Close

Definitions

Type A changes

4.1.1 Type A changes must have the consent of the relevant Programme Lead or Subject Coordinator and be approved by the Faculty Head of Quality Assurance & Validations or Associate Dean Student Experience (ADSE).

Type A changes include:

  • Changes to the following sections of the approved module descriptor:
    • Section 1: Management details (except level and credit of the module, and details of which programme/s the module is compulsory for)
    • Section 2: Module aims
    • Section 3: Changes to module learning outcomes which do not affect programme learning outcomes
    • Section 4: Outline syllabus
    • Section 5: Overview of the teaching, learning and assessment strategy
    • Section 6: Learning hours
    • Section 7: Summative assessment tasks, provided that the assessment format remains within the same assessment component category in the SRS
    • Section 8: Opportunities for formative assessment & feedback
    • Section 9: Alternative assessment – this section is not published in the SRS, but any updates on appropriate alternative assessments should be discussed with the Senior Lecturer Educational Development in OCAED and/or Tamsin Kershaw-Murphy  (Deputy Director of ASA – Student Services)
  • Changes to the list of level 4, 5 and 6 optional modules available to a programme;
  • Making an existing module available to another existing programme as an optional module;
  • Removing an optional module from a programme;
  • Changes to the prior qualifications required for admission to a programme (please note that changes to specific ‘A’ level grades/tariff points are not subject to this process).

Note: 

Regarding sections 5 and 8 of the module descriptor – Module Leaders should, as appropriate, discuss any enhancements to TLA strategies with their PLSEs, DMeLDs, and/or OCEAD link developer.

Regarding Section 10 of the module descriptor - This does not have to be updated regularly as reading lists are made available via Talis Aspire; however, these module bibliographies must be kept current, and any updates should be negotiated with the appropriate Academic Liaison Librarian to ensure additional resources are made available to students.

Where they consider that a requested update constitutes a Type B change, the Faculty Quality Team will refer it back to the Module Leader, who should follow the appropriate approval process as set out in 4.2 below.

Key documents

Programme Changes and Revalidation (full text)

Type B changes

4.1.2 Modifications which require submission for approval by the Faculty AESC/QLIC (or authorised sub-group) include changes to:

  • Section 7: Summative assessment tasks, where the changes would move assessment tasks into different SRS assessment component categories;
  • Compulsory module requirements;
  • Credit level and/or value of a module;
  • Approval of entirely new modules for inclusion in an existing programme;
  • Programme title or awards available;
  • Module title;
  • Programme learning outcomes;
  • Professional body accreditation requirements (in some cases – e.g. where significant curriculum changes are required - this may necessitate a full re-validation of a programme);
  • Programme-level variation from the University Regulations (see section 3.2 above for the process to be followed).

Type B changes may require some internal or external consultation, as appropriate to the changes being proposed. This may include consultation with students, external examiners, accrediting bodies, or other interested parties. The Faculty link QAO can advise on the level of consultation which should take place.

Note: Changes to resource requirements for programme delivery should be dealt with by the Head of Department or Faculty Executive, as appropriate.

Revalidation

4.1.3 Faculties should be mindful of the cumulative effect of a significant number of individual changes to programmes over a period of time; and must ensure that all changes are approved through the appropriate process, and clearly communicated to students, staff and other relevant stakeholders in a timely manner. Re-validation of an existing programme, following the new programme approval process set out in section 3 of this chapter (and in Chapter 5, in the case of collaborative provision), should be initiated where substantial curriculum change is required. This may occur, for example, in the case of:

  • changing professional standards or industry requirements;
  • the addition of a significant number of compulsory modules, resulting in a change to the programme learning outcomes;
  • the modification of an existing programme for a Higher or Degree Apprenticeship (external panel membership may not be required in this case);
  • the five-yearly review and re-approval of collaborative arrangements.

Advice should be sought from the Faculty link QAO on whether proposed changes constitute a re-validation issue. OCEAD should be consulted for advice on good practice in teaching, learning and assessment where changes are to be made to these strategies. Programme teams should be aware that re-validation can have an impact on current students and applicants, and should seek advice on the timing of such an exercise from the Student Records and Curriculum Management (Registry) and Admissions teams.