Australia | Europe | UK | USA | Canada
Australia
ALFT This site houses the reports and resources of the 115 Fellows awarded National Teaching Fellowships (under a variety of names) by the Australian Government from 1994-2018. https://altf.org/
Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) ACER’s mission is to create and promote research-based knowledge, products and services that can be used to improve learning across the life span. http://www.acer.edu.au
Australian National Union of Students This is the body that represents students in Australia. They promote, defend and extend the rights of students and develop and champion strong students’ unions. http://www.nus.asn.au
Capstone Curriculum This site is a resource on capstone curriculum across the disciplines, developed as part of Professor Nicolette Lee’s National Senior Teaching Fellowship funded by the Office for Learning and Teaching (OLT) in 2013-2015. http://www.capstonecurriculum.com.au
The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA) The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA) was formed in 1979. It is a membership based non-profit organisation. CAPA’s main role is in protecting and promoting the interests and needs of Australia’s 300,000+ postgraduate (PG) students. CAPA is the national voice on postgraduate issues and it communicates the interests and perspectives of postgraduate students to the Federal Government, Federal Opposition and minor parties, and higher education peak bodies. This website provides access to PG policy documents, discussion groups and the latest news. http://www.capa.edu.au
CEEHE The Centre of Excellence for Equity in Higher Education (CEEHE) at the University of Newcastle conducts innovative research informed equity practice and outstanding practice-informed research with international reach, significance and relevance. https://www.newcastle.edu.au/research-and-innovation/centre/ceehe
CHEEDR The Centre for Higher Education Equity and Diversity Research (CHEEDR) at La Trobe University (LTU) both informs LTU strategies for improving the access and achievement levels of under-represented students and promotes student equity and diversity through research explicitly tied to policy and practice in the broader university sector. https://www.latrobe.edu.au/cheedr
CRADLE The Centre for Research in Assessment and Digital Learning (CRADLE) at Deakin University investigates improvements in higher education assessment in the context of a rapidly expanding digital environment. https://www.deakin.edu.au/about-deakin/teaching-and-learning/cradle
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations is the lead government agency in Australia providing national leadership in education and workplace training, transition to work and conditions and values in the workplace. The site includes the latest news on higher education, government policy and programs. http://www.innovation.gov.au/HigherEducation/ResourcesAndPublications/Pages/default.aspx
Department of Education, Skills and Employment (created 1 Feb 2020)
This site provides information on Australia’s HE system. It came into existence on 1 February 2020 when the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business merged with the Department of Education, to form the new Department of Education, Skills and Employment.
https://www.education.gov.au/higher-education-0
Engaging Alumni This National Learning and Teaching Fellowship aims to redefine the role of alumni in Australian Higher Education and encourage new models of alumni engagement that facilitate authentic partnerships between a university and its graduates. http://www.engagingalumni.com/
HERDSA The Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia is a scholarly society for people committed to the advancement of higher and tertiary education. It was established in 1972 to promote the development of higher education policy, practice and the study of teaching and learning. HERDSA encourages and disseminates research on teaching and learning and higher education development. It also works to build strong academic communities. https://www.herdsa.org.au
Higher Ed Services Higher Ed Services is a not-for-profit company owned by Universities Australia whose work is to strengthen the higher education sector by building capacity, professionalism and quality in both business practices and the education of Australians.
https://www.hes.edu.au
IHEA
Independent Higher Education Australia represents the majority of Australia’s registered and accredited independent higher education providers.
https://ihea.edu.au
Learning and Teaching Repository
The Learning and Teaching Repository contains a collection of higher education learning and teaching materials flowing from projects funded by the Australian Government from 1994-2018.
NCSEHE
The National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education (NCSEHE) is a research and policy centre funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment, and based at Curtin University. The NCSEHE provides national leadership in student equity in higher education, connecting research, policy and practice to improve higher education participation and success for marginalised and disadvantaged people.
https://www.ncsehe.edu.au/
Study in Australia
Study in Australia is the Australian Government’s official resource for international students.
https://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au
TEQSA
Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency is Australia’s independent national quality assurance and regulatory agency for higher education.
https://www.teqsa.gov.au
Transition Pedagogy
This site presents the findings and outcomes of Professor Sally Kift’s Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC) Senior Fellowship on Transition Pedagogy and the First Year Experience.
http://transitionpedagogy.com/
Universities Australia
Universities Australia was established on 22 May 2007 as the main body representing the university sector. Universities Australia represents Australia’s 39 universities in the public interest, both nationally and internationally. Universities Australia acts as a consultative and advisory body for all university affairs, making submissions to public inquiries of interest to the university sector, and preparing statements on major issues. It seeks to influence politicians, the community and opinion leaders, in order to secure the best possible outcomes from government funding and regulatory decisions, and the actions of other groups and individuals related to the university sector. This site provides members and non-members with access to key policy, submission and review documents, advice and guidance.
http://www.universitiesaustralia.edu.au/
What should I study
Improving tertiary pathways by improving support for prospective students
http://whatshouldistudy.com.au/
Canada
Canadian Association of College & University Student Services (CACUSS)
CACUSS is a professional bilingual association representing and serving those individuals who work in Canadian post-secondary institutions in student affairs and services. Since 1973 CACUSS has provided professional development services and programs for members in all the Canadian provinces. It provides information on conferences, awards and grants to members, resources such as presentations and publications, on-line directory of contact information for CACUSS members and an internet-based career development tool for new and continuing student affairs and services professionals.
