Accreditation of Universities in the UK
The U.K has an internationally renowned education system that includes Oxford and Cambridge University, two of the world's top institutions. Educational standards are kept by an accreditation system that monitors the quality of degree-awarding institutions. Maintaining a strong accreditation system has become increasingly important with the growth of the Internet and the wider availability of courses.
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Listed and Recognized Bodies
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There are more than 150 accredited higher education institutions, or "Recognized Bodies," in the UK that offer a range of taught and research degree programs. Additionally, there are more than 600 other institutions, such as colleges, which do not have degree-awarding power themselves but offer degree courses that are then validated by accredited institutions. These institutions are known as "Listed Bodies."
Awarding Bodies
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In order to gain accreditation, the institution must be granted degree-awarding power by Royal Charter, an Act of Parliament or by the Privy Council. This rule is recognized by the English and Scottish Parliament and the Northern Ireland and Welsh Assemblies and so applies to institutions throughout the United Kingdom. The Department for Business Innovation and Skills regulates, monitors and provides guidance on the accreditation system.
In order to offer distance learning courses, institutions must be accredited by the Open and Distance Learning Quality Council (ODLQC). However, existing accredited bodies can simply apply to the Privy Council for an amendment to their status.
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Private Sector Colleges
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Listed bodies do not have to be publicly funded; they can also be private institutions. For the private sector, accreditation is provided by three bodies, the British Accreditation Council (BAC), the Accreditation Service for International Colleges (ASIC) and the British Council. These institutions commonly offer English language courses. Institutions can apply for both public and private sector accreditation.
Overseas Institutions
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Overseas organizations are allowed to offer their own awards in the U.K. but they must make it clear that their accreditation is from overseas. There is no guarantee of the quality of these institutions as they are not regulated by U.K. authorities.
Bogus Degrees
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Section 214 of the Education Reform Act 1988 deems it illegal for a U.K. institution to offer a degree qualification if the body (or affiliated body) is not recognized by the relevant authorities. If an institution is suspected of offering bogus degrees, they should be reported to the Local Trading Standards Department, who will investigate the case and may subsequently prosecute the institution.
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References
Resources
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