NON-RECOGNISED BUT LEGITIMATE INSTITUTIONS

EXAMPLES

Example 1 - Non-accredited religious institution

Qualifications from countries with established quality assurance and recognition procedures covering a range of institution types

An applicant has submitted a qualification from a religious institution which is not accredited by the relevant quality assurance authority in the home country. Further investigation reveals that the awarding institution is offering genuine study programmes and as such may be considered a legitimate, though non-recognised, institution, and may even hold accreditation in another system. An analysis of the qualification may lead to some form of recognition, on the basis of the course entry requirements, duration, structure, learning outcomes and any external quality assurance mechanisms which may apply. Details of research conducted and the decision made are then saved centrally to ensure consistency in future assessments.

Return to Recommendation - Issuing a statement on a legitimate institution

Example 2 – Police qualification not belonging to national education system

Qualifications from countries with regulated recognition procedures for national education providers only

An applicant with a police qualification applies for recognition. A formal recognition statement is not possible since the institution and its programme fall outside of the national education system in the country of origin. The recognition authority issues a statement explaining the status of the programme, the purpose, duration and admission requirements that the applicant can use for academic and professional recognition purposes.

Return to Recommendation - Issuing a statement on a legitimate institution

Example 3 - Programme validated by Engineering Council

Qualifications from countries without fully established recognition authorities

An applicant has submitted qualifications from a country where, as yet, there are no formal recognition procedures in place, or where the procedures do not cover continuing education. Further investigation reveals that the awarding provider’s programmes are validated by the country’s engineering council and as such subject to a degree of external quality assurance. Careful consideration of qualifications from this institution, including looking at the transcripts and programme learning outcomes in depth, may lead to partial recognition on a case by case basis or to a statement useful for employment purposes. Details of research conducted and the decision made should be saved centrally to ensure consistency in future assessments.

Return to Recommendation - Issuing a statement on a legitimate institution