Programme Approval

[The term 'programme' is used to refer to a named postgraduate or undergraduate award of the University which is part of the University Qualifications Framework]

Details on the process of programme re-approval can also be accessed via this page

Summary of the programme approval process

All programmes at Glasgow Caledonian University are subject to a rigorous approval process. The full process is described in Section 4 of the Quality Assurance and Enhancement Handbook. The process involves three distinct stages: the initial approval to proceed; the production of programme documentation and consideration of the proposal by an approval panel; action to address the requirements and recommendations of the panel.

Stage 1: initial approval to proceed

Firstly a Programme Development Board is set up and a Programme Proposal Pro-forma (PPP) is produced. The PPP identifies the resource issues associated with the programme, the potential market and broadly outlines the aims and the academic content. The PPP is initially approved by the School Board, by the Deans of Schools contributing to the programme and must be approved by the Executive Member with responsibility for the proposing School.

The Academic Policy Committee (APC) also receives all PPPs on a collective basis to maintain an overview on the development and balance of the University's portfolio of awards.

Stage 2: production of programme documentation and consideration of the proposal by an approval panel

The Programme Development Board subsequently produces a standard set of documentation, including a programme specification for consideration by a Programme Approval Panel.

The programme specification sets out the intended learning outcomes, cross referred to relevant subject benchmark statements and professional and statutory body requirements where appropriate.

The Panel consists of internal peers and normally at least two external experts, typically an academic and a representative of the profession most closely related to the programme.

The Panel meets with the Development Board for a dialogue usually over the course of a complete working day and produces a conclusion recommending to the University approval of the programme subsequent to either requirements (which must be addressed before the programme can commence) and recommendations (which the panel feel should be given further consideration).

The panel also identifies any areas of good practice which have been identified so that they can be disseminated across the University.

Stage 3: action to address the requirements and recommendations of the panel

The Programme Team produces a response to the requirements and recommendations of the Approval Panel and amends the programme documentation as required. The response is considered together with the conclusions of the Approval Panel by the Learning and Teaching Subcommittee (LTSC) on behalf of the University Senate. If LTSC is content that the requirements and recommendations of the Panel have been met the programme is approved.

Approved programmes must be re-approved over a five year cycle. The re-approval process is essentially identical to the approval process described above, with the omission of the requirement to produce a Programme Proposal Pro-forma.

The Learning and Teaching Subcommittee receives an annual overview report on the approval and re-approval process which highlights any patterns which have emerged and also consolidates the good practice found by panels. top

Last updated: 19-Feb-2010

Download process

Full details of the process and procedures for programme approval can be found in Section 4 of the Quality Assurance and Enhancement Handbook.

This section also includes the following key documents:

- Programme Proposal Pro-forma (PPP) including flowchart of PPP approval process

- Programme Approval Process Timeline including flowchart of approval process

- Guidelines on the content of programme approval submission documentation

- Programme Handbooks

- Academic Curriculum Vitae Template

- Programme Approval Submission Document Front

- Approval of programmes involving flexible and distributed learning

- Guidelines for the internationalisation of the curriculum

Other useful links:

GCU Qualifications Framework

Programme Specification Pro-forma

QAA Subject Benchmark Statements

The framework for qualifications of higher education institutions in Scotland