Canadian Federation of Students (CFS)
The Canadian Federation of Students and the Canadian Federation of Students-Services were formed in 1981 to provide students with an effective and united voice, provincially and nationally.The Canadian Federation of Students-Services enables students’ unions to collectively pool their resources to provide student owned and operated services such as Travel CUTS, the International Student Identity Card, the Studentsaver Card, Homes4students.ca, the Student Work Abroad Program (SWAP), and the National Student Health Network. This site contains information on campaigns, research, and services.
Canadian Government Education Planning and Student Aid
This website provides information on the Canada Student Loans Program and the Canada Student Grants Program for Canadians attending post-secondary education in most provinces and territories.
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education.html
Ministry of Training, Universities and Colleges
This website provides information on university study in Ontario, Canada
http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/postsecondary/
Europe
All Ireland Society for Higher Education (AISHE)
AISHE is a professional society promoting the professional recognition and enhancement of teaching and learning in higher education in Ireland through a range of activities including seminars, conferences, publications, and provision of online community forums and services.
AONTAS- The home of adult learning (Ireland
AONTAS’s mission is to advocate for the right of all adults in Ireland to quality learning throughout their lives, and to promote the value and benefits of lifelong learning.
European Access Network
The European Access Network encourages wider access to higher education for those who are currently under-represented, whether for reasons of gender, ethnic origin, nationality, age, disability, family background, vocational training, geographic location, or earlier educational disadvantage. The EAN is the only European-wide, non-governmental organisation for widening participation in higher education. It is organised for educational purposes and operates under English Law. Membership is open to all those with an interest in widening access. Through this site, you can access European countries higher education news. You can also access event, publication and research project information via this site.
European Commission: Education and Training
The role of the European Commission is to support the efforts of member countries in education and training. It provides support on all areas of lifelong learning such as school, higher education, vocational and adult learning.
http://ec.europa.eu/education/
European Higher Education Area (EHEA)
The European Higher Education Area (EHEA) was launched in March 2010 to coincide with the 10 year anniversary of the Bologna Process at the Budapest-Vienna Ministerial Conference. This website is aimed at supporting and advancing the Bologna process. This site contains a range of useful documents, an extensive work programme for HE different activities, a Bologna archive, event information and useful links to relevant European organisations.
European Students Union
The European Students’ Union (ESU) is an umbrella organisation of 45 National Unions of Students (NUS) from 38 countries (March 2011). The aim of ESU is to represent and promote the educational, social, economic and cultural interests of students at the European level towards all relevant bodies and in particular the European Union, Bologna Follow Up Group, Council of Europe and UNESCO. This website lists seminars, training, campaigns and conferences relevant to students. It also provides information and a variety of publication for both students, policy-makers and higher education professionals.
National Student Engagement Programme (Ireland)
The National Student Engagement Programme was launched in April 2016 by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) and the Union of Students in Ireland (USI). The collaborative initiative began with two key strands of work: A National Student Training Programme and the Development of Institutional Capacity. The Student Partnerships in Scotland agency, sparqs, were engaged as consultants and five higher education institutions (HEIs) were selected for the pilot stage of the Programme. NStEP builds on the work previously undertaken by the HEA Working Group on Student Engagement which developed ten principles of student engagement published in April 2016. In January 2017 the programme expanded and now includes 23 institutions across the public and private sectors of Irish Higher Education.
Netherlands Organisation for International Cooperation in Higher Education (Nuffic)
Nuffic engages in: managing programmes on the instructions of the Dutch government, the European Union and third parties; providing reliable information about Dutch and foreign higher education; strengthening the position and raising the profile of Dutch higher education and scientific research; evaluating diplomas and promoting the transparency of education systems; combining knowledge and expertise and making knowledge and expertise available; performing activities for third parties that are not financed by public funds insofar as such activities are in keeping with the frameworks of government policy.The site provides a range of information for university staff and students looking ot go to university.
http://www.nuffic.nl/
UK
Action on Access
Action on Access is the national provider of coordination and support for widening participation and access to higher education in the UK. The website is a well-used electronic event and publication platform which reaches over 2,000 practitioners. Action on Access works with institutional leaders and practitioners; policy makers; funders and stakeholder groups to promote inclusivity and diversity, challenge exclusion and lobby for the widest broadest possible access to higher education.
http://www.actiononaccess.org/
AdvanceHE (formerly the Higher Education Academy))
AdvanceHE is an independent organisation funded by grants from the four UK higher education funding bodies, subscriptions from higher education institutions, and grant and contract income for specific initiatives. The AdvanceHE works with individual academic staff, discipline groups and senior managers in institutions to identify and share effective teaching practices in order to provide the best possible learning experience for all students. The site has extensive resources.
