Governing organisations in higher education

Updated on: 10 March 2025

Understand what organisations are involved in the handling of key student data, including grades, qualifications and accreditation.

Several organisations oversee key aspects of student data, academic standards, and qualification frameworks in higher education. These organisations, also known as ‘governing bodies’, ensure the integrity, quality, and transferability of qualifications across institutions and countries.

Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)

The Higher Education Statistics Agency is the official agency for the collection, analysis and dissemination of quantitative information about higher education in the United Kingdom. Students are assigned a unique national identifying number when registered at institutions of higher education in the UK.

Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework (SCQF)

The Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework is the national credit transfer system for all levels of qualifications in Scotland.

European Credit Transfer System (ECTS)

The European Credit Transfer System is a credit system designed to make it easier for students to move between different countries. ECTS credits represent the workload and learning outcomes of a course or programme.

60 ECTS credits are:

  • the equivalent of a full year of study or work
  • equivalent to 120 St Andrews credits

All modules in the University’s module catalogue show the following: 

  • number of St Andrews credits associated with a module
  • ECTS conversion (exactly half of the St Andrews credits)

Quality Assurance Agency (QAA)

The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education is an independent body that upholds academic standards and enhances the quality of higher education in the UK. 

Working with universities, colleges, and regulators, QAA provides national guidance, conducts external reviews, and supports continuous improvement.

QAA’s role in Scotland

  • UK Quality Code – ensures Scottish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) maintain academic standards and improve student learning.
  • External reviews – QAA Scotland conducts institutional reviews with peer, student, and international reviewers.
  • Enhancement themes – leads national initiatives for innovation and best practices in teaching.
  • Collaboration with Scottish Funding Council (SFC) – supports subject-level reviews aligned with SFC guidance.

Links to external sites and information

The University is not liable for external web content and may not be aware when this content is changed or removed.

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