Programme Specifications

International Politics / Spanish


1 : Awarding Institution / Body
Aberystwyth University

2a : Teaching Institution / University
Aberystwyth University

2b : Work-based learning (where appropriate)


Information provided by Department of International Politics:

Some modules do provide work-based learning, for example, GQ30120 Gwleidyddieth ar Waith. We also encourage students to participate in the Year in Employment Scheme, the Go Wales scheme and alert students to a wide range of a range of internship opportunities.

Information provided by Department of Modern Languages:



3a : Programme accredited by
Aberystwyth University

3b : Programme approved by
Aberystwyth University

4 : Final Award
Bachelor of Arts

5 : Programme title
International Politics / Spanish

6 : UCAS code
LRF4

7 : QAA Subject Benchmark


Information provided by Department of International Politics:

The relevant QAA benchmark statement for Politics and International Relations can be found here: http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Pages/Subject-benchmark-statement-Polictics-and-international-relations.aspx

The relevant QAA ‘Framework for Higher Education Qualifications” can be found here: http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Pages/The-framework-for-higher-education-qualifications-in-England-Wales-and-Northern-Ireland.aspx


Information provided by Department of Modern Languages:

Languages, Cultures and Societies

Languages and Related Studies



8 : Date of publication


Information provided by Department of International Politics:

January 2016


Information provided by Department of Modern Languages:

September 2023

September 2023



9 : Educational aims of the programme


Information provided by Department of International Politics:

Joint programmes allow students to develop an in-depth knowledge of both International Politics and another subject, taking half of their modules in each discipline/Department. With regards to the International Politics component, students gain a firm grounding in the core principles and concepts of International Politics, as well as exploring key sub-fields of their choice within a spectrum of modules on global politics. All modules in the Department of International Politics are taught by research-active staff who thrive on the opportunity to engage students with their work (published, and in progress). The programme aims to produce students with the necessary skills to analyse and reflect on the subject matter of the degree scheme as well as acquire a broad range of transferable skill. The department is keenly aware of the inter-relationships that exist between academic subjects and the value society places upon students who have been able to master the requirements of two academic subjects. These programmes allow students to combine subjects in innovative and effective ways ensuring throughout that they receive a disciplined academic training that broadens their intellectual horizon. These programmes enable students to enter a variety of rewarding careers.


Information provided by Department of Modern Languages:

  • to develop the learner’s interest in and knowledge and understanding of the Spanish-speaking world, past and present, including its language, literature, culture and history;
  • to develop a resource of intellectually-trained individuals capable of acting as bridges of understanding and conduits of knowledge between the Spanish-speaking and British cultures;
  • to enhance by the addition of a Spanish element (amounting to approximately one third of the total programme) the learning experience of students following degrees predominantly in another subject;
  • to develop and enhance students’ communication skills and their capacity both for independent and co-operative working;
  • to release graduates into a wide range of employment contexts as lifelong learners.
  • to develop the learner’s interest in and knowledge and understanding of the Spanish-speaking world, past and present, including the language, culture, history and institutions;

  • to develop a resource of intellectually-trained individuals capable of acting as bridges of understanding and conduits of knowledge between the Spanish-speaking world and British cultures;

  • to develop and enhance students’ communication skills and their capacity both for independent and co-operative working;

  • to release graduates into a wide range of employment contexts as lifelong learners;



10 : Intended learning outcomes


Information provided by Department of International Politics:

The learning outcomes of this programme are designed to meet the expectations of the Benchmarking Statement for Politics and International Relations. The structure and the delivery of the degree scheme recognizes the need to achieve an appropriate balance between the acquisition of subject specific knowledge, and the development of discipline specific and generic skills. Integrating these two components is a central feature of the learning outcomes. The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge, understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:


Information provided by Department of Modern Languages:

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:



10.1 : Knowledge and understanding


Information provided by Department of International Politics:

A knowledge and understanding of:

1. The evolution of the international system from Westphalia to the present day

2. Key debates in the history of International Relations as a discipline

3. The core theories and concepts in the field

4. The main structures and processes in world politics, including knowledge of regional dynamics, regimes and institutions

