UCAS has been awarded the contract to host and develop the Teaching Quality Information (TQI) website in association with Hotcourses for launch in the summer of 2007. The site includes the results of the National Student Survey which presents the views of students on the quality of higher education courses.

Anthony McClaran, UCAS Chief Executive said:

"We are delighted to have been awarded this contract. The TQI site is proving invaluable in helping prospective students and their advisers make informed choices about higher education. We look forward to making this service even better known, more useful and accessible to everyone considering higher education. UCAS has always encouraged students to research their options fully and our lead on this initiative will reinforce this key message."

"We will continue developing this important resource by working closely and effectively with the funding councils and other partners and the higher education institutions."

Dr Liz Beaty, Director of Learning and Teaching at HEFCE said:

"We look forward to working with UCAS and Hotcourses whose experience in offering information and advice services to students will be very useful in developing the TQI website. The innovative approach they are proposing will enhance the quality and usefulness of the information being offered to students and help them make more informed choices about their future higher education options."

In developing the information service UCAS will provide expertise in project management, marketing and communication in the higher education sector. Hotcourses, who have considerable experience in education website design, development and data handling, will provide technical developments for the project.

UCAS and Hotcourses have the most comprehensive database of course information and two of the most popular and widely-used higher education websites in the UK. Together they will provide primary links from course information to TQI data and encourage greater harmony with other information providers. They aim to increase the general appeal and accessibility of the online services to students, parents and advisors of this valuable tool as well as making more explicit its purpose and content.

Press Contacts:

Byron Price, Communications Executive, UCAS
Tel: 01242 544987
Email: b.price@ucas.ac.uk
Mobile: 07768 740 461

Notes to editors

1. UCAS is the lead contractor in this consortium of UCAS Enterprises Ltd and Hotcourses and acts as the point of contact for the funding bodies and the TQI-NSS Steering Group, who will oversee the development of the service.

2. UCAS and Hotcourses were awarded the contract by HEFCE following the invitation to tender for developing an online resource to inform the choices of higher education applicants.

3. The contract runs from autumn 2006 until autumn 2010.

4. The TQI website gives access to up-to-date information about the quality of higher education in UK universities and colleges. The site is supported by the Government and the National Union of Students. It contains data on the National Student Survey, entry qualifications, progression, degree results and careers.