UK ENIC experts continue to monitor global education developments
UK ENIC experts working in our Information Development team are continuing their work to monitor changes and developments in global education.
The team is made up of international education analysts with expertise in education systems in different parts of the world. They use this knowledge to evaluate qualifications, advise on complex recognition cases and maintain the International Comparisons database.
Recent work has included looking at accreditation and quality assurance processes in higher education around the world.
Education is constantly changing and evolving. Recent years have seen growth in private education providers, distance learning, transnational education and flexible learning pathways. New modes of delivery can present challenges for evaluating qualifications, and methodologies need to adapt to the changing educational landscape.
One of the most complex areas of qualification recognition is understanding different systems for accreditation and quality assurance of institutions and qualifications. Determining whether an institution is authorised to offer a qualification, and that the programme of study is recognised or accredited, is a key part of the evaluation process. However, regulatory frameworks vary considerably from one country to the next.
The team has recently researched accreditation and quality assurance processes in a range of countries, including Indonesia, Mexico, Morocco and Zimbabwe. The research found a range of different approaches to quality assurance, which reflect different national contexts.
Recent growth in the private higher education sector has led to the introduction of new legislation and accreditation requirements in many countries, including Guyana and Malta.
In some countries, all programmes, including those offered via distance learning, are covered by institutional accreditation. Elsewhere, accreditation is on a programme-by-programme basis.
In transnational education, institutions operate across borders. Sometimes provision is subject to oversight by authorities in more than one country. In other cases, it may fall outside the remit of national regulatory bodies.
This ongoing research informs UK ENIC institution listings and updates to International Comparisons. It also underpins evaluations of specific qualifications, and the guidance provided to our members through the UK ENIC Member Enquiry Service.