academic code of practice: no.2 validation, monitoring & review · 1as a agaredbayabthcmtyi...

www.gmit.ie

Academic Code of Practice: No.2

Validation, Monitoring & Review

As agreed by the Academic Council on 4 October 2013and by the Governing Body on 17 October 2013

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

1

Academic Code of Practice: No.2

Validation, Monitoring

& Review

As agreed by the

Academic Council on 4 October 2013

and by the Governing Body on 17 October 2013

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

2

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

3

Academic Code Of Practice: No. 2

CONTENTS Page

SECTION A

1.0. CONTEXT............................................................................................................................................4

2.0 VALIDATIONANDAUTHORISATIONOFNEWPROGRAMMESLEADINGTOMAJOR

AWARDS.............................................................................................................................................7

3.0 VALIDATIONANDAUTHORISATIONOFMINOR,SPECIALPURPOSEAND

SUPPLEMENTALAWARDS......................................................................................................... 13

4.0 DIFFERENTIALVALIDATION....................................................................................................... 18

5.0AMENDINGANAPPROVEDPROGRAMMESCHEDULEANDNEWMODULES............... 21

6.0 PROGRAMMEMONITORING...................................................................................................... 23

7.0 PROGRAMMATICREVIEW........................................................................................................... 30

8.0 POLICYFOREVALUATINGSERVICES,PREMISES,EQUIPMENT,ANDFACILITIES

RELATEDTOPROGRAMMESOFEDUCATIONANDTRAINING........................................... 38

9.0 INSTITUTIONALREVIEW............................................................................................................. 40

SECTION B (Appendices)

1. ListofCodesofPracticeandCodesofAcademicPolicy................................................. 44

2. NewProgrammeProposal{AcademicQualityAssurance1(AQA1Form)}................. 45

3. NewProgrammeTemplate((AQA2Form)............................................................................. 47

4. BriefingnotesforExternalValidationPanels.................................................................... 54

5. TemplateforReportofNewProgrammeEvaluation(AQA3)......................................... 56

6. GenericAwardTypeDescriptor(Minor,SpecialPurposeandSupplemental

AwardTypes)................................................................................................................................. 58

7. ProgrammeHandbook............................................................................................................... 60

8. ProgrammeBoardAnnualReportTemplate....................................................................... 61

9. LearnerFeedbackForm-Module(QA1)................................................................................ 62

10. SummaryofLearnerFeedback-Module(QA2)................................................................... 64

11. LearnerFeedbackForm-Award(QA3).................................................................................. 65

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

4

SECTION A

1.0 CONTEXT

1.1 QUALITY ASSURANCE IN GMIT

QualityAssuranceisaframeworkdesignedtofosterandembedacultureof

continuousimprovement.Policyandproceduresareestablishedtopromote,support

andenablethemaintenanceandimprovementofthequalityofallInstituteactivities.

TheQualificationsandQualityAssurance(EducationandTraining)Act2012specifies

theobligationsofproviderstopreparequalityassuranceproceduresasfollows:

…eachrelevantproviderandlinkedprovidershallestablishproceduresin

writingforqualityassuranceforthepurposesofestablishing,ascertaining,

maintainingandimprovingthequalityofeducation,training,researchand

relatedservicestheproviderprovides.

(Section28(1))

QualityinalloftheactivitiesandfunctionsofGMITrequiresclarityofcommunication

andtransparencyofprocedures.ThisCodeofPracticeisoneofaseriesofCodesof

PracticedevelopedbyGMIT.Itiswrittentoassurequalitytoallstakeholders,internal

andexternal,onthepoliciesandproceduresinplaceinGMITtoassurethequalityof

itsprogrammesofeducationandtraining.

TheachievementofacademicexcellenceisacomplexprocessinvolvingallInstitute

staffandstudents.Theeducationalenvironmentinrespectofteaching,learning,

research,studentsupport,academicsupport,accommodation,equipment,facilities,

management,administration,communityserviceandcollaborationwithindustryare

importantelementsinthisregard.

GMITiscommittedtorespectingstudentsasthecentralfocusofallouractivities.

Attractingandmotivatingstudentswhoareinterestedanddeterminedtosucceed

intheirchosenfieldsisakeyfoundationforacademicquality.Thequalityofthe

interactionexperiencedbythestudentwithallagentsandaspectsofGMITisofvital

importance.Theoverallexperienceofthestudenthastobeconsideredatalltimes.

Akeyelementinacademicqualityassuranceisthecontinuingreviewofacademic

processestoensurethattheaimsandintendedlearningoutcomesofacademic

programmesareachievedonaconsistentbasis.Theunderlyingthrustisforall

programmesofferedbytheInstitutetoachievethehighestacademicstandards.GMIT

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

5


programmesareexpectedtobearcomparisonwiththebestavailablebothnationally

andinternationally.ThisCodesetsoutpoliciesandproceduresaimedatensuringthat

higheststandardsarethenormforalloftheInstitute’sprogrammes.

ThisCodeofPracticeisaworkingdocumentandissubjecttoregularreviewbased

onexperienceinimplementation,feedbackreceivedfromstaff,studentsandother

stakeholders,andneweducationaldevelopments.

AllmembersoftheInstituteareinvitedtorecommendimprovementsarisingfrom

theirexperience.TheycandosobyinformingtheirHeadofDepartmentorHeadof

School/CollegeorbywritingtotheRegistrar.

This code should be read in conjunction with the other Codes of Practice and Codes of

Academic Policy approved by the Academic Council (Appendix 1).

1.2 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

1.2.1Qualifications(EducationandTraining)Act2012

TheQualificationsandQualityAssurance(EducationandTraining)Act2012specifies

theconditionsunderwhichnationalawardsshallbemade.

(a) GMIThasdelegatedauthorityundersection53oftheActtomakeawardsat

HigherCertificate,OrdinaryDegree,HonoursDegreeandtaughtpostgraduate

levelswitheffectfromSeptember2004,andforpostgraduateresearchawardsin

twodisciplinesforlevels9and10inAquaticScienceandMechanicalEngineering.

(b) QQIisobligedundersection49(1)oftheActto“determinethestandards

ofknowledge,skillorcompetencetobeacquired,andwhereappropriate,

demonstrated,byalearnerbeforeanawardmaybemadebytheAuthorityorbya

providertowhich,undersection53,authoritytomakeanawardhasbeendelegated.”

(c) UnderSection28oftheAct,GMITshallestablishprocedurescovering:

• evaluationatregularintervalsoftheprogrammeofeducation,training,

researchandrelatedservices;

• evaluationbystudentsandgraduates;

• reviewoftheapplicationofthequalityassuranceprocedures;

• publicationoftheevaluationreporttogetherwithanimplementation

plantoaddressanyrecommendationsreferredtointhereport.

1.2.2 STANDARDSANDGUIDELINESFORQUALITYASSURANCEINTHEEUROPEAN

HIGHEREDUCATIONAREA

TheStandardsandGuidelinesforQualityAssuranceintheEuropeanHigherEducation

Area1(EuropeanStandardsandGuidelines{ESG})arethebenchmarkforquality

assuranceinEurope.

1 http://www.enqa.eu/files/ESG_3edition%20(2).pdf

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

6

TheGuidelinesidentifythathighereducationprovidershavetheprimaryresponsibility

forthequalityoftheirprovisionanditsassurance.TheGuidelinesalsoenvisagean

importantroleforexternalqualityassurance.

GMIT’sacademicqualityassurancepracticesshouldbeconsistentwiththe‘Standards

andGuidelinesforQualityAssuranceintheEuropeanHigherEducationArea.’

1.2.3 GoverningBodyandAcademicCouncil

ThefunctionsoftheGoverningBodyarespecifiedinSection5oftheRegionalTechnical

Colleges’Act1992asamendedbytheInstitutesofTechnologyAct2006.

ThefunctionsofAcademicCouncilarespecifiedinSection10oftheRegionalTechnical

Colleges’Act1992asamendedbySection11theInstitutesofTechnologyAct2006.

RefertoAcademicCodeofPracticeNo.1forthespecificprovisions.2

1.3 PROCEdURES FOR ThE ASSESSMENT OF STUdENTS

Section45(3)(b)oftheQualificationsandQualityAssurance(EducationandTraining)Act

2012requiresGMITto:

“establishprocedureswhicharefairandconsistentfortheassessmentofenrolled

learnerstoensurethestandardsofknowledge,skillorcompetencedeterminedbythe

Authorityundersection49(1)areacquired,andwhereappropriate,demonstrated,by

enrolledlearners”.

Theeffectivenessoftheseprocedureswillbeevaluatedonaregularbasistoensurethat

theyarefair,consistentandincompliancewithQQIstandards,inthecontextofthe

NationalFrameworkofQualifications(SeeAcademicCodeofPracticeNo.3).

1.4 EXTERNAL ACCREdITATION

GMITprogrammesmaybeaccreditedbyexternalbodiesforthepurposeofrecognition

byprofessionalbodies.Examplesofprofessionalbodiesinclude:EngineersIreland,

AccountancyBodies,TheTeachingCouncil.

2 http://www.gmit.ie/presidents-office/quality-assurance/academic-codes-practice/code-of-practice-no1.pdf

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

7


2.0 VALIdATION ANd AUThORISATION OF NEW PROGRAMMES LEAdING TO MAjOR AWARdS

2.1 INTROdUCTION

ValidationisthequalityassuranceprocessbywhichGMITapprovesnewprogrammesof

educationandtrainingleadingtoawards.Specifically,itistheprocessbywhichGMIT

satisfiesitselfthatastudentwillattainknowledge,skillorcompetenceforthepurpose

ofanawardmadebyGMIT.Validationisacorefunctionofqualityassurancemandated

bytheQualificationsandQualityAssurance(EducationandTraining)Act20123.

Validation,whenimplementedrigorously,fairlyandtransparently,supportspublic

confidenceinthequalityofprogrammesandinthestandardsofawards.Italso

contributestotheenhancementofthequalityofprogrammes.

AuthorisationisapprovalfromtheInstitute’sExecutiveBoardtoproceedwiththe

developmentofaproposedprogramme,andsubsequentlytooffertheprogramme

followingasuccessfulvalidation.

2.2 POLICY ANd PROCEdURE FOR VALIdATION ANd AUThORISATION OF NEW PROGRAMMES

Newprogrammesandrelatedawardsarenormallyproposedwithintheoverall

contextofanAcademicPlanforaCollege/Centre/Campus/School(hereafterreferred

toasthe‘AcademicUnit’).However,noconstraintsareplacedonthemethod

wherebynewprogrammeproposalscanoriginate,oronthesubmissionofproposals

forconsideration.Theconceptforanewprogrammecouldcomefromavarietyof

sources,internalorexternal,includingareviewoftheexistingprogrammeportfolio

andasaresultofchangingcircumstancesoremergingneeds.

2.3 RESPONSIBILITIES FOR VALIdATION ANd AUThORISATION

Therearetwoseparatebutinterrelatedelementsinvolvedintheapprovalofnew

programmeproposals.Validationisprimarilyconcernedwiththeacademicqualityofa

proposalandistheresponsibilityoftheAcademicCouncil.However,newprogrammes

mayhaveresourceandstrategicimplicationsfortheInstitute.Assuch,the

authorisation toproceedwithdevelopment,andsubsequentlytooffertheprogramme

followingasuccessfulvalidation,istheresponsibilityoftheExecutiveBoard.

Theapprovalprocessshouldbeconductedinaccordancewiththeprinciplesofmutual

respect,fairnessandInstitutenormsandrequirements.TheRegistrarshallhavea

particularresponsibilityforensuringthatthisisthecase.

3 http://www.oireachtas.ie/documents/bills28/acts/2012/a2812.pdf

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

8

2.4 STAGES IN ThE APPROVAL PROCESS FOR MAjOR AWARdS

Newprogrammeapprovalisafivestageprocess:

Stage 1:Preliminaryauthorisationtoproceedwithproposeddevelopment.

Stage 2:Internalvalidation.

Stage 3: Externalvalidation.

Stage 4:Authorisationtooffertheprogramme.

Stage 5: IssueofCertificateofApproval.

ThisprocessisconsistentwiththegenericqualityassurancemodelpromotedbytheESG.

AregularreviewoftheprocessshouldbeconductedbytheRegistrarduringthe

lifetimeoftheAcademicCouncilandareportforwardedtoAcademicCouncilfor

consideration.

Inordertoensurethatthereisadequatetimetoincludethenewprogrammeinthe

prospectusandintheCAOhandbook,theapprovalprocessshouldbefullycompleted

priortoanymarketingorpromotionoftheprogramme.

Newprogrammescanonlybeplacedintheprospectus,ontheCAOwebsiteorCAO

Handbookwheneachstageoftheapprovalprocesshasbeenfullycompleted.

Stage 1: Preliminary Proposal Authorisation

ThisstageistheresponsibilityoftheExecutiveBoard.Thepurposeistoauthorise

theprogrammepromoterstoproceedtodevelopafullproposalforvalidation.The

ExecutiveBoardwillconsiderthefollowing:

• therationalefortheproposedprogrammeandrelatedaward;

• consistencywiththeInstitute’smission,strategyandacademicplan;

• likelyresourcingrequirementsandpotentialviability;

• expectedprogrammestartingdateinrelationtosubmissionrequirements,

validation,budgetaryconsiderations,CAOdeadlineetc.

ThePreliminaryProposalcanbemadeusingtheAcademicQualityAssurance1

(AQA1)form(seeAppendix2).TheformshouldbesubmittedbytherelevantHeadof

AcademicUnittotheRegistrarforconsiderationbytheExecutiveBoard.TheBoard

canauthoriseorrefuseaproposal,orseekfurtherinformationfromtheproposer.Its

decisionwillbeformallycommunicatedthroughtheRegistrartotherelevantHeadof

theAcademicUnit.

FollowingauthorizationbytheExecutiveBoard,thesponsoringAcademicUnitmay

proceedtodevelopafullprogrammeproposal(incorporatingthematerialspecifiedin

Appendix3,usingAQA2asaguide).

