Accreditation & Quality Alignment
ISET is transparent about its accreditation status. We design curriculum to the highest standards; partner universities deliver and award qualifications under their own national accreditation frameworks.
Quality Framework Alignment
While we do not hold formal accreditation, our internal processes are designed with reference to internationally recognised quality frameworks.
UK Quality Code (QAA)
Aligned in DesignISET curriculum frameworks are designed with reference to the UK Quality Code for Higher Education. Programme learning outcomes, assessment strategies, and progression criteria follow QAA expectations.
ISET is not QAA-accredited. We are a curriculum design institution, not a degree-awarding body. QAA accreditation applies to partner universities delivering the programmes.
European Standards and Guidelines (ESG 2015)
Compliance IntentInternal quality assurance processes are designed with ESG 2015 Part 1 principles in mind: policy, programme design, student-centred learning, admission, progression, assessment, and resources.
ESG 2015 compliance is formally assessed for degree-awarding institutions, not curriculum design bodies. Our compliance is voluntary and aspirational.
Partner National Frameworks
Deference (Primary)Each partner university operates under its national quality framework (e.g., QAA in UK, TEQSA in Australia, UGC in India, NZQA in New Zealand). These always take precedence over ISET internal standards.
Students receive qualifications from partner universities under their national framework. ISET does not award qualifications.
What This Means for Your Qualification
Your Degree Is Issued By
Your partner university. It carries their name, their accreditation, and their national quality framework recognition. It is their qualification.
ISET’s Role Is
Curriculum design, intelligence tools, scoring systems, and industry connection. We provide the intellectual architecture; your university provides the academic credential.
Recognition You Receive
A fully accredited degree from your partner university, plus ISET alumni status and access to the intelligence platform, professional network, and career services.
Quality Assurance
Dual quality assurance: your university’s national framework plus ISET’s internal quality processes. Two layers of oversight, not one.
Accreditation by Tier
Each tier in the ISET academic ladder targets a different accreditation body, reflecting the appropriate level of academic and professional recognition.
| Tier | Accreditation Target | Aspiration |
|---|---|---|
| T1 — Foundation Certificate | CPD Certification Service (UK) | Aspiring to City & Guilds Assured status |
| T2 — Higher Certificate | City & Guilds / NOCN Level 5 / Pearson BTEC endorsement | UNWTO TedQual aspiration (combined T2+T3) |
| T3 — Undergraduate Degree | QAA/OfS via partner university | UNWTO TedQual aspiration (combined T2+T3) |
| T4 — Professional Diploma | ISET direct (industry body recognition) | Not academic accreditation — professional recognition model |
| T5 — Postgraduate Certificate | Partner university accreditation (QAA or national equivalent) | Full degree-awarding body oversight |
| T6 — Masters | Partner university accreditation (QAA or national equivalent) | Full degree-awarding body oversight |
| T7 — MBA / Executive Masters | Partner university accreditation | AMBA accreditation for MBA pathway |
| T8 — Executive Short Course | Non-credit, CPD accreditation only | Professional development certification |
Accreditation Pathway
ISET intends to pursue formal recognition and accreditation as the institution matures. This is a multi-year journey that requires demonstrated track record.
Phase 1: Internal Quality Systems
2026-2027Establish robust internal QA processes aligned with international best practice. Build track record through first cohort delivery.
Phase 2: External Validation
2027-2028Commission independent review of QA systems by recognised quality body. Address recommendations. Build evidence base.
Phase 3: Professional Body Recognition
2028-2029Seek recognition from relevant professional bodies in event management and tourism sectors. Pursue Chartered status pathway where available.
Phase 4: Institutional Accreditation
2029+Evaluate formal accreditation options appropriate to our institutional type. Pursue where it adds genuine value for students and partners.
Questions about accreditation, quality standards, or how partner university frameworks interact with ISET? We are happy to discuss openly.