§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how he monitors the variability in criteria used in awarding degrees in UK universities; and if he will make a statement. [109029]
§ Mr. WicksEach institution with degree awarding powers is responsible for the quality and standards of the degrees it awards. The Quality Assurance Agency 397W assesses the quality of provision in its subject reviews and the rigour of the quality mechanisms in the institutions in its institutional reviews.
The Quality Assurance Agency has published, for consultation, draft subject benchmark statements setting out expectations of student attainment at honours degree level in 22 subject areas. A further 20 such statements will be published by 2001. The Agency is developing the qualifications framework proposed in the Dearing Report, and will publish proposals shortly. These reference points will be used by the Agency in the reviews it carries out.