The University is committed to the continuous enhancement of the quality of its provision, and enhancement is central to the University’s Strategic Framework and Education Strategy. Enhancement arises both from routine quality assurance processes (through which examples of good practice in teaching delivery and related areas are identified and shared) and from specific quality enhancement and development activity.
The University’s approach to enhancement in a broad sense is focused upon the delivery of a curriculum that:
- Offers breadth, stretch, challenge and opportunity
- Is personalised, inclusive and supportive
- Provides a research-intensive teaching and learning experience
- Engages students in their learning experience
- Promotes and values excellence in teaching
As a pioneering university delivering a research-intensive education, we can never stand still. In 2016, and again in 2019, we have engaged all staff and students across the institution in a ‘Big Conversation’ about education, the needs of future students and impacts on curriculum design and content. The key themes emerging from the Big Conversation include redefining research-intensive learning, developing a new model for inclusive education and Birmingham Digital.
At the heart of our excellent education is outstanding teaching. The University has always recognised the importance of supporting and rewarding teaching. In 2017, the University approved investment in a new institute dedicated to innovation in teaching, the Higher Education Futures institute (HEFi). HEFi engages staff and students across the University in research-intensive learning and teaching, offer opportunities for co-creation of curricula using ‘living labs’ with students, and provide enhanced learning opportunities across the University’s physical, virtual and transnational educational environments. Our aim is to support and develop innovation in higher education practice both internally and externally.