The investigation by the QAA – which monitors and advises on standards and quality in UK higher education – concluded that none of the allegations, about a breach in Academic Regulations and preferential treatment for some sponsored students in 2012, could be upheld.

Commenting on the QAA’s findings Bill Rammell, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Bedfordshire, said:

“We are pleased to have been completely cleared by the QAA, and that they have concluded there is no evidence to support the allegations, which we regarded as vexatious and malicious. The University has never permitted the preferential treatment of students by virtue of their nationality or course of study, and we were always confident the QAA would conclude there was no substance to the allegations.

“The University applies its regulations consistently and fairly, and allows exceptions only in special circumstances, such as when students could be seriously disadvantaged. Exceptions are not made because of nationality.”

The University investigated the allegations in 2014 and found they were without substance. During the course of its investigation, the University concluded that improvements were needed in the way that some of its Academic Regulations were documented and students informed, and it instigated a comprehensive regulatory review.

The reviewed regulations came into force in September 2014, before the QAA initiated its investigation. In addition to completely clearing the University of allegations of preferential treatment in 2012, the QAA identified a number of areas for improvement with respect to documentation and processes in place at that time. The QAA acknowledged that the University had already started to address these, and had reviewed its Academic Regulations.

Ends

Notes to Editors:

• Further information on the QAA is available at: www.qaa.ac.uk