QAA publishes report on Milton Keynes College

The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) has published a report on standards and quality at Milton Keynes College (the College) following its review in March 2016.

A team of QAA reviewers visited the College and judged that the academic standards of the awards it offers on behalf of degree-awarding bodies and other awarding organisations, and the enhancement of its student learning opportunities, meet UK expectations.

However, reviewers judged that the quality of its student learning opportunities does not meet UK expectations and the quality of the information about its learning opportunities requires improvement to meet UK expectations.

The review report made a number of recommendations to the College, including:

• review and further develop the effectiveness of the online personal development planning process for students

• ensure effective management oversight of the policy and arrangements for placements and work-related activities

• ensure that all information is fit for purpose, accessible and trustworthy.

Dr Julie Mills, Principal and CEO of Milton Keynes College, said: ‘Whilst the College is disappointed by the outcome of the review, the report recognises much good practice linked to the quality of higher education at Milton Keynes College. The review team has highlighted key recommendations for improvement that the College is already working hard to address.

‘We are very confident that the two expectations that require improvement will be addressed quickly and that the strong performance linked to all other QAA Quality Code expectations will be maintained and built upon.’

QAA’s Higher Education Reviews are carried out by experts from other universities and colleges. Every review team includes a student reviewer, because QAA believes that students should be partners in the quality assurance of their education.

The review team comprised Dr David Mayall (University of Derby), Daphne Rowlands (independent reviewer) and Dr Axel Palmer (student reviewer, University of the West of England, Bristol).