Deciding which universities to apply to has always been a difficult decision. From this year onwards, applicants have yet another measure to add to their list of things to consider. The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) is a government initiative which aims to measure the quality of teaching in universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Universities are measured on six metrics- dropout rates; the destination of leavers; whether graduates attain an appropriate level job; students’ views on teaching; views on academic support levels; and views on assessment and feedback. From this, universities are given a bronze, silver or gold award. This represents a shift away from the emphasis on research which has dominated university league tables in recent years.
A gold rating means that the university has shown the highest quality standards for students of all backgrounds, and provides excellent resources. Universities with higher ratings will be able to increase their tuition fees in line with inflation. It is worth noting that the TEF is voluntary, and not all universities have taken part this year, and could opt out in years to come. This year, most Scottish universities and the Open University declined to take part.
The first set of results, which acted as a trial for the framework, were published in June. The results came as a shock to many, as several prestigious universities missed out on the gold standard- LSE was one of only three universities to receive a bronze award- whilst many less well regarded universities achieved gold status. Many institutions, such as Southampton and Durham University, are challenging the results.
What impact does this have on students looking to go to university? In addition to its potential effect on tuition fees, the TEF provides a new perspective on what students should be looking for in a higher education institution. It should be considered alongside other metrics such as the Times Higher Education and Guardian league tables, as focusing purely on the TEF would disregard important factors such as the quality of research a university conducts. The TEF categorises universities as a whole, rather than on a departmental basis, and so students should also look at specific league tables and syllabuses for their chosen subject.
Amidst widespread controversy, the TEF might not impact peoples’ views on traditionally well regarded institution, but it might impact the decisions of foreign students applying to universities in the UK.
Articles Consulted
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/news/what-tef-results-teaching-excellence-framework
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