Research Degree Awarding Powers for Harper Adams

Posted 3 October 2006

Harper Adams University College was recently granted Research Degree Awarding Powers (RDAP) by the Privy Council.

RDAP recognises the wide-range of research activities that underpin the curriculum and reach-out activities to business and the community at the University College.

Professor Wynne Jones, Principal of Harper Adams University College, said: “The award is a major accolade and demonstrates that the University College, has the research capability and capacity to support its mission to provide higher education for a sustainable food chain and rural economy.

“This is an important achievement in the history of Harper Adams. It confirms high standards for research and its administration, and acknowledges our research-active staff and the success of our PhD students to date.

“The scrutiny process took a full academic year and was conducted by a panel representing the Quality Assurance Agency, on behalf of the Privy Council.

“Their review considered all aspects of the research process and culture at Harper Adams and their recommendation confirms that the quality of the research student experience at Harper Adams is at least equivalent to that of other UK universities.

“This development means that Harper Adams, the major provider of higher education in land-based disciplines in the UK, now has a complete range of degree awarding powers at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.  It is the only specialist higher education institution in the land-based sector with Research Degree Awarding Powers.