February 2016

FET Programme Validation Application Form

Part 2

Programme Module Descriptor

To be completed for each programme module.

Refer to the Guidelines for Preparing Programme Descriptors for FET Programmes (revised October 2013) before completing this form.

Please note that the programme involved must be fully developed prior to making an application for validation. QQI will request programme documentation from providers through ongoing sampling at any time in the validation process.

1 Programme module title

A module is a sub-programme within a programme. Completion of a module does not necessarily have to entitle a learner to a component award, but may entitle a learner to one or more component awards.

2 Programme module status

Whether the programme module is compulsory or optional (this applies to all learners).

3 Programme module duration

fulltime / part-time
Directed learning: hours
Self-directed learning: hours
Module duration weeks (period from the commencement of instruction to the point when learners have been assessed for the purposes of completing the module and the result of assessment has been confirmed by the provider)

4 Aims and objectives

The aim of the programme module indicates the general direction or orientation of a programme module in terms of its content and sometimes its context within an overall programme. An aim tends to be written in terms of the intentions for delivery.

Objectives should state clearly and unambiguously what is to be achieved in the programme module. Where possible the objectives should be measurable to enable programme evaluation in the future. The objectives must be based on and reflect the standards for the relevant awards but shouldn’t be a restatement of them. Objectives for the programme module help to focus on what is to be achieved for the particular learner group, as part of the learning experience.

5 Indicative content and programme outcomes

Programme module content describes the activities, strategies, methodologies and resources that make up the programme module.

A range of methodologies may form part or all of the delivery strategy employed by the provider. Examples of methodologies:

• classroom-based instruction;

• one-to-one instruction;

• group discussions/group interactions;

• practical sessions/workshops/laboratories/studio;

• simulated work environment/work experience;

• tutorials/ one-to-one supported learning;

• field trips;

  • on-the-job training.

Programme module content should be described in such a way that a new tutor or instructor of the programme can use the descriptor to deliver programme module content in the way that was intended in development.

Programme module outcomes are the intended learning outcomes i.e. knowledge, skill and competence at completion.

A list of intended learning outcomes is NOT sufficient!

6 Component titles and codes

Often modules will only lead to one component award but they may lead to none or more than one.

Component Code / Component Level / Component Title

7 Programme module assessment

7.1 Assessment strategy

Technique / Weighting / Time Allocated / Format and context / Assessment Criteria and Marking Scheme Guide

7.2 Indicative examples of assessment tasks and marking schemes

8 Staff profile

Define the type of teacher, trainer, instructor, mentor, workplace supervisor required to help learners achieve the stated learning outcomes.

State the required qualifications, education and training, pedagogical and professional qualifications (relating to the module subject), experience, and professional registration.
State the experience
List key staff and their roles, qualifications and experience

9 Facilities, equipment, materials, information sources and resources

Focus here on what is specific to this module, don’t repeat what has been presented in Part 1 but do elaborate on how the facilities, equipment, materials, information sources and resources are employed in providing this module.

10 Specific validation requirements

Explain how this module meets any specific validation requirements required by applicable QQI awards specifications.