Admissions to Higher Education Review
This website provides information on a major UK Government review headed up by Professor Steven Schwartz. The final report was submitted in September 2004. This website contains the full report and a range of other useful information.
https://dera.ioe.ac.uk/5284/1/finalreport.pdf
AGCAS
AGCAS is the expert membership organisation for higher education student career development and graduate employment professionals. Through their members, they support the best possible career outcomes from higher education for individuals, institutions, society and the economy.
https://www.agcas.org.uk/
Aimhigher
Aimhigher was an initiative by the former Department for Education and Skills DfES) working with the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) which ceased in April 2018. Aimhigher ceased in July 2011. Its aim was to raise the aspirations of underrepresented groups in higher education and increase diversity in higher education. Although Aimhigher no longer exists nationally, some centres do locally. Two of them are listed below. Their websites contain useful resources and information.
https://aimhigherlondon.org.uk
AMOSSHE
AMOSSHE is the UK Student Services Organisation. This organisation informs and supports the leaders of student services (student affairs). The organisation has 149 UK higher education institutions who are members of AMOSSHE. AMOSSHE’s aim is to promote the development and sharing of good practice within student services in the HE sector at a national level.
Association of Colleges
Association of Colleges is the national voice for further education, sixth form, tertiary and specialist colleges in England. They are a not-for-profit membership organisation established in 1996 by colleges, for colleges. Their members make up almost 95% of the sector – transforming 2.2 million lives each year.
Association for Learning Technology (ALT)
ALT is a leading body in the United Kingdom (UK) that brings together practitioners, researchers and policy makers in learning technology. Membership consists of most UK universities, individuals, colleges, government and corporate bodies. ALT publishes a journal, ALT-J, a newsletter, ALT-N, and supports an annual conference. The site contains a resource database with downloadable documents that include guides for staff new to teaching with technology.
http://www.alt.ac.uk/
Association of University Administrators (AUA)
The AUA is a membership organisation for professional service staff and academics. Membership offers the opportunity to gain an understanding of the key issues and new ideas in HE management, both nationally and internationally. The AUA offers many different networking opportunities to:
- share good practice;
- develop knowledge of the sector;
- provide professional development opportunities.
Athena SWAN (run by the Equality Challenge Unit)
The Athena SWAN Charter is a scheme that recognises excellence in science, engineering and technology (SET) employment for women in higher education.
https://www.ecu.ac.uk/equality-charters/athena-swan/
Back on course (ended September 2012)
Back on course is an impartial advice and guidance service for people who have withdrawn from higher education before completing their studies. We offer support to people who are interested in returning to education or exploring other positive options, such as employment, training or apprenticeships. Back on course is funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) as a three year project, and managed by The Open University in partnership with UCAS. HEFCE funding comes to an end on 31 July 2012 and, as a result, the project will progressively close until 30 September 2012. Students whose details are passed to the project before mid-June will be contacted and offered the full service, as normal. They are also planning a final research and evaluation report, which will be published at the end of the year. This will analyse the characteristics of early leavers, and will seek to identify key issues that the sector can use to inform future policy on student retention and success.
http://www.backoncourse.ac.uk/
Burnout in a Digital Age- How to avoid workplace stress
Workplace stress is likely to be an issue for all professionals at some stage in their career. No matter your industry or level of experience, managing stress levels is something all professionals need to practice to achieve success and happiness in and out of work.Thsi site provides advice and guidance.
https://www.thanksben.com/how-to-avoid-workplace-burnout-stress-in-the-digital-age
CBI
The Confederation of British Inductry speaks on behalf of 190,000 businesses. Together they employ nearly 7 million people, about one-third of the private sector-employed workforce.
Department for Education
The Department for Education is a UK government department that is responsible for further and higher education. This website contains policy documents that impact on higher and further education.
https://www.gov.uk/education/further-and-higher-education-skills-and-vocational-training
DirectGov Student Finance
This Government website contains comprehensive information on tuition fees and the range of support available to HE students including details on how to apply for these services. Online applications for financial support can be submitted via this website. Alternatively application forms for financial assistance can be downloaded from here and returned in the post.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance
DirectGov Career Development Loans
This Government website has information about Career Development Loans (CDLs) including details on how to apply. CDLs are bank loans and undergraduates would typically only apply for one if they are not eligible for the standard HE support package. Many students enrolled on postgraduate courses or their second undergraduate programme will fund their course with a CDL.
