Quality Assurance ('QA') refers to the systems and procedures the School uses to assure itself of the standards of its awards, and the quality of its teaching and other provision for students. These cover:

  • the design, approval, monitoring and review of modules and programmes
  • consultation with and feedback to students
  • staff management insofar as it relates to teaching

The procedures are set out in the Quality Assurance Handbook, a guide for both academic and administrative staff, which also lists those who can provide further advice or support in each area. These are designed to meet both internal School needs and external requirements and are the primary condition of the funding which allows the School to continue teaching and research. Moreover, they can be a creative influence for staff and students as well as a necessary guarantee against poor practice. Synoptic guides for the most common procedures at module and programme level, with the requisite forms and reference to further details in the Handbook, can be found in the list of links on the left. 

The Handbook will be updated from time to time, and questions about its content or suggestions for amendments should be sent to qa@soas.ac.uk.

Changes to QA systems, whether brought about by external advice or internal feedback, are discussed in departments before recommendations are made to School committees.

Key contacts

Below is a listing of key contacts who can help staff understand aspects of the procedures or re-direct them as appropriate.

  • Associate Academic Registrar (Assessment & Quality): Chris Hill
  • Quality Assurance Lead Officer: Sevgi Drorian
  • Quality Assurance Lead Officer: Chloe Weanie
  • Curriculum and Quality Assurance Officer: Violetta Gas