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

9


Stage 2: Internal Evaluation

ThepurposeofanInternalValidationistoreviewtheacademicqualityofproposed

newprogrammes.Itisintendedasasupportiveprocessprovidingindependent,

constructivefeedbackandadvicetothepromoters,andasapreparationforexternal

validation.

ThemembershipoftheInternalValidationPanelshallconsistofthefollowing:

• AneutralHeadofAcademicUnit,ortheRegistrar’snomineeasChairperson.

• TwomembersofAcademicCouncil.

• AmemberoftheInstitute’sAcademicstaffnominatedbytheproposingHeadof

AcademicUnit.

• Ifdeemednecessary,anexternalpersonwithknowledge/expertiseinareas

relevanttotheproposal.

• TheRegistrar,ornominee,whoshallactasSecretaryandadvisortothePanel.

• ThekeyconsiderationsfortheInternalValidationPanelinclude, inter alia, the

following:

• Therationaleandneedfortheprogramme.

• Potentialdemandforentryintotheprogramme.

• Employmentopportunitiesandpotentialdemandforgraduates.

• Awardtitle.

• Entryrequirements.

• Duration.

• Aimsandprogrammeintendedlearningoutcomes,havingregardtothelevelof

theawardsought.

• StructureoftheprogrammeincludingtheproposedApprovedProgramme

Schedule(APS).

• Relevanceandqualityofindividualmodulesyllabi.

• Teachingandlearningmethodologiesandapproachtoassessment,includinga

programmeassessmentstrategy.

• Access,transferandprogression.

• Arrangementsforprogrammemanagement.

• Adequacyofstaffingandphysicalresourcerequirements.

• Useofpreviouslyapprovedmodules.

• Numberofmodules/classcontacthours/assessmentworkload.

• Potentialsynergieswithexistingprogrammes.

TheInternalValidationPanelshouldbeparticularlyinterestedintheoverall

coherence,integrationandconsistencyoftheproposal.

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

10

Thenewprogrammeproposal(AQA2)willbesubmittedbytherelevantHeadof

AcademicUnittotheRegistrar,whoshallthenconveneanInternalValidationPanel

andarrangeadatefortheinternalvalidationmeeting.TheInternalValidation

Panelshallmeetwiththeteamproposingthenewaward/programme,includingthe

sponsoringHeadofAcademicUnit.

TheInternalValidationPanelcanapproveorrejecttheproposal,ormake

recommendationstoamendtheproposalasdeemednecessary.TheChairperson

oftheInternalValidationPanelshallsubmitareportonthePanel’sfindingstothe

RegistrarandthiswillbeforwardedtotheHeadoftheAcademicUnitconcernednot

laterthanoneweekafterthereview.IntheeventthattheInternalValidationPanel

recommendsapprovalsubjecttorevisionstotheproposal,theseshallbeagreed

betweenthesponsoringHeadofAcademicUnitandtheRegistrarwithinthespiritof

therecommendationsmadeinthereport.

Stage 3: External Validation

Allnewprogrammeproposalsshallbesubjecttoexternalvalidationbyanexpert

panelnominatedbytheRegistrar,followingconsultationwiththesponsoringHeadof

AcademicUnit.

ThecompositionoftheExternalValidationPanelshallbeasfollows:

• TheChairpersonshallbeasenioreducationalist,business,orprofessional

personknowledgeableintherelevantdisciplinaryareaoftheproposed

programme.

• Twoexperiencedacademicsintherelevantdisciplinaryarea,onefromthe

InstituteofTechnologysectorandonefromtheUniversitysector.

• Anexperiencedpractitionerwithnecessaryknowledgeandexpertisefromthe

industry/services/professionalsector,asappropriate.

• TheRegistrar,orinexceptionalcircumstancestheRegistrarsnominee,who

shallactasSecretaryandadvisortothePanel.

Ideallypanelsshallbegenderbalancedandeveryattemptwillbemadetoensurethis

isthecase.

ItistheresponsibilityoftheRegistrar,ornominee,tomakearrangementsforthe

externalvalidationmeeting.Thisshouldbedoneinconsultationwiththesponsoring

HeadofAcademicUnit.Inthiscontext,itistheresponsibilityoftheRegistrarto

briefmembersoftheValidationPanelontheirroleandtosupplythemwithall

necessaryandrelevantdocumentationforthevalidationmeeting,onatimelybasis.

ThesponsoringHeadofAcademicUnitisresponsibleformakingallthenecessary

arrangementsrelatingtotheteamproposingthenewprogramme.

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

11


ThekeyconsiderationsfortheExternalValidationPanelinclude,inter alia, the

following:


• Potentialdemandforentryontotheprogramme.


• Awardtitle.


• Duration.


theawardsought.

• StructureoftheprogrammeincludingtheproposedApprovedProgramme

Schedule.










• (RefertoAppendix4)

TheExternalValidationPanelshouldbeparticularlyinterestedintheoverall

coherence,integrationandconsistencyoftheproposal.

Attheendofthevalidationmeeting,theChairpersonoftheExternalValidationPanel

shouldmakeanoralpresentationontheirfindingsandconclusionstotheproposing

team.TheChairpersonshouldindicatewhetherarecommendationforapprovalor

rejectionoftheproposedprogrammeistobemade.Anyrecommendationsformodifying

theprogramme,andanyspecialconditionsrelatingtoapproval,shouldbeoutlined.

AdraftwrittenreportofthefindingsoftheExternalValidationPanelshallbe

preparedbytheSecretary(AQA3,Appendix5).Thedraftreportwillfirstbeapproved

bythechairpersonbeforebeingcirculatedtoothermembersofthepanelfortheir

commentsandendorsements.Thesecretaryshallincorporatethefeedbackreceived

frompanelmembersandagreethesewiththechairpersonbeforefinalisingthe

report.Arationaleshouldbeprovidedforthemainrecommendationsandconditions,

ifanyaremade.Acopyofthepanel’sfinalreportshallbeforwardedtothesponsoring

HeadofAcademicUnit.

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

12

TheRegistrarshallnotifytheAcademicCounciloftherecommendationsmadebythe

ExternalValidationPanelandseekitsapprovalfortheprogramme,subjecttothe

modificationoftheproposedprogrammeasrequiredbytheExternalValidationPanel,

andtheimplementationofanyspecifiedspecialconditions.

ThesponsoringHeadoftheAcademicUnitshallberesponsibleforsubmittingan

amendedaward/programmedocumenttotheRegistrar,asrequired.TheHeadof

AcademicUnitshallalsoundertaketoimplementanyspecialconditionsofapproval

andtoreporttotheAcademicCouncilsub-committeeonMonitoringandReview

withinthreemonthsofreceiptoftheexternalpanelreport.

Stage 4: Authorisation to offer the Programme

FollowingapprovalbytheAcademicCouncil,theRegistrarshallnotifytheExecutive

Boardincludingdrawingtheirattentiontothenetadditionalresourcesrequired,if

any,toruntheprogramme.Thedecisiontoofferthenewprogrammeisamatterfor

theExecutiveBoardhavingregardtostrategicandresourceissues.Adecisionbythe

ExecutiveBoardtoauthorisetherunningofanewprogrammehastobeapprovedby

theGoverningBodyasrequiredbysection5(1)aoftheRegionalTechnicalColleges’

Act1992asamended.

Stage 5: Issue Certificate of Approval

ACertificateofApprovalwillbeissuedbytheRegistrarnormallyforaperiodoffive

years,or,uptothenextProgrammaticReviewwhichevercomesfirst.

OnreceiptofthisCertificateofApproval,theprogrammesubmission,incorporating

anyrecommendedchanges,andtheApprovedProgrammeSchedulebecomethe

officialprogrammedocumentsandshallbelodgedwiththeRegistrar,Headof

AcademicUnitandHeadofDepartment.

ThenewprogrammeisincludedintheQQIOrderinCouncilwhichdocumentsthe

GMITlistofapprovedawardsinrespectofdelegatedauthority.

DetailsofallnewprogrammesaretobesenttotheHigherEducationAuthority(HEA)

bytheRegistrar.Newprogrammesarerequiredtobeprovidedwithintheagreed

Institute’sbudget.

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

13


3.0 VALIdATION ANd AUThORISATION OF MINOR, SPECIAL PURPOSE ANd SUPPLEMENTAL AWARdS.

3.1 INTROdUCTION

TheNationalFrameworkofQualifications(NFQ)isdesignedtorecognisebothlarge

andsmallerpackagesoflearning.Minor,SpecialPurposeandSupplementalawards

wereestablishedtoensurethatmorethanonetypeofawardwasdesignedatall

Levelsontheframework.TheNFQrecognisefouraward-types.Theyare:

• MajorAwards:theprincipalclassofawardmadeataLevel,e.g.Higher

Certificate;BachelorDegreeLevel7&8,MasterDegreeandPhD

• MinorAwards:forpartialcompletionoftheoutcomesforaMajorAward

• SpecialPurposeAwards:forrelativelynarroworpurpose-specific

achievement

• SupplementalAwards:forlearningthatisadditionaltoaMajorAward

(HETAC,2008)

Inrelationtotheseawards:

• Aminimumof10creditspernamedawardwillapply;

• Theapprovalprocessisoutlinedinsection3.5belowforMinor,SpecialPurpose

andSupplementalAward-Types;

• Agenericaward-typedescriptorforGMITnamedawardsof‘Minor,Special

PurposeandSupplementalAward-TypesisincludedinAppendix6;

• TheseprogrammesarenotmarketedthroughtheCAO.

3.2 TITLING CONVENTION

Thetitlesofnamedawardsforminor,specialpurposeandsupplementalaward-types

areimportant.Thetitlesoftheseawardsshouldbeclearlydistinguishedinaconsistent

wayfromnamedmajorawardsandfromeachothersoastoenhanceunderstanding

andavoidanyconfusion.Thesedistinctionsshouldbesignaledinsupporting

documentationandcommunicationabouttheaward-types,e.g.,TheEuropeanDiploma

Supplement;provideradvertising/recruitmentmaterial.(NQAI2003)

3.3 AWARd CLASSIFICATIONS

Allawards–otherthanresearchdegrees,minorawardsandsupplementalawards–

shallbeclassified.

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

14

Special-purposeawardswhichhaveavolumeofatleast60creditsandarecomparable

toamajoraward(atthesameNFQlevel)maybeclassifiedinaccordancewiththe

conventionfortherelevantmajoraward.Otherwise,awardsofthistypeshallbe

unclassified(HETAC,2009).4

3.4 ACCREdITATION ANd PROGRAMME VALIdATION

Allprogrammesleadingtominor,specialpurposeandsupplementalawardsmust

undergoaprogrammevalidationprocess,whichdiffersfromthemajoraward

validationprocess.Thisistoensurethat:

• theprogrammehascoherenceworthyofanawardinitsownright;

• therangeandlevelofintendedlearningoutcomesspecifiedfortheaward-type

isappropriateandrelevant;

• thelevelreflectsthestandardtobeattainedbystudents.

Itisessentialthattheprogrammevalidationprocessagreesthelevelatwhichthe

awardisplacedontheNationalFrameworkofQualifications(NFQ).Aprogramme

validationprocessmusttakeplaceevenwheretheproposedprogrammeandawardis

alreadypartoforlinkedtoamajoraward,forexample,aminoraward.

3.5 STAGES IN ThE APPROVAL PROCESS FOR MINOR, SPECIAL PUR POSE ANd SUPPLEMENTAL AWARdS.

Stage 1:PreliminaryProposalAuthorisation

Stage 2: PeerPanelValidation

Stage 3:Authorisationtooffertheprogramme.

Stage 4:CertificateofApproval

Stage 1: Preliminary Proposal Authorisation

ThisstageistheresponsibilityoftheExecutiveBoard.Thepurposeistoauthorise

theprogrammepromoterstoproceedtodevelopafullproposalforvalidation.The

ExecutiveBoardwillconsiderthefollowing:

• therationalefortheproposedprogrammeandrelatedaward;

• consistencywiththeInstitute’smission,strategyandacademicplan;

• likelyresourcingrequirementsandpotentialviability;

• expectedprogrammestartingdateinrelationtosubmissionrequirementsand

validation.

4 HETAC(2009).AssessmentandStandards.P.22.

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

15


ThePreliminaryProposalcanbemadeusingtheAcademicQualityAssurance1(AQA1)

form(Appendix2).ItshouldalsobeincorporatedintheAcademicPlan.Theform

shouldbesubmittedbytherelevantHeadofAcademicUnittotheExecutiveBoard.

TheBoardcanauthoriseorrefuseaproposal,orseekfurtherinformationfromthe

sponsoringAcademicUnit.

PriorauthorizationfromtheExecutiveBoardshallberequiredbeforenew

programmesshallbesubmittedforvalidation.Followingsuchauthorisation,the

sponsoringAcademicUnitmayproceedtodevelopafullprogrammeproposal

(incorporatingthematerialspecifiedinappendix3,usingAQA2asaguide).

Stage 2: Peer Panel Validation

Allnewprogrammeproposalsshallbesubjecttovalidationbyanexpertpanel

nominatedbytheRegistrar,followingconsultationwiththesponsoringHeadof

AcademicUnit.

ThecompositionofthePeerValidationPanelshallbeasfollows:

• TheChairpersonshallbeanexperiencedacademicand/orpractitionerandmay

beinternalorexternal.


• Atleastoneexternalpersonwithknowledge/expertiseinareasrelevanttothe

proposal.

• TheRegistrarornomineewillactasSecretaryandadvisortothepanel.

Aquorumshallbethree,whichmustincludethechairandexternalperson.

ItistheresponsibilityoftheRegistrartomakearrangementsforthevalidation

meeting.ThisshouldbedoneinconsultationwiththesponsoringHeadofAcademic

Unit.Inthiscontext,itistheresponsibilityoftheRegistrartobriefmembersofthe

ValidationPanelontheirroleandtosupplythemwithallnecessaryandrelevant

documentationforthevalidationmeeting,onatimelybasis.ThesponsoringHeadof

AcademicUnitisresponsibleformakingallthenecessaryarrangementsrelatingto

theteamproposingthenewprogramme.

