Teaching Quality

Newcastle University is a member of the Russell Group, which comprises the 20 leading research institutions in the UK. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, the vast majority of research in Law at Newcastle was officially classified as world-leading, internationally excellent or recognised internationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour, with a significant amount being placed in one of the higher categories for quality.

Similarly, the 2008 Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) Teaching Quality Audit resulted in another excellent report. The audit team was "highly impressed by the collegiate and welcoming environment for study". The report contains 16 commendations for excellent or good practice as follows:

  • Feedback on assessed coursework
  • The piloting of study groups
  • Peer mentoring for international students
  • Pastoral support non-standard entrants
  • Library facilities and library staff
  • Quality of school administrative support
  • Operation of board of examiners
  • Curriculum encouraging self-directed, independent learning
  • Peer review of marking
  • Detailed marking and moderation of marking processes
  • Variety of assessment at stage 3 and use of formative assessment at stage 1 of the undergraduate programmes
  • Support for student transition into studies
  • Graduate destinations (employment and further study rates)
  • The law school/careers service annual law fair
  • Physical identity and coherence of the school
  • The standard of our degree programme handbooks

The team were impressed by the Law School's suite of LLM programmes with their effective curriculum structure, intensive but interactive seminars and a commitment to innovation in emerging areas.

See also 'LLM Students Register High Level of Satisfaction at Newcastle Law School'.