Programme Approval
As a University and Designated Awarding Body, DCU is responsible for the accreditation of its own programmes and awards, which are, in turn, fully aligned with the National Framework for Qualifications (NFQ). Every proposed new programme must undergo validation (which involves the assessment of the programme’s relationship to University strategy and its likely viability) and accreditation (which involves scrutiny by a group of experts external to the University of its appropriateness in terms of academic content and standards).
The following information is intended for those
- preparing proposals for new programmes of study which have to undergo University approval (known as the validation and accreditation processes) or
- preparing for revisions to existing programmes (revised academic offerings)
Validation and accreditation are important aspects of DCU’s academic quality assurance. The University is committed to ensuring, on the one hand, that all new programme proposals have a clear strategic focus and are fully aligned to the University’s strategic plan and component strategic plans and, on the other, that programme proposers have at their disposal a set of procedures designed to maintain the highest possible quality in terms of the preparation of proposals. The processes of validation and accreditation ensure, inter alia, that:
- each proposal meets the requirements of Academic Council for the relevant award, and the standards and learning outcomes set are appropriate to that award.
- individuals and groups are facilitated in creating new programmes of study within the University and/or in partnership with other institutions or organisations as appropriate.
- necessary human, financial and physical resources are available.
Validation
Validation is the first stage of the approval process and involves the Education Committee assessing new programme proposals on a number of criteria.
For standard validations (i.e. standard DCU Award with no partners), the (AA1) form can be used.
In instances where a proposal involves a partner organisation, an alternative validation form is required. Further information on collaborative proposals is available here.
Please note that Education Committee will only consider proposals that have gone through the appropriate approval procedures in the relevant Faculty/Faculties. Advise on approval procedures within a Faculty should be sought from the Faculty Office and the Associate Dean for Teaching & Learning.
Summary of the Validation Approval Process
|
Faculty approval of validation proposal |
|
Submission to Education Committee |
|
Decision by Education Committee or referral to Education Committee Standing Committee |
|
Outcome communicated to Programme Proposer and other involved colleagues |
|
Validation report submitted to Academic Council |
|
If approved, proceed to accreditation |
Accreditation
Accreditation is the second stage in the approval process and involves the submission of a detailed programme proposal to an Accreditation Board. This board includes a group of academics, and as appropriate, other professional experts from outside the University. The role of the Accreditation Board is to consider whether the programme meets the nationally and internationally accepted requirements for the award(s) to which it is designed to lead.
An accreditation proposal template can be found here.
Summary of the Accreditation Approval Process
|
Date for Accreditation Board meeting agreed |
|
Submission of accreditation proposal |
|
Meeting of Accreditation Board |
|
Outcome communicated to Programme Proposer and other involved colleagues |
|
Accreditation report submitted to Academic Council |
|
If approved, submission of finalised documentation and preparations for launch |
Further information
Further details of the validation and accreditation process can be found in the Programme Approval document here.
Where changes are being made to an existing programme that does not require re-accreditation, different procedures are followed. Such proposals are submitted to Education Committee for consideration and recommendation using the Revised Academic Offering Form. Proposals will only be considered once they have been approved by the relevant Faculty or Faculties.
The following summarises the approval pathways for proposals:
|
Proposal |
Approval pathway |
|
Significant restructuring of a programme (major award) |
Faculty approval and referral to Education Committee for consideration and recommendation |
|
Development of non-major award where the underlying module learning outcomes are mainly derived from an existing accredited DCU award |
Faculty approval and referral to Education Committee for consideration and recommendation |
|
Creation of exit award from existing major award |
Faculty approval and referral to Education Committee for consideration and recommendation |
|
Change of delivery mode (from traditional to online or blended delivery) |
Faculty approval and referral to Education Committee for consideration and recommendation |
|
Re-titling of existing programme |
Faculty approval and reporting to Education Committee on annual basis |
|
Change of delivery mode from part-time to full-time or vice versa |
Faculty approval and reporting to Education Committee on an annual basis |
Online and Blended delivery: In instances where a proposal involves online or blended delivery, please refer to the following documents: