Institutional Accreditation
Local Accreditation
Barbados Accreditation Council
Regional Accreditation
Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions (CAAM-HP)
International Recognition
United States Department of Education’s National Committee on Foreign Medical Education Accreditation (NCFMEA)
Frequently asked Questions
What is Accreditation?
Accreditation is a mark of distinguished quality. It certifies that a benchmark has been met or surpassed attesting to programme delivery, programme content and a high level of customer support and services offered to students.
Reputable universities and schools voluntarily seek two levels of accreditation:
Institutional accreditation which certifies the entire university/school and
Programme accreditation which certifies specific programmes offered by the educational institution.
Is the UWI Cave Hill internationally recognised?
Yes. Our programmes have global recognition and our campus is home to a cadre of both regional and international scholars who are at the forefront of their fields.
Do any of The UWI Cave Hill’s programmes have specialized accreditation?
Yes. A number of our programmes adhere to the regulatory standards of key quality assurance agencies or are in alignment with these standards and hence are formally recognised by them. Among these agencies are:
- The Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM_HP)
- International Institute of Marketing Professionals (IIMP)
- Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
How long has The UWI Cave Hill been accredited and when last did it undergo accreditation?
The Cave Hill Campus is a world class accredited institution, comprising seven faculties with supporting academic departments, various research units and centres; a school for graduate studies and research, and more than 500 academic programmes. It was first granted institutional accreditation in 2013 which was renewed in 2019. Its next evaluation of tertiary education industry standards is scheduled for 2026
.
Who performs the accreditation?
Our voluntary process of self-regulation is carried out by an independent national accreditation agency, in this case the Barbados Accreditation Council. The BAC, a statutory agency established under the Ministry of Education, conducts a comprehensive evaluation against standards established by that body.
What is involved in the accreditation process?
The accrediting agency visits the institution and conducts a series of rigorous reviews. Areas examined include academic programmes, financial status, governance and administration, admissions and student services procedures, available resources, student academic achievement and organizational effectiveness.
How long does accreditation last and will it have to be renewed?
Accreditation may be granted for a maximum of seven years and is renewable.
Why is institutional accreditation important?
- Encourages self-evaluation and forward planning to aid the long-term financial viability of the institution;
- Enhances institutional appeal to prospective students and therefore aids with student recruitment efforts;
- Enhances student and professional mobility into other learning institutions and the world of work;
- Establishes institutional accountability to stakeholders;
- Identifies and highlights the capabilities and competencies of the institution;
- Lends prestige to the organisation and aids in institutional global rankings