Internal quality assurance and employability: how to strengthen the education-employment linkage

Author(s)
Martin, Michaela
Languages
English, French
Series
IIEP policy brief: IQA and higher education, 1
Year
2018
Pages
4

Online version

About the publication

The rapid expansion of enrolment in the higher education sector worldwide has led to increasing graduate unemployment. This situation is pressuring higher education institutions (HEIs) to better align their education offers with labour market needs. Both governments and market competition have triggered the development of internal quality assurance (IQA) in higher education. While IQA aims primarily to improve the quality of teaching and learning, it can also enhance graduate employability. University case studies from research on IQA conducted by the UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP) analysed existing IQA practices and factors that condition the effectiveness of IQA in HEIs in eight countries. Based on research data, this brief explores how IQA can foster and integrate employability. It also presents strategies for universities and national authorities to improve employability using IQA tools and processes.