Russell Group response to QAA evaluation of international pathway programmes

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16 July 2024

The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) has today published the report of its Evaluation of International Pathway Programmes, commissioned by Universities UK and part-funded by the Russell Group and GuildHE.

The evaluation considered both International Foundation Programmes (IFPs) and International Year One Programmes (IYOs), with 34 providers taking part in the exercise.

Responding to the evaluation report, a Russell Group spokesperson said:

"We welcome today’s independent evaluation from the QAA, which has found that International Foundation and Year One programmes used by some universities have entry requirements that are consistent with those for UK students on equivalent programmes, and academic standards that are in line with other programmes at the same level. We are grateful to QAA for conducting such a thorough evaluation.

"Our universities are committed to fair admissions and delivering high quality courses and successful outcomes for all students. While the QAA found no systemic issues with international pathway programmes being delivered in the UK, it made several recommendations to strengthen practice in the sector. Our universities will be working with delivery partners to consider these recommendations to ensure best practice and that students, staff, government and sector partners remain confident in the standards of these courses."

Visit the QAA website to read the full report.

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