Considerationsforthevalidationpanelwillinclude, inter alia, thefollowing:


• Potentialdemandforentryontotheprogramme.


• Awardtitle.


• Duration.

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

16


theawardsought.

• StructureoftheprogrammeincludingtheproposedProgrammeSchedule.










TheValidationPanelshouldbeparticularlyinterestedintheoverallcoherence,

integrationandconsistencyoftheproposal.

Attheendofthevalidationmeeting,theChairpersonofthePanelshouldmake

anoralpresentationontheirfindingsandconclusionstotheproposingteam.The

Chairpersonshouldindicatewhetherarecommendationforapprovalorrejection

oftheproposedprogrammeistobemade.Anyrecommendationsformodifyingthe

programme,andanyspecialconditionsrelatingtoapproval,shouldbeoutlined.

AdraftwrittenreportofthefindingsofthePanelshallbepreparedbythe

Secretaryandagreedbythepanel.Arationaleshouldbeprovidedforthemain

recommendationsmade.Acopyofthepanel’sfinalreportshallbeforwardedtothe

sponsoringHeadofAcademicUnit.

TheRegistrarshallnotifytheAcademicCounciloftherecommendationsand

conditionsmadebytheValidationPanelandseekitsapprovalfortheprogramme,

subjecttothemodificationoftheproposedprogrammeasrequiredbytheValidation

Panel,andtheimplementationofanyspecifiedspecialconditions.

ThesponsoringHeadoftheAcademicUnitshallberesponsibleforsubmittingan

amendedaward/programmedocumenttotheRegistrar,asrequired.TheHeadofthe

AcademicUnitshallalsoundertaketoimplementanyspecialconditionsofapproval

andtoreporttotheAcademicCouncilsub-committeeonMonitoringandReview

withinthreemonths.

Stage 3: Authorisation to offer the programme.

FollowingapprovalbytheAcademicCouncil,theRegistrarshallnotifytheExecutive

Boardincludingdrawingtheirattentiontothenetadditionalresourcesrequired

toruntheprogramme.Thedecisiontoofferthenewprogrammeisamatterforthe

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

17


ExecutiveBoardhavingregardtostrategicandresourceissues.Adecisionbythe

ExecutiveBoardtoauthorisetherunningofanewprogrammehastobeapprovedby

theGoverningBodyasrequiredbysection5(1)aoftheRegionalTechnicalColleges’

Act1992asamended.

Stage 4: Certificate of Approval

ACertificateofApprovalwillbeissuedbytheRegistrarnormallyforaperiodoffive

years,or,uptothenextProgrammaticReview,whichevercomesfirst.

OnreceiptofthisCertificateofApproval,theprogrammesubmission,incorporating

anyrecommendedchanges,andtheApprovedProgrammeSchedulebecomethe

officialprogrammedocumentsandshallbelodgedwiththeRegistrar,Headof

AcademicUnitandHeadofDepartment.

TheRegistrarshallsendacopyoftheCertificateofApprovalandtheevaluationreport

toQQIandrequestthatthenewprogrammeisincludedintheQQIOrderinCouncil

whichdocumentstheGMITlistofapprovedawardsinrespectofdelegatedauthority.

DetailsofallnewprogrammesaretobesenttotheHigherEducationAuthority(HEA)

bytheRegistrar.Newprogrammesshouldbeprovidedwithintheagreedbudget.

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

18

4.0 dIFFERENTIAL VALIdATION

4.1 ChANGES TO PROGRAMMES

Allproposednewprogrammesandawardsmustbevalidatedinaccordancewiththe

policyandproceduresoutlinedinsections2and3ofthisCode.

AcademicCouncilrecognizesthatavalidatedprogrammeisnotastaticconstruct.Itis

expectedthatProgrammeBoardsmayseekperiodicallytomakechangestoaspectsof

theprogrammebasedontheexperienceofdeliveryandinthecontextofanevolving

environment.Thevalidityofproposedchangesshouldbeconsideredinthecontextof

theeffectivenessoftheprogrammeinfacilitatingstudentstoachievetheintended

programmelearningoutcomes.

Therearelimits,however,towhatmaybechanged.Anyextensiveandsubstantial

changesthatessentiallyresultinanewprogrammeandawardmustbevalidated

de novo.

Theinterpretationofwhatdoesordoesnotconstitutean‘extensiveandsubstantial’

changetoaprogrammeisamatterofprofessionaljudgement.Proposedchangesto

anawardtitleandproposedmaterialchangestotheminimumintendedprogramme

learningoutcomeswouldfallwithinthiscategory.Anyproposedchangewhichrun

contrarytotheunderlyingaims,ethosand/orrationaleoftheprogrammeand/orwhich

wouldundermineanythingwhichwasessentialtotheoriginalvalidationdecisionwould

alsobejudgedtobean‘extensiveandsubstantial’change.Ultimately,itwillbethe

AcademicCouncil,actingontheadviceoftheStandardsCommitteeandindependent

externalexpertopinion(ifdeemednecessary),thatwilladjudicateinthisregard.

Proposedchangestoprogrammesotherthanthosejudged‘extensiveandsubstantial’

maybemadethroughtheAcademicCouncilinaccordancewithadifferential

validationprocessorthroughtheprocessesoutlinedinsection5ofthisCode.

4.2 dIFFERENTIAL VALIdATION

Differentialvalidationshouldapplyincaseswheresignificantstructuralchangesare

proposedtoaprogramme,butthechangesdonotruncontrarytotheaims,ethos,

rationaleand/orminimumintendedlearningoutcomesoftheprogramme,andare

consistentwiththeoriginalvalidationreport(orwithasubsequentrevalidation

reportfollowingaprogrammereview).

Anexampleofsuchachangemaybetheconversionofa‘3+1’offeringintoan ab initio

Level8programmeretainingtheexistingawardtitleandwithoutmateriallychanging

theminimumintendedprogrammelearningoutcomes.Anotherexamplemightbe

theadditionofanewelectivestrandtoaprogrammeconsistentwiththeminimum

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

19


intendedprogrammelearningoutcomes.Athirdexamplemightbeasignificantre-

distributionandre-sequencingofcontentwithoutalteringthefundamentalsofthe

programmeandconsistentwiththeminimumintendedprogrammelearningoutcomes.

Theinterpretationofwhatdoesordoesnotconstitute‘significantstructuralchanges’

toaprogrammeisamatterofprofessionaljudgement.Ultimately,itwillbethe

AcademicCouncil,actingontheadviceoftheStandardsCommitteeandindependent

externalexpertopinion(ifdeemednecessary),thatwilladjudicateinthisregard.

Intheeventthatthereisanydoubtabouttheextentoftheimpactoftheproposed

changesonthebasisoftheoriginalvalidation(orsubsequentrevalidationfollowing

programmereview)thenanewvalidationprocessshouldbeundertaken.

ProceduresforproposedamendmentstoApprovedProgrammeSchedulesandforthe

validationonnewsinglemodulesareoutlinedinsection5ofthisCode.

4.3 dIFFERENTIAL VALIdATION ANd COLLABORATIVE PROVISION

Allprogrammesandawardsofferedthroughcollaborativeprovisionrequire

validation.Incertaincases,however,thedifferentialvalidationprocessmayapply.

Policyandproceduresrelatingtocollaborativeprovisionarespecifiedinaseparate

InstituteCode,Collaborative Provision including Transnational Collaborative

Provision (approvedbyQQIinApril2013).

4.4 dIFFERENTIAL VALIdATION PROCESS

AProgrammeBoardmayapplytotheRegistrar,throughtherelevantHead

ofAcademicUnit,forproposedchangestoaprogramme,orasuiteofrelated

programmes,tobeconsideredthroughadifferentialvalidationprocess.

WhetherthedifferentialvalidationprocessshouldapplyisamatterfortheRegistrar

todecideinthefirstinstance.TheAcademicCouncilshouldbeinformedaboutallsuch

decisions.Intheeventofanydoubt,orifthejudgementoftheRegistrarisdisputedby

theHeadofAacdemicUnitortheProgrammeBoard,thematterwillbereferredtothe

AcademicCouncilforadjudication.

Differentialvalidationwillbeapproachedwiththesamehighlevelofrigorasafull

validation.Applicationsfordifferentialvalidationmustsystematicallyanalyseand

explaintheproposedchangesandtheirimpactontheprogramme.

TheProgrammeBoardwillprovidetheRegistrarwithfullprogrammedocumentation.

Inaddition,theBoardwillprovideasummaryoftheproposedchangesanda

comprehensiveexplanationofthereasonsfortheproposedchanges.

Theproposedchangestotheprogrammeshallbesubjecttoreviewbyanexpert

panelnominatedbytheRegistrar,followingconsultationwiththesponsoringHeadof

AcademicUnit.ThecompositionofthedifferentialvalidationPanelshallbeasfollows:

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

20

• TheChairpersonshallbeanexperiencedacademicand/orpractitionerandmay

beinternalorexternal.


• Atleastoneexternalpersonwithknowledge/expertiseinareasrelevanttothe

proposal.

• TheRegistrarornomineewillactasSecretaryandadvisortothepanel.

Aquorumshallbethree,whichmustincludethechairandexternalperson.

ItistheresponsibilityoftheRegistrartomakearrangementsforthevalidation

meeting.ThisshouldbedoneinconsultationwiththesponsoringHeadofAcademic

Unit.Inthiscontext,itistheresponsibilityoftheRegistrartobriefmembersofthe

Panelontheirroleandtosupplythemwithallnecessaryandrelevantdocumentation

forthedifferentialvalidationmeeting,onatimelybasis.ThesponsoringHeadof

AcademicUnitisresponsibleformakingallthenecessaryarrangementsrelatingto

theProgrammeBoard.

Attheendofthevalidationmeeting,theChairpersonofthePanelshouldmake

anoralpresentationontheirfindingsandconclusionstotheproposingteam.The

Chairpersonshouldindicatewhetherarecommendationforapprovalorrejectionof

theproposedprogrammechangesistobemade.

AdraftwrittenreportofthefindingsofthePanelshallbepreparedbytheSecretary

andagreedbythePanel.Arationaleshouldbeprovidedfortherecommendations

made.AcopyofthePanel’sfinalreportshallbeforwardedtothesponsoringHeadof

AcademicUnit.

TheRegistrarshallnotifytheAcademicCounciloftherecommendationsmadebythe

Panel.

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

21


5.0 AMENdINg AN APPROVEd PROgRAMME SChEdulE ANd NEw MOdulES

5.1 ALL PROPOSEd ChANGES TO PROGRAMMES/AWARdS REQUIRE ThE APPROVAL OF ThE ACAdEMIC COUNCIL.

Anyproposedamendmentstoaprogrammeoramodulemustfirstbeconsideredby

theProgrammeBoard(PB)anddecisionsrecordedintheminutesofthemeeting.

TheRegistrarhastheauthoritytoagreechangesintheallocationofmarkshaving

regardtotheAcademicUnitpolicy.Forotherproposedchanges,theRegistrarhasthe

followingauthority:

(a) ToagreetheproposedchangesandnotifytheStandardsCommitteeandthe

AcademicCouncil.

(b) TorefertheproposalsdirecttotheStandardsCommitteeforconsideration.

5.2 PROCESS

Theprocessisasfollows:

• PBsshouldinclude ‘proposals for changes to programmes/awards’ asanagenda

itemforameeting.

• AnyproposalsforchangesagreedbythePBshouldbesubmittedbythe

relevantHeadofAcademicUnittotheRegistrar,accompaniedbyallthe

relevantdocumentation.

• TheRegistrarshalldecidewhichproposalsrequiretheopinionoftheStandards

Committee.

• TheRegistrarshallinformtheStandardsCommitteeofthoseproposals

submitteddirecttotheAcademicCouncil.

AHeadofAcademicUnitorHeadofDepartmentorpromotermaybeinvitedtoattend

theStandardsCommitteemeetingstodiscusstheproposedamendment.

5.3 AllrequestsforchangesmustbesubmittedbythedatespecifiedintheOpera-

tionsCalendarforchangestakingeffectfromasubsequentacademicyear.Thisdate

shouldbeagreedbytheAcademicCouncilinadvanceofpublishingtheOperations

Calendar.

Requestsforimmediateapplicationwillnotbeconsideredwithouttheexpress

approvaloftheRegistrar.ApplicationsofthistypemustbemadetotheRegistrar

inwritingbytheHeadofAcademicUnit,specifyingaverystrongcaseforearly

consideration.

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

22

5.4 EachrequestforanamendmenttoanApprovedProgrammeSchedulemust

providethefollowinginformation:

• programmename;

• theminutesoftheProgrammeBoardwherethechangeisrecommended;

• thereason(s)fortheproposedchange(s);

• asummaryoftheproposedchange(s);

• acopyoftheexistingApprovedProgrammeSchedule;

• acopyoftheproposedApprovedProgrammeSchedule;

• acopyoftheProgrammeintendedlearningoutcomes,wheretheseareaffected

bytheproposedchange;

• newandoldmoduledescriptorswhereappropriate.

RequestsforamendmentstoprogrammeswillnotbeconsideredbyAcademicCouncil,

oranyofitssub-committees,iftherequiredinformationlistedaboveisnotprovided.

5.5 AcademicCouncilmayapproveanychangerecommendedbytheStandardsCom-

mittee.However,wherethechangewillrequirenetadditionalresourcestobemade

available(i.e.additionalhours),theExecutiveBoardmustbebriefedontheproposalby

theRegistrarandtheirapprovalsoughtbeforethechangecanbeapproved.

5.6 TheminutesofAcademicCouncilaretheofficialrecordofallauthorisedchanges

whicharecirculatedtoallHeadsofAcademicUnits/Departments.Approvedchanges

arecommunicatedtotheHeadsofAcademicUnitsandtheExaminationOfficerby

theRegistrar.TheRegistrarwillarrangeforchangestobemadetotheApproved

ProgrammeSchedulesontheBannerSystem.TheRegistrarwillplaceanyapproved

changesontheofficialprogrammefiles.HeadsofAcademicUnitsandHeadsofDe-

partmentsshouldalsoupdatetheirfiles.

