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Continuous Action for Programme Enhancement

As part of the University’s quality assurance framework, Continuous Action for Programme Enhancement (CAPE) is a key mechanism by which the University can assure itself of the quality, and maintain the academic standards, of its programmes.  CAPE enables programme teams to reflect and act upon relevant programme-level information; and enables Faculties/committees to make judgments on the School’s analysis of pertinent data and actions to address concerns or disseminate good practice. This work forms a significant part of the basis on which Academic Council seeks to provide assurance to Senate on the following matters, so that Senate may provide the required annual assurances to the Department for the Economy:

  1. Students’ academic experience at Queen’s is of an appropriate quality, and robust and appropriate methodologies are in place to ensure the continuous improvement of the student academic experience.
  2. Student outcomes are of an appropriate quality, and robust and appropriate methodologies are in place to ensure the continuous improvement of student outcomes.
  3. Degree standards are set and maintained at an appropriate level.
  • The CAPE Cycle

    Figure 1 demonstrates the anticipated continuous nature of CAPE, with programme teams reviewing and reflecting on data, and planning and taking action throughout the academic year.  Priority Objectives arising from CAPE are developed at School, Faculty and Institutional level each year to identify action for programme enhancement.

    Figure 1: CAPE Cycle

    Download an accessible version of Figure 1: CAPE Cycle

    This image demonstrates the anticipated continuous nature of CAPE.

  • Feedback from CAPE

    Feedback from CAPE (2022-23 Programme Delivery)

    Each CAPE Faculty Review Panel (for Undergraduate, Postgraduate Taught and Research Degree Programmes) provided the following assurances during February/March 2024:

    1. It has considered each School’s self-assessment of pertinent quantitative and qualitative data, and identification of actions for programme enhancement.
    2. School/programme-specific feedback has been given to support degree standards and continuous improvement of the student academic experience and student outcomes (accessible via the CAPE SharePoint site (QUB staff login required).
    3. On the basis of the information received through CAPE in tandem with the other constituent parts of the University’s Quality Assurance Framework, provision continues to meet the Expectations for Standards and Expectations for Quality as outlined in the revised UK Quality Code for Higher Education.

    In May 2024, the CAPE Steering Group provided the following assurances:

    1. It has considered the assurances provided by each Faculty Review Panel, and the Faculty Priority Objectives provided in relation to Undergraduate, Postgraduate Taught and Research Degree Programmes.
    2. It has considered themes of good practice identified via CAPE, and agreed mechanisms to share, disseminate and embed good practice across the University.
    3. It has identified relevant Institutional Priority Objectives arising from CAPE.
    4. On the basis of the information received through CAPE in tandem with the other constituent parts of the University’s Quality Assurance Framework, provision continues to meet the Expectations for Standards and Expectations for Quality as outlined in the revised UK Quality Code for Higher Education.

    The CAPE Steering Group reviewed and discussed themes of good practice, commonalities in Faculty Priority Objectives, and University-level matters that were discussed at CAPE Faculty Review Panels.  From this, the Group considered institutional priority themes which will be considered to inform the direction and prioritisation of existing Strategy 2030 projects. Faculty Priority Objectives and the institutional priority themes identified are accessible via the CAPE SharePoint site (QUB staff login required).

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