MODULE AND PATHWAY MODIFICATION GUIDELINES FOR HLSS STAFF

WHAT IS A MODIFICATION ?

SQC may undertake the following modifications –
  • the addition or deletion of modules up to a limit of 45 credits per pathway per year
  • changes to the learning outcomes of existing modules, pathways or awards
  • changes to existing module titles
  • the addition or deletion of core or core option modules to a joint pathway
  • changes to the number of modules available in joint or specialist pathways
  • changes in assessment methods and weightings
  • the validation of credit-bearing short courses
  • amendment to the co/pre-requisite designation of modules, or the designation of a module as core or core option
  • changes to pathway regulations providing such changes comply with University regulations
The following modifications require a proposal plan to be approved by ADP before they can be considered. These may be considered either by SQC or the Standing Panel –
  • change of title of a pathway
  • changes in the mode/form of the delivery of existing modules or pathways (for
  • example intensive delivery over a shorter period, delivery by distance learning,
  • on-line enhancement of delivery)
  • the extension of an existing pathway from a joint to a specialist degree
Please consult your SQC Officer at any stage during the validation process if you require any guidance on progressing your modification.

CONSULT HLSS AND GAIN APPROVAL

If you wish to carry out a modification, you must first consult your school and gain approval in order to proceed. In order to meet the University’s deadlines, modules for first delivery in semester 2 must be completed during semester 1 and modules for first delivery in semester 1 must be completed during semester 2 (see deadlines section below).

COMPLETE A MODIFICATION COVER SHEET

For each modification you want to make, a Module/Pathway Amendment Form (Front Sheet) must be completed. This can be obtained from the QASD web site at the following link:

COMPLETE A MODULE SPECIFICATION TEMPLATE (MST)

It is essential that a module specification is submitted for each modification proposed. For new modules an MST can be obtained from the from the QASD web site at the following link:

For existing modules, you should either make a copy of your existing module template and amend it or, if you wish you may complete a new module specification on the latest template. Both the original and amended MSTs should be submitted to the Officer.
If you are proposing a new module or need a new module code for some other reason you should send the SQC Officer the completed module definition form section of the MST as soon as possible, The Officer will arrange a new module code for you and advise you of the allocated code so you can add it into your template.

COMPLETE A PATHWAY SPECIFICATION TEMPLATE (PST) (IF NECESSARY)

Where the modification affects the pathway, proposers must also submit the original and revised pathway specifications.
If you need to use a template to complete the revised pathway specification, please note that there are two types of PST’s:
  • An Undergraduate PST which can be obtained at the following link:
  • and a Postgraduate PST which can be obtained at the following link:
NOTE: Proposers must ensure Part A and Part B are completed accurately to avoid delays when considering and processing the modification.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION

Proposers are required to submit evidence that the external examiner responsible for considering the module has been offered the opportunity to comment on the proposed modification. An email from the proposer to the external examiner will fulfil this requirement. If the external examiner comments on the module, this correspondence should also be forwarded to the Officer.
HLSS SQC also like to see the revised module guide for modified modules.
SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTATION
When you have collated all of the documentation required, you should submit it to the SQC Officer. In consultation with the SQC Chair, the Officer will arrange for the modification to be received either at the next available SQC or modifications sub committee. Important - please see the section below on deadlines for submission.
DEADLINES FOR SUBMISSION
In 2006-2007, the meeting and submission deadlines are as follows :
Meeting date / Submission deadline (papers to Officer)
5th December 2006 SQC / 20th November 2006 /
  • Last full meeting at which modifications for semester 2 modules can be received

17th April 2007 SQC / 2nd April 2007 /
  • Last full meeting at which modifications for semester 1 modules can be received

AT THE MEETING

The SQC Officer will invite you to attend the meeting at which your modification is considered. You will be given a time to attend and need only attend the meeting for the agenda item relating to your proposal. Attendance is welcomed but optional and you may bring another member of the subject team along to the meeting with you if you wish.
At the meeting, the Committee will decide whether to validate your modification. They will either decide to validate, not to validate during this academic year or agree to validate the modification subject to further information being provided. You should make a note of these requirements while you are at the meeting.

AFTER THE MEETING

The Officer will write up the minutes of the meeting and contact you regarding the decision of the Committee. If you are required to resubmit information to the Committee, the Office will confirm this and advise of any particular requirements and deadlines.

CLOSING MODIFICATIONS

When all of the Committee’s requirements are addressed, the Officer will record details of the modification in a grid which is submitted to UQC for ratification. Copies of the module and pathway specifications are forwarded to SITS and a further copy lodged with the HLSS Senior School Administrator. The SQC Officer will also file a definitive set of the validation documentation in the QASD archive.

Pamela Bains and Rachel Ford

QASD

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