5. The key actors in international relations

6. The key dynamics, processes and problems facing contemporary Global Politics.

7. How these approaches help us to explain and understand events in the world

Teaching/learning and assessment methods:

Acquisition of 1-7 is through lectures, seminars, assessed coursework, exams and independent research. Students also learn through participation in discipline-specific student societies and public lectures as well as through other public resources such as newsprint media, TV, radio and the internet. Throughout, students are encouraged to undertake independent reading to supplement, consolidate and broaden individual knowledge and understanding of the subject. Knowledge and understanding (1-7) is tested through a combination of unseen and pre-seen written examinations (1-7), essays (1-7), dissertation (1-7, depending upon topic) and may, depending on option choices, include seminar presentations, reports, literature searches, book or film reviews, e-portfolios, learning logs or blogs. Students also learn through self-reflection when completing their entries to the Careers Development Programme.


Information provided by Department of Modern Languages:

    1. Spanish language (spoken and written);
    2. Spanish and Spanish-American culture in its widest sense (including selective study of literature, film and art);
    3. Spanish history and contemporary Spanish society;
    4. key methods and concepts of literary, filmic and cultural analysis;
    5. the position of some or all of the above in a wider European and world context.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated

Acquisition of 1 is through small-group classes and regular assessed coursework, with emphasis on group discussions/conversations. Additional support is provided through both assisted and self-access facilities for language learning in the Language Resource Centre. The year abroad provides total immersion in the target language and culture. Acquisition of 2-5 is through a combination of lectures/seminars in year/level 1, and subsequently developed through increasingly seminar-based teaching in later years. Throughout, the learner is encouraged to undertake independent reading both to supplement and to consolidate what is being taught/learnt and to broaden individual knowledge and understanding of the subject.

Assessment

Testing of the knowledge base is through a combination of unseen written examinations (1-5), assessed coursework (1-5) in the form of essays, dossiers and presentations (1-5), oral examinations and classes (1), other set assignments or tasks undertaken under examination conditions (1-5), and extended essays (1-5).

A1 Spanish language (spoken and written);

A2 Spanish-language culture in its widest sense (including film, literature and linguistics);

A3 Spanish history and contemporary Spanish society;

A4 key methods and concepts of cultural and/or linguistic analysis;

A5 the position of all of the above in a wider European and world context.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated

Acquisition of 1 is through small-group classes and regular assessed coursework, with emphasis on group discussions/conversations. Additional support is provided through both assisted and self-access facilities for language learning in the Language Resource Centre. The year abroad provides total immersion in the target language and culture. Acquisition of 2-5 is through a combination of lectures/seminars in year/level 1, and subsequently developed through increasingly seminar-based teaching in later years. Throughout, the learner is encouraged to undertake independent reading both to supplement and to consolidate what is being taught/learnt and to broaden individual knowledge and understanding of the subject.

Assessment

Testing of the knowledge base is through a combination of unseen written examinations (1-5), assessed coursework (1-5) in the form of essays (1-5), oral examinations and classes (1), other set assignments or tasks undertaken under examination conditions (1-5), and extended essays (1-5).



10.2 : Skills and other attributes


Information provided by Department of International Politics:

Intellectual Skills:

1. Identify, describe and evaluate different approaches

2. Identify and research issues

3. Apply concepts, theories and ideas to concrete cases

4. Identify, investigate and formulate solutions to intellectual problems

5. Critically reason, analyse and interpret data and ideas

6. Demonstrate and exercise independence of mind

7. Reflect on experience of learning and adjust intellectual strategies accordingly

8. The ability to apply acquired knowledge to solving hypothetical or actual problems

9. The ability to distinguish relevance and irrelevance

10. Recognition that problems often have more than one solution

Teaching and learning methods and assessment:

