QQI’s 'Quality in Irish Higher Education' report reveals a quality assurance environment that reflects the complex and multi-faceted nature of the sector.
Drawing on information provided in the Annual Institutional Quality Assurance Reports (AIQRs) submitted by Ireland’s public higher education institutions (HEIs), the report makes clear the commitment of HEIs to the continuous development and enhancement of quality through the development of systematic review and improvement processes, and by their systematic engagement with students, staff and external stakeholders.
It also offers a glimpse of five emerging themes in the development and enhancement of quality assurance in contemporary Irish higher education.
The development of technological enhancements and digital innovations to support programmes, learners and learning activities is evident across the sector.
The Institute of Technology Carlow (ITC) has developed a roadmap for the implementation of pilot blended learning programmes, while Waterford Institute of Technology's Literacy Development Centre (LDC) launched ‘Conversations in Adult and Further Education’, a podcast series which explores theory, practice and policy in an easily understood format.
A commitment to, and focus on, ongoing enhancements to widen access were evident across all institutions.
Examples during the reporting period include Cork Institute of Technology having further enhanced customised and flexible learning opportunities for a wide range of learners, and the RPL Assessment Portfolio developed by Institute of Technology Sligo, which helps students build an online portfolio to help learners gain access or advanced entry into higher education.
New apprenticeship programmes are an increasing feature of provision for some institutes of technology.
It is also clear that new collaborative provider partnerships are beginning to impact on QA governance processes.
QQI anticipates information about enhancements to apprenticeship programme design and development, and approaches to learner supports for apprentices will become more prominent in future reporting periods.
Research provision appears as a common thematic area and strategic focus across all AIQR reports.
Leadership and enhancement in this area are identified as focal points for designated awarding bodies. Additionally, the expansion and enhancement of postgraduate taught and research degree programmes is cited as a core objective by a number of institutes of technology.
The OECD singled out University of Limerick’s Research Impact programme as ‘an excellent example of emerging good practice which could be mainstreamed across the Irish higher education system and abroad.’
Institutions also reported on the development of new institutional research strategies/ frameworks and research degree policies and regulations, or updates/changes to same.
Finally, another emerging theme and an increasing focus for institutions is societal engagement and impact.
Athlone Institute of Technology was awarded a Certificate of Recognition for the work it carried out with the Carnegie Framework, a framework set up to develop community engagement initiatives and forge stronger links with community groups.
Cork Institute of Technology is involved in the Cork City of Sanctuary (COS) Group, working with other stakeholders to make the city a place of welcome for refugees, asylum seekers, migrants and persons of migrant origin.
We hope you've found these insights interesting.
Learn more about quality assurance in Irish higher education: access the full report below or explore individual AIQR reports for institutions here.