Amendments to Degree Programmes/Approval of Modules
2.1 Once again, paragraphs 2.2 to 2.9 below should be read in conjunction with the College’s ‘Programme Approval Guidance Notes 2010/2011’.
2.2 Departments/Schools should keep their existing degree provision under review in the light of such factors as the availability of other programmes/modules in cognate fields, numbers and quality of applicants, retention of students and their academic achievements. Departments/Schools should review what adjustments can be made to reduce any barriers to progress for disabled students in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). The School Teaching and Quality Enhancement Committee (STQEC) should undertake a major review of provision within each Department approximately every four years through internal reviews conducted by Quality Monitoring Working Groups of the College Teaching and Quality Enhancement Committee (see 9.5 - 9.10 below). In considering its provision each Department should, in conjunction with the STQEC, have particular regard to the deliberations of Boards and Sub-Boards of Examiners; the reports of External Examiners; developments in the subject and in teaching and learning techniques; current research; employers and professional/statutory/regulatory bodies; colleagues in this and other universities; levels of knowledge and understanding; skills for employment or further study; personal and academic development; student participation.
2.3 All amendments to existing provision must have been fully developed and the subject of extensive consultation, scrutiny, securing of resources required, and consultation with a relevant External Examiner within the host Department prior to their submission to the School Teaching and Quality Enhancement Committee. The processes for scrutinising all amendments should be comparable across all Departments and Schools.
2.4 It is the responsibility of the author of the amendment to draft and lead on this matter with the support of their Head of Department and Chair of the STQEC/Assistant Dean (Learning and Teaching).
2.5 All contributing Departments including relevant Module Leaders should be consulted regarding any proposed amendments to existing programmes and should be in agreement with these.
2.6 Definitive proposals for new modules, module and minor programme amendments should be submitted on the appropriate amendment forms. In signing the proposal form the relevant Module Leader/Programme Director should confirm that all contributing Departments/Schools, including relevant Module Leaders, have been consulted regarding the proposal and are in agreement with this. Consultation with the Head of Department (or Executive Dean for School held modules) and with the Library and ITS should be evidenced by email.
2.7 It is the responsibility of the author of the proposal and the Head of Department to ensure the above procedures are adhered to and that any necessary changes are made to the amendment in response to the Department’s consideration of this prior to its submission to the STQEC.
2.8 School TQECs may approve new modules, module and minor programme amendments for report to the College Programmes Committee, ensuring these are in line with the national academic infrastructure, College’s Mission, relevant College Codes of Practice and College/School Strategies including Learning and Teaching.
2.9 Relevant External Examiners should be notified of any changes made to existing programmes within their remit.