Course and Programme Approval
Overview of the Approval Process
- College Boards of Studies have the authority to approve new programmes, programme amendments and programme withdrawals. This process is monitored by the Academic Standards Committee (ASC). ASC maintains a Programme Approval Group (PAG) to consider proposed new/amended programmes that are novel collaborative/TNE programmes and to advise ASC on cases where the proposed provision is non-standard or a College Board of Studies has concerns about whether the proposal conforms to University policy. Further guidance is available here.
- Schools have the authority to approve all new courses, amendments to existing courses and the withdrawal of courses. This is monitored by ASC and College Boards of Studies.
- College Boards of Studies are required to audit annually and report to ASC on course approval activity by the corresponding Schools. Further guidance is available.
- College Boards of Studies' (or equivalent) composition will include two members from other College(s) who are past or present members of ASC, ideally with programme approval experience.*
- School Learning & Teaching Committees' (or equivalent) composition will include two members of the relevant College Board of Studies from outwith the School concerned.*
Timelines
- New programmes and programme amendments resulting in a name change: Board of Studies and PIP approval by 28 February
- All other programme amendments: Board of Studies and PIP approval by 5 April
- All course proposals (new, amend, withdraw): Board of Studies and PIP approval by 5 April
- Programme withdrawals: Board of Studies and PIP approval by 31 July in the year proceeding programme delivery
Any new regulations variations (e.g. progress requirements, requirements for award, maximum duration of study) must be considered at Academic Regulations Committee in semester 1. Programme teams wishing to request such a variation should therefore raise an enquiry through the Academic Standards and Regulations Ivanti, using the category ‘Regulations Variation Request’, as soon as possible and no later than 16 November. Variations will only be approved to recognise external requirements or where the programme has distinctive programme features. If you are unsure, please submit an enquiry.
Please note that, separate to the PIP process, other deadlines may be set by Colleges for planning purposes. Colleges will notify Schools directly, as appropriate.
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* It is appreciated that it can be difficult, in practical terms, to involve two members of other Schools’ Boards of Studies in the School approval process, and ASC reps in the College approval process. However, their involvement in such decisions is essential to acceptable QA practice. Firstly, having two external members on the relevant committee provides strength in numbers and reduces the vulnerability of a single external member coming under duress to approve something they are perhaps uncomfortable about approving. (In the case of School approvals, their membership of the College Board of Studies and access to the Board thereby should also strengthen their hand if necessary.) Secondly, having two external members is intended to ensure some flexibility in the process - with two external members, it would be easier to obtain the presence of at least one of the two. While it is preferable for all members to be present to engage with discussions at the relevant Board/L&T meeting, anyone not able to attend should submit comments on the proposals.
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Definition of Course and Programme
A course is defined as a self-contained unit of study on a particular topic, with defined level, credit value, aims, intended learning outcomes, mode(s) of delivery, scheme of assessment, and possibly also pre- and co-requisites.
A programme is defined as a set of compulsory and elective courses leading to a defined award, with defined aims, intended learning outcomes, mode(s) of delivery, and scheme of assessment.
Our approval processes are required to and comply with the QAA UK Quality Code Advice and Guidance on Course Design and Development as well as the University Academic Quality Framework.
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