External quality assurance mechanisms and the quality of graduate Training at Kampala University in Uganda

Abstract

Despite the establishment of the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) to regulate the quality of higher education, the quality of graduate training at some institutions has remained low. This study sought to explore the influence of external quality assurance mechanisms used by NCHE on the quality of graduate training at Kampala University (KU) in Uganda. Data for the study were collected using a questionnaire survey and interview methods. The study results showed, among others, that the processes of accrediting graduate programmes by NCHE are clear and understandable to the University. Besides, the study revealed that accreditation guidelines from NCHE are accessible to the University staff that needs to use them, that the accreditation requirements from NCHE for graduate programmes are known to them, that the university often receives support and guidance from NCHE about graduate accreditation, that with accreditation support from NCHE, the number of graduate programmes in this university has increased and that with accreditation support from NCHE, the quality of graduate programmes in this university has improved. Concerning the influence of quality audits carried out by NCHE on the quality of graduate training in KU, it was established that respondents were firmly in agreement that the quality audits by NCHE have helped improve the quality of graduate training in this university. Secondly, the study established that the impromptu visits by NCHE have helped improve the quality of graduate training at KU. Therefore, it was concluded that external quality assurance mechanisms effectively improve the quality of graduate training at KU. Thus, improving the quality of graduate training at KU was recommended. In addition, the study further recommends recruiting qualified academic staff to improve graduate training accreditation by NCHE, which is guided by regular quality audits and impromptu visits.