Academic approvals

Academic approvals - general information

The University's process for approving disciplines, programmes and courses is determined by the extent of risk associated with the proposed activity. All the University’s academic provision is subject to approval through an established academic risk management procedure, which differentiates categories of activity by the level of risk associated with it. 

High and medium risk activities are broadly defined as programmes delivered in conjunction with a partner organisation and independent distance learning provision, and are subject to an additional level of approval by designated members of the University’s Senior Management.

Proposals to introduce new disciplines must be approved by the University Executive.

Programme Management Board (Business approval)

In line with the UK Quality Code and in order to manage its taught portfolio, the University has developed a Business Approval Process, which will be overseen by the Programme Management Board, a Board of the University Executive. The business approval of new and withdrawn programmes will precede, but be aligned with, the academic approval process, which is overseen by the University Studies Committee on behalf of the University Committee for Quality and Standards Committee and the Senate.

University Studies Committee

The University Studies Committee has devolved authority from the Senate and University Committee for Quality and Standards for approving new disciplines and programmes, and major modifications to programmes.

Schools have authority to approve new and modified courses as well as minor modifications to programmes.

See Approval Procedures for more information.

Approval of Academic Partnerships

Proposals for academic partnerships must follow the partnership application process with completed proposals submitted to the Partnership Management and Approval Group for consideration.