Programme handbook
Teaching and learning approach
Student engagement
Student engagement is crucial to the quality of the University's teaching and learning. By taking opportunities to be involved with quality processes and providing feedback on their experience, students are not only influencing their own period of study but that of future students.
http://www.ed.ac.uk/academic-services/quality/student-engagement
Student surveys and feedback
Student experience feedback is essential to quality assurance. The feedback is used to enhance the quality of current courses and degree programmes as well as the wider educational experience. By taking the opportunity to provide feedback on your experience, you are not only influencing the period of your own studies, but that of future students and the future development of the University.
The University uses a number of methods to gather feedback from students. These are:
- Course evaluation questionnaires (CEQs)
- Course and programme monitoring questionnaires and reviews
- Student-staff liaison committees (SSLCs)
- Surveys (e.g. PTES)
Course evaluation questionnaires
All the data we gather is used to shape future decision about the full spectrum of areas that make up the student experience. We analyse the results from the surveys and make recommendations for change based on the findings. Some of the findings may prompt further research so we can gain more of an understanding of how students feel about particular issues.
https://www.ed.ac.uk/students/academic-life/student-voice/student-surveys
Course and programme monitoring
All current undergraduate and taught postgraduate courses obtain annual feedback from students. This information is considered in a number of areas, including the student staff liaison committee and the Deanery Postgraduate Teaching Steering Group. These committees make annual reports to the College committee responsible for quality assurance. The College committees report in turn to Senate Quality Assurance Committee.
Annual course monitoring feedback is also used in reviews by professional, statutory and regulatory body visits or accreditation exercises.
In addition to annual course evaluation and School reviews, the University conducts internal reviews of all degree programmes at least once every six years. Some programmes may also be reviewed or accredited by external bodies. Student feedback is a vital and highly valued aspect of all such reviews. http://www.ed.ac.uk/academic-services/quality/monitoringandreview
Student-staff liaison committees (SSLCs)
Our students are encouraged to play an active role in ensuring their University experience is an excellent one. Staff at the University work in partnership with
the Students’ Association to ensure that students are central to governance, decision making, quality assurance and enhancement, which provides opportunities for our students to become active participants and gives our students a voice. The University and the Students’ Association support and promote the engagement of students through a variety of activities and processes including SSLCs.
SSLCs provide a formal mechanism for communication and discussion between academic and administrative staff and representatives of the student body, relating to all matters connected with the degree programmes, and the student experience. Meetings can be attended by Student Representatives, Course Organisers, Personal Tutors, Programme Directors, Administrative and Technical Staff and other relevant staff to discuss programme/course issues.
There are normally two SSLC meetings per academic year. The meetings are usually held on Collaborate (virtual classroom software, similar to Skype). All members will be informed of the date and time of the meeting, and invited to add any additional items to the agenda.
Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES)
The annual Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey runs from February to June and asks students in universities across the United Kingdom about their course and their learning experiences. The survey includes questions about how you chose your course, and your experience of the course and dissertation or project. It also asks about the whole student learning experience, including:
- Learning and teaching assessment
- Organisation
- Learning resources
- Guidance and support
- Careers and skills
- Feedback and involvement in course decisions
The survey is open from February until June each year, and is completed online. If you are eligible to complete the survey, you will receive an email with a link to the survey and will be able to complete the survey through MyEd.