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<p>As autonomous institutions, higher education (HE) providers are responsible for
the administration of their own exams and assessments. HE students and providers have
faced unique challenges as providers have had to adapt teaching, learning and assessment
methods in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.</p><p>Some providers have put in place
policies stating that students should not be awarded a degree classification below
their level of academic performance prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. A ‘No detriment
policy’ is designed by providers as a safety net for students to help ensure they
are not unfairly impacted by these challenging circumstances. This approach may not
be appropriate for all providers and we recognise that there are a number of ways
to assess students which will lead to a wide variety of measures being put in place.</p><p>The
government continues to work closely with the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher
Education, professional bodies and the Office for Students to ensure students continue
to leave university with qualifications that have real value, reflect their hard work
and allow people to progress. The professional bodies have put alternative requirements
in place for graduation to maintain standards, building on similar arrangements which
were made for graduation last year.</p><p>I am aware that the majority of universities
adopted ‘No detriment’ policies last year. We have not made a detailed assessment,
or estimate, of the extent of these policies in terms of student numbers, credits
not undertaken or the impact on future employment prospects.</p><p>However, I have
been clear that I expect providers to make all reasonable efforts for student achievement
to be reliably assessed and for qualifications to be awarded securely. It is vital
that a fair approach to exams and assessment is in place and understood by students.
Any policies universities put in place to ensure students are not unfairly affected
by the circumstances should continue to maintain standards – and awarding powers must
be used responsibly to preserve the world-class reputation of our HE.</p><p>Providers
should seek to ensure this and last years’ students are not disadvantaged in the labour
market by whatever measures are taken and should provide assurances as appropriate
to enable employers to have confidence in qualifications awarded.</p><p> </p>
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