Discover Uni and Uni Stats
Key Information Sets (KIS) are comparable sets of standardised information about undergraduate courses. They are designed to meet the information needs of prospective students and will be published ‘in context’ on the web-sites of universities and colleges. More information on KIS and advice for institutions can be found below.
Education Training Foundation (ETF)
The Education and Training Foundation (ETF) is the sector-led, government-backed workforce development body for the Further Education and Training sector. Its role is to commission and deliver professional learning and development for teachers, leaders and trainers to support government policy and meet sector needs. Our charitable purpose is to improve education and training for learners aged 14 and over. ETF was established in October 2013. They are the guardian of the Professional Standards for the sector. Their professional membership body, the Society for Education and Training (SET), has around 20,000 members, making it the largest professional membership organisation for practitioners in the post-16 sector. The ETF through SET remains the only body which confers Qualified Teaching Learning and Skills (QTLS) status and Advanced Teacher Status (ATS).
https://www.et-foundation.co.uk
Engineering Professor Council
The Engineering Professors’ Council (EPC) is the representative body for engineering in higher education. Their primary purpose is to provide a forum at which engineers working in UK higher education can exchange ideas about engineering education, research and other matters of common interest and to come together to provide an influential voice and authoritative conduit through which engineering departments’ interests can be represented to key audiences such as funders, influencers, employers, professional bodies and Government. All branches of engineering are represented within the membership: Aeronautical, Civil, Chemical, Electrical, Electronic, Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering, as well as Minerals, Metallurgy and Marine Engineering and the broad areas of general engineering studies and those in which engineering is combined with a range of other topics. In some universities, frequently those where computing forms part of an Engineering School or Faculty, academic staff in Computer Science are also members. There are currently 81 institutional members encompassing c.6,000 academic staff (permanent FTE). The Royal Academy of Engineering is also a member.
Enlitened
Enlitened’s approach is to maximise continuous improvement in wellbeing, engagement, student experience, continuation and equal opportunities, and therefore NSS, TEF and league tables. Enlitened is a partner in one of 10 successful projects supported through the OfS’s £6m Challenge Competition which aims to drive a step change in mental health support for students. Enlitened is a key partner, amongst others, in using innovative technology to improve mental health and learning outcomes for all students and match students in need to appropriate support.
Equality Challenge Unit (ECU)
ECU is now part of AdvanceHE. Itworks to further and support equality and diversity for staff and students in higher education across all four nations of the UK, and in further education in Scotland. ECU works closely with colleges and universities to seek to ensure that staff and students are not unfairly excluded, marginalised or disadvantaged because of age, disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity status, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or through any combination of these characteristics or other unfair treatment. The website provides advice, information and guidance.
FFT Education datalab
FFT Education Datalab, part of FFT, produces independent, cutting-edge research on education policy and practice. FFT is a non-profit organisation established in 2001 as part of the Fischer Family Trust. They are focussed on providing accurate and insightful information to schools which enables pupils to achieve their full potential and schools to improve.
https://ffteducationdatalab.org.uk/
https://fft.org.uk/
findauniversity
FindAUniversity are experts in everything postgraduate. They started in 2001 and now work with hundreds of universities across the globe to help them achieve their postgraduate recruitment targets. Mark Bennett is Head of Content at FindAUniversity where he regularly engages with prospective Masters and PhD students via their FindAMasters and FindAPhD platforms and at study events. His work explores the perceptions, expectations and information needs of prospective postgraduates, with insight, analysis and comment periodically published on the FindAUniversity blog.
https://www.findauniversity.com
Gradconsult
Gradconsult is an independent, UK-based consultancy established in April 2012. They undertake a variety of work in the employability and early careers arena, and specialise in Higher Education and graduate employment in the UK. Since their launch, they have worked with over 50% of UK universities including Russell Group and New Universities. On the employer side, they have worked with global corporate graduate schemes to hundreds of SMEs. They have also been appointed by AGCAS and the ISE to deliver industry-leading training to their members at every level. Frequently in the industry and national press, winning and shortlisted for a variety of awards, they are viewed as one of the most expert providers in the UK.
www.gradconsult.co.uk
Guild HE
GuildHE is an officially recognised representative body for UK Higher Education. Our members include universities, university colleges, further education colleges and specialist institutions from both the traditional and private (“not for profit” and “for profit”) sectors.
HE in FE
HE in FE support teachers and leaders across the Further Education and Training sector to help them achieve their professional development goals for the benefit of learners and employers across England. They help to transform the lives of individuals and communities across the country.
https://www.et-foundation.co.uk
HEPI
The Higher Education Policy Institute was established in 2002 to shape the higher education policy debate through evidence. They are UK-wide, independent and non-partisan. They are funded by organisations and universities.
