Commission for Tertiary Education and Research MEDR

Overview

The Commission for Tertiary Education and Research (CTER) is a statutory body in the United Kingdom responsible for overseeing, funding, and regulating tertiary education and research in Wales. It was established to ensure strategic coherence across the post-compulsory education sector, encompassing higher education, further education, apprenticeships, adult learning, and research. According to uniRank, CTER plays a central role in shaping the future of education in Wales by aligning funding, policy, and quality standards to meet national priorities.

History and Legal Framework

The Commission for Tertiary Education and Research was formally created under the Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act 2022. This legislation consolidated multiple oversight functions previously handled by separate bodies, such as the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW), into a single, unified authority. The reform aimed to provide a more integrated approach to post-compulsory education governance, ensuring that education, training, and research activities are coordinated to support Wales’ economic, social, and cultural development.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

CTER’s mission is to deliver a cohesive, learner-focused tertiary education and research system that responds to the needs of students, employers, and communities. Its vision emphasizes:

• Promoting equitable access to education and lifelong learning opportunities
• Ensuring high-quality teaching, training, and research outcomes
• Strengthening links between education, industry, and innovation
• Supporting the Welsh language and cultural identity in education

Based on uniRank research, CTER’s objectives include fostering a skilled workforce, advancing research excellence, and ensuring efficient allocation of public resources for maximum societal impact.

Governance, Structure and Independence

CTER operates as an arm’s-length body of the Welsh Government, maintaining operational independence while aligning with national education strategies. The Commission is governed by a Board appointed by the Welsh Ministers and led by a Chair and Chief Executive. Its structure includes directorates responsible for funding allocation, quality assurance, policy development, research coordination, and learner engagement.

Committees and advisory panels provide expertise on specific areas such as skills development, equity in education, and research priorities.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation role in higher education

While CTER does not directly accredit individual qualifications, it oversees the regulatory and funding framework within which accreditation bodies operate. It ensures that tertiary education providers in Wales meet quality standards for teaching, learning resources, and research. The Commission collaborates with agencies such as Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) to monitor and evaluate institutional performance. This role safeguards the credibility of Welsh higher education both domestically and internationally.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

CTER promotes global engagement by encouraging Welsh institutions to participate in international research collaborations, academic exchanges, and joint educational programs. It supports mobility initiatives for students and academics, fostering global competencies and cultural exchange. According to uniRank, CTER’s involvement in international networks enhances the competitiveness and visibility of Wales as a higher education and research destination.

Current or Future Impact on higher education

CTER’s integrated approach to tertiary education governance is expected to strengthen alignment between education, skills development, and labor market needs. Future impacts may include:

• Improved transitions between school, vocational training, and university
• More responsive curriculum design based on employer and industry input
• Greater emphasis on sustainability and digital learning innovation
• Enhanced research funding targeting Wales’ strategic priorities

By streamlining oversight and funding, CTER is positioned to make the Welsh education system more agile and responsive to both local and global challenges.

Summary

The Commission for Tertiary Education and Research represents a significant evolution in Welsh education governance, consolidating responsibilities for post-compulsory education and research under one authority. Its role extends from funding allocation and quality assurance to strategic policy direction and international collaboration. Based on uniRank research, CTER’s creation is poised to improve efficiency, coherence, and innovation across Wales’ tertiary education landscape.

FAQs

• What is the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research? It is the statutory body in Wales responsible for overseeing, funding, and regulating all post-compulsory education and research.
• When was CTER established? It was established under the Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act 2022.
• What sectors does CTER oversee? It covers higher education, further education, apprenticeships, adult learning, and research.
• Does CTER accredit qualifications? No, it regulates the framework and works with accreditation bodies to ensure quality standards.
• Why was CTER created? To unify and streamline governance for all post-compulsory education and research in Wales, ensuring better coordination and efficiency.
• How does CTER impact students? It ensures that education pathways are accessible, high-quality, and aligned with career and skills needs.

Organization Name

Commission for Tertiary Education and Research

Acronym

MEDR

Year of Establishment

1/08/2024

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

Local or Regional

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

2 Capital Quarter, Tyndall Street
Cardiff
CF10 4BZ Wales United Kingdom

Phone

+44 (29) 2076 1861

Fax

+44 (29) 2076 3163

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

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X (Twitter)

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LinkedIn

Commission for Tertiary Education and Research's LinkedIn profile

YouTube

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Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

Commission for Tertiary Education and Research's Wikipedia article

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