Quality assurance

The AECC University College quality framework outlines the policies and procedures in place to ensure the maintenance of academic standards and the maintenance and enhancement of the student learning experience. Our course specifications let you know what to expect as a student with us.

Governance and leadership
Accreditations

Latest policies

View our academic policies and procedures and read the latest updates. 
View our latest student policies

Accreditations

We are pleased to have been received external approval and endorsement from a number of partners and organisations. 
View our ACCREDITATIONs

 

Quality Assurance

The AECC University College quality framework outlines the policies and procedures in place through which we safeguard and maintain academic standards, and enhance the quality of the student learning experience. The effective implementation of these policies  will enable us to demonstrate that we are achieving the outcomes expected of us, and continue to meet the ongoing  conditions for Registration with the Office for Students, and the Expectations set out in the revised UK Quality Code.

 

 

Introduction to Course Specifications

Course specifications are the defining documents for academic courses and awards approved through the course approval and review process. They include information on:

  • aims of the course
  • intended learning outcomes
  • curriculum content
  • course structure
  • assessment methods
  • learning and teaching methods
  • progression opportunities
  • admission regulations
  • assessment regulations

Go to our separate Course Specifications page to see the framework and course specification for each course being delivered as an award of this institution.

Course specifications may be modified when changes are required, for example, to respond to student feedback, in line with our Course Modification policy, available from the Latest Policies Webpage. The course specifications published here are those which apply to the current (or, for courses  recently approved, the next) intake. Live versions for current students are available internally via the University College’s Virtual Learning Environment, or by request from Registry.

View COURSE SPECIFICATIONS

Previously our courses were validated by Bournemouth University, and some continuing students remain enrolled on courses leading to Bournemouth University awards. If you would like more information about the documentation  which applies to students remaining on courses validated by Bournemouth University, please contact the AECC University College Assistant Registrar (Quality Assurance).  

Course approval and periodic review

All new courses leading to awards of this institution are considered and, if appropriate, approved through our course consideration, approval and periodic review policy and procedures, available from the latest policies page. Our policy is designed to ensure that at course approval/review we are testing and verifying that the academic standards for our courses are set at the appropriate level of the National Qualifications Framework. We use input from at least two external experts in the relevant field to support us in reaching this assessment.

Information on the outcome of recent reviews is available on request to the Assistant Registrar (Quality Assurance).

Many of our courses are accredited by relevant Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies (PSRBs). Information is given in each course specification, where relevant, and on our Accreditations page. Reports of Accreditation visits, where these are in the public domain, will
be available on the website of the relevant body

Academic regulations policies and procedures

All academic regulations and policies specific to this institution are approved by our Academic Board. The key regulations, policies and procedures which affect students are available from the Latest Policies page; any new policies  are added to that page as they are approved.

Students remaining on Bournemouth University awards will continue to follow separate regulations, policies and procedures. These are available internally to students through the
Virtual Learning Environment, and are available externally on request to the Assistant Register (Quality Assurance).

Assessment Boards

The University College operates our Assessment Boards in accordance with our Organisation and Conduct of Assessment Boards Policy and Procedure, available on request from the Assistant Registrar (Quality Assurance).

Our Assessment Regulations are available from the Latest Policies page.

Further information is available on request by e-mail to the Assistant Registrar (Quality Assurance).

How we work with external examiners

Our external examiners are appointed in line with our External Examining Policy and Procedures available from the Latest Policies page. Programmes leading to Bournemouth University awards continue to be overseen by external examiners nominated by this institution and approved by the University. 

External examiners play a leading role in assuring the academic standards and quality of the courses we offer. External examiners offer advice and comment on:

  • whether the academic standards for our courses are appropriately set and maintained in accordance with the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, and relevant professional standards.
  • how standards and student performance at the AECC University College compare with that on similar courses at other higher education institutions.
  • whether our assessment process is fair and rigorous, and is conducted in accordance with our approved policies and procedures.

Each external examiner submits an annual report which we consider in detail; and we prepare a full response to address any recommendations made. We make external examiners’ reports and responses available in full to staff and students within the University College. 

Further information is available from the Assistant Registrar (Quality Assurance).

Partnerships

The University College has policies and procedures in place that enable us to work with academic partners both in the UK and overseas to develop and deliver taught courses in collaboration, in a range of ways, including validation and franchising partnerships. Our policy for considering and approving academic partnerships, and courses delivered in partnership is available from the Latest Policies page. Our Placements policy will be available from the same page shortly.

If you are interested in working with the
University College please contact the Assistant Registrar (Quality Assurance).

 

Student agreement

AECC University College's Student Agreement contains the rules and regulations policies and procedures that will apply to students enrolled on higher education awards of this institution. It forms the basis of a contractual relationship between our students and us. 

You can read the Student Agreement by following the link on our Latest Policies page.

Please contact the Academic Registrar if you are unable to access any of the links to documents or if there is anything in them that you are unsure about and want to discuss.  

Student engagement

AECC University College is a unique, close knit community where staff and students work together to maintain a collegiate, open and safe environment for all aspects of learning and development. Finding out about, and understanding, the student viewpoint is essential for us to maintain and improve the learning experience. We therefore actively encourage student participation and engagement, through both formal and informal means. Our commitment is set out in:

  • our Student Charter, which outlines what the University College will do to help students succeed on their course, and what we expect of students so that they can achieve their own goals. It provides the framework for the learning experience.
  • our Student Engagement Policy (found on our latest policies page). This outlines the opportunities available to students to engage with and take part in quality assurance and enhancement activities including:
     
    • student representation system and student membership of all key academic committees,
      and the Board of Governors
    • feedback through surveys - all students have the opportunity to complete a Programmes Experience Survey annually, and we take part in the National Student Survey (NSS). The results of the surveys are discussed in the relevant committees and action plans are developed in response where required
    • Student Experience Committee, that articulates the University College vision for student experience and drives a programme of student experience activity; promoting and facilitating a two-way channel of communication between students and staff on matters relating to the student experience and enhancement
    • course monitoring, approval and review activities including student membership of
      Panels
    • activities specific to particular courses.

Student complaints and academic appeals

Copies of our Student Complaints and Academic Appeals policies and procedures are available from the latest policies page.

The policies and procedures applying to continuing students enrolled on programmes at this institution which lead to awards of Bournemouth University are available on request.

Public Information Provision Policy Statement

Our Public Information Provision Policy Statement covers information about our academic courses, services, policies and regulations which is published in electronic or printed form. It sets out the principles underpinning our provision of information, and the ways in which we aim to ensure the information we provide about the institution and the learning environment is fit for purpose, accessible and trustworthy.

DOWNLOAD PUBLIC academic INFORMATION POLICY STATEMENT V. 2.3

Further information about these issues or any other queries about academic quality and standards at the AECC University College may be addressed by e-mail to the Assistant Registrar (Quality Assurance).

We use cookies to track usage and preferences. Find out more