Programme approvals
Departments must seek approval for all new taught programmes of study (including research degrees with a taught element), all new units and any changes to their programmes (including withdrawal of a programme) or units.
If you are considering setting up a new programme of study, please contact your Faculty Assistant Registrar at the outset. You will find full details of the process for the approval of new programmes in QA3. The process is in two main stages:
- initial approval which involves strategic consideration of the academic fit and financial viability of the programme;
- full approval which involves close consideration of the arrangements for the delivery of the programme.
Where appropriate, for instance if you are developing a variant on an existing programme, it might be possible to apply a lighter touch process at both stages. Please contact your Faculty Assistant Registrar for further information.
In developing a new programme you will be expected to provide a range of documentation to support your proposal including:
- QA3 Form 1 Resource implications
- QA3 Form 2 Programme Specification (see also Programme Specification guidance)
- QA3 Form 3 Market information
At the full approval stage you will need to demonstrate that you have consulted widely inside and outside the University, and that your programme meets
- any national expectations such as the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and any relevant subject benchmark statements and
- internal credit framework, Regulations and QA Code of Practice.
Normally, two external reviewers will be appointed to write a report on the proposed new programme to be submitted to Programmes and Partnerships Approval Committee. Guidance for the appointment and of external reviewers is available.
Your submission should also be accompanied by the appropriate completed programme and unit description templates:
- PD Form 1 – NFAAR UG programme description template
- PD Form 2 - NFAAR PGT One Stage programme description template
- PD Form 3 - completed example of PD Form 2
- PD Form 4 - NFAAR PGT Two Stage programme description template
- PD Form 5 - Non-NFA programme description template
- UD Form 1 - Unit Description template
- UD Form 2 - completed example of UD Form 1
Full details are provided in QA3.
