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Quality Assurance Committee

Agenda

A meeting of the Quality Assurance Committee (QAC) will be held on Wednesday 30 September 2026 at 2:05pm – 3:55pm at Committee Room 2, University Office, and via Microsoft Teams.

Contact

Mr Liam Dyker, Academic Policy and Quality Manager

Clerk to the Quality Assurance Committee

(email: liam.dyker2@abdn.ac.uk)

For Approval and Discussion

1. Minutes of Previous Meeting (QAC/300926/001)

2. Matters Arising and Action Log (QAC/300926/002) 

3. Committee Governance

• 1. Remit and Composition (QAC/300926/003)
  2. Appointments to the Senate (1 Vacancy) (Oral Item)

Presenter: Clerk

4. Programme Approval Framework 2026/27 and 2027/28 (QAC/300926/004)

Presenter: JP Mynott

Members of the Committee are invited to discuss and approve the Programme Approval Framework for academic years 2026-27 and 2027-28.

5. Internal Teaching Review (ITR)

1.  ITR Report for School of Law (QAC/300926/005)

Presenter: Jacqui Hutchison

2.  ITR Report for School of Social Science (QAC/300926/006)

Presenter: Faye Hendry

Members of the Committee are invited to consider and approve the Internal Teaching Review (ITR) Reports for the Schools of (i) Law, and (ii) Social Science.

6. External Quality Review

(i) TQER Action Plan (QAC/300926/007)

Presenter: Chair and/or Emma Tough

Members of the Committee are invited to discuss and approve the TQER Action Plan.

(ii) Self-Evaluation and Action Plan Thematic Report (QAC/300926/008)

Presenter: Chair and/or Emma Tough

Members of the Committee are invited to discuss the SEAP Thematic Report.

(iii) Policy Review Plan 2026/27 (QAC/300926/009)

Presenter: Chair and/or Emma Tough

Members of the Committee are invited to discuss and approve the Policy Review Plan for 2026/27.

(iv) SFC Review of National Awarding Arrangements (QAC/300926/010)

Presenter: Chair

Members of the Committee are invited to discuss the University findings in the SFC Review of National Awarding Arrangements.

7. Annual Monitoring Updates (QAC/300926/011)

Presenter: Chair and/or Clerk

Members of the Committee are invited to discuss and approve the updates to the Annual Monitoring Process.

8. Qatar Partnership Operating Model (POM) (QAC/300926/012)

Presenter: Nadia DeGama

Members of the Committee are invited to discuss and approve the Qatar Partnership Operating Model for implementation in academic year 2026/27. 

9. Periodic Partnership Quality Review (QAC/300926/013)

Presenter: Chair and/or Clerk

Members of the Committee are invited to discuss and approve the proposed Periodic Partnership Quality Review.

10. Update on the Appeals and Complaints Processes for 2026/27 (QAC/300926/014)

Presenter: Chair

Members of the Committee are invited to discuss and endorse the Updates to the Appeals and Complaints Processes for 2026/27.

11. University Mapping to the UK Quality Code for Higher Education (2024)

Presenter: Clerk

• • Principle 1: Taking a strategic approach to managing quality and standards (QAC/300926/015)
  • Principle 2: Engaging students as partners (QAC/300926/016)
  • Principle 3: Resourcing delivery of a high-quality learning experience (QAC/300926/017)

Members of the Committee are invited to consider and approve the updates to the UK Quality Code Institutional Mapping for Principles 1 to 3.

12. Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Committee will take place on Wednesday 18 November 2026 at 2:05pm at Committee Room 2, University Office and via Microsoft Teams.

13. Items for Routine Approval (see below) 

14. Items for Information (see below) 

For Routine Approval

13.1  Students’ Progress Committee Remit and Compositions 2026/27

(i) Students’ Progress Committee (QAC/300926/018)

(ii) Students’ Progress Committee (Healthcare) (QAC/300926/019)

Presenter: Clerk, if required

Members of the Committee are invited to approve, by routine approval, the Students’ Progress Committee Remits and Compositions.

13.2 Fitness to Practise Committee Remit and Compositions 2026/27

(i) Fitness to Practise Committee (Education) (QAC/300926/020)

(ii) Fitness to Practise Committee (Healthcare) (QAC/300926/021)

Presenter: Clerk, if required

Members of the Committee are invited to approve, by routine approval, the Fitness to Practise Committee Remits and Compositions.

For Information

14.1 Report from the Students’ Progress Committee (QAC/300926/022)

Presenter: Clerk, if required

Members of the Committee are invited to note the report from the SPC meeting which took place on 28 May 2026.