5.7 VALIdATION OF NEW SINGLE MOdULES

ItispossibletovalidatenewmodulesaselectivesorasInstitute-widecommon

modules.AnewsinglemoduleshouldbeevaluatedbytheStandardsCommitteeand

subjecttotheapprovalofAcademicCouncil.TheStandardsCommitteehasdiscretion

toseekanexternalopinionifdeemednecessary.

Asinglemodule,if10creditsormore,cannotbeclassifiedasaMinor,SpecialPurpose

orSupplementalAwardwithoutgoingthroughtheapprovalprocessoutlinedin

section3.5above.

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

23


6.0 PROGRAMME MONITORING

6.1 OVERVIEW

Section28oftheQualificationsandQualityAssurance(EducationandTraining)Act

2012requiresthatGMITestablishproceduresinwritingforqualityassurancefor

thepurposesofestablishing,ascertaining,maintainingandimprovingthequalityof

education,training,researchandrelatedservices.

Ongoingmonitoringofprogrammesisessentialtoensurethatacademicqualityand

standardsarebeingmaintained.

GMITwillmonitoreachprogrammeonanongoingbasistoensure:

• thattheprogrammeintendedlearningoutcomesarebeingattainedbystudents;

• thecontinuingappropriatenessofthecurriculum,pedagogyandassessmentin

relationtotheintendedlearningoutcomes;

• thatprogrammesremaincurrentandvalidinthelightofdevelopingknowledge

inthedisciplineandpracticeinapplication;

• thatissuesarisinginrelationtotheacademicqualityofprogrammedesign,

deliveryandassessmentareidentifiedandaddressedonatimelybasis.

Theresponsibilityformanagingandensuringthequalityofacademicprocesses

inaccordancewithInstitutepolicylieswiththeHeadsofAcademicUnitsandwith

ProgrammeBoards.Individualmembersofstaffarerequiredtoco-operatewiththe

qualitymanagementprocedureswithintheacademicstructures.

TheInstitutewillreviewandevaluatetheeffectivenessofprogrammemonitoring

processesonaregularandsystematicbasis.

6.2 QuAlITy ASSuRANCE IS ThE RESPONSIBIlITy Of EVERy STAff MEMBER IN gMIT.

6.3 ThE hEAd Of ACAdEMIC uNIT RESPONSIBIlITy

TheAcademicUnitwithinGMITisaCollege/Centre/Campus/School.Theactivities

withineachAcademicUnitareorganizedintoDepartments.

TheHeadofAcademicUnithasoverallresponsibilityforallprogrammes/awardsinthe

AcademicUnit.Thisincludesresponsibilityfor:strategicplanning,implementation,

andco-ordinationofacademicandrelatedprocesses;staffingandotherresource

requirements;programmedevelopmentandmanagementofchange.

TheHeadofDepartmenthasresponsibilityforallprogrammes/awardsinhis/her

Departmentincluding,theday-to-daydeliveryofprogrammes,timetabling,and

ensuringtheongoingqualityandcontinueddevelopmentofprogrammes.

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

24

AcademicandsupportstaffareassignedtoaDepartmentandareresponsibletothe

HeadofDepartmentforthepropercarryingoutofindividualduties.

TheresponsibilityoftheHeadofAcademicUnitforreportingtoAcademicCouncilon

allprogrammesinher/hisunitisspecifiedinsection6.6below.

6.4 PROGRAMME BOARdS

6.4.1 ProgrammeBoardMembership

AProgrammeBoardshallbeestablishedforeachprogrammeand/orgroupof

programmesand/orawards,consistingofalllecturersontheprogramme(s),theHead

ofAcademicUnit,theHeadofDepartment,andatleasttwostudentsperstage/year

(withgenderbalancewherepossible)oftheprogramme.

6.4.2 ProgrammeBoardResponsibilities

AProgrammeBoardshallmonitorthedesign,delivery,academicstandards,students’

performanceandacademicdevelopmentofprogrammesandawards.

ThespecificresponsibilitiesofaProgrammeBoardinclude, inter alia:

• specifyingqualityobjectivesfortheprogramme;

• ensuringthatprogrammedetailsaremadeavailabletostudentsinwhatever

formatisdeemedappropriate,ideallyintheformofaProgrammeHandbook

(Appendix7belowoutlinesthesuggestedcontentsofsuchaHandbook);

• recommendingsuitablecandidatestoactasexternalexaminers;

• reviewingexternalexaminers’reportsandaddressingrecommendations;

• monitoringtheresultsachievedbystudentsandtakingoradvisingappropriate

actionwhenrequired;

• reviewingretentionandattritionratesandtakingoradvisingappropriate

actionwhenrequired;

• reviewingstudentfeedbackontheprogrammeandtakingoradvising

appropriateactionwhenrequired;

• reviewingandamendingtheProgrammeAssessmentStrategyasappropriate,

ensuringinparticularthatthebalanceandspreadofworkimposeduponthe

studentisreasonable;

• assessingtheresourcingrequirementsfortheprogrammeandadvisingthe

Instituteexecutiveaccordingly;

• preparingalistoftextsforlibrarypurchaseandtheequipmenttobeacquired

withinanagreedbudget;

• preparingaProgrammeBoardAnnualReport.

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

25


DecisionsofProgrammeBoardsareadvisory in nature andshouldbereferredto

theHeadofDepartmentand/ortheHeadofAcademicUnitforapprovalpriorto

implementation.IntheeventthataProgrammeBoardactivityand/orproposalis

inconsistentwith,orrequiresachangeto,academicpolicy,itwillrequiretheapproval

oftheAcademicCouncil.IntheeventthataProgrammeBoardactivityand/orproposal

hasadditionalresourceimplicationsfortheInstitute,itmustbeapprovedbythe

ExecutiveBoard.

6.4.3 ProgrammeBoardOfficers

EachProgrammeBoardshallhaveaChairandaSecretary.Inaddition,Boardmembers

maybeappointedasliaisonofficersforparticularstages/yearsoftheprogramme.

TheBoardshallnominateandelectmemberstothepositionsofChairandSecretaryat

itsfirstmeetingearlyintheacademicyear(inSeptember/October).

IntheeventthattheBoardfailstonominate/electaChairand/orSecretary,theHead

ofAcademicUnitortheHeadofDepartmentshallappoint,byconsultation,Board

memberstothesepositions.

ThefirstmeetingoftheBoardintheacademicyearwillbechairedbytheexisting

Chairor,ifthatpersonisunavailable,bytheHeadofDepartment/HeadofAcademic

Unit.ThepositionofChairandSecretarywillberatifiedbytheProgrammeBoardat

thefirstmeeting.

6.4.4 SpecificDutiesofProgrammeBoardOfficers

TheChairshall:

• chairmeetingsoftheProgrammeBoard;

• consultwithstudentrepresentativesinadvanceofthemeeting;

• ensurestandingordersareimplemented;

• advisetheHeadofAcademicUnit/HeadofDepartmentonissuesarisingfrom

theProgrammeBoardmeetings.

TheSecretaryshall:

• scheduleandorganisethemeetingsoftheProgrammeBoardfortheyearin

consultationwiththeChair;

• prepareanddisseminateanagendaanddraftminutesofProgrammeBoard

meetingsonatimelybasis.

MembersoftheProgrammeBoardappointedasstage/yearliaisonofficersshall:

• liaise,onaregularbasis,withstudentsintheprogrammestage/year

designatedtothem;

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

26

• bringtotheattentionoftheProgrammeBoardand/ortheHeadofDepartment/

HeadofAcademicUnitmattersofconcerninthatparticularstage/year.

6.4.5 ProgrammeBoardMeetings

FormalmeetingsoftheProgrammeBoardshallbeheldatleastthreetimesinthe

academicyear-onceineachterm.Minutesofeachmeetingshallbepreparedand

submittedtotheHeadofDepartment.Eachmeetingshallhaveanagendaandthe

followingitemsshouldbeincluded:

For the first term meeting:

• ReviewofExternalExaminers’Reports.

• Reviewofstudentfeedbackontheprogramme,andofanyotherstakeholder

feedbackontheprogrammereceived.

• ReviewofSummer/Autumnexaminationresults.

• Scheduleforstudentassessmentsfortheacademicyear.

• Resourcerequirements.

• AnnualReportforprecedingacademicyear.

For the second term meeting:

• Reviewoftheprogrammedesign,deliveryandassessment.

• ReviewoftheProgrammeAssessmentStrategy.

• Planningforthenextacademicyear.

For the meeting prior to Progression and Awards Board:

• Reviewofdraftexaminationresults(refertoCodeNo.3).

Otheritemsshouldbeconsideredontheagendaforeachmeetingasdeemed

necessaryandappropriate.

6.4.6 ProgrammeBoardAnnualReport

ProgrammeBoardshaveresponsibilityforpreparinganAnnualReport.TheHead

ofDepartmentisresponsibleforensuringthatthereportsarepreparedwithinan

agreedtimeframeandthatallappropriatefollow-onactionsaretaken.Itistheoverall

responsibilityoftheHeadofAcademicUnittoensurethatthisisdone.

AProgrammeBoard’sAnnualReportcanbepreparedinastandardformat(Appendix

8)orinanotherformatdeemedmoreappropriate.

AnAnnualReportwouldnormallybeexpectedtoincludethefollowingcontent:

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

27


• Ageneralreviewoftheprogrammefortheyear,includingenrolment,attrition

andexaminationresults(datatobeprovidedbytheHeadofDepartment).

• Summaryofandfollow-uponExternalExaminers’comments,includingissues

tobeaddressedinthefollowingacademicyear.

• Anoutlineofthekeyactionstobetakeninthecomingacademicyear.Thesemay

include:issuesrelatingtoprogrammedelivery;actionstobetakentoremedy

identifiedweaknessesintheprogramme;actionstobetakenarisingfrom

studentfeedback;resourceissuesandanyotherrelevantacademicmatter.

• WhereprogrammesdonotmeetInstituteattritionandretentiontargets,

specificationoftheactionstobetaken.

• Anyothergeneralcommentsandrecommendationsdeemedappropriatefor

inclusionbytheProgrammeBoard.

6.4.7 StudentRepresentationonProgrammeBoards

Thereshallbeatleasttwo registered studentsperstage/yearoftheprogramme

(withgenderbalancewherepossible)oneachProgrammeBoard.Theywillbeelected

byregisteredstudentsfromeachstage/yearoftheprogrammeusingwhatever

proceduretheStudents’Unionrecommends.

Trainingwillbeavailableforthestudentrepresentativesregardingtheirroleon

ProgrammeBoards.

TheChairsofProgrammeBoardswillconsultwiththestudentrepresentatives

inadvanceofProgrammeBoardmeetingstoseeifthereareanyitemsthe

representativeswishtohavediscussed.

ProgrammeBoardsshouldnotbeusedbystudentrepresentativestomakecomplaints

aboutparticularstaffmembersoraboutotherstudents.Anysuchcomplaintsshould

bedealtwiththroughthenormalmechanismsandestablishedchannels,includingthe

StudentComplaintsProcedure.

WhereaProgrammeBoardneedstoconsiderthepersonaldetailsofastudentthese

shouldbediscussedasthelastitemontheProgrammeBoardagendapriortowhich

thestudentrepresentativesshouldbeaskedtoleave.Noexaminationresultsshallbe

discussedinthepresenceofstudentrepresentatives.

6.5 STudENT fEEdBACk

6.5.1 legal Obligation

UnderSection28ofQualificationsandQualityAssurance(EducationandTraining)

Act2012,GMITisobligedtohaveprogrammesofeducationandtrainingevaluatedby

studentsofthatprogrammeandtheevaluationofsupportservicesrelatedtothat

programme.

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

28

6.5.2 AcademicUnitStudentLiaisonCommittee

AnAcademicUnit/StudentLiaisonCommitteeshallbeestablishedconsistingoftwo

studentrepresentativesforeachstage/yearofeachprogrammewithintheAcademic

Unit,thevariousprogrammeChairs,theHeadofDepartmentandtheHeadof

AcademicUnit.Itspurposeistohearstudentviewsonanyaspectoftheirprogrammes

andtoidentifyareasofconcerntoclassgroups.

Itshallmeetaminimumofonceaterm.TheHeadofAcademicUnitisresponsiblefor

conveningandchairingthemeetings.Insomecases,anAcademicUnitmaydecide

toholdthesemeetingsonaDepartmentalbasis.Anypersonalcomplaintabouta

staffmembershallnotbediscussedinthisforumbutitcanbeaddressedthoughthe

appropriatechannels.

6.5.3 StudentFeedback

Surveysofstudentsshallbeundertakenattheendofaprogrammeasfollows:

• ModuleEvaluation(Appendix9,QA1)carriedoutbyeachlecturerattheendofa

module.EachlecturerwillprovideasummaryofthesurveyresultstotheHeads

ofDepartment(Appendix10,QA2).

• Anendofstage/yearProgrammeSurvey(Appendix11,QA3)dealingwithaspects

oftheoverallprogramme,includingfacilitiesandservices,istobecarriedout

bytheHeadofDepartmentornominee.

• Alternativesurveymechanismscanbeemployed,asdirectedbytheInstitute,

alignedtoNationalpolicy.

HeadsofDepartmentsandHeadsofAcademicUnitsareobligedtoensurethatthis

feedbackisobtainedinaccordancewiththeagreedrequirements.

HeadsofDepartmentsshouldprovidefeedbacktoProgrammeBoardsontheQA2sand

QA3s.

6.6 hEAd OF ACAdEMIC UNIT ANNUAL REPORT TO ACAdEMIC COUNCIL

TheHeadofAcademicUnitshallsubmitanannualoverviewreportontheprogrammes

inhis/herUnittotheAcademicCouncil,throughtheRegistrar,onanagreeddatetobe

publishedintheOperationsCalendar.Thereportshould:

• ConfirmthatallProgrammeBoardsmeetthreetimesayear.

• Confirmthatthestudentsurveys(asspecifiedin6.5.3above)werecarriedout.

