Son of SoTI

elcoming today’s report commissioned by HEFCE into teaching quality and standards Paul Marshall, Executive Director of the 1994 Group of 19 leading research-intensive universities said:

“Maintaining and further enhancing the quality of the academic experience we offer to students is the no.1 priority of 1994 Group universities. Any concerns about the quality and standards of the education we provide must be taken extremely seriously. We therefore warmly welcome the important recommendations of Professor Colin Riordan’s report.”

“Although the report rightly concludes that there is no systematic failure in quality and standards in English HE we must not be complacent. We recognise that more must be done to improve public confidence in quality and standards.”

“The 1994 Group has consistently called for more transparent and accurate information around the student experience to be provided. There is a need across the sector for a wider availability of data and information to better inform the decisions of applicants at all levels, and to help HEIs identify problem areas and work to enhance aspects of the student experience. We welcome the report’s announcement of a review of the public information available.”

“We support the report’s conclusion that the quantity of teaching time does not necessarily equate with quality of teaching or learning, and that there is value in teaching in different ways. We believe that all universities should be clear in communicating to students the distinct features of the academic contact they will receive, including class sizes.”

“The announcement of a UUK review into the external examiner system is a welcome development and we look forward to contributing to this.”

Notes to editors

1. The 1994 Group represents 19 of the UK’s leading research intensive universities. It was established in 1994 to promote excellence in University research and teaching. The Group provides a central vehicle to help members promote their common interests in higher education, respond efficiently to key policy issues, and share best methods and practice. www.1994group.ac.uk
2. 1994 Group members include 10 of the top 18 universities in the UK in The Guardian University Guide League Table published on the 12th May 2009 and 7 of the top 10 universities for student experience are 1994 Group Universities (2009 National Student Survey).
3. The report commissioned by HEFCE into teaching quality and standards is available on www.hefce.ac.uk from Thursday 1st October. The report is based on a major review chaired by Professor Colin Riordan, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Essex (and member of the 1994 Group board) which examined public concerns about quality and standards in higher education.
4. The 1994 Group represents: University of Bath, Birkbeck University of London, Durham University, University of East Anglia, University of Essex, University of Exeter, Goldsmiths University of London, Institute of Education University of London, Royal Holloway University of London, Lancaster University, University of Leicester, Loughborough University, Queen Mary University of London, University of Reading, University of St Andrews, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of Surrey, University of Sussex, University of York