The University's quality assurance systems aim to assure all stakeholders that all SETU activities are at an appropriate standard and are fit for purpose, and to facilitate their ongoing enhancement and development
The SETU academic council has formal responsibility for quality assurance. It is appointed by Governing Body to assist it in the planning, co-ordination, development and overseeing of the educational work of the University and to protect, maintain and develop the academic standards of the courses and the activities of the University.
The University 's Quality Assurance systems are captured in the annual quality report published by the national regulatory agency - Quality & Qualifications Ireland and are subject to periodic external review by the same agency. The quality assurance systems are inspired by the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area ("the ESG") and are directed by those standards.
Regulations, policies and documents
The ADF system applies to programmes that relate to the Carlow, Wexford and Wicklow campuses, while the SAM system applies to programmes that relate to the Waterford campuses.
Main academic quality assurance processes
All new SETU programmes undergo a formal peer-reviewed quality process (the CE process). The process includes extensive input from the relevant external stakeholders, such as employers and professional bodies, along with the participation from expert academics from other universities and colleges.
Assessors' Reports
- BSc in Pharmaceutical Science
- BSc in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science
- Certificate in Construction Project Scheduling
- Accounting Internship module (elective) for the BA (H) in Accounting
- Multiple Collaborative Programmes with NUIST
- Higher Certificate in Arts in Adult and Further Education
- Higher Certificate in Arts in Adult Literacy Studies
- Certificate in Digital Literacy in Adult and Further Education
- Certificate in Teaching Essential Literacies
- BSc (Honours) in Applied Microbiology
- Higher Diploma in Business in Military Transport and Logistics
- BA and BA(H) in Supporting Individuals Families and Communities
- Bachelor of Arts (H) BA (H) in Psychology
- Bachelor of Arts (H) In Community Education and Development
- Bachelor of Arts (H) in Home Economics
- Bachelor of Arts in Custodial Care
- Bachelor of Arts in Employee Support and Wellbeing
- Bachelor of Science (H) in Good Manufacturing Practice
- Bachelor of Science (H) in Laboratory Analysis
- Bachelor of Science (H) in Optometry
- Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Signed
- Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours)
- BSc & BSc H in Software Systems Development
- BSc in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science
- BSc in Retail Management
- Certificate in Applied Sport Psychology
- Certificate in Business Systems Analysis
- Certificate in Construction Project Scheduling
- Certificate in Culinary Skills
- Certificate in Data Analytics
- Certificate in Enhancing Life Skills
- Certificate in Food and Beverage Operations
- Certificate in Forestry Operations
- Certificate in Green and Sustainable Pharmaceutical Production
- Certificate in Long Term Conditions Exercise Instruction
- Certificate in Renewable Energy Systems
- Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
- Certificate in Technology Enhanced Learning
- Higher Certificate in Arts in Adult Literacy Studies
- Higher Certificate in Arts in Literacy Development
- Higher Certificate in Business and Bachelor of Business
- Higher Diploma in Business in Talent Management
- Higher Diploma in Science in Computer Science
- Higher Diploma in Science in Data Analytics
- Master of Arts in Applied Spirituality
- Master of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Master of Arts in Management in Education
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Business Studies in Corporate Governance
- Master of Education & PGDip in Education
- Master of Pharmacy
- Master of Pharmacy Supplementary
- Master of Science in Analytical Science with Quality Management
- Master of Science in Mental Health Practice for Children and Young People
- Master of Science in Organic and Biological Horticulture
- Minor Awards School of Education and Lifelong Learning
- Multiple Certificates linked to HDip in Science in Computer Science
- Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Advanced Facilitation Skills for Health and Well Being
- School of Education and Lifelong Learning Minor Awards
- Supplementary Report Certificate in Plant-based Cookery and Sustainable Practices
- Supplementary Report Master of Science in Sustainable Agri-Food
The quality of all programmes is monitored on an ongoing basis. Internal programme boards, which include student members, report annually to SETU academic council. External examiners validate the quality of all assessment activity and work with staff on the ongoing development of programmes.
Annual Quality Report
The Annual Quality Report (AQR) is an annual report about internal quality assurance that SETU provides to the national academic quality regulatory agency - Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI). The AQR has been developed with reference to the ENQA (the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education) European Standards and Guidelines, upon which QQI's Core Statutory Quality Assurance Guidelines are based.
SETU’s AIQR Reports
TrustEd: Higher Education Pathway Assessment Report
TrustEd Ireland is a statutory quality mark awarded by QQI to higher education and English language providers that meet national standards for delivering a high‑quality, safe, and consistent experience to international learners. It assures compliance with rigorous codes of practice, learner‑protection measures, and due‑diligence processes, promoting confidence in the Irish education system. This report details the findings by an Independent Panel on behalf of QQI of SETU’s IEM Application Statement, which was submitted to QQI as part of the SETU’s application for authorisation to use the TrustEd Ireland mark.
The Technological Universities Act 2018 provided for the establishment of technological universities, as well as setting out their functions and governance structure. Following the Act, TUs were required to undergo a full review post-formation within the CINNTE Review Cycle Schedule 2017-2024, independent of the review status of the antecedent institutions. More information may be found in the Terms of Reference for the Review of Universities and other Designated Awarding Bodies and in the Addendum for the Review of Technological Universities.
SETU produced a Self Evaluation Report for this review, with the document available here:
SETU has successfully completed the CINNTE review process, earning commendation in the Expert panel report for its commitment to quality assurance, governance, and strategic vision. The CINNTE review confirmed the effectiveness of SETU's quality assurance processes since its establishment in May 2022. The review recommendations in the report will help to ensure that SETU maintains ambitious standards in education and training in the coming years and also aligns with European and international quality assurance standards.