The Validation and Approval Process
Once approved by Portfolio Oversight Group (POG) and confirmed by University Executive Group (UEG) and Senate a new programme proposal may then proceed to validation. The Faculty (via the Faculty Quality Officer [FQO]) will be responsible for organising the event.
A validation event will also be required where Subject Health Review (SHR) requires this following a review or where the Faculty has identified more than 25% cumulated/proposed change (module changes etc) since the programme was originally validated. Where significant changes are being proposed to an existing programme, eg addition of new modes of delivery such as significant distance learning or WBL elements, a validation event may also be required.
The proposed delivery of an existing approved programme at another campus or site of delivery will require POG approval and may require a visit to approve the site of delivery where it is not on University campus. Guidance is available in the Programme and Module Approval Handbook which is a useful tool in preparing for any of the above programme approval/review processes.
Validation Events will be held for all new programmes/titles. The event will be organised by the Faculty Quality Officer (FQO) and attended by senior staff from within the Academic Office, normally the Assistant Academic Registrar (Faculty Relationship).
The aim of programme validation / review is to secure for students a high quality of educational and academic experience. To this end, a Validation Panel including external academic and professional peers is convened to consider all new proposals (titles, streams, awards). The Panel is asked to confirm the quality of a programme proposal, sharing its thinking and practices with the programme team and, where appropriate, to agree conditions and recommendations to enhance the student experience.
Programme Amendments / New Module and Module Amendments
Faculties are responsible for agreeing changes to programmes. Consultation with the External Examiner to the programme should form part of the drafting process for all programme amendments. Any changes to programme title, structure or assessment regulations, which will affect progressing students, will require formal consultation with the students.
Where significant changes are proposed, a re-validation will be required. Guidance is available in the Programme and Module Approval Handbook.
The procedures to process new modules supports the University's commitment to quality assurance and enhancement. It also supports the approval process in ensuring that the credit level of new modules is given appropriate consideration in line with Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).
Proformas to process new and amended modules are available from QEU. Further guidance is contained within the Programme and Module Approval Handbook .