Revising the Engineering Benchmark

1
Revising the Engineering Benchmark

• Richard Shearman
• Deputy Director, ECUK
• 20 October 2005

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Significance of using UK-SPEC Output Standards

• Recognises link between HE professional
  practice
• Recognises UK-SPEC as current synthesis
• Would not be possible if UK-SPEC over-rigid

3
QAA and Benchmarks

• Regard them as a point of reference
• Concentration on institutional rather than
  subject review
• Increasing interest in PSB evidence

4
What does it mean for accreditation?

• Can any course claim it meets the standards?
• Accreditation provides 3rd party check
• CEng/IEng issue
• Threshold is this an issue?

5
How is UK-SPEC working?

• Institutions have developed own standards
• Detailed prescription generally avoided
• Need to avoid box-ticking
• Assessment is a significant issue
• Will take time to embed ABET experience

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Why its important

• Outcomes a vital element in national
  international frameworks
• Confusion would not help UK cause

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Keep in touch!

• Comments and questions always welcome
• rshearman_at_engc.org.uk