Course Planning and Approval

Pending changes to the course planning and approval process documentation and templates (discussed at ASQEC 11th January 2012), some of these have been temporarily removed from the website.
If you are just starting the course approval process, please contact AQU for the latest versions and guidance. For those already engaged in the process, please continue with the versions you have.

If you are planning to develop a new course or make changes to an existing course, please contact your IQC Chair in the first instance, who will advise you on the procedure and their deadline dates for 2011/12.

The Course Planning and Approval Process is the means by which the University approves, or validates, all courses leading to an award granted by UW, either directly or via partnership arrangments.

The Process is based upon a consultancy model, whereby development of provision, in the form of a Programme Specification and course handbook for students, is carried by the course team in discussion with internal and external specialists. There are five main principles underlying the process, in that it should be:

Student-focused: based primarily on decision-making regarding the pedagogic and operational aspects of course delivery
Holistic: utilising expertise from within and outside of the University
Mindful of minimising burden: thereby requiring only documentation that is fundamental to ensuring that the process is robust and comprehensive
Transparent: in that it is clear both to participants and, as necessary, outside agencies
Flexible: to enable development and planning of a wide range of provision to appropriate timescales.

Further information on the principles and basic methodology of the Process can be found in this paper endorsed by Academic Board in April 2008. This information is also elaborated upon in a short (5 minute) online presentation (.mp4 format).

The University takes a risk-based approach with regard to approving changes to modules and/or courses. The majority of changes to be made to existing provision can be approved through the Institute Approval arrangements (see paragraph 45 of the process, above), with the degree of external input varying according to the types of changes that may occur. A table is provided as a guide to determine appropriate mechanisms for changing provision based on the potential risk.

Linked below are key appendices to facilitate the Process, as outlined in the Process document (appendices 1, 2 and 3 remain appended and are not linked separately) and additional information designed to assist staff in completing the process in a robust and timely manner:

Appendix 4: Principles and process for approval of provision through Academic Portfolio Committee

APC - Form ADP1 Proposal Template for Academic Portfolio Committee approval
APC - Form ADP2 Guidance for completion of Proposal Template
APC - Form ADP3 Academic Development Change of Title form
APC - Form ADP4 Course Closure form

Form ADP1 should be completed by the proposer and returned to the Secretary of the Academic Portfolio Committee.

Appendix 5: Intention to Approve Form This form should be completed and returned to the Academic Quality Unit. A preliminary meeting will then be set up by AQU to discuss the approval process with the Course Leader.

Following that meeting, work can begin on the:

Module Specifications and Programme Specifications

Course Handbook Template - UW Provision (Undergraduate and Postgraduate)
Course Handbook Template - Collaborative The latter informs the:

Course Agreement Template (for collaborative provision)

Appendix 6: External Adviser Report Template

Choosing your External Advisors/Panel Members

External Advisor's Expenses Claim Form

Template for Contextual Paper

Appendix 7a: Approval Proforma: Head of Institute

Appendix 7b: Approval Proforma: Head of Collaborative Programmes

Appendix 7c: Approval Proforma and report outline by ILS

Appendix 8: Amendments to Approved Modules

Appendix 9: Module Specification Template

- Reading Resources Strategy (UW approach taken to specifying set texts, essential and further reading)

Appendix 10: Minor Modifications to Courses

Appendix 11: Site and Resources Visit Checklist