14.2 Matters Approved by Circulation and Convenor’s Action (Transnational Education and Partnerships-Related)

(i) Northwest University TNE Project

1. 1. Education Policy (QAC/300926/023a)
   2. Term Dates (QAC/300926/023b)
   3. Regulatory Requirements (QAC/300926/023c)

(ii) Athens University of Economics and Business Cooperation Protocol (QAC/300926/024)

(iii) Grade Mapping for China University of Geosciences (Beijing) (CUGB) and Northwest University (NWU) (QAC/300926/025)

(iii) Qatar Campus Term Dates 2026/27 (QAC/300926/026)

(iv) 黑料网 Mumbai: Approaches to Quality Assurance and Education Policy (QAC/300926/027)

Presenter: Clerk, if required

Members of the Committee are invited to note the matters approved by Circulation and Convenor’s Action (TNE and Partnerships-Related).

14.3 Matters Approved by Circulation and Convenor’s Action (Assessment-Related)

(i) MA2509 Scaled Assessment (QAC/300926/028)

(ii) Study Abroad Student Pathway (QAC/300926/029)

(iii) Updates to Examining Research Degrees Guidance and PGR Code of Practice (QAC/300926/030)

Presenter: Clerk, if required

Members of the Committee are invited to note the matters approved by Circulation and Convenor’s Action (Assessment-Related).

14.4 Matters Approved by Circulation and Convenor’s Action (Admissions-Related)

(i) Articulation Pathways 2027/28 (QAC/300926/031)

(ii) Entry Requirements for BSc Data Science and BSc Computing Science Programmes

The Chair approved, on behalf of the QAC, a proposed change as follows for the BSc Data Science and BSc Computing Science entry requirements:

• • Current requirement: Two Mathematics/Science subjects
  • Proposed requirement: Either Mathematics OR any two Science subjects 

The proposed change;

• Aligns our requirements more closely with competitor institutions (many of whom require Mathematics only)
• Supports widening the applicant pool, including key markets such as Mumbai, without compromising academic standards 

(iii) Entry Requirements for MSci Chemistry with Industrial Placement

The Chair approved, on behalf of the QAC, a proposed change to align the MSci Chemistry with Industrial Placement entry requirements with the BSc Chemistry, rather than the MChem, given the MSci is identical to the BSc with the added industrial placement as the only difference.

Presenter: Clerk, if req

Members of the Committee are invited to note the matters approved by Circulation and Convenor’s Action (Admissions-Related).

14.5 Matters Approved by Circulation and Convenor’s Action (Graduation-Related)

(i) Winter Graduations 2026 (QAC/300926/032)

Presenter: Clerk, if required

Members of the Committee are invited to note the matters approved by Circulation and Convenor’s Action (Graduation-Related).

14.6 Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies

(i) Association for Simulated Practice in Healthcare (QAC/300926/033)

Presenter: Clerk, if required

Members of the Committee are invited to note the matters related to Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies.

14.7 Medical Schools Council: Applied Knowledge Test

Presenter: Clerk, if required

The Committee is invited to note that the for the Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) 2024/25 has been published by the Medical Schools Council.

14.8 SFC Guidance on Quality for Colleges and Universities 2024-25 to 2030-31 (Refresh) (QAC/300926/034)

Presenter: Chair or Clerk, if required

Members of the Committee are invited to note the updated Scottish Funding Council (SFC) Guidance on Quality for Colleges and Universities 2024-25 to 2030-31 (Refresh).

14.9 Implementation of Changes to the Code of Practice on Student Discipline (Academic) (QAC/300926/035)

Presenter: Chair or Clerk, if required

Members of the Committee are invited to note the Implementation of Changes to the Code of Practice on Student Discipline (Academic).

Previous Agendas

Quality Assurance Committee

Digest

Date of Meeting: [30/09/2026]

This digest provides a short summary of the outcome of the meeting of the Quality Assurance Committee held on 30 September 2026. Staff can access the full agendas and papers on the University webpages.

Committee Governance

The Committee discussed the Remit and Composition for academic year 2026/27, and noted there was 1 vacancy for a QAC representative on the University Senate.

Programme Approval Framework 2026/27 and 2027/28

The QAC approved the Programme Approval Framework for 2026/27 and 2027/28.

Internal Teaching Review

(i)             ITR Report for School of Law

The QAC approved the ITR Report for the School of Law, and noted good practice in respect of the positive student experience across all campuses and partnerships; strong collaboration between academic and professional services staff; innovative teaching practices; effective student support and feedback mechanisms; strong employability provision and links to Careers; commitment to EDI and widening access; and student opportunities, particularly in relation to student societies.  

