BAS Accreditation

BALEAP has been accrediting courses and institutions since 1991 through the BALEAP accreditation scheme (BAS).

The criteria are based on standards set out in a code of practice first established in 1989. These standards have been reviewed regularly in consultation with institutions who have gone through the accreditation process.

The broad aim of BAS is to establish and sustain the standards required of specialist EAP provision in whatever context it exists, in order to enhance best practice across diverse education contexts and academic communities.

The BALEAP Accreditation Scheme (BAS) is a specialist quality assurance and enhancement scheme set up by BALEAP for providers of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) worldwide. The Scheme is designed for any provider which prepares students or staff for successful academic study, teaching or research in higher education institutions. It is open to higher education institutions, further education institutions, language schools and international study centres anywhere in the world.

Accreditation in BAS is based on explicit criteria appropriate to the specialist area of EAP. The criteria are informed by other relevant frameworks which seek to specify qualities and attributes that students are expected to develop in the course of their studies, and at the university level in particular. The Scheme is designed so that the ability to satisfy the criteria will demonstrate a systematic adherence to core expectations and practices within EAP. As appropriate to the nature of EAP, inherent to these practices are a critical awareness of current issues and a commitment to instilling graduate attributes. The criteria also ensure that the curriculum reflects the theoretical underpinnings of the field of EAP.

Providers that meet BAS standards can be ‘accredited by BALEAP’, thereby becoming a member of the BALEAP Accreditation Scheme and a member of BALEAP. Following accreditation, accredited members may advertise themselves as such using the BALEAP Accreditation Scheme logo.

In joining the BAS community, BAS accredited providers have a continuing obligation to work to the agreed standards. They are re-assessed through an accreditation visit every four years. Two years after a successful accreditation visit they complete a declaration that the standards of their course(s) and all relevant circumstances at the time of the previous visit have been improved or maintained (see Interim Review of Accredited Courses and Maintenance of Standards).

The costs of administering BAS are covered through an annual fee. Individual providers pay for any costs of the accreditation visit.

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Click to access our frequently asked questions and the full BAS handbook.

FAQs

Benefits of accreditation to an institution

BAS accreditation and the use of the ‘accredited by BALEAP’ logo provides a visible and explicit confirmation of the institution’s commitment to meeting and maintaining quality standards.
BAS accreditation signifies that the institution has strong EAP provision, which enhances students’ academic success.
BAS accreditation is carried out by experienced assessors, who have a breadth and depth of specialist knowledge which they apply to focus on a detailed developmental review of course and materials design as well as learning and teaching and course leadership.
In an increasingly competitive global market for quality EAP provision, BAS accreditation provides assurance for discerning students and their sponsors that the institution’s provision is among the highest quality.

See additional benefits to key stakeholders below

Why become BAS accredited?

BAS accreditation raises the profile of your EAP provision, and signals to external stakeholders such as receiving institutions the importance of EAP to the academic success of students.
BAS accreditation provides visible confirmation of the high quality of your EAP provision, for example as a marker of quality for teacher recruitment.
BAS accreditation assessment criteria can function as valuable tools for your critical reflection and the development of your provision.
A BAS accreditation visit provides the opportunity for you to engage in enhancement- focused, critical dialogue with fellow EAP professionals, building on your strengths in your specific educational context.
BAS accreditation provides connection to wider communities of practice to facilitate ongoing engagement, evolution and innovation.
BAS accreditation can be used as an instigator for change in your development as an EAP provider.

BAS accreditation signals to teachers that they will be working on a high quality course with a principled syllabus with high quality materials and student learning at its centre.
BAS accreditation requires that teachers demonstrate competency as teachers of EAP, and that they are given guidance and support, informed by the EAP Teacher Competency Framework. This in turn may act as a pathway for teachers to join the BALEAP TEAP Fellowship Scheme.
BAS accreditation signals that the EAP provider is committed to continuing professional development. This includes sharing expertise and good practice via BALEAP Professional Meetings (PIMs), Special Interest Groups (SIGs), conferences and resources.

Students studying with BAS accredited providers are assured of a high quality student experience and EAP provision defined by the accreditation principles and criteria.
BAS accreditation ensures that course development is informed by student voices and experience.
BAS accreditation considers the student experience in its wider context to ensure a meaningfully contextualised experience.
BAS accreditation demonstrates that the institution places students’ learning at the centre of its courses.

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