While lectures introduce students to topics and ideas, the development of intellectual skills takes place when students engage with the topic themselves and interact with others in the intellectual learning community both during discussions (in seminars, where tutors seek to guide and develop intellectual skills, and wider public debate), and in the process of reading and writing notes, essays or examinations. Reflection and self assessment are also integral to the learning of intellectual skills. Tutors form impressions of, and assess, a student's ability and progress through contact with students in seminars and in the assessment of written work. Intellectual skills (1-10) are assessed primarily in essay and examination performance, plus the other methods of assessment set out above. The published assessment criteria reflect these intellectual skills that in turn are mirrored in the feedback to students. Students can assess their own performance by gauging their rate of progress in comparison to that of their peers, and in the light of tutor's comments. Students are free to discuss the informal development and assessment of such skills during staff office hours. Personal learning (7) is not formally assessed but relative success is reflected in a student's ability to improve over time. Personal learning is also enhanced through engagement with the Careers Development Programme process.

Professional Practical Skills:

1. Seek, extract and effectively annotate information from a range of sources

2. Prioritise and organise information and deploy it as evidence in argument

3. Plan, undertake and complete written work (to strict deadlines) suitable for different audiences or tasks

4. Identify and retrieve relevant and up to date information

5. Collate information and arguments at short notice to answer specific questions

6. Express informed opinions through written work and discussion.

7. Listen and respond appropriately to the opinions of others

8. Formulate questions and explore links between divergent topics

9. Learn from experience

Teaching and learning methods and assessment:

All core modules, and in particular those taught at Part One, contain elements which directly address the development of practical skills (1-8). The process of writing essays, reports and presentations etc (1-6) and preparing for examinations (1-6, 9) allows the student to hone skills through practice, guided by feedback from tutors. Discussion in seminars or engagement with debate in public fora leads students to improve their intellectual communication skills (2, 5-9). Students also learn and improve such skills through personal reflection on their learning experience and purposeful adaptation of their learning methods; a process reflected upon in all modules. Personal learning is also enhanced through engagement with the Careers Development Programme process.


Information provided by Department of Modern Languages:

10.2.1 Intellectual skills

  • reason critically;

  • apply literary and/or filmic and/or linguistic and/or other cultural concepts;

  • identify and solve problems;

  • analyse and interpre

  • demonstrate and exercise independence of mind and thought.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated

Intellectual skills are developed through the teaching and learning programme outlined above (and in section 10). Each course, whatever the format of the teaching, involves discussion of key issues, practice in applying concepts both orally and in writing, analysis and interpretation of material, and feedback for learners on work produced.

Assessment

The variety of assessment methods employed places great emphasis (as shown in their assessment criteria) on the learner’s ability to demonstrate skills 1-5 through the production of coherent written and oral responses either to problems or tasks set. Most learners produce at least one extended essay during their studies (specifically for the year abroad) which provides a vehicle for the demonstration of these skills.

10.2.2 Professional practical skills

  • retrieve, sift and select information from a variety of sources;

  • plan, undertake and report a bibliographically-based piece of research;

  • speak, write and read Spanish at high or near-native level of proficiency;

  • apply key methods and concepts of cultural and linguistic analysis.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated

All learners receive initial guidance on how to identify, locate and use material available in libraries and elsewhere. Bibliographies are provided for each course at the outset, as are guidelines for the production of coursework essays and extended essays. Classes and tutorials are given on literary, filmic, historical and socio-political concepts, and on translation techniques. Students are required to read texts in Spanish for all courses (except SP10910). The year abroad promotes the active learning of language to a high level as well as the development of intercultural awareness.

Assessment

Skills 1-5 are primarily assessed through coursework (independently produced essays and translation assignments), which forms an integral part of the assessment for all courses in Spanish culture. Additionally, skill 4 is assessed in unseen written examinations in these areas. Language is assessed throughout in oral classes (in which a topic presentationand active participation contribute to the assessment), by coursework and by unseen written examination.

10.2.1 Intellectual skills

  • B1 reason critically;

  • B2 apply filmic and/or linguistic and/or literary and/or other cultural concepts;

  • B3 identify and solve problems;

  • B4 analyse and interpret;

  • B5 demonstrate and exercise independence of mind and thought.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated

Intellectual skills are developed through the teaching and learning programme outlined above (and in section 10). Each course, whatever the format of the teaching, involves discussion of key issues, practice in applying concepts both orally and in writing, analysis and interpretation of material, and feedback for learners on work produced.