(ii)            ITR Report for School of Social Science

The QAC approved the ITR Report for the School of Social Science, and noted good practice regarding decolonising the curriculum, which was highlighted as a strength; strong collaboration between academic and professional services staff; team teaching working collaboratively across courses and programmes; ongoing positive work regarding EDI; and strong links with the Careers Service.

External Quality Review

(i)             Tertiary Quality Enhancement Review Action Plan

The QAC approved the Tertiary Quality Enhancement Review Action Plan.

(ii)            Self-Evaluation and Action Plan Thematic Report

The Committee discussed the Self-Evaluation and Action Plan Thematic Report.

(iii)          Policy Review Plan 2026/27

Members of the Committee approved the Policy Review Plan for 2026/27, noting the primary areas of focus of reorganisation of the Academic Quality Handbook, updates reflecting the revised academic structure, undergraduate assessment and Fitness to Practise Procedures.

(iv)          SFC Review of National Awarding Arrangements

The Committee discussed the University’s findings in the SFC Review of National Awarding Arrangements.

Annual Monitoring Updates

The QAC approved the updates to the University’s Annual Monitoring process, subject to amendment.

Qatar Partnership Operating Model

The QAC approved the Qatar Partnership Operating Model.

Periodic Partnership Quality Review

The QAC approved the new process for Periodic Partnership Quality Review, scheduled to take effect from academic year 2026/27.

Update on the Appeals & Complaints Processes for 2026/27

The QAC approved the updates in respect of the Appeals & Complaints Processes for 2026/27.

University Mapping to the UK Quality Code for Higher Education (2024)

The QAC approved the updates to the University Mapping to the UK Quality Code as follows:

• Principle 1: Taking a strategic approach to managing quality and standards
• Principle 2: Engaging students as partners
• Principle 3: Resourcing delivery of a high-quality learning experience

Students’ Progress Committee Remits & Compositions 2026/27

The Committee approved the Remits and Compositions for (i) Students’ Progress Committee; and (ii) Students’ Progress Committee (Healthcare) in 2026/27.

Fitness to Practise Committee Remits & Compositions 2026/27

The Committee approved the Remits and Compositions for (i) Fitness to Practise Committee (Education); and (ii) Fitness to Practise Committee (Healthcare) in 2026/27.

Report from the Students’ Progress Committee

Members of the QAC noted the Report from the Students’ Progress Committee.

Matters Approved by Circulation and Convenor’s Action

The QAC noted the following matters approved by circulation or by Convenor’s Action:

Transnational Education and Partnerships-Related

1. Northwest University TNE Project
   1. Education Policy (copy filed as QAC/300926/023a)
   2. Term Dates (copy filed as QAC/300926/023b)
   3. Regulatory Requirements (copy filed as QAC/300926/023c)
2. Athens University of Economics and Business Cooperation Protocol (copy filed as QAC/300926/024)
3. Grade Mapping for China University of Geosciences (Beijing) (CUGB) and Northwest University (NWU) (copy filed as QAC/300926/025)
4. Qatar Campus Term Dates 2026/27 (copy filed as QAC/300926/026)
5. 黑料网 Mumbai: Approaches to Quality Assurance and Education Policy (copy filed as QAC/300926/027)

Assessment-Related

1. MA2509 Scaled Assessment (copy filed as QAC/300926/028)
2. Study Abroad Student Pathway (copy filed as QAC/300926/029)
3. Updates to Examining Research Degrees Guidance and PGR Code of Practice (copy filed as QAC/300926/030)

Admissions-Related

1. Articulation Pathways 2027/28 (copy filed as QAC/300926/031)
2. Entry Requirements for BSc Data Science and BSc Computing Science Programmes

The Chair approved, on behalf of the QAC, a proposed change as follows for the BSc Data Science and BSc Computing Science entry requirements:

• Current requirement: Two Mathematics/Science subjects
• Proposed requirement: Either Mathematics OR any two Science subjects 

The proposed change;

• Aligns our requirements more closely with competitor institutions (many of whom require Mathematics only)
• Supports widening the applicant pool, including key markets such as Mumbai, without compromising academic standards

1. Entry Requirements for MSci Chemistry with Industrial Placement

The Chair approved, on behalf of the QAC, a proposed change to align the MSci Chemistry with Industrial Placement entry requirements with the BSc Chemistry, rather than the MChem, given the MSci is identical to the BSc with the added industrial placement as the only difference.

Graduation-Related

1. Winter Graduations 2026 (copy filed as QAC/300926/032)

Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies

The QAC noted the the matters pertaining to professional, statutory and regulatory bodies as it relates to Association for Simulated Practice in Healthcare.

