Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what progress he has made with the QAA, professional bodies and the Office for Students on ensuring that (a) undergraduate and (b) postgraduate students studying during the pandemic leave university with valuable qualifications that reflect their achievements and give them parity in future job markets.

I have met with key professional bodies and providers to discuss how we can ensure students can graduate with professional status and move into their chosen fields and will continue to do so.

Higher education (HE) providers are responsible for the administration of their own exams and assessments and will build on the experience of last year’s arrangements.

We expect providers to ensure that continuing and prospective students receive the clear, accurate and timely information needed to make informed decisions. This includes making students aware of any potential for changes to arrangements for the administration of exams and/or assessment at the earliest opportunity. Providers will make their own judgements based on the latest national and local public health guidance, taking account of the need to minimise risk to staff and students.

The Office for Students (OfS), the HE regulator in England, has produced information and guidance setting out expectations about provider approaches to teaching and assessment of both undergraduates and postgraduates during this time, further details are available here: https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/publications/guidance-on-quality-and-standards-during-coronavirus-pandemic/. The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) has also published resources for providers on practical ways in which students can complete their studies whilst ensuring quality and standards are upheld – further details can be found here: https://www.qaa.ac.uk/news-events/support-and-guidance-covid-19.

The government will continue to work closely with the QAA, professional bodies and the OfS to ensure students continue to leave university with qualifications that have real value, reflect their hard work and allow them to progress.