This course provides a comprehensive exploration of external quality assurance (EQA) systems in higher education. Students will examine the conceptual foundations and evolving frameworks used to define, measure, and ensure quality in higher education institutions. The course delves into the diverse roles, functions, and operational contexts of EQA agencies across different national and regional settings, with particular attention to the distinctions between audit, assessment, and accreditation processes. Emphasis is placed on how agencies navigate varying policy environments and institutional affiliations to fulfil their mandates. Part 2 of this course will build on this by looking at the planning of visits and preparing the quality assurance team report.
Additionally, the course investigates the emergence and impact of international and national networks of EQA agencies. Students will analyse how these networks foster collaboration, address common challenges, and shape global and regional quality assurance agendas. Case illustrations and real-world examples are used to promote critical thinking about QA practices and to support the development of contextually appropriate EQA systems. The course is particularly suited to career professionals seeking formal credentials in higher education quality assurance; academic administrators, faculty, and institutional staff involved in QA processes; and individuals wishing to enter the field of tertiary education management from related sectors. Delivered fully online, the course is facilitator-led and structured into three modules comprising 15 units. Learning takes place through a combination of interactive sessions, group work, case studies, and the use of supplementary resources available through the Learning Exchange platform. Assessment is 100% continuous, with a blend of formative and summative tasks designed to evaluate student engagement, critical analysis, and application of concepts to practical QA scenarios.