HESPA
The Higher Education Strategic Planners Association is the representative body for those working in strategy and planning in UK higher education. Their Strategic Objectives include providing an active forum for strategic planners in higher education to network, discuss, improve and influence the future of higher education by challenging policy and promoting awareness and understanding of strategy and planning issues locally, nationally and internationally.
Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)
HESA is the official agency in the UK for the collection, analysis and dissemination of quantitative information about higher education. It was set up by agreement between the relevant government departments, the higher education funding councils and the universities and colleges in 1993. It was established following the White Paper Higher Education: a new framework, which called for more coherence in HE statistics, and the 1992 Higher and Further Education Acts, which established an integrated higher education system throughout the United Kingdom.
Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE)
HEFCE ceased in April 2018. HEFCE was ressponsible for distributing public money for teaching and research to universities and colleges and it aims to promote high quality education and research. The Council played a key role in ensuring accountability and promoting good practice in HE. It was replaced by the Office for Students.
Higher Funding Council for Wales
Higher education in Wales is offered mainly through Wales’s 11 universities but is also offered at a number of further education colleges. The Higher Education Funding Council for Wales is the national, strategic body that is responsible for funding teaching and learning provision, research and other activities in Wales. The website provides a range of information including reports, publications, guidance, statistics, funding information, events and news.
http://www.hefcw.ac.uk/home/home.aspx
Higher Education Careers Services Unit (HECSU)
HECSU is a registered charity. It supports the work of the higher education careers services in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. It funds major research projects that benefit the higher education careers sector and conducts research into graduate employment and careers decision-making on behalf of its own members and external bodies. It also provides research services to support HEI careers services to investigate the key questions they face. This website includes information about research conducted by HECSU, HECSU funded research and development projects, news and other relevant work. HECSU’s Development Plan is included and it contains five distinct themed areas:
- Practitioner research and PROP;
- Labour market information;
- Careers guidance;
- International comparisons;
- Career learning and development.
Independent HE
Independent HE is the UK membership organisation and national representative body for independent providers of higher education, professional training and pathways. Independent HE works to promote, support and enhance the independent tertiary education sector. We lobby for positive reforms to the regulatory and operating environment, work to share good practice and raise standards in the sector, and help members to overcome challenges to succeed in the market.
http://independenthe.com/
An International Student’s Guide to UK University (COVID-19)
The guide covers important topics such as:
•The impact of COVID-19 on young people’s mental wellbeing and the education sector’s framework to emerge from lockdown safely.
•Advice for students studying in the UK, Coronavirus FAQs, what to expect, and how the new academic year might look like.
•Links to sources of up-to-date guidance and support for international students.
•Other useful information for students moving to the UK to study.
https://universityguide.org.uk/#covid
JISC
JISC offers leadership and support to UK educational organisations at a local, national and international level. It provides resources, knowledge and expertise that colleges and universities would struggle to source individually due to cost and resource. JISC keeps abreast of developments across information and digital technology.
million+
million+ is a university think-tank and promotes general policy objectives; engages in advocacy; influences governmental decisions through evidence based policy and helps set the agenda, mobilise change and amplify unheard voices. It submits evidence to parliamentarians, government and other agencies.
million+ is at the forefront of the political debate about the role and contribution of the universities to the economy and society.
This website provides access to published research reports and policy papers.
http://www.millionplus.ac.uk
Money & Mental Health – Practical Financial Skills to Manage Money by Finty
This guide contains plenty of helpful information such as:
• How financial debt and money worries impact people’s mental health: did you know that 9.5 million adults in the UK suffer from mental health issues as a result of financial anxiety?
• The importance of practical financial skills and how it helps with mental health, including expert advice on combating debt, knowing why people overspend, and how to manage the effects of money pressures.
• Practical, useful tips and advice such as how to budget, analysing spending habits, where to save on household expenses, how to deal with debt, and how to make money management a habit.
• Other useful information and links to external resources to help develop practical financial skills and healthy habits around money.
https://finty.com/resources/managing-money-pressures/
My Tutor Guide
MyTutor is a one-stop guide for everything a student and parent/guardian needs to know about the whole UCAS process-from filling in their name to choosing courses.
https://www.mytutor.co.uk/blog/the-mytutor-guide-to-ucas-your-one-stop-guide/
NCUB
The National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) is an independent and not-for-profit membership organisation that promotes, develops and supports university-business collaboration across the UK. The National Centre’s Council, drawn from senior business leaders and Vice-Chancellors from our member organisations, review and make recommendations on the UK’s long-term skills, graduate talent and innovation needs, deliver collaborative thinking on the big issues of sustainable growth and industrial strategy, and strengthen understanding with government and policy-makers through high level networking.
