Getting Started
This section of the website contains essential information to support staff through the process of moving to the 20 credit framework.
When does the approval process have to be completed by?
These revised programmes are to be approved during the 2011-12 Academic Year ready for a September 2012 start. Each Faculty has drawn up a schedule for the approval of its 20 credit provision, which includes dates for the submission of documentation to the approval panel. This information has been collated by SSIS and is presented in a single spreadsheet - 20 Credit Framework Approval Schedule.
The spreadsheet also includes a log of when key processes have been completed for example, programme build, admissions data and class scheduling, all of which have to be completed in readiness for the September 2012 start date.
What do programme teams need to consider?
To support programme teams in working through the shape of their 20 credit programmes and the modules that they will contain, Executive have produced guidance on the principles that are to be followed during the conversion process. So that you have a better understanding of the process LEI has produced a Handbook, which sets out the approval process in more detail.
In addition, programme teams may useful two forms prepared by the Faculty of Business, Computing and Law. Any significant issues are raised through the academic infrastructure check which forms the basis of the discussion agenda at the approval event. The consultation matrix is a useful tool for programme teams so they can pre-empt discussions and pre-populate it. This information forms part of an approval archive for future reference.
What documentation is required for the approval process?
The approval process for the new proposals within the 20 credit framework require that programme teams prepare a programme specification, module specifications and a mapping of changes from the existing programme to the new programme. The module specification has recently been revised and to support module leaders guidance notes have been prepared. Programme teams are also required to consult with the external examiner to get feedback on their proposals using the External Advisor Feedback on 20 Credit Proposals template. If your programme is also being delivered by a partner organisation you will also need to have discussions with them about your proposals and get feedback from them using the Collaborative Partner Feedback on 20 Credit Implementation template.
In addition to the module specification it has been agreed that information to assist the Programme Build team should be appended using a standard proforma. This proforma will form part of the checklist of submission requirements for approval panels.
What form will the approval panels take?
The approval panels for the 20 credit programmes will be a standing panel of the Faculty Quality Enhancement Committee (FQEC) consisting of the Dean (Chair), Assistant Dean (Quality), Faculty Curriculum Development Manager (FCDM), Faculty Operations Manager (FOM), a senior representative from the School, an LEI representative* (as indicated on the 20 Credit Framework Approval Schedule), an external panel member, and where appropriate, a Joint Honours representative and/or a representative from collaborative partners. More information about the nature and focus of the approval event can be found in the 20 Credit Handbook.
How will the outcomes from the approval event be recorded?
The outcome of the approval event will be documented in an outcome report, written by the reporting officer, which is then circulated to the programme team and the approval panel members. Following feedback, the draft report is then revised, as required, and circulated promptly to the programme team, Faculty Curriculum Development Manager and the chair of the approval panel.
The outcome report is designed to be brief but at the same time capture the key factors that led the panel to identify issues. The structure of the report is detailed in the 20 Credit Handbook. An exemplar can be downloaded that shows how the report is structured and conditions/recommendations are handled.
Are there any programmes exempted from the process?
It is recognised that there will be situations where programmes cannot convert to the 20 credit framework with effect from September 2012. Any exceptions must be approved by the PVC and supported by a clear rationale and transition arrangements. From September 2015 the University will have no remaining 15 credit modules. A list of all programmes currently exempt from the process are listed in the 20 Credit Exception Register.
*Contingency plans are in place for the LEI representative. Please contact Colin Fryer or Sharon Sanderson for details.