Assessment

The variety of assessment methods employed places great emphasis (as shown in their assessment criteria) on the learner’s ability to demonstrate skills 1-5 through the production of coherent written and oral responses either to problems or tasks set. Most learners produce at least one extended essay during their studies (specifically for the year abroad) which provides a vehicle for the demonstration of these skills.

10.2.2 Professional Practical Skills (where appropriate)

  • C1 retrieve, sift and select information from a variety of sources;

  • C2 plan, undertake and report a bibliographically-based piece of research;

  • C3 speak, write and read Spanish at high or near-native level of proficiency;

  • C4 apply key methods and concepts of cultural and linguistic analysis.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated

All learners receive initial guidance on how to identify, locate and use material available in libraries and elsewhere. Bibliographies are provided for each course at the outset, as are guidelines for the production of coursework essays and extended essays. Classes and tutorials are given on cultural, historical and linguistic concepts, and on translation techniques. Students are required to read texts in Spanish for all courses. The year abroad promotes the active learning of language to a high level as well as the development of intercultural awareness.

Assessment

Skills 1-5 are primarily assessed through coursework (independently produced essays and translation assignments), which forms an integral part of the assessment for all courses in Spanish culture and linguistics. Additionally, skill 4 is assessed in unseen written examinations in these areas. Language is assessed throughout in oral classes (in which a topic presentation and active participation contribute to the assessment), by coursework and by unseen written examination.



10.3 : Transferable/Key skills


Information provided by Department of International Politics:

On completion of the programme the student will be able to take responsibility for themselves and their work. S/he will be able to:

• Work independently

• Work in a team

• Respect the views and beliefs of others

• Listen

• Communicate orally

• Communicate in writing

• Communicate electronically

• Word-process

• Use the Web

• Manage time and work to deadlines

• Research issues

• Solve problems

• Adapt to change

• Develop career awareness


Information provided by Department of Modern Languages:

On completion of the programme the student will be able to take responsibility for themselves and their work. S/he will be able to:
  • Work independently
  • Work in a team
  • Respect the views and beliefs of others
  • Listen
  • Communicate orally
  • Communicate in writing
  • Communicate electronically
  • Word-process
  • Use the Web
  • Manage time and work to deadlines
  • Research issues
  • Solve problems
  • Adapt to change
  • Develop career awareness
  • D1 structure and communicate ideas effectively both orally and in writing;

  • D2 manage time and work to deadlines;

  • D3 participate constructively in groups;

  • D4 work independently;

  • D5 find information and use information technology;

  • D6 be self-reliant;

  • D7 assess the relevance and importance of the ideas of others.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated

All courses except FR10210 require regular written work, usually in the form of essays, and regular feedback on this is given to the learner to develop not only their understanding but also their powers of expression (1). Skill 2 is learnt (rather than taught) through the management of time to meet the various and sometimes conflicting deadlines (all notified at the outset of each course) for submission of coursework. Skills 3 and 7 are developed in classes, seminars and tutorials, which rely on discussion and interaction, as well as presentations given by individuals or groups of learners. Skills 4 and 6 are particularly developed during the year abroad, for which learners are prepared in advance. IT skills are largely developed through individual learning.

Assessment

Effective communication of ideas is an important criterion in assessing all areas of a learner’s work, and the regular feedback as well as the final mark reflect this. Skills 4, 6 and 7 are assessed by both the coursework and extended essays produced, which although supervised, are nevertheless the results of independent thought and work/research by the learner. Skill 5 is assessed through the assembly of necessary information for essays, etc., and their production on PCs. Skill 3 is assessed in oral classes. Skills 2 is not formally assessed.