Nesta
Nesta is an innovation foundation. Formerly it was the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts. They were established in 1998 with an endowment from the UK National Lottery. In 2012 they became an independent charity. Nesta works in areas where there are big challenges facing society, from the frontiers of personalised healthcare to stretched public services, education and a fast-changing jobs market
https://www.nesta.org.uk
NUS
The National Union of Students is a voluntary membership organisation. It is a confederation of 600 students’ unions, amounting to more than 95 per cent of all higher and further education unions in the UK. They promote, defend and extend the rights of students and develop and champion strong students’ unions.
https://www.nus.org.uk
OneHE
OneHE’s vision is a world in which higher education delivers the best possible student outcomes for the benefit of society and the economy through better teaching. Their mission is to build a global community of educators focused on better teaching to support the sharing and application of innovative and excellent practice.
Professor Phil Race (International L&T and Assessment Expert)
On this website by world leading educator Phil Race, you can access a range of free things related to assessment, learning, feedback and teaching in higher education. Several of the pages contain downloads. There are also pdf files of various other documents.
Quality Assurance Agency
The Quality Assurance Agency known as the QAA is an independent body funded by subscriptions from universities and colleges of higher education, and through contracts with the main higher education funding bodies. Each higher education institution is responsible for ensuring that appropriate standards are being achieved and a good quality education is being offered. It is the QAA’s responsibility to safeguard the public interest in sound standards of higher education qualifications, and to encourage continuous improvement in the management of the quality of higher education. The website contains reports, publications, information on assuring standards and quality and a complaints process for institutions in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It also provides international advice.
RAE 2008
The Research Assessment Exercise was conducted jointly by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) and the Department for Employment and Learning, Northern Ireland (DEL).This website publishes the result from the 2008 RAE.
Remote Working & Mental Health: A Young Professional’s Guide
The guide offers a lot of great information, such as:
• Why remote working has become the new normal due to lockdowns – An estimated 30% of the workforce could be home-based by the end of 2021.
• How remote working can significantly affect physical and mental health.
• Different ways you can alleviate stress when working from home, such as creating a comfortable work environment and taking regular breaks.
• How employers can help to make working from home healthier and less stressful for their employees.
https://www.helloezra.com/remote-work-mental-health/
Sally Brown- Higher Education Website
Professor Sally Brown is a leading practitioner and an extensively published author in higher education. Her invaluable website includes information on retention issues, suggested reading lists for M Level assessment, change management, and assessment in higher education.
Scottish Funding Council
The Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Council (SFC) is the national, strategic body that is responsible for funding teaching and learning provision, research and other activities in Scotland’s (41 colleges and 19 universities and higher education institutions). They are more commonly known as ‘the Scottish Funding Council’ or ‘SFC’. The website provides a range of information including reports, publications, guidance, statistics, funding information, events and news.
http://www.sfc.ac.uk/home/home.aspx
SEDA
The Staff and Educational Development Association is the professional association for staff and educational developers in the UK, promoting innovation and good practice in higher education. SEDA is seen by many as the shaper of thought and initiator of action in staff and educational development, not only in the UK but in the international domain also.
https://www.seda.ac.uk/
SRHE
The Society for Research into Higher Education is a UK-based international learned society concerned to advance understanding of higher education, especially through the insights, perspectives and knowledge offered by systematic research and scholarship. The Society aims to be the leading international society in the field, as to both the support and the dissemination of research.
Student Minds
Student Minds is the UK’s student mental health charity. They empower students and members of the university community to develop the knowledge, confidence and skills to look after their own mental health, support others and create change. They train students and staff in universities across the UK to deliver student-led peer support interventions as well as research-driven workshops and campaigns. By working collaboratively across sectors, they share best practice and ensure that the student voice influences decisions about student mental health.
https://www.studentminds.org.uk/
Supporting Professionalism in Admissions Programme (SPA)
The SPA programme was established in 2006 and works closely with higher education institutions, schools and colleges and other stakeholders on the continuing development of fair admissions and good practice in admissions, student recruitment and widening participation across the UK higher education sector. The programme is independent, funded by all the UK higher education funding bodies and comprises a small team of six who have a combined experience of over 70 years in admissions. This website highlights the research, good practice and professionalism they have found from their visits and activities, which they have developed and disseminated to support those working in admissions, student recruitment and widening participation.
The Centre for Transforming Access and Student Outcomes(TASO)
TASO uses evidence and evaluation to understand and show how higher education contributes to social justice and mobility. It is a consortium from King’s College London, Nottingham Trent University, and the Behavioural Insights Team TASO is an independent hub for higher education professionals to access leading research, toolkits, evaluation techniques and more, to help widen participation and improve equality across the student lifecycle.
