Academic Policy & Governance

Academic Policy & Governance (APG) is a unit formed from the former Senate and Academic Collaboration Offices. (See APG Welcome page for further information.)

Course and Programme Approval

Overview of the Approval Process

• College Boards of Studies have the authority to approve new programmes, programme amendments and programme withdrawals. This process is monitored by the Academic Standards Committee (ASC). ASC maintains a Programme Approval Group (PAG) to consider proposed new/amended programmes that are novel collaborative/TNE programmes and to advise ASC on cases where the proposed provision is non-standard or a College Board of Studies has concerns about whether the proposal conforms to University policy. Further guidance is available here.
• Schools have the authority to approve all new courses, amendments to existing courses and the withdrawal of courses. This is monitored by ASC and College Boards of Studies.
• College Boards of Studies are required to audit annually and report to ASC on course approval activity by the corresponding Schools. Further guidance is available.
• College Boards of Studies' (or equivalent) composition will include two members from other College(s) who are past or present members of ASC, ideally with programme approval experience.*
• School Learning & Teaching Committees' (or equivalent) composition will include two members of the relevant College Board of Studies from outwith the School concerned.*
• Colleges and Schools are required to have all of their new/amend proposals in PIP by 30 April, and approved by 31 July. For new courses, submission to PIP as early as possible in advance of the 30 April deadline will assist Space Management & Timetabling in identifying the most suitable teaching accommodation. Please note that, separate to the PIP process, other deadlines may be set by Colleges for planning purposes. Colleges will notify Schools directly, as appropriate. Any proposals that will have implications for what appears in the University Regulations should be approved by early June in order to comply with the production schedule for publication of next session's Regulations.

Adapting assessments in light of the emergence of generative AI tools: principles and practice

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* It is appreciated that it can be difficult, in practical terms, to involve two members of other Schools’ Boards of Studies in the School approval process, and ASC reps in the College approval process. However, their involvement in such decisions is essential to acceptable QA practice. Firstly, having two external members on the relevant committee provides strength in numbers and reduces the vulnerability of a single external member coming under duress to approve something they are perhaps uncomfortable about approving. (In the case of School approvals, their membership of the College Board of Studies and access to the Board thereby should also strengthen their hand if necessary.) Secondly, having two external members is intended to ensure some flexibility in the process - with two external members, it would be easier to obtain the presence of at least one of the two. While it is preferable for all members to be present to engage with discussions at the relevant Board/L&T meeting, anyone not able to attend should submit comments on the proposals.