HC Deb 28 July 1998 vol 317 cc137-8W
Mr. Lepper

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on(a) progress towards the adoption by universities and other relevant institutions and agencies of the guidelines for post-graduate studies published in December 1996 by the Higher Education Quality Council and (b) proposals for monitoring the application of those guidelines. [52230] out. All these items are either available nationally or regionally in the Wakefield area. This list excludes contracts for services.

Dr. Howells

Higher education institutions are independent bodies responsible for their own academic and administrative affairs. The guidelines on postgraduate studies published by the Higher Education Quality Council in December 1996 are intended to help and guide institutional practice. The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, which was formed in 1997, has accepted the principles on the HEQC guidelines. In response to the report of the National Committee of Inquiry into Higher Education the Agency is currently preparing a Code of Practice on Postgraduate Research, which it expects to publish in the Autumn of 1998. The Agency intends to monitor and report on institutions' performance under the Code with effect from late 1999.