Award-bearing

Award-bearing programmes

Applying for approval

The approval of new taught programmes is a three stage process:

1. Board of Studies approval
   
   
2. Planning Committee approval of the business case
   • Pro forma for submission to Planning Committee (MS Word , 32kb)
3. University Teaching Committee (UTC) approval of the academic case
   • Pro forma for submission to Teaching Committee (MS Word , 45kb)
   • Pro forma for obtaining comments from an external assessor (MS Word , 77kb)

In addition to the pro formas you will need to submit a programme specification, module descriptions and a response to any issues raised by the external assessor.

Deadlines

• Deadlines for submitting papers to University Teaching Committee and Planning Committee
  

Please note

• Planning Committee approval must be obtained before, or concurrently with UTC approval. UTC will not consider a programme unless it has full Board of Studies approval.
• Programmes cannot be advertised until Planning Committee approval and UTC approval have been obtained.
• For programmes involving collaboration, there are additional quality assurance procedures. Please contact the Academic Support Office.

Distance learning programmes

For distance learning programmes, an additional pro forma must be submitted to the UTC for approval.

• Pro forma for new distance learning programme (MS Word , 39kb)

Non-award bearing/CPD

Non-award-bearing programmes and CPD

A non-award-bearing programme is one in which successful completion does not lead to the award of a University Certificate, Diploma or Degree. Non-award bearing programmes may be credit-rated (students receive credits on successful completion) or non-credit-rated.

The University requires that all programmes of study, whether or not they lead to credit or an award, are approved. Primary responsibility for programme approval rests with the Board of Studies, for which University Teaching Committee (UTC) approval may also be required.

Credit-rated programmes

Credit-rated non-award-bearing programmes require the approval of both the relevant Board of Studies and UTC (or its Chair). These programmes may also require the approval of Planning Committee. Please contact the Planning Office to confirm whether or not Planning Committee approval is required.

Non-credit-rated programmes

A wide variety of events and activities (including short courses that provide vocational and professional updating, i.e. continuing professional development (CPD), summer schools, workshops, liberal adult education and access provision for disadvantaged students) fall into the non-credit-rated non-award-bearing programme category. This category does not normally include conferences and seminars.

Responsibility for the approval of non-credit-rated programme rests with the relevant Board of Studies.

Forms and guidance

• Procedures for approval and monitoring of programmes (MS Word , 38kb)
• Design and delivery of CPD and Lifelong Learning courses (MS Word , 24kb)
  

Foundation degrees

Foundation degrees

The University is in the process of developing guidance for departments who wish to develop Foundation Degrees. In the meantime, please contact the Academic Support Office (aso@york.ac.uk).

• Policy statement on Foundation degrees (MS Word , 13kb)
• QAA Foundation degree qualification benchmark