Quality Assurance

The University prides itself in the quality of our teaching and of the learning experience we provide. In our mission for Consolidating Excellence (Strategic Plan 2023-2026). special care is being taken to ensure that students are at the centre of all we do.

Our Quality Assurance policy and Quality Handbook are designed to ensure students are treated fairly and equally and that the University is able to maintain and safeguard the academic standards of all our taught programmes and research degrees.

The Quality Assurance Policy sets out the University’s principles and approach to quality. The purpose of the policy is to support our strategic objectives by continuously enhancing the quality of the student experience while simultaneously safeguarding academic standards and integrity.

Detailed procedures for the implementation of this policy are contained in the Quality Handbook which embodies our academic regulations and a comprehensive set of Codes of Practice.

Quality Assurance Policy
Learning and Teaching Policy
Attendance and Engagement Policy

QAA Global Accreditation

The University is delighted to have achieved global accreditation from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), the UK’s independent quality body and a global leader in quality assurance for higher education.
The global accreditation, obtained for a period of five years, is awarded to international institutions which have passed the QAA’s rigorous International Quality Review (IQR), which measures global institutions against international quality assurance standards set out in Part 1 of the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG).
The nearly three-year process took the form of a thorough review of the University’s governance, learning and teaching, and internal quality assurance procedures.
Read Quality Review Report Here
QAA IQR Action Plan

Quality Handbook 23/24

The University of Gibraltar’s vision is to become an institution of excellence in teaching, learning and research.

Our Quality Handbook sets out the Academic Regulations for taught programmes and research degrees and our Codes of Practice which together enable us to meet academic standards and deliver a high quality education experience.

Explore the Handbook

Section A - Introduction to the Quality Handbook

The Introduction to the Quality Handbook provides guidance on the Codes and Regulations in the Handbook.
Part I of this Introduction explains how to use the Handbook i.e how it is structured, key concepts and terminology.
Part II contains Quick Guides which summarise the key areas covered in each section of the Handbook.

A1 Introduction to QA Handbook

Section B - Academic Governance

Academic Governance refers to the mechanisms for, and process through which, the University ensures that it exercises its degree-awarding powers properly, including transparently, fairly and rigorously. It is therefore the means through which the University ensures that its higher education qualifications are consistent with national and international expectations, comparable with other universities, and are only awarded where students have met the published requirements for the programme and qualification demonstrated through fair, valid and reliable assessments. It is therefore part of the overall governance of the University but focused specifically on its higher education provision through:

  1. the Board of Governors;
  2. the Academic Board as the ‘senior academic authority’ of the University; and
  3. the Academic Board’s two sub-committees with authority on academic matters: Academic Quality and Standards Committee (taught programmes) and Research and Research Degrees Committee (research degrees).

 

 

 

 

Leadership page

Section C - Taught Programmes

Section C contains the University’s regulations and Codes of Practice that apply to all taught academic programmes. (see Section D for Research degrees).

C1 - Academic Regulations: Taught Programmes
The Academic Regulations for all taught programmes leading to the award of a higher education qualification are contained in this document.  The regulations define the requirements and regulations for progression on University of Gibraltar programmes, and for the awarding of a qualification.
C1 Academic Regulations Taught Programmes
C2 - Approval, Amendment and withdrawal of programmes and modules (taught programmes)
This Code covers all aspects of the University’s quality assurance procedures for the approval of new programmes and modules, and their amendment and withdrawal.
C2 Programme approval
C3 - Recruitment, Selection and Admission (taught programmes)
This Code sets out the procedures for recruitment, selection and admission of students to taught programmes. Applications for admission will only be considered if the applicant meets the University’s entry requirements.
C3 Recruitment Selection and Admission Taught Programmes
C4 - Recognition of Prior Learning (taught programmes)
This Code provides definitions of types of prior learning and sets out the criteria and procedures for applying. Recognition is determined by a specifically established Panel comprising internal and external experts.
C4 Recognition of Prior Learning
C5 - Placement Learning (taught programmes)
Placement learning is an integral part of a number of the University of Gibraltar’s academic programmes. This Code explains the principles and sets out the processes, responsibilities and requirements of all parties involved in student placements.
C5 Placement Learning
C6 - Assessment Procedures (taught programmes)
This Code sets out the University’s arrangements for:

