Abstract

The assurance of quality through degree accreditation by Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies (PSRBs) is very much a feature of higher education in the UK. In this dynamic and emerging UK educational, economic and policy environment, there still remains a need for accreditation regimes to evolve in order to maximise the value they provide to higher education institutions, as well as to industry and society as a whole.

The Shadbolt Review, an independent review of computer science degree accreditation and graduate employability conducted in 2016, focused on the purpose and role of degree accreditation, how the system can support the skills requirements of employers, and how the system can improve graduate employability. This paper provides an update in the context of one professional body -- BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT -- of what has happened in response to the recommendations of the Shadbolt Review, focusing on ongoing enhancement projects, as well as commentary and recommendations for future activities and initiatives.