Brussels, 03/09/2015 (Agence Europe) - On 3 September, the European University Association (EUA) published two new studies on the theme of quality assurance. The first one ESG Part 1: Are universities ready? highlights current trends in quality assurance in Europe. It also explores the impact on universities of implementing new standards and new guidelines adopted in the field of quality assurance and higher education in Europe (ESG).
Although the different analyses demonstrate improvements over recent years in quality assurance in higher education establishments, there are still a number of areas that require more sustained attention from decision-makers in the different institutions and those in charge of quality assurance. Improvements need to be made, for example, in areas that involve linking quality assurance to strategic management, implementing student-centred learning and developing robust measures for revising programmes.
The second study is addressed to the institutions that have developed their own internal quality systems as part of the EUREQA project (Empowering universities to fulfil their responsibility for quality assurance), which was set up as part of the European Tempus programme. The EUREQA Moments! Top tips for internal quality assurance publication provides a practical and concise guide for the different educational establishments concerned. It summarises the essential characteristics in internal quality assurance by providing examples of “good practices” put into place since implementation of the EUREQA project three years ago. (Isabelle Lamberty)