Integrated Quality and Enhancement Review” which saw reviewers first visit the College in early 2011 and then return to make their final judgements in February 2012.
Principal Derek Branton said:
“The QAA report is a ringing endorsement of the quality of the higher level qualifications on offer at East Riding College and the quality of the learning experience we offer our students.”
“It highlights areas of good practice and supports our approach to ensuring our HE programmes and other higher level courses meet the exacting academic standards expected and that our students are supported to achieve their potential. Our excellent work with employers is also acknowledged.”
“The report assures anyone considering applying for a higher level course at the College that our students have a very positive experience and leave armed with qualifications which are invaluable in helping them progress in their careers.”
The team of reviewers examined the College’s range of higher education programmes and teacher training courses, which are a mixture of full and part-time courses available at the Beverley and Bridlington campuses.
A new range of BTEC higher national certificates and diplomas and “top-up” degrees has since been added and will be available from September. This now means that students can come to the College and complete a whole degree over three years.
In its main findings, the QAA report said reviewers had “confidence” in the standards of the qualifications available from the College and the quality of learning opportunities it offers.
They also said “reliance” could be placed on the quality of information the College publishes about itself and its courses.
The reviewers also highlighted the following areas of best practice:
• The involvement of employers in assessments that enhance the student experience of working practice
• The ‘bite-size’ modules for prospective students, which are fully appreciated and very useful to prepare them for higher level study
• The significant and innovative progress in the mentors’ use of the College’s virtual learning environment