• ConfirmthateachProgrammeBoardsubmittedanAnnualReport.

• SpecifytheactionstakenbytheUnitasaresultoftheProgrammeBoard

AnnualReports.

• SpecifyanyissueswhichshouldbebroughttotheattentionofAcademic

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

29


Council.Inparticular,thereportshallfocusonprogrammeswhichdonotmeet

theagreedInstitutenormsforretentionandprogression.

ThereportshallbeconsideredbytheAcademicCouncilbeforeChristmaseachyear

andresponsiveactionswillbeinitiatedwherenecessary.

6.7 INSTITUTE ANNUAL ATTRITION REPORT

TheRegistrarwillprepareanInstituteAnnualAttritionReporteachyearfor

considerationbytheAcademicCouncilbeforeChristmaseachyear.

6.8 SUSPENSION OR dISCONTINUATION OF A PROGRAMME

Theintroductionofnewprogrammesanddiscontinuationofothersareconsideredin

thepreparationoftheAcademicPlan.

Thecriteriatobeusedcollectivelyinadecisiontosuspendorterminateaprogramme

areasfollows:

• studentdemandfortheprogramme;

• enrolmentnumbers;

• progressionnumbers;

• commonmodules;

• THASratio;

• employmentopportunities;

• contributiontoregionaldevelopment;

• alignmenttoAcademicUnit/InstituteStrategy.

Thenormalprocedurestobeadoptedinsuchadecisionareasfollows:

• reviewbyExecutiveBoard;

• consultationwithProgrammeBoard/Department/School;

• decisionoftheExecutiveBoard;

• informationprovidedtotheAcademicCouncil;

• approvaloftheGoverningBody.

Inspecialandexceptionalcircumstances,adecisiontosuspendaprogrammemayhave

tobemadewithouttheconsultationprocess.Thismayariseif,forexample,theInstitute

foundthattherewereaninsufficientnumberofqualifiedapplicantsforthefirstyear

ofaprogrammewhentheCAOapplicationdatabecomeavailableinAugust.Thiswould

requireanimmediatedecisionfollowingdiscussionbetweenthePresident,Registrar

andHeadofAcademicUnitconcerned.Anysuchdecisionwouldrequireendorsementby

theExecutiveBoardandtheapprovaloftheGoverningBodyatitsnextmeeting.

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

30

7.0 PROGRAMMATIC REVIEW

7.1 OVERVIEW

7.1.1 Section28ofTheQualificationsandQualityAssurance(EducationandTraining)

Act2012requiresthatGMITestablishproceduresfortheevaluationatregularintervals

ofitsprogrammesofeducationandtraining.TheActalsorequiresthatGMITfurnisha

reporttoQQIandprovideforthepublicationoffindingsarisingoutoftheevaluation.

7.1.2 Programmaticreviewinvolvesaperiodic,formal,systematic,comprehensive

andreflectivereviewandevaluationofeachprogrammeandawardofferedby

theInstituteforpurposesofprogrammedevelopment,qualityenhancementand

revalidation.Itisanimportantmeansofensuringandassuring,inter alia:

• thatrequiredacademicstandardsarebeingattained;

• thatprogrammesandawardsremainrelevantandviable;

• thatstudentneeds,includingacademicandlabour-marketneeds,areaddressed;

• thatthequalityofprogrammesandawardsisenhancedandimproved;

• publicconfidenceinthequalityofGMIT’sprogrammesandawards.

Theprogrammereviewprocesswillinvolveaself-evaluationbyeachprogramme

boardfollowedbyanexternalpeerreview.Itisintendedtobeapositive,open,

constructiveandcollegialprocess,designedtoencourageandsupportactive

academicengagementwithinternalandexternalpeers,andwithrelevant

stakeholders,inthereview,evaluationanddevelopmentofprogrammesandawards.

Theactiveparticipationofstudentsinallphasesisanintegralpartofprogrammatic

reviewinGMIT,asrecommendedbyENQA.

ProgrammaticreviewisconductedundertheauspicesoftheAcademicCouncil.Itwill

becarriedoutatleastonceeverysevenyears,orastheAcademicCouncilmaydirect

fromtimetotime.

Programmeboardswillbesupportedasnecessaryinthereviewprocessbythe

managementoftheAcademicUnit(College/Centre/Campus/School)withinwhichthe

programmeisoffered.

7.1.3 TheRegistrar,inconsultationwiththeHeadsofAcademicUnits,willdrafta

scheduleforthereviewofallprogrammesandawardsofferedbyGMIT.TheRegistrar

shouldensurethatsufficienttimeisallocatedforthesatisfactoryreviewofeach

programmeandaward.

ThisproposedschedulewillbepresentedtotheAcademicCouncilforapproval.

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

31


7.1.4 Proposednewprogrammesandawardsmustbeevaluatedseparatelyin

accordancewiththepolicyandproceduresoutlinedinsections2and3ofthisCode

(full,specialpurpose,minorandsupplemental).

Proposedprogrammeandawardchangeoutsideoftheprogrammaticreviewprocess

willbeconsideredinaccordancewiththepolicyandproceduresoutlinedinsections4

and5ofthisCode.

7.2 OBjECTIVES OF PROGRAMME REVIEW

Theobjectiveofaprogrammereviewistoreviewthedevelopmentoftheprogramme

overthepreviousfivetosevenyears,withparticularemphasisontheachievement

andimprovementofeducationalquality.Thefocusisprincipallyontheevaluationof

qualityandtheflexibilityoftheprogrammes’responsestochangingneedsinlightof

thevalidationcriteriaandrelevantawardsstandards.

Inparticular,aprogrammereviewseekstoconfirmthatthepromiseevidencedat

theoriginalvalidation(orsincethelastprogrammereview)intermsofacademic

quality,relevanceandviabilityhasbeenrealised,andthattheprogrammeisadapting

appropriatelytoevolvingcircumstances.

Thespecificobjectivesofaprogrammerevieware,inter alia,to:

• analyseandevaluatetheeffectivenessandefficiencyoftheprogramme,

includingdetailsofstudentnumbers,retentionratesandsuccessrates;

• reviewthedevelopmentoftheprogrammeinthecontextoftherequirements

ofemployers,industry,professionalbodies,theIrisheconomyandinternational

developments;

• evaluatetheresponseoftheprogrammetoregionalandsocietalrequirements

andtoeducationaldevelopments;

• evaluatethefeedbackmechanismsforstudentsandtheprocessesforactingon

thisfeedback;

• evaluatestakeholderengagementincludinglinksandcollaborationwith

industry,businessandthewidercommunity;

• reviewfeedbackfromemployersandgraduates;

• evaluatethephysicalfacilitiesandresourcesprovidedfortheprovisionofthe

programme;

• reviewanyresearchactivitiesinthefieldoflearninginthedisciplinaryareas

andtheirimpactonteachingandlearning;

• considerlikelyfuturedevelopmentsinthedisciplinaryareas;

• makeproposalsinrelationtoupdatingprogrammesandmodules,andto

discontinuingprogrammesorpartsofprogrammes.

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

32

Theexplorationofopportunitiesandrelatedproposalsbyprogrammeboardsto

developnewprogrammesandawardsshouldbeapartofthereviewprocess.

7.3 PROGRAMME REVIEW PROCESS

7.3.1 Eachprogrammereviewwillbeundertakenintwophases:

• Self-EvaluationReview(SER).

• ExternalPeerReview(EPR).

7.3.2 Phase1:Self-EvaluationReview(SER)

Self-EvaluationReview(SER)isaninternalprocessinvolvingeachprogrammeboard

undertakingacomprehensiveandreflectiveself-studyreviewandevaluationoftheir

programmeandaward.TheoutputfromthereviewprocesswillbeaSERReport.

TheSERshouldbeconductedinaccordancewithestablishedinternationalgood

practice.Itrequirestheactiveparticipationofallacademicstaffinvolvedinthe

deliveryoftheprogrammeandofstudentrepresentatives.Itwillinvolveconsultations

withoutsidestakeholders,includinggraduates,employersandcommunity

representatives.Itshouldinvolveconsultationwiththoseinvolvedintheprovisionof

essentialsupportservicesincludinglibraryandinformationservices,careersservices

andcounselingservices.Itshouldinvolveconsiderationoftheregionalandsocial

environmentalcontextoftheprogramme,ofanyrelevantmarketresearch,andof

developmentsandresearchfindingsinthedisciplineandprofessionconcerned.

TheSERwillincorporateananalysisoftheprogrammeboardexperienceofproviding

theprogrammesincethevalidationorthelastreview,informedbystakeholder

consultationanddevelopmentsinthedisciplineandprofessionalpractice.Inthis

context,itwillfocusonanumberofkeyunderlyingconcerns:

• theoverallvalidity,coherence,integrationandconsistencyoftheprogramme

aims,intendedlearningoutcomesandstructure;

• themannerinwhichintendedlearningoutcomesarebeingachieved;

• proposedchanges(ifany)toimprovetheprogrammeandawardintermsof

design,deliveryandassessment.

Inparticular,theSERshouldincludeareviewandevaluationofthefollowing:

• programmeaims,rationaleandhistory;

• minimumintendedprogrammelearningoutcomesandtheircompliancewith

therelevantawardsstandard(s);

• prerequisitelearningforparticipationintheprogrammeandanyother

assumptionsrelatingtotheprogramme’stargetstudentcohert;

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

33


• programmestructureincludingbalanceofcontentandinter-relatedness,

moduletitlesandsequencing;

• developmentsandchangessincethevalidationorpreviousprogrammereview;

• moduleintendedlearningoutcomesandprerequisiterequirements;

• pedagogy,includingteachingandlearningstrategiesemployed;

• programmeandmoduleassessmentstrategies;

• externalexaminerreportsandfollow-upactionstaken;

• access,transferandprogression;

• recruitmentstatistics,attritionrates,passrates;

• theoperationandeffectivenessofcurrentqualityassuranceprocedures;

• particularstrengthsandweaknessesoftheprogramme,benchmarkedagainst

othersimilarprogrammesandconsideringdevelopmentsinthedisciplineand

professionalpractice;

• linkswithrelevantindustryand/orprofessionalbodies;

• profileofteachingstaff;

• theoperationoftheprogrammeboard;

• thelevelandappropriatenessofresourcesavailableforprogrammedelivery.

TheSERshouldalsobeusedbyprogrammeboardstoidentifyopportunitiesandsignal

proposalsforrelatednewprogrammeandawarddevelopment.

TheSERReportshouldbeacomprehensiveprogrammedocumentincluding

specificationofprogrammeaims,intendedlearningoutcomes,theApproved

ProgrammeSchedule,proposedchangestotheprogramme,pedagogyand

assessment,admissioncriteria,moduledescriptors,andresourcerequirements.It

shouldalsooutlinedetailsoftheSERprocess,includinganoutlineofthenatureand

findingsoftheconsultationundertakenwithstakeholders.

TheRegistrarwillagreedateswiththerelevantHeadofAcademicUnitforthe

submissionoftheSERReport.

7.3.3 Phase2:ExternalPeerReview(EPR)

FollowingtheSER,eachprogrammewillbesubjecttoanExternalPeerReview

(EPR)process.Thisinvolvesconveningapanelofindependentexternalexpertsto

comprehensivelyrevieweachprogrammeandawardandconsideritforrevalidation.

Theexternalevaluationshouldbeconductedinaccordancewithestablished

internationalgoodpracticeregardingexternalqualityevaluationinhighereducation

andtraininginstitutions.Itshouldbeaprocessofco-operation,consultationand

advicebetweentheexternalindependentexpertsandtheprogrammeboard,andit

shouldbeconductedinaspiritofcollegiality,mutualrespectandfairness.

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

34

Inpracticethefollowingprinciplesofgoodpracticeshouldapply:

• anexternalpeerreviewpanelwillrevieweachprogrammeseparately;

• panelsshouldhavethenecessaryacademicandprofessionalcompetenceto

undertakethereview;

• normallythecompositionoftheexternalpeerreviewpanelwillmirrorthe

compositionoftheoriginalvalidationpanel;

• programmesofthesamedisciplinarynatureshouldpreferablybereviewedby

thesamepanel;

• theEPRshouldbeundertakenattheprogrammedeliverysite.

ThemembershipofanExternalPeerReviewPanel(EPRP)willnormallybeasoutlined

inTable1.

Table 1: Membership of External Peer Review Panel

Role level of expertise required Nominated by

Chairperson Asenioreducationalistor

business/professionalperson

President

Secretary GMITRegistrar(ornomineein

exceptionalcircumstances)

Member AnacademicfromtheIoT

sectorwithappropriate

expertise.

Registrarinconsultationwith

HeadofAcademicUnit

Member Auniversityacademicwith

appropriateexpertise.


HeadofAcademicUnit

Member Aprofessionalpractitioner

withappropriateexperience.


HeadofAcademicUnit

Member AnInstitutegraduatefrom

thedisciplinaryareawith

aminimumofoneyear

postgraduateexperience.


HeadofAcademicUnit

Ideallypanelsshallbegenderbalancedandeveryattemptwillbemadetoensurethis

isthecase.

TheRegistrarshallestablishtheEPRPinconsultationwiththerelevantHeadof

AcademicUnit,composedasshowninTable1.

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

35


ItistheresponsibilityoftheRegistrar,tomakearrangementsfortheEPRmeeting.

ThisshouldbedoneinconsultationwiththerelevantHeadofAcademicUnit.Itisalso

theresponsibilityoftheRegistrartobriefmembersoftheEPRPontheirroleandto

supplythemwithallnecessaryandrelevantdocumentation,onatimelybasis.

SpecificfunctionsoftheEPRPinclude,inter alia, thefollowing:

• toreviewtheprogrammeSERReportandtheunderlyingprocess;

• tovisittheInstituteattheprogrammedeliverysiteandmeetwiththe

programmestafftodiscusstheSERReport,andallrelatedaspectsof

programmeactivities,performance,position,andproposeddevelopment;

• toclarifythecontentsoftheSERReport;

• tomeetwithprogrammesupportstaff,students,graduates,employersand

otherstakeholders;

• toconsiderhowwelltheidentifiedaimsandobjectivesoftheprogrammeare

beingmet;

• toconsiderthequalityassurancearrangementswhichaffecttheprogramme;

• toconsiderthemeritsofproposedprogrammechangesandquality

enhancements;

• toreviewthefacilitiesavailablefordeliveringtheprogrammeandtoconsider

anyotherissuesrelevanttothesuccessfulprovisionoftheprogramme.

