Setting Up a New Short Programme
Overview
A Short Programme is one or more credit rated modules, grouped together for Continual Professional Development (CPD) or for general education purposes, which do not, in themselves, lead to an award or recordable qualification of Queen Margaret University. Short Programmes typically comprise one or more modules at SCQF level seven or above, usually up to a maximum of 60 credits. (These types of programmes are also sometimes referred to as 'microcredentials'.)
Although in some cases credit from short programmes may be used towards another QMU award, these programmes normally stand outside validated programmes and are taken by students as a self-contained package of learning for their own personal or professional development.
Approval procedures for collaborative short programmes are similar to those for full programmes but there are some differences because of the smaller scale of the award. As with full collaborative programmes, there are two elements to the process: (1) approval of the partner organisation and strategic business case; and (2) academic approval of the programme.
Short Programmes are validated for a maximum period of five years, whereupon they are subject to review. Short Programmes are normally approved by the School Academic Board, or a sub-group thereof. Exceptionally, where a large number of Short Programmes are presented together, or professional body approval is required, a separate event may be arranged. Guidance will be provided by the Division of Governance and Quality Enhancement.
As with full programmes, proposals must first gain the support of the Dean and a Collaborative Academic Lead (CAL) must be appointed. The CAL should work with staff of Governance and Quality Enhancement (GQE) to prepare the documents for APB. GQE staff will prepare the costing, which must be approved by the relevant Head of Division.
The documentation required for Short Programme approval mirrors that for full programme developments, but the abbreviated form for Short Programmes should be used. In all cases a costing should be undertaken and information about the costs and likely income must be included in the paperwork. Note that proposals for Short Programmes to be delivered by a new collaborative partner must be considered by the Academic Planning Board (APB) before coming to the School Academic Board. The Academic Planning Board is responsible for approving the partner organisation, assessing institutional risk and receiving a site visit report if appropriate.
Documents required by the Academic Planning Board:
- Short Programme Approval form
- Risk assessment
- Information on costing and likely income
The requirement for a site visit will be considered on a case to case basis. The type of evidence required will be based on the University’s prior experience of the partner organisation, the number of modules for which approval is sought and level of risk.
Once APB grants approval for the programme and the partner, the proposal proceeds to the School Academic Board for academic approval. No validation event is required, unless there are special reasons for holding one – eg to align with PSB approval processes.
Documents required by the School Academic Board:
- Short Programme Approval form
- Statement on arrangements for management of the collaboration and student support
- CVs of teaching staff
- Module descriptor(s)
For programmes that consist of more than one module, it may be appropriate to provide a brief programme document. Contact the partnerships team within Governance and Quality Enhancement for assistance and advice.
In all cases the School Academic Board may request additional supporting materials for students or staff (including placement providers), as appropriate to the type of provision.
The School Academic Board will normally appoint two to three scrutineers to read the documentation in detail on behalf of the Board. The Board may request changes to the module descriptors and/or Programme Document before the Short Programme can be approved. Following approval, the module descriptor(s) should be passed to Acaemic Administration for entry onto SITS. A Memorandum of Agreement will be required before the short programme can start.
For Short Programmes that require PSRB approval it may be necessary to hold an approval event. Where a joint approval event is to be conducted, at least two QMU panellists will participate in any such event to undertake the approval process on behalf of the University. In such cases, no further scrutiny of the Short Programme will be necessary by the School Academic Board.
Procedure
- Initial enquiry discussed with Dean, for confirmation of support.
- Initial exploratory discussions between QMU staff and partner institution. Identification of Collaborative Academic Lead (CAL) to establish what partner is looking for and what QMU can provide. Advice from Partnership Development Manager (PDM) on approximate price.
- PDM and CAL complete risk assessment and costings. PDM conducts due diligence checks. CAL and PDM collate documentation for submission to Academic Planning Board (APB).
- APB approval.
- Provisional price agreed by Head of Division and negotiated with partner.
- CAL and programme leader at partner start detailed planning. PDM commences discussion of the Memorandum of Agreement.
- CAL submits full documentation to the School Academic Board for approval.
- School Academic Board recommends programme to Senate for approval.
- Memorandum of Agreement signed by Principal and senior representative of partner institution.
- Programme commences.
See visual summary.
New short programmes with existing partners
New short programmes with existing partners don’t need APB consideration as the partner is already approved. Steps 3 and 4 above should be skipped and documentation supplied to the School Academic Board as listed above.
Operation of short programmes
The same procedures apply to short programmes as to full programmes, but it may not be necessary to hold a separate exam board. Partners are not expected to hold full programme committees and student staff committees but should collect student feedback in whatever manner fits best with the way the programme is delivered.
At the end of five years, the short programme must be reviewed and re-approved by the School Academic Board. See Programme development, monitoring and review - non-standard events
Third Party Credit Rating
Some partners may feel that the level of quality assurance and oversight involved in running a University approved programme is more than they need for their purposes. Third Party Credit Rating offers a lighter touch (and cheaper) alternative. Credit rating is a process whereby QMU looks at the design of a programme of learning and confirms that it is suitable to be treated as a valid programme of learning. QMU also makes a recommendation as to how many credits the programme is equivalent to, and at what SCQF level. This facilitates successful students in seeking Recognition of Prior Learning should they later apply to a university course. QMU does not get involved in the running of the programme or the management of assessment and does not make a direct award of credit to students.
For further information, contact the partnerships team within Governance and Quality Enhancement.
