Swansea University has been praised by the European Commission for introducing an innovative records system that offers a better service to students and potential employers.
It is one of only two universities in the EU to have been awarded the Diploma Supplement Label for introducing an electronic version of the Higher Education Achievement Report.
Swansea University’s Academic Registrar, Huw Morris, said:
“This is a formal recognition from the EC of the excellent work we have done to promote the employability of our students. Employers and students can be assured that the electronic record, highlighting students’ academic and related achievements, meets the highest standard set internationally.
“The fact that the university is one of only two universities throughout Europe, and the only one in the UK, to have been granted this recognition for its electronic version is equivalent to Swansea City reaching the Champions League final!”
Professor Sir Bob Burgess, Vice Chancellor, University of Leicester, who has led the work to develop and implement the HEAR across UK Higher Education, said:
“This is excellent news, not only for the University of Swansea but also for the sector as a whole.”
“It confirms that the HEAR, in electronic format, can meet the very stringent standards required for the Diploma Supplement label. The many institutions now developing and issuing the HEAR, even if they are not seeking DS Label recognition, will be re-assured that this success recognises the acceptability of the HEAR as the UK variant of the DS.”
This electronic version of the HEAR allows the university to maintain an online record, not only of exam successes but other achievements that are important to employers including work placements, volunteering and sporting prowess.
It is in an online format recognised across the EU which will make it easier for Swansea students to find jobs abroad or continue their studies there.
Cristina Camaiani, project adviser at the EC’s Education, Audio-visual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) said: “The university is indeed leading the way in Europe.”
Mr Morris said:
“The e-HEAR will prove invaluable. Employers can search through the anonymised section of the database to find potential graduates to interview. It also has potential to help researchers find post-graduate students with the right expertise to help with specific research projects.
“We shall also use information supplied by employers to find out more about the type of skills they require in employees to check we are running relevant courses.
“This was a team effort across the university involving colleagues from a range of departments.”
As a result of this success, Mr Morris has been asked to address a national forum for the Higher Education Academy, the organisation that manages the HEAR on behalf of the sector.
Professor Stephanie Marshall, chief executive of the HEA, said:
“I am delighted to offer our warmest congratulations. The University’s achievement is a significant milestone in the way the UK HE sector interacts with European-wide initiatives.
“Through the pioneering work of Huw Morris and his colleagues, Swansea University is now a model of best practice, providing a service that will give its graduates an added advantage across Europe.”
The electronic HEAR is another way in which Swansea University is improving the employability of its students and encouraging them to study in different countries.
Pauline Mcdonald, Head of Careers and Employability at the university, commented:
“Swansea produces excellent graduates with a positive track record on employment. Future graduates will benefit even more from their learning experience by obtaining the enhanced e-HEAR.
“This innovative achievement report will provide employers with valuable information on a wide range of students’ employability enhancing activities.”
The electronic HEAR works using Tribal’s Gradintel solution, a software system developed to fit the university’s requirements that can be updated more easily than the old paper diploma.
John Bolland, Gradintel Product Lead at Tribal, adds:
“We’ve been a partner of Swansea University since 2009, working with them to deliver their Higher Education Achievement Reports via Tribal’s Gradintel’s platform, and working with them on the Gateway to Employment projects.
“We’re delighted that the university has gained formal recognition from the EC for e-HEAR and that it will help to lead the way for other universities who wish to make the most of the opportunities offered by the electronic European Diploma Supplement.”
