Degree awarding powers

We are reforming how universities and colleges apply for degree awarding powers (DAPs), how we assess them and the ongoing requirements that should apply once DAPs are authorised.

We will develop the reforms through two consultations.

First, we will consult on application, eligibility and suitability requirements. While we consult on proposed changes to these requirements, we will not accept new DAPs applications.

We expect to implement the changes from this first consultation, and to reopen to applications, in spring 2027.

The second stage will be a consultation on wider reform to the DAPs application and assessment process.

We will not be starting new assessments for indefinite DAPs until we implement the changes from this second consultation, which we expect to be in place in spring 2028.

This page explains the planned reforms, what each stage will cover, and what they mean for providers.

Why are we reforming DAPs?

Degree awarding powers come with major responsibilities. Students and the public need confidence that providers maintain the standards of their qualifications, offer high-quality courses and remain financially sustainable.

Our experience of the current system, and feedback from providers, suggest that we can make the requirements for DAPs clearer and also strengthen the assurance of quality and standards that our requirements provide, both during the assessment process and on an ongoing basis once DAPs are authorised.

We are consulting on some of our proposals through our work on quality regulation and will consult on further proposals through this reform programme.

We are in the early stages of developing these proposals and will engage with the sector as we do this. While the scope is yet to be finalised, we expect it to include consulting on:

• strengthening the application process and the initial requirements which determine whether a provider is eligible and suitable to hold DAPs
• reviewing how we assess providers and decide what aspects of the process can be strengthened or simplified
• reviewing the DAPs framework to ensure it continues to provide assurance on the quality of courses, standards of qualifications and the financial sustainability of applicants and of providers that already hold DAPs.

We also plan to consider the types of awarding power on offer, including the potential for new powers to award higher technical qualifications (HTQs).

Reform programme

The programme has two stages. Stage one will focus on applying for DAPs and the initial eligibility and suitability requirements. Stage two will focus on assessment arrangements and wider reforms.

Before this, we will also clarify our guidance on the initial eligibility and suitability assessment of DAPs applications.

The update will explain how we use information from our existing monitoring and risk assessments when we decide whether an applicant is suitable for DAPs.

What does this mean for providers?

Related consultation activity

The consultation on the future quality system also proposes changes to DAPs eligibility. In this consultation we propose that we would assess all providers through a common process against the OfS’s minimum quality requirements.

As part of this, providers with sufficient data could also apply for Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) ratings in student experience, student outcomes, or both.

The consultation proposes that providers should show high quality before they can apply for DAPs.

Under the proposals, providers with a Bronze TEF rating or a Requires improvement rating for any assessed aspect, or providers that do not apply for a TEF rating, would not normally be eligible to apply for DAPs or extend their existing powers.