Code of Practice
To ensure that the information and decisions made by UK NARIC
are robust, a Code of Practice for recognition of international qualifications
has been developed.
The Code of Practice has been developed initially by the UK
NARIC team and the details of which have been tested and re-defined, first with the support from the UK NARIC Recognition Criteria
Working Group and then with the support of the UK NARIC Quality Standards Group.
More recently, the Code of Practice has been further developed linking the work
of UK NARIC more closely to a clearly defined methodological process, designed
to illustrate a model of good practice to ensure that international
qualifications are better understood.
The UK NARIC model is based on the evaluation of learning
outcomes achieved through all paths and progression routes. This approach makes
it possible to recognise not only the various 'national awards' with their
differing entry points and purposes but also international qualifications such
as joint diplomas, which vary significantly from system-specific national
awards.
The outcome-based approach to recognition of qualifications
signals a gradual but also fundamental shift from a traditionally refined range
of qualifications towards recognition of all lifelong learning and transnational
education provision, moving away from the simple 'identity driven' mapping
exercise of 'equivalent qualifications'. This also means that the model developed and applied by UK NARIC, identifies and redefines the key
components essential in recognition of qualifications resulting in a broad
mechanism bringing together a range of different processes. There are three
elements forming part of the model, which are mutually reinforcing and provide a
basis upon which the accurate assessment of international qualifications can be
established. These include:
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Information Management System
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Evaluation Criteria and Methodology
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Application Procedures