Modifying an existing programme of study

A modification is a change to a programme of study for which primary responsibility, for considering and approving the modification, rests with Boards of Studies (or Graduate School Boards, where these have delegated power for postgraduate programmes). For certain modifications, approval of the University’s Teaching Committee (UTC) may also be required.  

As a general principle, modifications should be implemented for the next entering cohort and not for current students.

Examples of modifications include:

  • the addition or withdrawal of modules
  • changes to teaching, learning and assessment methods
  • a change to the programme title
  • the systematic re-structuring of a programme, e.g. the re-definition of modules and changes to credit ratings
  • the addition of a standalone module, for credit

Records

Records of all modifications should be kept by the Board of Studies or Graduate School Board. UTC will examine these records at regular intervals, including at periodic review: the records may also need to be made available to external auditors e.g. the QAA and PSRBs.

Approval

Modifications to programmes are categorised as ‘minor’, ‘major’ or ‘exceptional’. For minor modifications, final approval rests with the Board of Studies (or Graduate School Board). For major or exceptional modifications, UTC approval is also required. Where there are resource implications, Planning Committee approval may be needed and departments should consult their Planning Officer about this. The approval of the relevant external examiner(s) should also be sought for a major modification. 

The Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study (PDF , 294kb) document provides further guidance on the procedure for obtaining approval of a modification.

Major or exceptional modifications

For major or exceptional modifications departments should complete the Modifications pro forma (MS Word , 22kb) and forward this and any supporting documentation to the department’s Quality Assurance team contact and UTC contact.

Modifications do not include changes made to accommodate individual students.  If a department wishes to change a programme of study for a single student it must make a case to Special Cases Committee. If, however, the change relates to an assessment for a single student (in advance of the assessment) it should make a case to the Standing Committee on Assessment.

 
A group in a tutorial looking at a page in a text (image: John Houlihan)

Who to contact

Cathy Moore
Academic Support Office

01904 323849

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