Preparing for subject review

The process of preparing for subject review can be divided into several stages. For some departments/schools, if the former Secretary of State’s proposals for reducing the burden of subject review are implemented, the process will conclude after the submission of the self-evaluation document.

The process of subject review

Planning:

• advance planning and timetable

The self-evaluation:

• commence drafting of self-evaluation
• prepare course specifications
• consider benchmark statement(s)
• audit practice against code of practice
• assess qualifications against national qualifications framework
• finalise self-evaluation
• submit self-evaluation

Documentation:

• document procedures*
• contact graduates and employers of graduates
• collect documentation (including samples of student work) *
• prepare a ‘shadow’ base room (if required)

The visit:

• appointment of review team
• preparing for the visits (including dry runs and briefing all participants)
• visits by review team
• ongoing remote interactions with reviewers (via subject review facilitator)
• act on report of the review

• Note that, where a visit is to take place, work on these items should commence early in the process, ideally at least 12 months in advance of the inspection.

Last Modified: 30 June 2010