THE
THE is the data provider underpinning university excellence in every continent across the world. The company behind the world’s most influential university ranking, and with almost five decades of experience as a source of analysis and insight on higher education, they have unparalleled expertise on the trends underpinning university performance globally. Their data and benchmarking tools are used by many of the world’s most prestigious universities to help them achieve their strategic goals.
https://www.timeshighereducation.com
The 1994 Group
This group was established in 1994 and brought together nineteen internationally renowned, research-intensive universities. The Group dissolved in November 2013. The Group provided a central vehicle to help members promote their common interests in higher education, respond efficiently to key policy issues, and share best methods and practice. You can read more about the 1994 Group by clicking on the links below.
https://www.whatuni.com/advice/choosing-a-uni/1994-group-of-universities/9398/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994_Group
The Leadership Foundation in Higher Education
The Leadership Foundation is now part of AdvanceHE. It provides a dedicated service of support and advice on leadership, governance and management for all the UK’s universities and Higher Education colleges- enabling transformational change.
https://www.advance-he.ac.uk
The Office of Independent Adjudication (OIA)
The OIA is an independent body set up to review undergraduate and postgraduate student complaints as a result of the Higher Education Act 2004. Advice and support is free to students. The OIA deals with individual student complaints against Higher Education institutions in England and Wales. The OIA is a registered charity in England and Wales. It is funded by institutions but it is autonomous. It is a valuable resource for universities.
Office for Students (replaced HEFCE)
OfS are the independent regulator of higher education in England. They aim to ensure that every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers.
Their work covers all students whether undergraduate or postgraduate, national or international, young or mature, full-time or part-time, studying on a campus or by distance learning.
https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/
The National Postgraduate Committee (NPC)
The NPC is a charity to advance postgraduate education in the UK. The NPC is made up of postgraduate student representatives from educational institutions with postgraduate students. The NPC aims to promote the interests of postgraduates studying in the UK, while remaining politically non-aligned. The Committee holds an annual conference, and publishes various guidelines and codes of practice. The site contains advice and guidance. Certain areas of the website can only be accessed via an affiliated institution’s network, or to individuals connecting from home with a username and password.
The National Union of Students (NUS)
The NUS is a voluntary membership organisation which aims to help students and member students’ unions. Its mission is to promote, defend and extend the rights of students and to develop and champion strong students’ unions. This site provides information on campaigns, advice and support for students.
The National Union of Students (NUS) Media Centre – Research Publications
NUS conducts, commissions, and collaborates with partner organisations and academics, to develop the evidence-base underpinning our work. Users can download research publications exploring education funding, student support and the cost of living; the student experience in higher education; student welfare and communities; and further and higher education equality and diversity issues. NUS research published over the past five years can be browsed here.
http://www.nus.org.uk/en/news/
The Paul Hamlyn Foundation
Their mission is to help people to realise their potential and enjoy a better quality of life, now and in the future.
The Russell Group
The Russell Group represents 20 leading UK universities which are committed to maintaining the very best research, an outstanding teaching and learning experience and unrivalled links with business and the public sector. The website provides information on publications, research, news and networking facilities.
http://www.russellgroup.ac.uk
The Student Loan Company
The SLC website contains information about Student Loans available to eligible higher education students.
The Society for Research into Higher Education (SRHE)
The Society for Research into Higher Education (SRHE) is a UK-based international learned society concerned to advance understanding of higher education, especially through the insights, perspectives and knowledge offered by systematic research and scholarship. The Society aims to be the leading international society in the field, as to both the support and the dissemination of research.
http://www.srhe.ac.uk
UCL Transitions Website
The UCL Transition Programme supports students preparing to enter undergraduate courses as well as first years already studying. There are a number of open access resources on this site that can assist all students who are thinking about applying to university as well as students who have started their degree studies; there are links and information on academic skills, finances, accommodation, student profiles, with information and advice for schools on how to support students applying to university
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/transition
UCAS
UCAS is an independent charity providing information, advice, and admissions services across the UK to inspire and facilitate educational progression.
UKAT
The United Kingdom Advising and Tutoring association is a body of professional practitioners and researchers interested in all aspects of student advising and personal tutoring in Higher Education in the UK. UKAT promotes student success by advancing the field of student advising and tutoring in the UK and beyond. They provide opportunities for professional development, networking, and leadership for their diverse membership and work directly with higher education institutions to enhance academic advising and personal tutoring practice.
UKCGE
The UK Council for Graduate Education is the independent voice of the UK postgraduate community. Their mission is to champion and enhance postgraduate education by providing world-class learning and professional development events, commissioning cutting-edge research, sharing best-practice developments and peer-to-peer learning opportunities, and making policy recommendations to promote a strong and sustainable postgraduate sector.
UKCISA
Since 1968 the UK Council for International Student Affairs has worked to support international students and the institutions, students’ unions and organisations who work closely with them. As well as giving advice direct to students, they support their members by providing training, up-to-date guidance about relevant rules and information. By working collaboratively, they raise areas of concern with government departments and raise awareness of the benefits that international students bring to the UK in the wider media.
UK Research and Innovation(UKRI)
UK Research and Innovation has replaced the Research Councils UK (RCUK). Operating across the whole of the UK with a combined budget of more than £7 billion, UKRI brings together the seven Research Councils, Innovate UK and Research England.
