Online Accreditation Guide

Evidence and references

The evidence notes in this guide draw on recent peer-reviewed research and sector reports. Each entry says where it is used.

• Chernikova, O., Heitzmann, N., Stadler, M., Holzberger, D., Seidel, T., & Fischer, F. (2020). Simulation-based learning in higher education: A meta-analysis. Review of Educational Research, 90(4), 499–541. https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654320933544Used on: Key decisions (practical components)
• Corbin, T., Dawson, P., & Liu, D. (2025). Talk is cheap: Why structural assessment changes are needed for a time of GenAI. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 50(7), 1087–1097. https://doi.org/10.1080/02602938.2025.2503964Used on: Key decisions (assessment)
• Han, S., Nikou, S., & Ayele, W. Y. (2024). Digital proctoring in higher education: A systematic literature review. International Journal of Educational Management, 38(1), 265–285. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEM-12-2022-0522Used on: Key decisions (assessment)
• Huijser, H., Fitzgerald, R., & Salmon, G. (2020). Partnerships for scaled online learning and the unbundling of the traditional university. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 36(5). https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.6664Used on: Partners and resourcing
• Ivancheva, M. P., Swartz, R., Morris, N. P., Walji, S., Swinnerton, B. J., Coop, T., & Czerniewicz, L. (2020). Conflicting logics of online higher education. British Journal of Sociology of Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/01425692.2020.1784707Used on: Partners and resourcing
• Lodge, J. M., Howard, S., Bearman, M., Dawson, P., & Associates. (2023). Assessment reform for the age of artificial intelligence. Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency. https://www.teqsa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-09/assessment-reform-age-artificial-intelligence-discussion-paper.pdfUsed on: Key decisions (assessment)
• Office for Students. (2022). Blended learning review: Report of the OfS-appointed Blended Learning Review Panel. https://officeforstudents.org.uk/media/7626/blended-learning-review-panel-report.pdfUsed on: Choose your route; Partners and resourcing (staff capability)
• Perkins, M., Roe, J., & Furze, L. (2025). The AI Assessment Scale revisited: A framework for educational assessment. Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice, 22(7). https://arxiv.org/abs/2412.09029Used on: Key decisions (assessment)
• Rahmani, A. M., Groot, W., & Rahmani, H. (2024). Dropout in online higher education: A systematic literature review. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 21, Article 19. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-024-00450-9Used on: What panels look for (support and retention)
• Topping, K. J. (2023). Advantages and disadvantages of online and face-to-face peer learning in higher education: A review. Education Sciences, 13(4), Article 326. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13040326Used on: Choose your route (equivalence)

Further reading

• Reid, I., Dalziel, M., Southern, A., & Argyropoulou, M. (2017). Professional accreditation: An investigation into the case of online. In A. Khare & D. Hurst (Eds.), On the line: Business education in the digital age (pp. 281–302). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62776-2_21One of the few studies directly on accrediting online programmes, through the cases of AACSB and CIPS.

Evidence reviewed October 2026. Research and the requirements of professional, statutory and regulatory bodies (PSRBs) change; check each source and your PSRB's current handbook before relying on them.