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Quality Assurance
Internal Processes
Quality colours everything that WMU does. The whole University community is aware that as a product of multinational co-operation, WMU must be able to deliver what our clients and donors want, and to demonstrate that we are doing so efficiently and effectively.
A wide range of Quality Assurance measures have been implemented; monitoring mechanisms are in place, overseen by the Quality Assurance Committee, which reports on all aspects of the University's activities.
WMU is conscious that everything we do must be of the highest possible quality in order to attract the best students and the financing to support them. Throughout the University's strategic planning process, Quality enhancement is firmly on the agenda. Staff and students share the responsibility for ensuring that WMU's excellence is recognised by the global community, and that all our stakeholders remain convinced that support for WMU is a sound investment in the future of the global maritime community.
The Quality enhancement processes have led to the following substantial achievements:
- In 2009 the degree of Doctor of Philosophy was conferred on two candidates: one who followed the joint doctoral program designed by Swansea University and the World Maritime University in International Commercial and Maritime Law, and one who followed the World Maritime University’s own doctoral programme in Maritime Administration
- Six professorial chairs are funded by external donors: three by the Nippon Foundation, one by INMARSAT, one by the Government of Canada and one by the Government of France
- External Examiners visit WMU twice each year, providing a system of bench-marking assessment against the highest international university standards
- Major research projects have been completed and new ones undertaken
- The taught postgraduate programme is continually re-assessed and refined, to ensure that studying at WMU is the most rewarding possible experience. A new degree structure is in place for implementation in 2010
- The series of books published under the WMU imprint continues to flourish
- The WMU Journal of Maritime Affairs is a success
- The enhanced English and Study Skills Programme continues to raise standards across the board
- Residential facilities for students have recently been renovated and improved with a new student lounge, giving students opportunities for study or socializing in small or larger groups.
- Competitive international appointment processes for all professional staff appointments are standard
External Processes
The University is committed to openness and transparency, and is prepared to demonstrate that its full range of activities is second to none in the academic arena. WMU has closely involved external experts in the entire Quality Process. A continuing dialogue with our graduates, nominating organisations, and sponsoring agencies is carried on, with the valuable assistance of our Board of Governors and the IMO Assembly and Council.
The University embarked on a programme of institutional audit in 1999. The first review was carried out by the Association of European Universities (CRE). A team of eminent academics made several visits to the University, and carried out intensive discussions with staff, students and other stakeholders. The CRE Report was published at the beginning of 2000, and was overwhelmingly positive about the progress the University has made, the direction of developments and the quality of the student experience.
In 2004, the second institutional audit was carried out by the European University Association (EUA) which had replaced CRE in 2001. Again, the report was overwhelmingly positive about the University, its programmes and the developments since the last review.
The Team wishes to affirm its recognition of the progress made by WMU since the 1999 Visit, and its commitment to systematic strategic thinking, prioritising and resourcing.
Last modified: Sun, 31/07/2011 - 15:45 by WMU Webmaster