Uni buddy
Unibuddy matches prospects with current students, giving them real-time access to real people with relevant interests. Prospective students get information, reassurance and a greater shot at success.
Universities Scotland
Universities Scotland essentially works for the Principals or Directors of Scotland’s 19 higher education institutions. However, Universities Scotland seeks to draw upon expertise where it exists in the sector and will therefore liaise with individuals from the senior management team across all institutions where appropriate. The higher education sector in Scotland is diverse. It is made up of 15 universities, the Open University in Scotland, an art school, a conservatoire, and the Scottish Agricultural College. The website provides information on publications, news and networking facilities.
http://www.universities-scotland.ac.uk
Universities UK (UUK)
Universities UK is the voice of universities, helping to maintain the world-leading strength of the UK university sector and supporting our members to achieve their aims and objectives. It is the collective voice of 136 universities in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/
Wonkhe
Wonkhe is the home of higher education policy, bringing the sector together through expert analysis. A community of diverse voices, it provides platforms to drive the policy conversation forward and bring about real change.
Working from home: A guide to creating a healthy and productive workspace at home
This resource provides information on managing work from home.
https://www.cotswoldco.com/working-from-home/index.html
USA
Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS)
CAS was founded in 1979 and describes itself as the pre-eminent force for promoting standards in student affairs, student services, and student development programs in the US. CAS states that its ultimate purpose is to foster and enhance student learning, development, and achievement, and to promote good citizenship. Its membership comprises of around 40 organisations and associations such as the Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA) and the National Orientation Directors Association (NODA). It is an excellent portal in accessing different members’ websites.
EducationUSA
EducationUSA is a U.S. Department of State network of over 430 international student advising centers in 178 countries and territories. The network promotes U.S. higher education to students around the world by offering accurate, comprehensive, and current information about opportunities to study at accredited postsecondary institutions in the United States. EducationUSA also provides services to the U.S. higher education community to help institutional leaders meet their recruitment and campus internationalization goals.
https://educationusa.state.gov
Education Resources Information Centre (ERIC)
ERIC provides unlimited access to more than 1.4 million bibliographic records of journal articles and other education-related materials, with hundreds of new records added multiple times per week. If available, links to full text are included. Within the ERIC Collection, you will find records for; journal articles, books, conference papers, technical reports, policy papers and other education-related material
Inside Higher Ed
Inside Higher Ed is an online source for news, opinion and jobs for all of higher education, breaking news and feature stories, daily commentary, areas for comment on every article, practical career columns, and a suite of tools to help higher education professionals get jobs and colleges identify and hire employees.
http://www.insidehighered.com
Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA)
NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession in the USA. Members of NASPA undertake a variety of functions and roles, including the vice president and dean for student life, as well as professionals working within housing and residence life, student unions, student activities, counselling, career development, orientation, enrolment management, racial and ethnic minority support services, and retention and assessment. This website provides members with access to event and publication information.
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
NCES is the primary federal entity for collecting and analyzing data related to education. NCES is located within the U.S. Department of Education and the Institute of Education Sciences. The purpose of the NCES website is to provide clear and complete information about NCES’ mission and activities, and to serve the research, education and other interested communities.
National Resource Centre for the First Year Experience and Students in Transition
The National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition’s mission is to support and advance efforts to improve student learning and transitions into and through higher education. The Centre provides opportunities for the exchange of practical, theory-based information and ideas through the convening of conferences, teleconferences, institutes, and workshops; publishing monographs, a peer-reviewed journal, an electronic newsletter, guides, and books; generating and supporting research and scholarship; hosting visiting scholars; and administering a web site and listservs. The centre’s extensive range of transitions conferences brings together ideas from across the globe.
National Association of Graduate-Professional Students (NAGPS)
NAGPS represents postgraduates at US universities. It was formed in 1986 and is formed by affiliation from student representative bodies across the United States. It serves as the umbrella organisation representing all the graduate and professional students in the country through representation, lobbying, contribution to public policy debate, initiating communication between relevant parties and bringing key issues and potential solutions to wider audiences. This site provides information on events, news and policy on graduates.
The Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE)
ASHE promotes collaboration among its members and others engaged in the study of higher education through research, conferences, and publications, including its journal, The Review of Higher Education. ASHE is headquartered at Michigan State University. The Association is a scholarly society with about 2,000 members dedicated to higher education as a field of study.
http://www.ashe.ws/
The Teaching Toolbox Newsletter
There are currently over 40 issues of the Toolbox newsletter now archived on the website hosted by the National Resource Centre for the Student Experience (NRC). The newsletter was developed by Brad Garner.
Each newsletter is no more than two pages long and each one:
• identifies critical and practical concerns in teaching;
• provides a brief literature-based connection to best practices;
• offers the directions for 2-3 easily implemented in the classroom.
The newsletter is delivered electronically, via email, six times per year. For more information, visit the website.