Aide Memoire for an Approval Panel Agenda

This aide memoire is intended to provide a starting point for considering a proposal for a new award.

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1.Programme Rationale

  • What evidence is there which demonstrates demand for the programme? (eg outcomes of surveys/focus groups; analysis of trends in the sector/local demand)
  • How has this influenced programme design and content?
  • What type of students is it proposed to attract? ie. A Level/mature.

2.Admissions

  • What is the expected intake number?
  • Are the admissions requirements clear/appropriate? eg. has APE/L been considered?
  • Does the Admissions Tutor have a clear understanding of the process for admitting disabled students?

3.Curriculum

  • Is the curriculum content up to date and relevant to the subject area?
  • Does the proposal meet the current QAA subject benchmarkrequirements and appropriate sections of the QAA Quality Code? (eg – B3 Learning & Teaching/B4 Enabling Student Development & Achievement/B10 for partnership arrangements)
  • Are the programme aims and learning outcomes clear, reasonable and appropriate? Does the curriculum support these?
  • If the proposal has a very specific target group, how will any particular requirements of the group be addressed?
  • Does the curriculum provide appropriate opportunities for embedding theUniversity’s Teaching, Learningand Student Experience Strategy, including internationalisation and sustainability?
  • How do skills elements link to learning outcomes?
  • Is there any formal input from industry into programme development? How is this managed/quality assured?
  • Does the curriculum demonstrate inclusive practice for diversity eg disabled students, students from different racial groups and genders?

4.Teaching and Learning Methods

  • Are the planned teaching/learning methods inclusive and appropriate?
  • Is there evidence of a consideration of a range of appropriate techniques?

5.Assessment

  • Is the range of assessment appropriate to the programme aims and learning outcomes?
  • Are the types of assessment appropriate to the module level?
  • How will feedback be provided to students and reflective use of feedback encouraged?
  • Are the planned assessment methods inclusive?

6.Progression

  • What kinds of careers, further study etc might students be expected to progress on to at the end of the programme?

7.Programme Management

  • How will the programme be managed on a day-to-day basis?
  • What is the role of the Programme Co-ordinator? Who will be responsible for admissions, examinations, placement supervision etc?

8.Scholarly and Professional Activity

  • Is this of an appropriate level to underpin the ongoing development of the programme?
  • Is staff development appropriate to the needs of the programme and is there a planned staff development programme?

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Aide Memoire Updated August 2014