Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education – Assessment, Accreditation, and Compliance Journal Guide for Researchers

Why Researchers Choose Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education for High-Impact Publications

Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education stands as a cornerstone publication for scholars focused on the primary discipline of assessment, accreditation, and compliance within higher education. Established in 1976 by Taylor & Francis, this peer-reviewed journal has evolved into a vital resource for advancing knowledge in educational quality assurance, student learning outcomes, and institutional evaluation practices. With a commitment to rigorous scholarship, it attracts contributions from around the world, emphasizing empirical research, theoretical frameworks, and practical implications for higher education policy and pedagogy.

The journal's prestige is underscored by its inclusion in major indexing databases such as Web of Science and Scopus, ensuring wide visibility and citation potential for published articles. Researchers value its scope, which spans innovative assessment methods, accreditation standards, and compliance strategies across diverse educational contexts. Whether exploring formative and summative evaluations or addressing equity in grading systems, contributors find a platform that bridges academia and practice. The impact factor of 3.0 (2022 Clarivate Analytics) reflects its influence, with articles frequently cited in policy documents and institutional reforms.

For those considering to publish in Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, the journal offers a hybrid open access model, allowing authors to reach broader audiences while maintaining subscription-based accessibility. Editorial standards are high, with a focus on originality, methodological soundness, and relevance to contemporary challenges like digital assessment tools and international accreditation. This makes it an ideal choice for early-career researchers building their portfolios or established academics seeking to influence global higher education discourse.

In an era where assessment practices are pivotal to educational improvement, submitting to this journal positions your work at the forefront of the field. Explore opportunities in higher education by checking out higher education job listings to see how your research aligns with career paths in academia.

Overview & History

Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education was founded in 1976, initially published by Carfax Publishing before being acquired by Taylor & Francis in 1998. Over nearly five decades, it has grown from a niche outlet to an internationally recognized journal, publishing six issues per year. Its evolution mirrors the expansion of higher education systems globally, with early volumes focusing on UK-centric evaluation methods and later editions embracing multicultural perspectives. Key milestones include the introduction of online submission in the early 2000s and the adoption of hybrid open access in 2014, enhancing accessibility for researchers in developing regions.

The journal's editorial team, led by Editor-in-Chief Paul Ashwin from Lancaster University, oversees a double-anonymized peer review process that ensures fairness and quality. With over 1,500 articles published to date, it serves as an archival resource for trends in educational assessment, from traditional exams to AI-driven evaluations.

Scope and Disciplines Covered

The journal covers a broad yet focused range of topics within higher education, emphasizing empirical and theoretical work on assessment practices, evaluation methodologies, and compliance frameworks. It welcomes studies on student engagement, feedback mechanisms, curriculum design, and institutional accountability.

Interdisciplinary approaches are encouraged, particularly those integrating psychology, sociology, and technology in assessment contexts.

Key Journal Metrics

These metrics highlight the journal's growing influence, with steady increases in citations over the past five years.

Indexing and Abstracting

Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education is indexed in prestigious databases including Web of Science (Social Sciences Citation Index), Scopus, ERIC, and PsycINFO. This ensures discoverability through Scopus and other platforms. It is also listed in the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) for its open access articles, facilitating global access without paywalls for select content.

• Web of Science: Full coverage since 1976
• Scopus: Comprehensive abstracting
• ERIC: Education-focused indexing
• British Education Index: UK-specific relevance

Publication Model and Fees

The journal operates a hybrid model, where articles are available via subscription or open access. Subscription access is provided through Taylor & Francis Online, with institutional licenses common in universities. For open access, authors can opt for gold OA upon acceptance, with an Article Processing Charge (APC) of $3,850 USD. No fees for standard publication, and waivers are available for corresponding authors from low-income countries via Research4Life. Page charges do not apply, making it accessible for diverse researchers.

Submission Process and Guidelines

Submissions are handled via the ScholarOne platform at the journal's official homepage. Manuscripts should be 6,000–8,000 words, formatted in APA style, with abstracts under 200 words. Authors must declare conflicts of interest and ensure originality via iThenticate checks. The process includes initial editorial screening (1–2 weeks), followed by peer review (average 45 days to first decision). Revisions are common, with final acceptance rates around 20–25% (estimated, as exact not disclosed).

Editorial Board Highlights

The editorial board comprises 20+ international experts, including Paul Ashwin (UK), who specializes in teaching-learning relations; Mantz Yorke (UK), known for employability assessments; and diverse associates from Australia, USA, and Asia. Their expertise spans quantitative metrics and qualitative inquiries, ensuring balanced review. Board members are affiliated with top institutions like Harvard and Oxford, adding credibility to the publication process.

Why Publish in Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education?

Publishing here offers visibility in a field where assessment informs policy and practice. With a 3.0 impact factor, articles contribute to tenure dossiers and grant applications. The journal's UK base facilitates European collaborations, while its global readership amplifies impact. Researchers benefit from rapid online publication (within 2 weeks of acceptance) and promotional support via Taylor & Francis social channels. For career advancement, consider exploring Rate My Professor for insights into academic roles.

Comparison with Similar Journals

This journal excels in specialized assessment topics, offering higher specificity than broader peers.

Researcher Tips for Successful Submission

To succeed, align your work with current calls, such as digital equity in assessments. Use clear methodologies and real-world implications. Engage reviewers by addressing gaps in literature. Track your submission status online and prepare for two review rounds. For planning, visit the academic calendar to align with deadlines. Additional resources include PhD programs in education and tenure-track positions for career integration.