CAQA News

December 2024

  • The next step in the creation of our Medical School was taken with the successful validation of the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme.  This was a great event, with valuable contributions from everyone involved, reflected in the award of six commendations.
  • The School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science saw the successful validation of the Engineering with Foundation Year programme to be delivered at our partner West Herts College.
    The panel made the following commendations:
    - Excellent learning facilities provided by West Herts College
    - The programme is unique in combining classes at the College and at the University, which prepares students well for their transition to the University at level 4.
    - Strong evidence of diverse learning and teaching strategies
    - Variety of staff expertise from the College and the University
    - Excellent student support provided by West Herts College and the University
    - Incorporation of CDIO collaborative framework
    - The members of the development team, both at the University of Hertfordshire and at West Herts College for their dedication and hard work in preparing themselves and the documentation for this event within a relatively short time period.
  • The Hertfordshire Business School saw the successful validation of the MBA with a suite of awards and the MSc International Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management at our partner Success Point College in Sharjah (UAE). The development team received no less than 5 commendations. The team from Success Point were so enthusiastic and we look forward to working with them in the future. The programme (subject to approval by the VC) will commence in May 2025. Congratulations to all, including those in HBS who have supported so ably the College.

November 2024

  • The Hertfordshire Business School welcomed the accreditation of the Anderson Senior Leader Apprenticeship – PG Diploma in Healthcare leadership (Senior Leader Apprenticeship) and MSc Healthcare Leadership Programme. The development team received the following commendations:
    - A strong cross School collaboration in the development of the resources and teams required to deliver this EGA SLA and the early establishment of networks with other HEIs
    - Excellent consideration of the support that apprentices at this level of seniority will need both in the workplace and at the University
    - Very engaged and enthusiastic NHS colleagues with a strong commitment to developing and supporting their staff  
    - A passionate, enthusiastic programme team with high ambitions for their apprentices
    - Exemplary submission document
  • A periodic review of the MEng (Hons)/ BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering Programme took place in the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science, with a very positive outcome. The programme was reapproved and in recognition of their hard work the development team received six commendations:
    - Excellent engagement with the review process, showing responsiveness to student feedback
    - A well-redesigned programme, supported by significant investment in aerospace facilities
    _-Specialised Module Routes give the students options that will be useful for the workplace. It is clear to see how this would prepare students for different career directions
    - The student-focus of the programme comes through in the documentation and is commendable
    - The programme offers vibrant co-curricular activities, which will be recognised on student transcripts, enhancing their employability prospects
    - Engaged and enthusiastic students
  • The School of Health and Social Work saw the validation of a new  Master of Research programme MRes in Health and Social Care. The panel awarded  the development team with four great commendations:
    - The progressive approach to the focus on lived experience and EDI. 
    - Comprehensive, evidence-based programme that is responsive to the need for increased promotion of research in underrepresented healthcare professions. 
    - A well-constructed programme with authentic assessments to prepare students for future roles in research. 
    - Admirable navigation by the programme development team of competing stakeholder demands and a tight timescale.
  • We're happy to report that the  School of Life and Medical  Sciences has successfully  validated the  BSc (Hons) Nutrition and Dietetics to be taught at our franchise partner, Global Academic Foundation in Egypt. The development  team accrued 7 commendations:
    - Evidence of a strong working partnership between the team at GAF, placement providers and the University.
    - The applied nature of the programme with a good breadth and diversity of clinical experiences which will prepare graduates for employment.
    - The availability of Study abroad opportunities.
    - Exceptional quality assurance arrangements for practice placement learning.
    - Excellent support provided by academic staff and personal tutors, and the responsiveness of staff to issues of concern, as reported by the students.
    - Impressive simulation and nutrition and dietetic laboratory facilities to prepare students for placement experiences and future employment.
    - Excellent learning opportunities / resources in the context of placement e.g. engagement in staff workshops, conferences, group educations, opportunities for resource development and research.
  • Congratulations to the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science for the successful validation of a level 6 top-up programme  BSc (Hons) Applied Computing and Artificial Intelligence. The panel made the following commendations:
    - The programme offers a broad range of opportunities for personalisation, allowing students to choose topics and assessment formats to achieve the same module learning outcomes.
    - The Programme design thoughtfully integrates input from diverse stakeholders, including academics, industry experts, and students.
    - An excellent submission from a strong development team.

October 2024

  • The Hertfordshire Business School saw the validation of the PgDip Senior People Practice (Higher Apprenticeship) and MSc Strategic Human Resource Management (Top Up).  The development team were recognised with the following commendations:
    - Strong professional and industry relevant backgrounds of core team which will no doubt develop communities of expert practice with apprentices 
    - Excellent resources in all areas, staff, learning and physical, and in particular
    consideration of dedicated space for apprentices
    - Well-developed and considered approach to developing communities with employers
    which will permeate this subject area in HBS
    - Opportunity for a MSc award post apprenticeship that has been well considered from
    the position of transition for the apprentices
    - A passionate, cohesive, responsive team
    -  Reinforcing the focus on the apprenticeship rather than the qualification by running a 2-day induction prior to commencing the taught programme is particularly important to the adult learner who may have been out of education for some time
  • We held an Introduction to the CEP workshop this month. University staff can see a recording of the workshop here (login required).
  • A very successful review of the BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy programme has taken place  in the School of Health and Social Work.  The panel recognised the excellent work of the development team with the following commendations:
    - Evidence of highly committed dedicated and cohesive programme team
    - The contribution of experts by experience throughout the whole programme journey
    - Adoption of innovative pedagogical techniques to support student learning (e.g. Simulation Based Education and peer teaching)
    - Collaboration with and responsiveness to learning and feedback from key programme stakeholders
    - Positive feedback from students evidencing an excellent student experience
  • The 5th Cohort of the Programme Leader Development Programme will commence on the 9th October 2025, with 43 participants.
  • The Continuous Enhancement Planning guidance for the current academic year is now available on the CEP page and in the CEP Teams channel for Herts staff.
  • Congratulations to the School of Health and Social Work for the successful validation of a new programme, BSc (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy  (Degree Apprenticeship), which will be available to students from  January 2025. The programme development team received the following commendations:
    - Strong evidence of co-design and co-production with employers and other stakeholders including experts by experience
    - Excellent collaboration with employers, who demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting apprentices
    - Exemplary submission documentation to support the development of this new degree apprenticeship within a short timeframe