TRAC(T) - a framework for costing teaching
TRAC for teaching or TRAC(T) is a national framework for costing teaching in English higher education institutions (HEIs), based on Transparent Approach to Costing (TRAC) principles.
We believe that TRAC(T) enables institutions to acquire better cost information, which should help them make more informed decisions about their portfolios and how they price their learning and teaching programmes. It should also give us a better idea of the resources required to support a sustainable and excellent higher education (HE) sector.
TRAC(T) and subject-related costs
The TRAC(T) guidance was developed to allow institutions to collect subject-related costs. We use these data to review the subject price group weightings in our teaching funding method.
We have collected these data annually since 2008 after a period of development, guidance and piloting between 2006 and 2007.
We expect that cost data will continue to play an important role under any new arrangements for funding teaching planned by the Government in light of the 2010 review of public spending.
Background
We introduced the national framework for costing teaching in 2005, as part of the 2005 review of the teaching funding method (HEFCE 2005/41). Over 80 per cent of institutions supported the introduction of the framework.
We convened a TRAC(T) steering group to oversee the process, and issued a series of bulletins to keep the sector informed of its development. The TRAC(T) steering group also oversaw the development of a course costing advice note. Oversight of TRAC(T) is now with the TRAC Development Group.
Between 2006 and 2008 we worked closely with the higher education sector to develop the framework. Following a further consultation on the teaching funding method in 2007, we have benchmarked subject cost data submitted by institutions since 2008.
Further information
For further information on TRAC(T), contact Heather Williams, tel 0117 931 7113, e-mail h.williams@hefce.ac.uk or Rachel Knight, tel 0117 931 7118, e-mail r.knight@hefce.ac.uk.
Last updated 22 December 2010