11 : Program Structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards



BA International Politics / Spanish [LRF4]

Academic Year: 2024/2025Joint Honours scheme - available from 2000/2001

Duration (studying Full-Time): 4 years
Last intake year: 2020/2021

Part 1 Rules

Year 1 Core (40 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
IP12420

Exploring the International 1: Central Concepts and Core Skills

IP12620

Behind the Headlines

Semester 2

Year 1 Timetable Core/Student Option

SPANISH ADVANCED: you must take:

Semester 1
SP19900

Spanish Language Advanced

Semester 2
SP19930

Spanish Language Advanced

Year 1 Timetable Core/Student Option

SPANISH BEGINNERS: you must take:

Semester 1
SP10820

Beginners Spanish 1

Semester 2
SP11020

Beginners Spanish 2

Year 1 Options

All students must take 20 credits (1 module) of optional modules in International Politics.

Semester 1
IP12820

The Making of the Modern World: War Peace and Revolution since 1789

Semester 2
GW12520

Globaleiddio a Datblygiad Byd-eang

GW12920

Gwleidyddiaeth yn yr Unfed Ganrif ar Hugain

IP10320

War, Strategy and Intelligence

IP12520

Globalization and Global Development

IP12920

Politics in the 21st Century

Year 1 Options

SPANISH ADVANCED: you must take SP10610 and must also choose an additional 20 credits of the following or other Level 1 content modules:

Semester 1
EL10500

Introduction to European Film

EL10700

Brazilian Portuguese (Basic)

EL10800

Language, Culture, and Identity in Europe

SP11120

Study and Research Skills in Spanish and Latin American Studies

Semester 2
EL10520

Introduction to European Film

EL10720

Brazilian Portuguese (Basic)

EL10820

Language, Culture, and Identity in Europe

SP10610

Hispanic Civilization

Year 1 Options

SPANISH BEGINNERS: you must choose 20 credits of the following or other Level 1 content modules:

Semester 1
EL10500

Introduction to European Film

EL10700

Brazilian Portuguese (Basic)

EL10800

Language, Culture, and Identity in Europe

SP11120

Study and Research Skills in Spanish and Latin American Studies

Semester 2
EL10520

Introduction to European Film

EL10720

Brazilian Portuguese (Basic)

EL10820

Language, Culture, and Identity in Europe

Part 2 Rules

Year 2 Core (30 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
SP20100

Spanish Language

Semester 2
SP20130

Spanish Language

Year 2 Core (20 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 2
IP20120

International Relations: Perspectives and Debates

Year 2 Options

Choose 30 credits of the following SP or EL modules but note that you cannot take both SP20010 and SP20310:

Semester 1
EL20500

Extended Essay Module

EL20700

Brazilian / Portuguese Language II

SP26120

Spanish American Cinema

Semester 2
EL20510

Extended Essay Module

EL20720

Brazilian / Portuguese Language II

SP20010

The Spanish Avant-Garde

SP20310

Language of Business and Current Affairs 1

SP25020

Seeing Spain Through Cinema

SP27020

Cuban Cinema of the Revolution: Crisis, National Identity and the Critique of Contemporary Society

Year 2 Options

Students must take 40 credits (2 modules) of International Politics optional modules from the list of those made available at pre-registration.

Semester 1
GQ20920

Y Meddwl Cymreig mewn Syniadaeth Ryngwladol

GQ23720

Gwleidyddiaeth mewn Cymdeithasau Amrywiaethol

GQ23920

Pobl a Grym: Deall Gwleidyddiaeth Gymharol Heddiw

IP20720

Climate Change and International Politics in the Anthropocene

IP21420

Climate Change Politics

IP23020

Science, Technology, and International Relations

IP23820

The European Union: Politics, Policies, Problems

IP26420

The Second World War in Europe

IP29220

International Politics and Global Development

IQ20220

Intervention and Humanitarianism

IQ20320

The BRICS in World Politics

IQ23420

Total War, Total Peace

IQ23720

Politics in Diverse Societies

IQ23920

People and Power: Understanding Comparative Politics Today

IQ24920

Russian intelligence from Lenin to Putin

IQ25120

Strategy, Intelligence and Security in International Politics

Semester 2
GW25020

Datganoli a Chymru

IP20820

Militaries and Crisis: Where Strategy Meets Society

IP22220

Political Theory

IP22320

The Governance of Climate Change: Simulation Module

IP24520

Terrorism & Counter Terrorism in the Modern World: Policing, Intelligence & War

IP25020

Devolution and Wales

IP25320

Warfare after Waterloo: Military History 1815-1918

IP26820

Questions of International Politics

IP28320

A War on the Mind: Propaganda and Secret Intelligence from the Great War to the 21st Century