AttheendoftheEPRmeeting,theChairpersonofthePanelwillmakeanoral

presentationonthepanel’sfindingsandconclusionstotheproposingprogramme

boardteam.TheChairpersonshouldindicatewhetherarecommendationfor

revalidationorforwithdrawalofvalidationfortheprogrammeistobemade.

Conditions,ifany,relatingtoapprovalandrecommendations,ifany,formodifyingthe

programmeshouldbeoutlinedwithsupportingrationale.

7.4 EXTERNAL PEER REVIEW PANEL (EPRP) REPORT

7.4.1 TheEPRPReportshouldaddressthequalityoftheprovisionandmake

recommendationsforimprovement,and/orchange,basedonacombinationofthe

SER,andfindingsduringthesitevisit.Itshouldalsoincludearecommendation:

positive,negativeorconditional,inrespectofthecontinuingvalidationofthe

programmeandaward.Arationaleshouldbeprovidedforanyconditionsimposedand

forthemainrecommendationsthataremade.TheReportshouldspecifytheduration

ofrevalidationrecommended,nottoexceedsevenyears.

7.4.2 AdraftwrittenreportofthefindingsoftheEPRPshallbepreparedbythe

SecretaryThedraftreportwillfirstbeapprovedbytheChairpersonbeforebeing

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

36

circulatedtoothermembersoftheEPRPfortheircommentsandendorsement.Ifany

memberobjectstoanitem,thisshouldbenotedinthereport.TheSecretaryshall

incorporatethefeedbackreceivedfromEPRPmembersintoareviseddraftreport

subjecttotheagreementoftheChairperson.

Acopyofthepanel’sreviseddraftreportshallbeforwardedtothesponsoringHead

ofAcademicUnitforcommentonissuesoffactualaccuracy.Followingthis,thereport

shallbefinalizedbytheSecretarysubjecttotheapprovaloftheChairperson.

TheRegistrarshallsubmittheEPRPReportforadoptionbytheAcademicCouncil.It

willthenbesubmittedforadoptionbytheGoverningBody,forwardedtoQQIand

publishedontheInstitute’swebsite.

7.4.3 ProposedtimelinesfortheEPRPReportgenerationareasfollows:

• agreementonthedraftreportbetweentheSecretaryandChairpersonwithin

twoweeksoftheprogrammereviewsitemeeting;

• draftreportforwardedtomembersoftheEPRPandincorporationofmembers

feedbackintothereportwithin6weeksoftheprogrammaticreviewsite

meeting;

• reviseddraftreportforwardedbytheSecretarytotheHeadofAcademicUnit

forcommentonfactualaccuracywithintwomonthsoftheprogrammatic

reviewsitemeeting;

• responsefromtheHeadofAcademicUnitonissuesoffactualaccuracywithin

onemonthofreceiptofthereviseddraftreport;

• EPRPReportfinalisedforsubmissiontoAcademicCouncilwithinonemonthof

receiptoffactualaccuracyresponsefromtheHeadofAcademicUnit.

7.5 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN ANd MONITORING

TheHeadoftheAcademicUnitwillsubmitaresponsetothereporttoincludean

implementationplanwithinfourweeksoftheAcademicCouncilmeetingthat

consideredtheEPRPReport.

TheAcademicCouncilhasresponsibilityforensuringthattherecommendationsofthe

Reportareimplemented.TheHeadofAcademicUnitshallagreeatimeframewiththe

Registrarfortheimplementationoftherecommendations.

Oncompletionoftheimplementationplan,anupdatedelectronicandhardcopyof

eachprogrammedocumentshallbelodgedintheRegistrar’sofficeonbehalfofthe

Institute.

InaccordancewiththeAct,GMITshallprovideforthepublicationoffindingsarising

outoftheevaluation.

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

37


TheimplementationplandevisedbytheAcademicUnitandarisingfromthe

programmaticreviewreportshouldincludespecificachievableactionswithspecified

outcomesandtimelines.

Thedateofimplementationofthechangesshouldbeclearlyidentified,andinclude

specificdetailonthephasinginofchangesproposedandinparticularidentify

transitionissueswhichshouldbeaddressed.

TheEPRPReportandtherelatedImplementationPlanwillprovideabasisfor

monitoringtherelevantprogramme.TheHeadofAcademicUnitwillberequiredto

presentanannualprogressreportonimplementationtotheMonitoringandReview

sub-committeeofAcademicCouncil.

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

38

8.0 POlICy fOR EVAluATINg SERVICES, PREMISES, EQuIPMENT, ANd fACIlITIESRElATEd TO PROgRAMMES Of EduCATION ANd TRAININg

8.1 (a) Section28oftheAct,indicatesthatGMITshallestablishproceduresforthe

evaluationatregularintervalsoftheservicesrelatedtoitsprogrammesof

educationandtraining,includingevaluationbypersonswhoarecompetent

tomakenationalandinternationalcomparisonsinthatrespect.TheAct

providesthatGMITshallprovideforthepublicationoffindingsarisingout

oftheevaluation.

(b) Procedures for selection, appointment, appraisal and development of staff

GMITwillreviewtheeffectivenessofitshumanresourcepoliciesand

proceduresonaregularbasis.Thiswillrelateinparticulartothe

proceduresforselection,appointment,appraisalanddevelopmentofstaff

involvedatanylevelinthedeliveryorsupportofprogrammes.Thiswill

includeaprogrammeforstaffdevelopment.

(c) Procedures for evaluating services related to programmes of higher

education and training

GMITwillreviewtheeffectivenessofallacademicandothersupport

servicesrelatedtoitsprogrammesofhighereducationandtraining.The

supportservicestobeincludedintheseproceduresinclude,butnot

necessarilybelimitedto:

• library,informationandcomputingservices;

• studentsupportservices(bothacademicandnon-academic)

• technicalservices;

• premisesservicingandmaintenanceservices;

• servicesaimedatcommunicatingtheprovider’smissionand

operationstostudents,potentialstudents,otherinstitutions,

employers,professionalbodiesandthegeneralpublic;

• allotherservicesintheInstitute.

Thisreviewwillfocusonthecontributionofeachoftheidentifiedservices

andfacilitiestosuccessfullearningbystudentsontheprogramme.Inthe

caseofeachoftheservicesandfacilitiesthequestionstobeaddressedare,

“Howdoweknowtheserviceorfacilityiseffective?”and“Howcouldwe

improveittomakeitmoreeffective?”

(d) Procedures for evaluating premises, equipment and facilities

GMITwillreviewtheeffectivenessofitspremises,equipmentandfacilities,

toensuretheircontinuingadequacyandeffectivenessinrelationtothe

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

39


programmesofhighereducationandtrainingprovided.Thisreviewwill

focusontheircontributiontosuccessfullearningbystudentsonthe

programmes.

(e) Procedures for evaluating the effectiveness of quality assurance

procedures

GMITwillregularlyevaluatetheeffectivenessofitsqualityassurance

procedures.

SELF EVALUATION

8.2 Theevaluationwillbeundertakenintwostages

• Self-Evaluation-thisinvolvesareviewofpoliciesandproceduresinrespectof

theabove,includingfeedbackfromusers,proposedchangesandthereasons

therefore.

• ExternalEvaluation-Thiswillinvolveinvitingapanelofexternalexpertsto

visitGMITtoreviewtheSelfEvaluationreport,andtomeetstaffandstudents

aswellastoviewthefacilitiesavailableandconsiderotherrelevantissues.

8.3 TheProceduresinvolvedinfinalisingthereportsarethesameasaProgram-

maticReview(seesection7),withthefinaldocumentsenttotheAcademicCouncil,

theExecutiveBoard,theGoverningBody,QQI,andpublished.TheExecutiveBoardis

responsibleforensuringthattherecommendationsmadearecarriedout.

GMITshallprovideforthepublicationoffindingsarisingoutoftheevaluation.

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

40

9.0 INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW

9.1 CONTEXT

TheQualityandQualificationsIreland(QQI)willcarryoutanInstitutionalReviewof

GMIT,generallyonaseven-yearcycle.Thetermsofreferenceforinstitutionalreviews

willnormallyincorporateprescribedstatutoryreviewfunctions,particularlythose

providedforinSection34(reviewoftheeffectivenessofagreedqualityassurance

procedures)andSection54(reviewofdelegationofauthority)oftheQualifications

andQualityAssurance(EducationandTraining)Act2012.

9.2 OBjECTIVES OF INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW

Institutionalreviewisintended:

• toenhancepublicconfidenceinthequalityofeducationandtrainingprovided

bytheinstitutionandthestandardsoftheawardsmade;

• toassesstheeffectivenessofthequalityassurancearrangementsoperatedby

theinstitution;

• toconfirmtheextentthattheinstitutionhasimplementedthenational

frameworkofqualificationsandproceduresforaccess,transferand

progression;

• toevaluatetheoperationandmanagementofdelegatedauthoritywhereithas

beengranted;

• toproviderecommendationsfortheenhancementoftheeducationand

trainingprovidedbytheinstitution;

• tocontributetocoherentstrategicplanningandgovernanceintheinstitution.

9.3 INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW PROCESS

Thereviewwillconsistofsixphases:

• QQIsetstermsofreferencefollowingconsultationwithinstitution;

• self-studybytheinstitution;

• visitbyexpertpanelappointedbyQQI;

• writtenpanelreport;

• Institutionalresponseincludingimplementationplan;

• panelreportandresponsepublished;

• follow-upreportsubmittedbytheinstitution.

(a) Terms of reference for review

ThereviewwillbebasedontheEuropeanStandardsandGuidelines,andwill

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

41


incorporatethefeaturesrequiredbystatuteinrespectofreviewoftheeffectiveness

ofqualityassuranceproceduresthattheQQIhasagreedwithprovidersofferingQQI

awards.ThesevenelementsofinternalqualityassuranceinPartOneoftheEuropean

StandardsandGuidelinesshouldbeaddressedbythereviewprocess:

• policyandproceduresforqualityassurance;

• approval,monitoringandperiodicreviewofprogrammesandawards;

• assessmentofstudents;

• qualityassuranceofteachingstaff;

• learningresourcesandsupport;

• informationsystems;

• publicinformation.

Thetermsofreferencewillalsoexaminetheimplementationoftheinstitution’s

proceduresforaccess,transferandprogression.Theinstitution’sresearchactivity,if

any,willcomewithinthetermsofthereview.Inthecaseofrecognisedinstitutions,

thetermsofreferencewillalsoincludetheoperationofdelegatedauthoritybythe

institution.Thereviewmayalsoaddressthecoherenceofinstitutionalmission,vision

andvaluesandoverallinstitutionalstrategicplanning.

OthertermsmaybeaddedtomeettheneedsofaninstitutionorofQQIinparticular

circumstances.Examplesofsuchcircumstancesincludesignificantorganisational

change,suchasmerger;accommodatingjointreviewwithotherstatutoryornon-

statutorybodiesfromIrelandoroverseas;andintegratinginstitutionalreviewand

reviewofprogrammes(asrequiredunderSection34)inthecaseofsmall,specialised

institutionshavingasingle(orfewrelated)programmes.

QQIwillconsultwithaninstitutionbeforepublishingthetermsofreferenceforits

review.

(b) The Institution Self-study

Thekeyroleofself-studyintheprocessemphasisesthatqualityderivesfromthe

activityoftheinstitution.Externalreviewbuildsoninternalqualityassurance

processesandanypreviousinstitutionalreviews.Theself-studyshouldbebased

onbroadconsultationwithinternalandexternalstakeholdersoftheinstitution,

includingespeciallystudents.Thereportshouldbeanalyticalandsuccinctwith

substantiatingevidenceretainedforexaminationbyexpertpanel.Theinstitutionwill

publishtheself-studyreport.

(c) Visit of Expert Panel Appointed by QQI

Evaluationbypeersandstakeholdersiscentraltoexternalevaluation.QQIwill

appointapanelofexpertstocarryouttheinstitutionalreviewonitsbehalf.QQIwill

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

42

alsoappointachairandasecretarytothepanel.QQIwillconsultwiththeinstitution

priortoappointingthepanel,whichwillnormallybeannouncedatthesametimeas

thetermsofreferenceforthereview.Therecommendationsofthepanelwillinform

anydecisionstheCouncilmakesonfootofthereview.Panelmemberswillbechosen

onthebasisoftheirexpertiseandindependence.Panelmemberswillreceivetraining

forthetask.

Panelswillnormallyconsistof5-7members.Themembershipofeachpanelwill

includepersonsreflectingtheperspectiveofstudentsandoftheworldofwork

andpersonswithseniormanagementexperienceofhighereducationandtraining

provision.AtleastoneofthememberswillbefromoutsideIreland,bringingan

internationalperspectivetothereview.

Thepanelwillscheduleavisitorvisitstotheinstitution.Thepanelwillmeetwith

membersoftheinstitution,studentsandotherstakeholdersaccordingtoanagenda

drawnupbythepanelinconsultationwiththeinstitution.Thepanelmayalsoreview

documentaryevidencerelatingtotheinstitution.

(d) The Panel Report

Thepanelwillprepareareportfollowingthesitevisit(s).Adraftreportwillbe

submittedtotheinstitutiontocommentonfactualinaccuraciesbeforethefinal

versionisdrafted.

(e) Institutional Response

Theinstitutionwillpreparearesponsetothereport,includingaplanwithatimeline

fortheimplementationofanychanges.TheAcademicCommitteeofQQIwillconsider

thepanelreport,theinstitutionalresponseandtheviewsoftheQQIExecutive

andwillmakerecommendationstoCouncilforadoption.TheCouncilmayimpose

conditionsoninstitutionsarisingfromthereview.Whenconsideredandadoptedby

CouncilthereportandresponsewillbepublishedinfullonthewebsiteoftheCouncil.

