Codes of Practice

PhD Skills Statement

The PhD skills statement, a key output of the Irish Universities Association Strategic Innovation Fund Fourth Level Ireland project, describes the desired learning outcomes and skills that PhD students may develop during their studies. Students develop these skills through their research and additional taught modules. The development and availability of skills development opportunities must reflect student and discipline needs. Consequently, the skills outlined are not a rigid standard, but rather a guideline, which is fully compatible with the European Universities Association’s Salzburg principles, endorsed by a Higher Education Authority forum in March 2006. These principles recognise that advancement of knowledge through original research is the core component of PhD education, but PhD education must also facilitate additional skills development opportunities.

 Graduate_Skills_Statement (898 KB)

 

Principles of Good Practice in Quality Assurance / Quality Improvement for Irish Higher Education and Training.

In May 2005, the IHEQN agreed the following principles of good practice for quality assurance / quality improvement in Irish higher education and training.

 QA / QI for Irish Higher Education and Training (305 KB)


Framework for Quality in Irish Universities

In February 2003, the Irish Universities Association (IUA), then known as the Conference of Heads of Irish Universities, published a "Framework for Quality in Irish Universities - Meeting the Challenge of Change". This document was produced in close collaboration with the universities.

The publication was recently updated in the light of the adoption of the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area and following the recommendations arising out of the Review of Quality Assurance in Irish Universities undertaken by the European University Association Institutional Evaluation Programme (EUA IEP) in 2004-05. 

Both versions of the Framework document may be viewed below.

Framework_for Quality in Irish Universities_(2008) 2nd Ed (747 KB)

 Framework for Quality in Irish Universities (2003) (236 KB)


Guidelines & Criteria for QA Procedures (2002)

The Higher Education & Training Awards Council's (HETAC) Guidelines & Criteria for QA Procedures were published in 2002 and provide an overview for providers of key quality assurance areas to be addressed in quality assurance submission documents.

 HETAC_Guidelines_&_Criteria_for_QA_Procedures (267 KB)


Good Practice in the Organisation of PhD Programmes in Irish Universities

Following extensive research and consultation with stakeholders, the Irish Universities Quality Board (IUQB) published the following good practice guidelines on the organisation of PhD programmes in Irish Universities in January 2005.

 IUQB_PhD_Guidelines (1554 KB)

The IUQB launched its second publication of this nature Good Practice in the Organisation of Student Support Services in Irish Universities in April 2006.

 IUQB_Student_Support_Services (864 KB)


INQAAHE Guidelines of Good Practice

The INQAAHE Guidelines of Good Practice were agreed in April 2005, following a two-year consultation process with representatives from over sixty-five countries.  The guidelines aim to promote good practice in quality assurance and to assist quality assurance agencies in enhancing their quality assurance processes.

 INQAAHE_Guidelines_of_Good_Practice (107 KB)