The School is committed to maintaining the highest educational standards through continuous programme and module improvement. The Programme and Module Modification Policy, supporting the New Programme and Module Approval and Modification Regulations, explains a structured, transparent process for making changes to our offerings.
This Policy has been developed in line with the applicable laws, regulations, regulatory advice, and sector best practices, including the following:
A 'programme' is a structured body of teaching and learning that leads to an award, as approved by the School. It must meet the OfS sector-recognised standards for credits and descriptors. Programmes consist of modules related to the discipline and may include multiple levels. Each 'module' is assigned credits, defined learning outcomes, and specific summative assessments. These credits contribute towards the programme award, provided students successfully complete the assessments and demonstrate the required learning outcomes.
All undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and modules must adhere to strict approval rules to ensure high standards and quality. Any modifications to programmes and modules are subject to specific regulations.
Defining programmes and modules clearly ensures alignment with sector-recognised standards and maintains academic integrity. Following established approval and modification processes helps to uphold the quality of education and ensures that programmes remain relevant and effective.
The School’s Automated Governance System (AGS) ensures that all programmes and modules meet regulatory standards before delivery. Programme and Module Approval Rules within the AGS adhere to Sector-recognised standards, ensuring compliance with necessary regulations.
The AGS provides a structured framework to uphold the quality and integrity of academic offerings. By following these rules, the School guarantees that all programmes and modules are compliant with recognised standards and regulatory requirements before being offered to students.
The School mandates that module leaders and programme leaders produce detailed annual reports as part of the Monitoring and Evaluation Regulations. Module leaders must assess the module’s performance, including teaching quality, student engagement, and assessment outcomes. They should also review external examiner reports, progression, and propose improvements for the next academic year. Programme leaders are required to report on programme marketing, recruitment, satisfaction surveys, assessment results, retention, progression, and any necessary changes to programme specifications. Both types of reports must reflect student engagement and contribute to ongoing quality enhancement.
These comprehensive reports provide a structured approach for evaluating and improving teaching, learning, and assessment. They ensure that modules and programmes are continually assessed against established standards, incorporate feedback, and remain aligned with quality expectations. By integrating student engagement and external examiner insights, the School fosters continuous improvement and maintains high educational standards.
If a module or programme leader identifies a need for enhancement, the School's Academic Regulations permit changes. The New Programme and Module Approval and Modification Regulations outline the process for implementing changes, which varies depending on whether the change is major or minor.
This rule ensures that any modifications to programmes or modules are handled systematically and in accordance with established regulations, maintaining the integrity and quality of the educational offerings.
A 'major change' to a programme or module includes any alteration that:
A 'minor change' is any modification that does not meet the criteria for a major change.
These definitions ensure clarity in categorising changes, helping to determine the appropriate approval process and maintain the integrity of the School's academic offerings.
The Academic Board will decide if a proposed change is major or minor. The New Programme and Module Approval and Modification Regulations outline the procedures for discontinuing programmes and withdrawing modules. For detailed information on programme and module enhancements, refer to these regulations.
The Marketing Team will maintain a protocol with programme and module teams to ensure the following:
The Marketing Team will collaborate closely with programme and module teams to ensure accuracy.
This protocol ensures that all programme and module information is accurate, current, and effectively communicated to all relevant parties, thereby maintaining transparency and consistency across the School's platforms.
The following metrics will be measured and regularly reviewed as performance indicators for the School to ensure the effectiveness of this policy and associated operations.