ItshouldbenotedthatsanctionsavailabletotheCouncilincludewithdrawalof

programmevalidationorwithdrawalofdelegatedauthority.Thesesanctionswould

normallyariseonlyincircumstanceswhereseriousproblemswereevidentinadvance

ofthereviewandflaggedinthetermsofreference.Therelevantcriteriaaresetoutin

theCouncil’spoliciesondelegationofauthorityandprogrammeaccreditation.

(f) Panel Report and Response Published

ThepanelreportandtheGMITresponsewillbepublishedonboththeQQIandGMIT

websites.

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

43


(g) follow-up Report

Theinstitutionwillsubmitafollow-upreporttoQQInotmorethantwelvemonths

afterthepublicationoftheinstitutionalreport.Thiswilloutlinehowtheinstitution

hasimplementedtheplancontainedinitsresponsetothereportandevaluatethe

initialimpactofsuchimplementation.Theinstitution’sfollow-upreportwillbe

consideredbytheAcademicCommitteeofQQI,alongwithacommentarybytheQQI

Executive.TheAcademicCommitteemayadoptthefollow-upreportandmayimpose

furtherconditions.FollowingadoptionbytheAcademicCommitteeofQQI,the

follow-upreportandanyfurtherobservationsbytheQQIwillbepublishedontheQQI

website.

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

44

SECTION B

APPENdIX 1

SChEdULE OF COdES OF PRACTICE ANd ACAdEMIC POLICIES

Academic Codes of Practice

AcademicCodeofPracticeNo1:FunctionsandProcedures

AcademicCodeofPracticeNo2:Validation,MonitoringandReview

AcademicCodeofPracticeNo3:StudentAssessment:Marks&Standards

AcademicCodeofPracticeNo4:GMITPolicies,Access,TransferandProgression

AcademicCodeofPracticeNo5:Research

AcademicCodeofPracticeNo6:RecognitionofPriorLearning

AcademicCodeofPracticeNo7:CodeofStudentConduct

Academic Codes of Policies

AcademicCodeofPolicyNo1:ResearchEthics

AcademicCodeofPolicyNo2:Plagiarism

AcademicCodeofPolicyNo3:GardaVetting

AcademicCodeofPolicyNo4:Learning,TeachingandAssessmentStrategy2010-2015

AcademicCodeofPolicyNo5:NursingClinicalPlacement

AcademicCodeofPolicyNo6:EqualityPolicyforStudents

AcademicCodeofPolicyNo.7:ChildProtectionReporting

AcademicCodeofPolicyNo.8:SocialMedia

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

45


APPENdIX 2

NEW PROGRAMME PROPOSAL – FORM AQA1

FullAward

HigherCert.Special

Purpose

Award

Minor

Degree Supplemental

Hons.Degree SpecialPurpose

Programme Title: _______________________________________________________

department: _______________________________________________________

School: _______________________________________________________

1. general:

ProjectedNumbers: ____________________________________________________

ProposedStartingDate: ____________________________________________________

Mode:(Full-time/Flexible/ACCM): ________________________________________________

2. AimsandObjectives:Describebrieflyaimsandobjectivesoftheprogramme.

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

3. Whatneedswillbeservedbythisprogramme?Givedetailsofanyresearch

undertakentojustifyprovisionofthiscourse.

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

4. PotentialEmploymentOpportunities.

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

46

5. Additionalresourcesrequiredunder(a)Human,(b)Physical,(c)Equipment.

(Useadditionalsheetifnecessary).

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

6. ProgrammeDesign/CommonModules,clearlyindicatingthosealreadybeing

delivered.

____________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Signed:__________________________ _______________

head of Academic unit date

for Office use:

ReceivedbyRegistrar’sOffice: __________________Date:___________________

DecisionofExecutiveBoard: _________________

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

47


APPENdIX 3

NEw PROgRAMME TEMPlATE (fORM AQA2)

Thisistherecommendedtemplatefornewprogrammesubmissions.

1.0 Introduction

1.1 IntroductiontotheInstitute

1.2 IntroductiontoSchoolandDepartment

1.3 ProposedProgrammeTitle

1.4 ProposedCommencementDate

1.5 RationalefortheNewProgrammehavingregardtoMissionandStrategicPlan

Thisshouldincludereferencetoanyrelevantlocal,regional,nationalandEUreports

aswellasanysurveysandresearchundertaken.Itshouldalsoincludethecareer/

employmentopportunitiestargeted.Thefeedbackreceivedfromconsultationswith

employers,professionalbodiesandothergroupsshouldbeincluded.

1.5 RATIONAlE fOR dEVElOPMENT Of PROgRAMME

1.5.1 Justification for The Programme:

[This should include market research undertaken, including supporting data.]

1.5.2 Consultation Process:

(a)WithEmployers

WithrelevantProfessionalBodies

(c)WithOtherGroups

1.5.3 Employment Potential for graduates

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

48

1.6 RelevanceoftheProgrammetothemissionandStrategicplanofGMIT.

1.7 (a) Industrialandotherlinks,includingpossibleindustrial/professionalwork

placement.

(b) AccessRequirements

Thisshouldcoverstandardandnon-standardstudents.

(c) Duration

(d) StudentDemandfortheProgrammeandprojectedstudentnumbers

(e) Transfer/ProgressionOpportunitiesinthecontextoftheNationalFramework

(f) RelevanceoftheProgrammetotheIrish,EuropeanandInternational

LabourMarkets

(g) Environmentalscanofsimilarorrelatedprogrammesofferedbyother

providers.

2.0 AimsandObjectivesoftheProgramme

(a) Levelofawardsought.

(b) Aimsandobjectives.

(c) IntendedlearningoutcomesoftheProgramme(Theymustcomplywiththe

NQAIIntendedlearningoutcomesforthelevel).

3.0 Resources required for programme

(indicating what is available and what additions are required)

• Human

• InformationTechnology

• Library

• ResourcesandSupportFacilities

• Equipment

• FinancialImplicationsofofferingtheProgramme.

4.0 Programme design and Management

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

49


4.1 ProgrammeDesign/ModularFramework/ProgrammeSchedule

a) Listingsofmodules,contacthours,(withabreakdownbetween

laboratory,practical,studio,tutorials,lectures).

b) Commonmodules

4.2 Staffing

Lecturingstaffwithresponsibilityforeachmodule.(Curriculum vitaeshouldbe

providedinanappendix)

4.3 ProgrammeManagementProcedures

4.4 Pedagogyrelevanttotheprogramme

4.5 AssessmentMethodologies/ProgrammeAssessmentStrategy

Thedocumentshoulddescribetheassessmentmethodologiesproposedhaving

regardtotheintendedlearningoutcomesandtheworkloadforstudents.Fair,

consistentandstandard-compliantassessmentofstudentsontheprogrammeis

essential.

4.6 ModuleDescriptors

Eachmoduleshouldbepreparedasfollows:

(a) Moduletitle

(b) Intendedlearningoutcomes

Note:Intendedlearningoutcomesmustbespecifiedforeachmodule.

(c) IndicativeContentwithrelativeweightings

(d) Teaching/LearningandAssessmentMethodologies

(e) IndicativeReadingList(i) Essential(ii)Supplementary

(f) LearningResources(softwareandweb-basedsources)

(g) Thelatesteditionoftextsshouldbereferenced.

5.0 degree Profile

Anelectronicversionofthistemplateisavailableat:

http://staff.gmit.ie/academic-administration/office-academic-affairs/qa-links.html

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

50

dEGREE PROFILE OFTheofficial name of the programme offeredbytheinstitutioninthe‘original’language.

IfthenameisnotinEnglish,pleaseprovideinadditionan English translation(whereavailable)initalics

Please provide (in bold):

Thefull name of the qualification in the original languageasitisphrasedintheoriginalqualification.Ifthequalificationisadualaward,thisshouldbestated.Indicateiftheawardconfersanynationallyacceptedtitleontheholderandwhatthistitleis.Indicateifthetitleisprotectedbylaw.

IfthenameisnotinEnglish,pleaseprovideinadditionan English translation(whereavailable)initalics

Institution Pleasefillintheofficial name of the awarding institution

Country Pleasefillinthecountry that provides the accreditation of the degree awarding institution

Yearofreference Pleaserefertotheyear(s)forwhichtheprogrammereceived accreditation,oranyotherreferencedateindicatingwhentheinformationprovidedwithinthedegreeprogrammewasdesigned

Level Pleaseindicatethe levelofthequalificationintermsofNQF(whereavailable)/EQFandBologna(EHEA)

A Purpose

Pleaseprovide(in2sentences)a general statementofthedegreeprogramme,coveringasyntheticviewoftheoverall purpose of the programme

B Characteristics

1 Discipline(s) Pleaseindicatethemain subject and/or specific subject areasofthedegreeprogramme

Iftheprogrammeismulti-orinterdisciplinary:pleaseaddrelativeweightofmajorcomponentsifapplicable(e.g.politics,lawandeconomics(60:20:20)

2 Focus Pleaseindicateherethespecialist and/or generalfocusofthedegreeprogramme(ifapplicable)

3 Orientation Pleaseprovideasummaryoftheorientation of the degree programme

For example whether the degree is primarily: research oriented, practical/professional orientated, applied, related to designated employment

4 Distinctivefeatures

Pleaseprovidehereanyadditional features that distinguish this degree programmefrom other degree programmes

For example: if the programme includes a compulsory international component, if a specific working environment is required or if a course is taught in second language

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

51


C Employability & further education

1 Employability Pleasesummarise(inmaximum3lines)theemployment opportunities relatingtothecompetencesobtainedinthedegreeprogrammeanditsspecialisations. These for example refer to occupations and/or job level

NB:Indicatetherelevantnational/Europeanlegalframeworkifapplicable

2 Furthereducation

Pleaseindicate(inmaximum3lines)access to further studieswithinandoutsidethemainsubjectareasidentifiedabove,relatingtothecompetencesobtainedintheprogrammeanditsspecialisations

d Education style

1 Learning&TeachingApproaches

Pleaseindicate(inmaximum3lines)themain learning and teachingstrategiesandmethods,relevanttotheprogrammeoutcomes.

Examples are: self directed study, problem based learning, research based learning, learning through laboratory practice, reflective learning, work placements, group work, individual study and autonomous learning

2 Assessmentmethods

Pleaseindicate(inmaximum3lines)themain assessment strategies and methods,relevanttotheprogrammeoutcomesaswellaslearningandteachingapproaches.

Examples are: oral and written examinations, practice, critical incident analyses, case studies, essays, presentations, reports, continuing assessments, examinations and project work, self reflection

E Programme competences

Pleaseincludethemaincompetencesdevelopedbyprogrammecompletion.Thesearecategorisedasgenericorsubjectspecificcompetences(pleaseseesectionpageXforfurtherexplanation).Thetotalnumberofprogrammecompetences(genericandsubjectspecific)shouldnotexceed15.Inthecaseofregulatedprofessions,itmaybeappropriatetomakeareferencetoanyprofessional/legalrequirementswherethefulllistofprogrammecompetencesisfound,butherefocusonthekeydomains/competencesonly.Titlesare:• E1Generic;and,• E2SubjectSpecific

1 Generic Pleaselistherethegenericprogrammecompetences

2 Subjectspecific Pleaselistherethe subjectspecificprogrammecompetences

f Complete list of programme intended learning outcomes

Pleaselistheretheintended learning outcomes of the programme(suggestedmaximum15).

ProgrammeIntendedlearningoutcomesarestatementsofwhatstudentsknow,understandandareabletodemonstrateaftersuccessfulcompletionoftheprogramme,InformationisfoundonpageX

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

52

CURRICULUM VITAE OF LECTURER

Name: ______________________________________________________

Job Title: ______________________________________________________

Current Position: FullTime PartTime Contract Other

If ‘Other’ Please Specify:______________________________________________________

Qualifications:

(A)AcademicQualifications

(B)Membership(S)OfProfessionalBodies

lecturing/Teaching Experience:

Relevant work Experience:

Area(S) Of Expertise:

Research/Consultancy undertaken In last 5 years:

Professional development Activity undertaken In last 5 years:

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

53


GA

LWA

Y-M

AY

O I

TM

od

el f

or

Ap

pro

ved

Pro

gra

mm

e S

ched

ule

Pro

gra

m C

od

eG

A_.

....

Aw

ard

Tit

le

V

ers

ion

Nu

mb

er:

Are

a o

f S

pe

cia

lisa

tio

n

firs

t A

pp

rova

l:D

ate

NQ

AI l

eve

l

Cu

rre

nt

Ap

pro

val:

Da

te

Tota

l ye

ars

In

tak

e

firs

t

last

Ne

xt

Re

vie

w:

lea

rnin

g M

od

es:

AC

CS

FULL

ye

ar

Cre

dit

sh

ou

rsC

om

po

ne

nt

Ma

rk

C

lass

Co

nta

ct

hrs

.

Tota

l

Co

nta

ct

ho

urs

fin

al

Exam

Max

No

. of

Pro

gram

me

P

ract

hrs

.

Tut

hrs

.

Co

nt

Ass

ess

Pro

j P

ract

wee

ksC

od

eTi

tle

of E

xam

inat

ion

Mo

du

leSt

atu

sN

QA

I

leve

lN

o.

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Cre

dit

s A

vail

ab

le

100

Cre

dit

s R

eq

uir

ed

Co

nta

ct h

ou

rs

Sp

eci

al R

eg

ula

tio

ns

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

54

APPENdIX 4

BRIEFING NOTES FOR EXTERNAL VALIdATION PANELS

ANewProgrammeReviewBoardisrequiredtomakeanimpartialjudgementon

thelevel,intendedlearningoutcomes,standard,contentandobjectivesofthe

proposedprogrammeandonitscomparabilitywithothersimilarprogrammesoffered

elsewhereinIrelandand/orinternationally.

ThegeneralissuesconsideredandevaluatedbytheBoardshouldincludethe

following:

1. Need for the course

(a) Philosophyoftheprogramme

(b) Rationaleforthedevelopmentoftheprogrammeintermsofdemandat

regionalandnationallevel.