IP28720

Contemporary Latin America

IQ21620

Trade Wars and the Liberal Order

IQ22820

Capitalism and International Politics

IQ25720

War Crimes

Year 3 Core ( Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
IPS0000

Abroad Year Credits

Semester 2
IPS0060

Abroad Year Credits

Year 3 Core (60 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
SPS0000

Year Abroad Assessment

Semester 2
SPS0060

Year Abroad Assessment

Final Year Core (30 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
SP30100

Spanish Language

Semester 2
SP30130

Spanish Language

Final Year Options

Final year students must take 60 credits in the Department of International Politics.

Semester 1
GQ30920

Y Meddwl Cymreig Mewn Syniadaeth Ryngwladol

GQ33720

Gwleidyddiaeth mewn Cymdeithasau Amrywiaethol

GW30000

Dulliau Ymchwil + Traethawd Estynedig

IP30000

Dissertation

IP31420

Climate Change Politics

IP33020

Science, Technology, and International Relations

IP33820

The European Union: Politics, Policies, Problems

IP36420

The Second World War in Europe

IQ30220

Intervention and Humanitarianism

IQ30320

The BRICS in World Politics

IQ33420

Total War, Total Peace

IQ33720

Politics in Diverse Societies

IQ34920

Russian intelligence from Lenin to Putin

Semester 2
GW30040

Dulliau Ymchwil + Traethawd Estynedig

GW35020

Datganoli a Chymru

IP30040

Dissertation

IP30820

Militaries and Crisis: Where Strategy Meets Society

IP32220

Political Theory

IP34520

Terrorism & Counter Terrorism in the Modern World: Policing, Intelligence & War

IP35020

Devolution and Wales

IP36820

Questions of International Politics

IP38320

A War on the Mind: Propaganda and Secret Intelligence from the Great War to the 21st Century

IP38720

Contemporary Latin America

IQ31620

Trade Wars and the Liberal Order

IQ32820

Capitalism and International Politics

IQ35720

War Crimes

Final Year Options

Choose 30 credits of the following SP or EL modules:

Semester 1
EL30100

Dissertation

EL30500

Extended Essay Module

EL30700

Brazilian / Portuguese Language III

SP35120

Reading Late 19th Century Literature

Semester 2
EL30120

Dissertation

EL30510

Extended Essay Module

EL30720

Brazilian / Portuguese Language III

SP35020

Seeing Spain Through Cinema

SP37020

Cuban Cinema of the Revolution: Crisis, National Identity and the Critique of Contemporary Society

SP39910

Traducción al español


12 : Support for students and their learning
Every student is allocated a Personal Tutor. Personal Tutors have an important role within the overall framework for supporting students and their personal development at the University. The role is crucial in helping students to identify where they might find support, how and where to seek advice and how to approach support to maximise their student experience. Further support for students and their learning is provided by Information Services and Student Support and Careers Services.

13 : Entry Requirements
Details of entry requirements for the scheme can be found at http://courses.aber.ac.uk

14 : Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning
All taught study schemes are subject to annual monitoring and periodic review, which provide the University with assurance that schemes are meeting their aims, and also identify areas of good practice and disseminate this information in order to enhance the provision.

15 : Regulation of Assessment
Academic Regulations are published as Appendix 2 of the Academic Quality Handbook: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/aqro/handbook/app-2/.

15.1 : External Examiners
External Examiners fulfill an essential part of the University’s Quality Assurance. Annual reports by External Examiners are considered by Faculties and Academic Board at university level.

16 : Indicators of quality and standards
The Department Quality Audit questionnaire serves as a checklist about the current requirements of the University’s Academic Quality Handbook. The periodic Department Reviews provide an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of quality assurance processes and for the University to assure itself that management of quality and standards which are the responsibility of the University as a whole are being delivered successfully.