An in-depth study on the impact of external quality assurance

After more than two decades of external quality assurance, there is an increasing interest in questions concerning the impact and effects of this activity. Following an external evaluation of NOKUT - the Norwegian quality assurance agency, this article studies the impact of external quality assurance in detail by analysing quantitative and qualitative feedback from those exposed to evaluations conducted by this agency. The study provides information on the impact of various methods used, how impact is perceived by students, staff and management within universities and colleges, and finally in what areas impact may be identified. A major finding is that impacts are perceived as quite similar regardless of the evaluation method.