The University is introducing a Targeted Enhancement Approach to improve student success and enhance academic quality. This approach will utilise evidence-based strategies to enable Schools that would most benefit from targeted support to focus their efforts where they will have the most significant impact.

By adopting this structured, collaborative, and evidence-driven enhancement model, the University seeks to ensure sustained academic excellence and improved student success across all programmes.

Key Objectives of the Targeted Enhancement Approach

• Evidence-Led: Effectively utilise student success indicator data to identify key areas for focus and prioritise enhancement efforts, moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach.
• Targeted Interventions: Implement an Enhancement Planning methodology to empower Schools to create focused, context-specific plans that effectively address their unique challenges.
• Collaboratively agreed actions: Develop a shared understanding and commitment to enhancing programme quality through the involvement of all relevant stakeholders to agree and deliver actions.
• Ensure Sustainable Improvements: Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented changes to ensure ongoing impact and the ability to adapt enhancements as needed.

Phase 1 Pilot

A Phase 1 pilot of this new approach will be adopted in 2024-25.  This pilot will focus on student outcome data and up to three Schools per level of study (undergraduate, postgraduate taught, and postgraduate research) will be selected to engage with the Targeted Enhancement Approach. 

Identification of undergraduate areas will take place in February 2025. Identification of postgraduate taught and postgraduate research areas will occur once the student outcome data is finalised.

This initial phase is designed to provide actionable insights, measurable improvements, and a scalable framework for broader implementation. By focusing on a pilot with manageable scope, the University can identify challenges, refine processes, and ensure the approach delivers meaningful, sustainable improvements in student outcomes. Success will be evaluated based on both improved outcomes and continued stakeholder feedback.

Key Contacts

Targeted Enhancement Approach Leads: Dr Michelle Spence, Head of Academic Affairs and Jenny Brown, Quality Assurance and Regulations Manager

Queries should be directed to the Quality Assurance and Regulations Team qar@qub.ac.uk.