Medical Schools Council: Applied Knowledge Test

The Committee noted that the for the Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) 2024/25 has been published by the Medical Schools Council.

SFC Guidance on Quality for Colleges and Universities 2024-25 to 2030-31 (Refresh)

The Committee noted the updated SFC Guidance on Quality for Colleges and Universities 2024-25 to 2030-31.

Implementation of Changes to the Code of Practice on Student Discipline (Academic)

Members of the Committee noted the update in respect of implementation of changes to the Code of Practice on Student Discipline (Academic).

Any questions regarding the Quality Assurance Committee digest should be directed to quality@abdn.ac.uk.

(To be reviewed annually at last meeting of committee cycle with proposed changes to be considered by Senate)

To be responsible to the Senatus Academicus for the strategic oversight of:

1. the quality assurance of undergraduate, postgraduate taught and taught elements of postgraduate research provision;
2. the development of policies and practices for the assurance of the quality of the University's education provisions, particularly in relation to the design, implementation, evaluation and review of mechanisms for the quality assurance and quality enhancement of education provision;
3. the safeguarding of academic standards.

The Quality Assurance Committee shall:

• In consultation with School Education Committees, and the Graduate School (PGR) as appropriate, review proposals for (a) the introduction of new courses and programmes of study (b) amendments to existing courses and programmes, and (c) the withdrawal of existing courses and programmes, and make appropriate recommendations;
• Approve changes to the Regulations for Certificates and Diplomas and to General and Supplementary Regulations for Degrees in advance of their incorporation into a formal draft Resolution for consideration by Senate;
• Oversee the quality assurance of taught courses and programmes through scrutiny of reports from the Annual Course Review (ACR) Exercise, Annual Programme Review (APR) Exercise, External Examiner Reports, Internal Teaching Review Reports and Reports from Professional, Statutory & Regulatory Bodies, as applicable; and address any policy issues that arise, as appropriate;
• Be responsible for co-ordinating a regular programme of Internal Teaching Reviews for monitoring and reviewing courses and programmes of study and consider and recommend to Senate revisions to the procedures for Internal Teaching Review, as necessary;
• Be responsible, on behalf of Senate, for the oversight of the University's engagement with the work of the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), including Enhancement-led Institutional Review (ELIR);
• Informed by the work of the Academic Policy and Regulations Group, have oversight of the development, implementation and regular review of University policy relating to educational provision in regard to undergraduate, postgraduate taught and taught elements of postgraduate research provision ensuring their alignment to the QAA Quality Code, the wider Academic Infrastructure, legal compliance (e.g. equality, diversity and inclusion) and other relevant external reference points, seeking input from the University Education Committee, as appropriate, prior to recommending new policies or revisions to Senate for approval;
• Ensure that collaborative partnership agreements meet University quality assurance requirements and monitor the quality of provision provided by collaborative partners through the scrutiny of annual reports and recommend to Senate revisions to the procedures for the approval and oversight of collaborative provision, as necessary;
• In partnership with Aberdeen University Students' Association, ensure effective student engagement and representation of student voices in the University's quality framework;
• Monitor the quality of work-based learning provision and study abroad opportunities;
• Appoint from its membership, four members to serve on Senate, ex officio, as required;
• Oversee issues relating to student progress, including the establishment of Student Progress Committees and Fitness to Practise Committees, as appropriate, and make recommendations to the Senate for the discontinuation of attendance, as appropriate;
• Ensure regular review of academic appeals, complaints and academic discipline to identify any trends or issues which require to be addressed;
• Review annual reports from the Students' Progress Committee;
• Act on behalf of Senate, after consultation with Heads of School to: a. approve dates of terms; b. approve deadline for refusal of class certificates; c. approve deadlines for return of examination results; d. approve arrangements for graduation ceremonies; e. approve changes to minimum entry requirements.
• Work closely with the University Education Committee and its sub-committees in regard to any matters for which there are quality assurance implications;
• Undertake such other functions as may be referred to the Committee by Senate.

Members' Responsibilities:

Each member will ensure that they consult with their own School, through their School Education Committee and other forums, on relevant matters, and provide feedback into QAC which represents the views of their School. Each School member of the Quality Assurance Committee shall have delegated authority to have oversight, on behalf of the Quality Assurance Committee, for their area of responsibility.

Chair: Professor Steven Tucker

Clerk: Liam Dyker

Email: liam.dyker2@abdn.ac.uk

Attendance Records

Previous Attendance Records

• Attendance Records for 2020/21
• Attendance Records for 2019/20
• Attendance Records for 2018/19
• Attendance Records for 2017/18

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• QE-TNE Survey Response