University of Wolverhampton works with OfS to remedy concerns about quality in business and management courses

The decision follows a quality assessment of some of the university’s courses. The assessment, carried out by academic experts on behalf of the OfS, found a concern about inconsistency of assessment practice in some of the university’s business and management courses. The OfS carefully considered the findings of the assessment before finding that the university breached condition B4. The university has since cooperated with the OfS and has taken actions that will be effective in remedying the breach.

The OfS found that the number of assessment attempts that students are permitted can differ depending on the month in which they began their courses. For example, students who began their courses in September may have been permitted six attempts at assessments occurring in their first semester, and students who began their courses in January may have been permitted four attempts at the same assessments. The permitted number of attempts for students starting in September and January is reversed in the second semester. This meant that the university has not ensured that students are assessed in a consistent manner, as required under condition B4.

The OfS also established that the quality assessment team identified a legitimate concern in respect of effective assessment, a requirement of condition B4. The assessment team found that some students at the university may be permitted six attempts at assessment, bringing into question whether assessment at the university was providing stretch and rigour consistent with the level of the course. The OfS considered that the cause of this concern is the same as that underpinning the concern with students being assessed in a consistent manner, and therefore we make no separate regulatory finding in respect of effective assessment.

After the quality assessment, the university made amendments to its academic regulations to address the concerns identified by the assessment team. These amendments apply to students enrolling on their courses from January 2025 onwards, and the OfS found that these amendments will be effective in remedying the breach of condition B4.

Commenting, Jean Arnold, Deputy Director of Quality at the OfS, said:

‘The OfS has found that the University of Wolverhampton breached condition B4 relating to student assessment and awards, as the university has not ensured that the number of assessment attempts was consistent between students registered on the same course. We would ask all registered providers to be mindful of the requirements of condition B4, and to ensure that the number of attempts at assessment students are permitted remains consistent.

‘We also agree with the conclusions of the assessment team in relation to effective assessment, and it is our view that permitting students too many attempts at assessment could result in a reduction in rigour. We would encourage providers to review their policies in this area to ensure that they remain compliant with the OfS’s quality conditions.

‘The University of Wolverhampton has acknowledged the breach, and has amended its academic regulations to address the cause. We are grateful for the university’s positive response.’

Notes

1. The Office for Students is the independent regulator for higher education in England. Our aim is to ensure that every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers.
2. Read the published statement the University of Wolverhampton has issued in relation to the breach of condition B4.