  • The conduct of examinations which form part of the summative assessment of modules, where those examinations are organised by the University in designated examination rooms.
  • ‘Class-based assessments’ – other forms of summative assessment which are the responsibility of the Programme Co-ordinator or other member of teaching staff.
C6 Assessment Procedures
C7 - Academic Misconduct (taught programmes)
The University is committed to the principles and practice of academic integrity. This Code defines the roles and responsibilities of staff and students for upholding sound practice. Definitions of types of academic misconduct are provided alongside the procedures for investigating allegations and the penalties which can be imposed (ranging from a University Warning through to termination of programme without award).
C7 Academic Misconduct
C8 - Fitness to Practise (taught programmes)
Fitness to Practise regulations apply to programmes which enable students to seek to qualify to practise a particular profession. Students on these programmes need to display the conduct, behaviour and character expected by the relevant regulatory body for the profession. This Code defines how such expectations are judged and provides for the fair and transparent investigation and determination of matters where a student’s fitness to practise is in doubt.
C8 Fitness to Practise
C9 - Boards of Examiners (taught programmes)
The Board of Examiners (for taught programmes) acts on behalf of the University’s Academic Board on all aspects of the assessment and in determining the progression and awarding of qualifications for students on taught programmes. This Code sets out the remit, roles and responsibilities of the Board and those involved in the assessment process.
C9 Boards of Examiners
C10 - External Examiners (taught programmes)
The University adheres to the system of external examining used by universities in the UK. External examiners are experienced academics and/or professionals who provide an independent view of the work of the University and assist it in safeguarding academic standards and simultaneously delivering a high quality student learning experience. This Code details the criteria for appointing suitably qualified external examiners and the important role they fulfil.
C10 External Examiners
C11 - Academic Appeals (taught programmes)
This Code sets out the University’s arrangements for academic appeals and the grounds on which appeals may be considered. Students wishing to appeal against decisions made about assessment outcomes, their progression or award should refer to this Code for guidance on the process and the grounds on which appeals may be considered.
C11 Academic Appeals
C12 - Programme Monitoring and Review (taught programmes)
This Code sets out the University’s approach to the annual monitoring and review of academic programmes. The process focuses on identifying opportunities to enhance the quality of learning opportunities and on embedding effective practice and innovation across the University. C12 Programme monitoring and review
C13 - Periodic Developmental Review (taught programmes)
The University reviews its programmes on a six-yearly cycle with the first Periodic Development Reviews expected to happen in 2024.
C13 Programme Periodic Development Review
C14 - Observation and Development of Teaching, Learning and Assessment (taught programmes)
This Code sets out the University’s principles and procedures for observation and development of staff involved in the delivery of learning, teaching and assessment. The Observation and Development Scheme is designed to prompt reflection on practice and to share effective and innovative practice.
C14 Observation and Development of Teaching & Learning
C15 Micro-credentials
C15 Micro-credentials

Section D - Research Degrees

Section D sets out the regulations and procedures for research degrees including MPhil/PhD by research and PhD by publication. It brings together in ten chapters all aspects of research degree provision, and matters specific to research degrees.

D1 Academic Regulations Research Degrees

Section E - Information, Advice, Guidance and Support

E1 - Information, Advice, Guidance and Support
This Code sets out the University’s commitment to, and arrangements for, providing information to prospective, current and former students, and the wider public. It also provides details of the various sources of advice, guidance and support that are available to students.
E1 Information, Advice, Guidance and Support
E2 - Student Contract - Terms and Conditions
This Code sets out the obligations and expectations placed on both students and the University as part of the contract between the University and each of its students.
E2 Student Contract Terms and Conditions
E3 - Student Protection
This Code sets out the University’s commitment to the protection of the interests of students specifically in relation to their entitlement to complete their programme on the same Terms and Conditions and in largely the same form as promised when they accepted a place on the programme.
E3 Student Protection
E4 - Reasonable Adjustments
This Code sets out the University’s procedures for providing reasonable adjustments and alternative assessment arrangements for students with disabilities, long-term or mental health conditions.
E4 Reasonable Adjustments
E5- Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedure
This document sets out the Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary procedure which applies to all students. It sets out the standards of behaviour students are expected to abide by and the University’s procedures for dealing with unacceptable behaviour and the penalties for misconduct and offences.
E5 Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedure

Section F - Students as Partners

The University is committed to working with students as partners in monitoring and enhancing their learning experience. This Code explains the opportunities and mechanisms for involving students in its decision-making and thereby helping to achieve these aims.

