Instructions to Proposers
Instructions to Proposers
This proforma should be completed for new programme and course proposals, amend programme and course proposals (other than simple corrections or non-substantive changes), and programme or course withdrawals.
Where amendments are being made to a programme or set of cognate programmes which involve either the development of new core courses or the amendment of existing courses, the external academic may be invited to comment on the documentation as a suite (rather than being asked to complete a separate consultation proforma for each course). The same approach may be used where the same or a similar amendment is being made to a suite of courses, some of which may be core to one or more programmes (for example, PGT dissertation/project option courses). In these cases, the expectation is that:
· proposals are sensibly batched (e.g., by the similar/identical motivation for and nature of the amendments proposed to courses within a programme).
· the external academic has the required knowledge and expertise and is competent to comment on the content of all programme or courses presented for consideration.
· All the programme and courses that the external academic has reviewed are listed on the proforma, and it's made clear what feedback applies specifically to which course.
If there is no External Examiner, consultation should take place with an external academic whom the School would normally approach to become an External Examiner.
The draft proposal(s) should be discussed with the external academic at an early stage. However, the external academic must be provided with the completed Programme or Course Specification document(s) in order to complete Section One of this proforma.
The external academic must be at least given at least one week to review the proposal(s) and return the form.
Programme or course proposers must respond to feedback provided by the external academic.
Evidence of the external consultation should be submitted to the Board of Studies and/or School Learning and Teaching Committee (as appropriate) with the proposal documentation; therefore, this proforma must be completed before the final documentation is due for submission to the Board of Studies for scrutiny. If this proforma is being used for a suite of courses across two or more PIP proposals, please ensure that a copy of this proforma is uploaded to each PIP proposal.
Section One is to be completed and signed by the external academic.
Section Two is to be completed and signed by the programme or course proposer.
Section One: Comments from the external academic
Section One: Comments from the external academic
The University greatly values the input of external academics when programmes and courses are being developed or amended. This independent external advice contributes to the transparency of the approval process and the confirmation of academic standards.
In the case of proposals for new programmes or courses, Questions One through Six should all be completed.
In the case of proposals for amended programmes or courses, Questions One through Six should be completed where appropriate (so if, for example, an amendment has only been made to the methods of assessment, comment need only be provided for Question Three and the other questions can either left blank or responded to as 'Not applicable').
In the case of proposed withdrawals, only Question Seven should be completed.
Please provide comment on the programme and/or course(s) listed overleaf and, where appropriate, advise on how the proposal might be revised or improved. If providing comment on more than one programme and/or course, please make clear what feedback applies specifically to which programme and/or course.
The expectation is that comment will usually be provided on each programme and/or course specification (as appropriate).