National Quality Framework

National Quality Framework

Universities in Ireland have their own statutory degree awarding powers[i]. Universities, technological universities, and the institutes of technology are classed as designated awarding bodies (DABs) for the purpose of implementing the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) in accordance with the Qualifications and Quality Assurance Act 2012. This designation respects the autonomy of these institutions, their self-accrediting status, and the principle of academic freedom.[ii]

Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) is the state agency responsible for promoting the quality, integrity and reputation of Ireland’s further and higher education system.  QQI manages the NFQ which is a single framework designed to aid the development, recognition and awarding of qualifications within Irish Education.  The Irish Register of Qualifications (IRQ) is a register of the qualifications that are included in the NFQ. 

University of Galway is a designated awarding body giving it the authority to make its own awards.  All courses offered by the University of Galway lead to awards (major, minor, special purpose or supplemental award) which are included on the NFQ.  

Internally, University of Galway has a comprehensive documented approach to Quality Assurance (QA) and implements external standards and guidelines through a comprehensive QA system focussed on internal Policies and Procedures including specific Policies and Procedures around internal monitoring and Quality Reviews (QRs).  Reviews are carried out periodically at University of Galway of all schools and professional service units, and programmes are also reviewed periodically.  In addition, IRRP2024 is a research assessment exercise for all eighteen schools of University of Galway.  Four senior reviewers acting as Overall Chairs jointly lead the review process and are assisted by one or two Panel Chairs for each School. Each Panel Chair selects at least two Reviewers (Readers) for each Subject Area defined by a School.

The effectiveness of University of Galway’s quality assurance system is subject to periodic review by QQI where it reviews the effectiveness of its quality assurance procedures.  The last review of University of Galway was carried out in 2018/19 (review report). 

[i] The Universities Act 1997; the Technological Universities Act 2018; RCSI Charters Amendment Act 2010.

[ii] Joint-Sectoral Protocol between Designated Awarding Bodies and Quality and Qualifications Ireland for the Inclusion of Qualifications within the National Framework of Qualifications.