(c) i) AimsandObjectives

ii) Intendedlearningoutcomes

(d) Expectedintellectualdevelopmentandlearningexperienceofstudents

takingtheprogramme

(e) Deliverymode0

2. Resources

(a) Resourcesrequiredtoprovidetheprogramme

(b) Facilitiesandresourcesavailabletotheprogrammeandtheiradequacyto

ensurethestandardproposed.

(c) Lecturerooms,laboratories,learningresources,ITaccess,other

infrastructuralsupportrequired.

(d) Justificationfortheprogrammehavingregardtoneedandtheresources

required.

3. Access, Transfer, Progression

(a) Clarityofadmissioncriteria,progression,andtransfer,havingregardto

theNationalQualificationsFramework.

(b) Projectedstudentnumbersincludingprovisionformaturestudents.

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

55


4. Pedagogy relevant to the programme

(a) Relevanceoftheprogrammedesign,teachingandlearning

methodologies,andassessmentprocedurestotheintendedlearning

outcomesoftheprogramme.

(b) InclusionofaProgrammeAssessmentStrategy.

(c) Coherence,reliabilityandstandardsofthemodulesinachievingthePLO’s.

(d) Howwelltheassessment/methodologiesproposedassesstheintended

learningoutcomesspecified/Teaching/Learning/Assessmentbalanceand

workload.

(e) Appropriatenessandprogressionofthemodulesthroughoutthe

programme.

(f) Appropriatenessoftheacademicstandardinthefinalstageofthe

programmetotheproposedaward.

5. Staff

(a) Qualityofstaffingavailabletotheprogramme

(b) Staffdevelopment.

(c) Appropriatenessandeffectivenessoftheteachingmethods,learningand

assessments/methodologiestothestandardoftheproposedaward.

(d) Liaisonwithindustry,commerce,publicagencies,professionalbodies,

andotherthirdlevelinstitutionsinIrelandandabroad.

(e) Research.

(f) Publications.

6. Programme Management and Quality Assurance

(a) Mechanismsformanagingtheprogramme.

(b) Studentsupport,counsellingandtutoringarrangements.

(c) Aspectsofprogrammewhichfosterstudyskills,independentlearning,

individualresponsibilityandprofessionalbehaviourinstudents.

(d) InternationallinksandEUdimensionsintheprogramme.

(e) Mechanismsformonitoringtheprogrammetomaintainthestandardof

teaching,learningandstudentperformance,includingfeedbackfromthe

variousstakeholders.

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

56

APPENdIX 5

fORM AQA3

Template for Report of New Programme Evaluation

Title:_______________________________________________________________________

Full-time Part-time Semesterised Modularised

NewProgramme Modificationofexistingprogramme

Duration:___________________________________________________________________

Date(s)ofmeeting(s):________________________________________________________

findings and Recommendations:

RecommendationsofPanelinrelationtoawardsought:

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Specialconditionsattachingtoapproval(ifany):

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Additionalresourcerequirements(ifany):

(a)essential________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

(b)desirable________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

57


Furtherrecommendationsrelatingtotheprogrammeanditsdevelopment:

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

general comments:

(A full report, commenting on each heading in appendix 3, must be prepared).

Note:TheApprovedProgrammeScheduleshouldbeattachedtothereport.

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Signatures: __________________________

Chairperson

__________________________

Secretary

Date: __________________

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

58

APPENdIX 6

Generic award-type descriptor for GMIT named awards of ‘Minor, Special Purpose and Supplemental Award-Types’

Class Minor,SpecialPurposeandSupplemental

Title Aspertitlingconventionproposedabove:

All lEVEl 6 = Certificate in…..

lEVEl 7-10< 60 credits = Certificate in…..

lEVEl 7-10> 60 credits = diploma in…..

Purpose Refertothepurposeofeachindividualaward-typecategoryabove.

level AnyLevel–best-fit.ThescopeforincludingintendedlearningoutcomesfromlowerLevelsthantheLevelofthenamedawardisdependentupontheoverallvolumeofintendedlearningoutcomesforthenamedawards.

Volume Minor –smallerthanthemajorawardofwhichitisapart

Special Purpose – usuallylimitedtoasmallnumberofsub-strands

Supplemental –betweensmallandmedium

Comprehensiveness

(Thenumber/volumeofsub-strandsincludedinthenamedaward)

Thenumberofsub-strandsisusuallysmallfortheseawardcategories.Thesub-strandsrefertotheknowledge,skillorcompetenceattheappropriateLevelintheframeworkforspecialpurposeawards.Forminorandsupplementalawardtypesthesub-strandsrefertotheknowledge,skillorcompetenceofthemajorawardsattheappropriateLevel.

CREdIT Aminimumvolumeof10creditspernamedawardwillapplytoeachofthethreeaward-typecategories.Minimumcreditsapplyirrespectiveofthecombinationofsub-strandsofknowledge,skillorcompetence(Credit is based on the notional workload of ECTS credit system (European Credit Transfer System).

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

59


knowledge - breadth Thesubs-strandsfortheseawardsarevariable,asthenatureofeachawardtypecannotprescribeanyparticularsetofknowledge,skillorcompetence.

Aminimumvolumeissetforallnamedawardsasfollows:

Thenamedawardmayincorporatethesub-strandsofknowledge,skillandcompetencebywayofareducedvolumebutshouldincludeatleastone(ormore)ofthesubs-strandsineachofthethreestrandsofknowledgeskillandcompetence,or

Shouldincorporateallofthesub-strandsforoneofthemainstrandsofKnowledgeorSkillorCompetence

knowledge – kind

know-how and skill – range

know-how and skill – selectivity

Competence - context

Competence – role

Competence – learning to learn

Competence - insight

Progression & Transfer Minor awards –transfertoprogrammesleadingtoattainmentofapartofoneormoremajorawards.Transfertoprogrammesleadingtospecialpurposeawards.

Special purpose awards –transfertomajororminorandotherrelatedspecialpurposeawardsatthesameLeveloraboveandto

Articulation Supplemental – from major or special purpose award at the same level

link to other Awards Special Purpose –Intendedlearningoutcomesmayformpartofthoseofamajoraward,minorawardorsupplementalaward

Minor –Intendedlearningoutcomesformpartofthoseofamajoraward

Supplemental – leaningoutcomesarecloselylinkedtothoseofamajorawardorofaspecialpurposeaward–theygenerallyreflectadeepeningoflearning,up-datingorspecialisation.

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

60

APPENdIX 7

Programme handbook

Table 1:Suggested Contents of Progamme Handbook

(a) IntroductiontoGMIT

(b) IntroductiontoSchoolandDepartment

(c) TitleofProgramme

(d) ProgrammeIntendedLearningOutcomes

(e) ProgrammeOutline(Degreeprofile)–RefertoAQA2Appendix2

(f) ProgrammeAssessmentStrategytoinclude:ScheduleofAssessmentsand

Examinations

(g) Regulations(specialpurposeareas,attendanceatpracticals,healthand

safetymodulesineligibleforcompensationetc.)

(h) Namesoflecturersandcontactdetails

(i) ApprovedProgrammeSchedule.

Appendix 1:ModuleDescriptors.

Note:TheProgrammeHandbookshouldmakereferencetothe Students’ Code of

Conduct covering,inter alia,regulationsrelatingtoadmissions,registrationand

examinations.

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

61


APPENdIX 8

Programme Board Annual Report

INSTITIúIdTEICNEOlAíOChTANAgáIllIMhE-MAIghEO

gAlwAy MAyO INSTITuTE Of TEChNOlOgY

School: ____________________________________________________________

Department: ____________________________________________________________

ProgrammeTitle: ____________________________________________________________

AcademicYear: __________

(1) Enrolment and Student Performance

year Stage

Numberregistered 1 2 3 4

Numbersatexaminations

Numberachieving60creditsinsummerandAutumn

%progressingwith60credits

Numberachieving<60creditsandprogressingas

specialcases

%progressingintotal

(2) Programme Board Meetings

(a) Numberofmeetingsfortheyear:____________________________________

(b) Issuesconsideredandactionstaken:

(3) Programme feedback

(a) Mainfeedbackfromstudents.

(b) Mainpointsinexternalexaminers’reports

(4) general Comments and Recommendations.

(5) where programmes do not meet Institute targets for attrition and retention,

specify the proposed actions to be taken.

Signed: ___________________________ ___________________________

head of Academic unit head of department

Date:______________________ Date:______________________

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

62

APPENdIX 9

Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology

Learner Feedback Form - Module

Form QA1

Lecturers Note: The Form QA1 can be used in place of the existing QA1.

Student’s Note: The purpose of this form is to enable you offer feedback on your modules of study. It should NOT be used to make personal comments about staff or students. It will take less than 5 minutes to complete and should be handed back to the lecturer.

1. Course and Student Details

1.1 Module Title

1.2 Award Title

1.3 Tick which of the following best describes your attendance on this module?

less than 50% between 50% and 90% more than 90%

2. Teaching & Learning Environment

2.1 Tick which of the following indicates your level of satisfaction with the room(s) used on this module using the scale provided? (labs, lecture theatres, tutorial rooms etc...)

5 4 3 2 1

2.3 What suggestions would you make to improve the teaching and learning environment?

3. Module Evaluation

3.1 Did this module challenge you?

Yes, all of it Yes, most of it Yes, some of it None of it

3.2 Were the explanations in class easy to understand?

Yes Most of the time Some of the time No

PLEaSE Turn ovEr anD CoMPLETE SECTion 3

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

63


3.3 Were the notes you received useful and easy to follow?

Yes Most of the time Some of the time No

3.4 If you received feedback on your assessments, was it useful?

Yes, it was useful No, it was not useful

I did not receive feedback on my assessments I had no assessments

3.5 What did you enjoy most about this module?

3.6 What did you enjoy least about this module?

3.7 Are there any suggestions you would like to make towards improving this module?

Thank you For your TiME

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

64

APPENdIX 10

Summary of Learner Feedback Form QA2

Instructions: Lecturers should use this form to report to their HOD on the Feedback received from Learners (Form QA1) and what suggestions for improvement (if any) might be considered by the Programme Board.

This form should be submitted to the HOD as soon as the feedback is collected but no later than the end of December for Semester 1 modules and no later than the end of April for Semester 2 modules. Additional pages may be used if appropriate.

Module name:

Lecturer:

Date:

Learners commented positively on the following:

Learners commented negatively on the following:

Learners suggestions for improvement:

Actions by HOD (if any)

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

65


APPENdIX 11

Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology

Learner Feedback Form - award

Form QA3

Staff Note: This form QA3 can be used in place of the existing Form QA3.

Student’s Note: The purpose of this form is to enable you offer feedback on your programme of study leading to your Award. It should NOT be used to make personal comments about staff or students. It will take less than 5 minutes to complete.

1. award and Student Details

1.1 Award Title

1.2 Tick which of the following choices best describes your attendance at classes?

less than 50% between 50% and 90% more than 90%

2. Teaching & Learning Environment

2.1 Tick which of the following indicates your level of satisfaction with the room(s) used on this programme of study?

5 4 3 2 1

2.3 What suggestions would you make to improve the teaching and learning environment?

3. Learner Experience

3.1 Did this module challenge you?

Yes, all of it Yes, most of it Yes, some of it None of it

3.2 Which module(s) challenged you the most?

3.3 Which module(s) challenged you the least?

3.4 How would you rate the balance between theory and practical work on the overall programme of study?

Good balance Too much theory Too much practical work

3.5 How would you describe the level of workload (classes, private study and assessments) expected from you throughout the year?

Very demanding Demanding Manageable

Reasonable Unreasonable

PLEaSE Turn ovEr anD CoMPLETE SECTion 3

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

66

3.6 Was it difficult to get in touch with lecturers to discuss any issues?

No, it was easy Sometimes it was difficult

Always it was difficult I never tried to contact lecturers

3.7 If you received any tutorials, were they useful?

Yes, they were No, they were not

I did attend many, or any, tutorials I had no tutorials

3.8 What did you enjoy most about this programme of study?

3.9 What did you enjoy least about this programme of study?

3.7 Are there any suggestions you would like to make towards improving this programme of study?

Thank you For your TiME

Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

67


Inst

itiú

id T

eicn

eola

íoch

ta n

a G

ail

lim

he-

Ma

igh

Eo

68

Príomhionad Riaracháin

Bóthar Bhaile Átha Cliath, Gaillimh, Éire.

Teil: +353 91 753 161

Faics: +353 91 751 107

R-phost: [email protected]

Láithreán Gréasáin: http//www.gmit.ie

Campas Mhaigh Eo

Bóthar Chathair na Mart, Caisleán an Bharraigh,

Co. Mhaigh Eo, Éire.

Teil: +353 94 902 5700

Faics: +353 94 902 5757

Lárionad Náisiúnta um Barr Feabhais

i nDearadh & Teicneolaíocht

Leitir Fraic, Co. na Gaillimhe, Éire.

Teil: +353 91 742653 / 742650

Faics: +353 954 1112

Lárionad do na hEalaíona

Cruthaitheacha & na Meáin

Cluain Mhuire, Bóthar Mhuine Mheá,

Gaillimh, Éire.

Teil: +353 91 770 661

Faics: +353 91 770 740

Administrative Headquarters

Dublin Road, Galway, Ireland.

Tel: +353 91 753 161

Fax: +353 91 751 107

E-mail: [email protected]

Web Site: http//www.gmit.ie

Mayo Campus

Westport Road, Castlebar,

Co. Mayo, Ireland.

Tel: +353 94 902 5700

Fax: +353 94 902 5757

National Centre for Excellence in

Furniture Design & Technology

Letterfrack, Co. Galway, Ireland.

Tel: +353 91 742653 / 742650

Fax: +353 954 1112

Centre for the Creative

Arts & Media

Cluain Mhuire, Monivea Road,

Galway, Ireland.

Tel: +353 91 770 661

Fax: +353 91 770 740

academic code of practice: no.2 validation, monitoring & review · 1as a agaredbayabthcmtyi...

Documents