QQI publishes thematic analysis of CINNTE reviews of independent and private HEIs

Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) has released its latest thematic analysis of the 2024 CINNTE institutional reviews for four of Ireland’s largest independent and private higher education institutions: Dublin Business School, Hibernia College, Griffith College, and the National College of Ireland.

The report highlights strong quality assurance (QA) governance structures, inclusive teaching practices and a growing emphasis on data-driven decision-making. It also identifies areas for improvement, including simplifying governance frameworks, enhancing student engagement in QA, and strengthening strategic workforce planning, particularly where growth in student numbers is a strategic priority.

A notable feature of this analysis is its dual-methodology approach. QQI combined traditional manual review with generative artifical intelligence (using Microsoft 365 Copilot) to extract and synthesise key themes. Each of the four institutional reports was independently analysed by two QQI staff members—one using GenAI as a research assistant, the other conducting a manual review. The findings were then compared and consolidated through collaborative discussion, ensuring both rigour and innovation in the analysis process.

This hybrid methodology reflects QQI’s strategic commitment to test the use of GenAI in our external QA processes by producing and sharing system-wide insights, research and analysis with key stakeholders.