F1 Students as Partners

Section G - Complaints by Students

The University aims to ensure that complaints are resolved, fairly and at the earliest opportunity.  The University’s procedures for how to make a complaint and how complaints are handled are explained in this Code.

 

G1 Complaints by Students

Section H - Academic Partnerships and Collaborative Provision

This Code defines partnerships according to five levels, indicating the complexity and perceived risk, and sets out approval requirements for each level. The Code is underpinned by a process which emphasises proportionality. It focuses on due diligence and the assessment of the risks and benefits.  The Code also covers the monitoring, review and termination of Academic Partnerships.

H1  Academic Partnerships and Collaborative Provision H1 Register of Academic Partnerships

Previous Versions

Quality Handbook 23/24

D1 Academic Regulations Research Degrees superseded 24Oct23

Quality Handbook 22/23

A1 Introduction to QA Handbook Leadership page
C1 Academic Regulations Taught Programmes C2 Programme approval
C3 Recruitment Selection and Admission Taught Programmes C4 Recognition of Prior Learning
C5 Placement Learning C6 Assessment Procedures
C7 Academic Misconduct C8 Fitness to Practise
C9 Boards of Examiners C10 External Examiners
C11 Academic Appeals C12 Programme monitoring and review
C13 Programme Periodic Development Review C14 Observation and Development of Teaching & Learning
D1 Academic Regulations Research Degrees E1 Information, Advice, Guidance and Support
E2 Student Contract Terms and Conditions E3 Student Protection
E4 Reasonable Adjustments E5 Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedure
F1 Students as Partners G1 Complaints by Students
H1  Academic Partnerships and Collaborative Provision H1 Register of Academic Partnerships

Quality Handbook 21/22

A1 Introduction to QA Handbook Leadership page
C1 Academic Regulations Taught Programmes C2 Programme approval
C3 Recruitment Selection and Admission Taught Programmes C4 Recognition of Prior Learning
C5 Placement Learning C6 Assessment Procedures
C7 Academic Misconduct C8 Fitness to Practise
C9 Boards of Examiners C10 External Examiners
C11 Academic Appeals C12 Programme monitoring and review
C13 Programme Periodic Development Review C14 Observation and Development of Teaching & Learning
D1 Academic Regulations Research Degrees E1 Information, Advice, Guidance and Support
E2 Student Contract Terms and Conditions E3 Student Protection
E4 Reasonable Adjustments E5 Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedure
F1 Students as Partners G1 Complaints by Students
H1  Academic Partnerships and Collaborative Provision

Quality Handbook 20/21

A1 Introduction to QA Handbook C12 Programme monitoring and review
C1 Academic Regulations Taught Programmes C13 Programme Periodic Development Review
C2 Programme approval C14 Observation and Development of Teaching & Learning
C3 Recruitment Selection and Admission Taught Programmes D1 Academic Regulations Research Degrees
C4 Recognition of Prior Learning E1 Information, Advice, Guidance and Support
C5 Placement Learning E2 Student Contract Terms and Conditions
C6 Assessment Procedures E3 Student Protection
C7 Academic Misconduct E4 Reasonable Adjustments
C8 Fitness to Practise E5 Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedure
C9 Boards of Examiners F1 Students as Partners
C10 External Examiners G1 Complaints by Students
C11 Academic Appeals H1  Academic Partnerships and Collaborative Provision

Quality Handbook 19/20

A1 Introduction to QA Handbook A1a External Reference Points C1 Academic Regulations Taught Programmes C2 Programme approval C3 Recruitment Selection and Admission Taught Programmes C4 Recognition of Prior Learning C5 Placement Learning C6 Assessment Procedures C7 Academic Misconduct C8 Fitness to Practise C9 Boards of Examiners C10 External Examiners C11 Academic Appeals C12 Programme monitoring and review C13 Programme Periodic Development Review C14 Observation and Development of Teaching & Learning D1 Academic Regulations Research Degrees E1 Information, Advice, Guidance and Support E2 Student Contract Terms and Conditions E3 Student Protection E4 Reasonable Adjustments E5 Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedure F1 Students as Partners G1 Complaints by Students H1  Academic Partnerships and Collaborative Provision Quality Handbook summary of revisions August 2020

Academic Regulations 17/19

Academic Misconduct Award Academic Credit Academic Appeals Research Degrees Extenuating Circumstances Academic Appeals: Professional Certificates and Taught Awards Academic Credit for Prior Learning Student Complaints Programme Approval Research Degree Regulations