Academic Approval, Periodic Review and Modifications

Our University's Regulations and Procedures relating to Academic Approval, Periodic Review and Modification processes are essential elements of our Quality Assurance Framework.

Academic Approval

All courses bearing academic credit must undertake the relevant Academic Approval process. This will currently take place through one of two academic approval processes; one relevant to a course being approved as part of the 'Undergraduate Curriculum Refocus' / 'Postgraduate Taught Review' exercises (dependent on the level of the programme) which is based around the concept of Developmental Engagement where a Course Development Team with engage with a specified set of reviewers and the other related to an 'Event Based Process' where the course seeking approval is scrutinised by a panel of academic reviewers.

You will locate the information, guidance and templates relating to Undergraduate Curriculum Refocus and Postgraduate Taught Review developmental engagement process under the respective headings below. In addition, the Centre for Learning and Teaching have a dedicated resources and information relating to curriculum development and Undergraduate Curriculum Refocus and Postgraduate Taught Review.

You will locate the information, guidance and templates relating to the event based process below under the 'Event Based Process' heading.

You are strongly advised to ensure that you are viewing the correct / most relevant information for the task you are undertaking. If you need further advice, please see the telephone or email address below where you can can ask a member of QSRE to provide further clarification who may also refer you to colleagues within the Centre for Learning and Teaching.

You need to be aware that all courses must seek Strategic Planning Approval prior to undertaking any 'Academic Approval' process.

Periodic Review

All courses must undertake a Periodic Review every 5 years (currently - this will be amended to every 6 years as of August 2012) after Academic Approval. The details of this process are provided below under the relevant heading.

You are advised to review the 'Periodic Review' document below prior to commencing this process.

Modifications

From time to time, course teams may deem it necessary to make modifications to their course. This will currently fall into one of two categories, 'Minor' or 'Major' modifications. Different processes apply to bring minor modification and major modifications in to effect. Course Leaders are required to liaise with their Faculty Quality and Governance Team regarding whether the proposed changes to their course constitutes a minor or major modification.

You are advised to view the 'Modifications to Schemes / Courses in Approval' document below prior to commencing this process.

Withdrawal of Academic Approval

If you wish to seek withdrawal of academic approval for a course, you need to do so through the Strategic Planning Approval Withdrawal process. Further information about this can be located on the Strategic Planning Approval page.