Quality and Qualifications Ireland QQI

Overview

Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) is the national agency responsible for the external quality assurance of further and higher education and training in Ireland. Established in 2012 through the amalgamation of several predecessor agencies, QQI operates under the aegis of the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. Its primary functions include validating education and training programmes, making awards, and overseeing the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) to ensure that qualifications are consistent, transparent, and of high quality.

History and Legal Framework

QQI was formed on November 6, 2012, following the merger of the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI), the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC), the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC), and the Irish Universities Quality Board (IUQB). This consolidation aimed to streamline the qualifications and quality assurance landscape in Ireland. QQI operates under the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012, which outlines its responsibilities and powers in relation to education and training providers in Ireland.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives

Mission: QQI is committed to promoting the enhancement of quality in Ireland’s further and higher education and training, and quality assures providers. It supports and promotes a qualifications system that benefits learners and other stakeholders.

Vision: QQI envisions extensive high-quality education and training opportunities with qualifications that are widely valued nationally and internationally.

Objectives:

• To validate education and training programmes and make awards.
• To promote the development and maintenance of the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
• To ensure that providers of education and training adhere to quality assurance standards.
• To provide authoritative information on the diverse range of qualifications included in the NFQ.
• To enhance public confidence in the quality, integrity, and reputation of Ireland’s education and training system.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

QQI is governed by a board appointed by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. The board is responsible for making decisions about QQI policies and key functions, including:

• Approval of all policy and approaches to policy.
• Strategic planning, corporate planning, and approval of annual reports.
• Approval of financial accounts.
• Withdrawal of approval of quality assurance procedures.
• Withdrawal of programme validation.
• Delegation of authority to a provider to make awards.
• Withdrawal or variation of delegated authority to make awards.

QQI operates as an independent statutory agency, ensuring that its functions are carried out impartially and transparently, in line with its statutory obligations.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

QQI plays a central role in the accreditation and quality evaluation of higher education in Ireland. Its responsibilities include:

• Validating programmes of education and training leading to awards on the NFQ.
• Monitoring and reviewing the quality assurance procedures of higher education providers.
• Conducting cyclical reviews of higher education institutions.
• Providing guidance and support to institutions in developing and implementing quality assurance systems.
• Ensuring that qualifications awarded are consistent with the standards set out in the NFQ.

Through these activities, QQI ensures that higher education institutions maintain high standards of quality and that qualifications are recognized both nationally and internationally.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

QQI is actively engaged in international cooperation to align Ireland’s qualifications and quality assurance systems with global standards. It is a member of several international networks and organizations, including:

• European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA).
• European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education (EQAR).
• National Academic Recognition Information Centres (NARIC).
• Europass National Contact Point.

These memberships facilitate the exchange of best practices, mutual recognition of qualifications, and contribute to the continuous improvement of Ireland’s education and training system.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

QQI’s ongoing initiatives are expected to have a significant impact on the future of higher education in Ireland. Its work in validating programmes, monitoring quality assurance procedures, and conducting reviews ensures that institutions remain accountable and that qualifications continue to meet the needs of learners and employers. Additionally, QQI’s engagement in international networks enhances the global recognition of Irish qualifications, supporting the international mobility of graduates and fostering a competitive and dynamic higher education sector.

Summary

Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) is the national agency responsible for the external quality assurance of further and higher education and training in Ireland. Established in 2012, QQI validates programmes, makes awards, and oversees the National Framework of Qualifications to ensure that qualifications are consistent, transparent, and of high quality. Through its governance, accreditation, and international cooperation efforts, QQI plays a pivotal role in maintaining and enhancing the quality and reputation of Ireland’s education and training system.

FAQs

1. What is Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI)?

   QQI is the national agency responsible for the external quality assurance of further and higher education and training in Ireland. It validates programmes, makes awards, and oversees the National Framework of Qualifications.

2. When was QQI established?

   QQI was established on November 6, 2012, following the merger of several predecessor agencies.

3. What is the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)?

   The NFQ is a system used to describe and classify qualifications in Ireland, from literacy qualifications to doctoral degrees. QQI oversees the development and maintenance of the NFQ.

4. How does QQI ensure the quality of higher education?

   QQI ensures quality by validating programmes, monitoring quality assurance procedures, conducting reviews of institutions, and providing guidance to providers on maintaining high standards.

5. Is QQI involved in international cooperation?

   Yes, QQI is a member of several international networks and organizations, including ENQA, EQAR, NARIC, and Europass, facilitating the exchange of best practices and mutual recognition of qualifications.

Organization Name

Quality and Qualifications Ireland

Acronym

QQI

Year of Establishment

1/01/2012

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

26/27 Denzille Lane
Dublin
2 Co. Dublin Ireland

Phone

+353 (1) 905 8100

Fax

+353 (1) 631 4551

n.a.

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Wikipedia Article

Quality and Qualifications Ireland's Wikipedia article

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