Programme Approval, Reapproval and Amendment
Article
Programme Approval and Reapproval
Proposed new programmes are considered for approval in the light of both academic and planning criteria, including a consideration of the resource implications of any proposal. The first stage of programme approval involves the submission of proposals to the Academic Development Committee (ADC). ADC is the key committee of the Academic Board responsible for strategic development and evaluation of the College's portfolio of academic programmes, delivered independently or in partnership with other institutions.
It considers the relationship of new programme ideas and proposals to strategically defined principles and advises the College's Senior Management Team (SMT) and Academic Board on the strengths and risks associated with possible new taught programmes from a range of perspectives, including their intellectual content, their fit with patterns of student demand, their proposed modes of delivery and the associated business cases. It gives approval for programmes in terms of their proposed thematic content and broadly defined structure.
If SMT endorses the launch of the programme, following an evaluation of the financial and other strategic issues, this is subject to the approval of the detailed structure and curriculum content by the Programme Scrutiny Sub-Committee (PSSC). The responsibility for the academic approval of programmes is delegated by the Academic Board to PSSC. PSSC is the second and final stage of the programme approval process.
The procedure is designed to ensure that full consideration is given to all factors which determine whether a programme should be offered.
All programmes are subject to a periodic reapproval process, over a maximum 5 year period. The programme reapproval process is designed to provide an opportunity for reflection on the quality, standards and current relevance of the College’s academic portfolio over a period of time, developing, enhancing and re-approving the previously approved provision.
This is undertaken through an analysis of student performance and outcomes, the impact of change, merits of curriculum design and local strategies for learning, teaching and assessment. Programme reapproval allows reflection on the strengths and areas of possible improvement of programme(s) and the experience of students.
Further information on Programme Approval and Reapproval can be found on the SharePoint site (staff access only) and further advice can be sought from the Quality Office at any stage of the process.
Approval of amendments to programmes and modules
Amendments to programmes are grouped into four categories with different levels of approval required. The Quality Office can advise you on what constitutes a major or a minor amendment to a programme.
Further information on programme and module amendment can be found on the SharePoint site (staff access only) and further advice can be sought from the Quality Office at any stage of the process.
