Royal College of Music teaching acknowledged as ‘Outstanding’, achieving the highest Gold ranking in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
Thursday 28 September 2023
RCM teaching acknowledged as ’Outstanding’, achieving Gold ranking in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023.
TEF was introduced by the government in 2017 to provide a resource for students to judge teaching quality in universities. A mixture of statistical evidence and additional commentary was subject to peer review by panels of experts in teaching and learning as well as student representatives. To achieve a Gold rating, institutions must meet the very highest standards of quality.
The TEF panel recognised the Royal College of Music’s teaching excellence as achieving a Gold rating, of the highest quality in the UK, with an ’Outstanding’ rating in almost every category assessed. The panel noted the RCM’s highly personalised approach to teaching, nurturing the potential in every student and the detailed feedback tailored to individual students’ academic, technical and artistic needs. They also noted the range of elective modules available, enabling students to tailor their learning to align with their personal goals. The success of this approach is reflected in student outcomes with RCM graduates active in a wide range of careers at the highest levels or continuing with postgraduate studies.
The RCM’s excellent facilities and digital learning resources, intensive small group and one-to-one teaching, and processes for course design and assessment were noted, as well as the quality of the teaching staff and promotion of innovation through the thriving research culture. The panel also recognised the support, skills and knowledge offered to students via the RCM’s Creative Careers Centre, including the Teaching Service, professional experience through Side-by-Side schemes, working with the community via the Sparks outreach programme, and the Professional Engagements Service.
Dr Diana Salazar, Director of Programmes, comments, ’We are delighted to be awarded Gold status by the TEF 2023 panel, an outcome that recognises the outstanding teaching, learning resources, and student support offered at the College. This result also reflects the deep commitment of our academic and professional services staff, all of whom play a vital role to deliver our vibrant, student-centred and professionally informed curriculum. We are immensely proud to offer every RCM student a truly exceptional learning experience that prepares them to flourish in a diverse range of careers.’
The findings are in line with the recent National Student Survey (NSS) with excellent scores achieved in teaching quality, academic support, learning facilities and the student voice.
The Royal College of Music is ranked top global institution for performing arts in the prestigious QS World University Rankings (2023 & 2022).
Find out about the broad range of career opportunities available to RCM graduates – Meet our Alumni.
This news item appears in the 2023 Autumn edition of Upbeat magazine.
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