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Quality Handbook

AQH-I3-A1 Operations Manual Guidelines for the Joint Franchise Model of Collaboration

Version 5.0 June 2015

Operations Manualfor programmes approved

to be offered in partnership betweenthe University of Sunderland (the University)

and[PARTNER NAME] (the Partner)

in accordance with the University’s Joint Franchise Collaborative Model

AQH-I1-A1 Operations Manual Guidelines - Joint Franchise model v5 June 2015 of 33

Implementation and Modification History (for Faculty use only):

Version Occasion of Change

Change author

Date of modifi-cation

Modifications made

Version signed off by Faculty (date & details)

Date issued to Partner for implement-ation

1.0

Your support and co-operation will be very much appreciated, and any feedback you can provide on the effectiveness of the Operations Manual template and/or notification of any broken links/other inaccuracies would be gratefully received. Please contact Quality Assurance and Enhancement (QAE) at the University of Sunderland via [email protected]

This document should be issued to the following people:

At the University: Centre Leader / Faculty Partnership Leader Programme Leader(s) as appropriate Faculty Quality Officer Faculty Administration Support

At the Partner: Assistant Programme Leader(s) as appropriate Administration Support


mailto:[email protected]

CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION...................................................................................4

2.0 EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY................................................................5

3.0 COMMUNICATION CHANNELS...........................................................5

4.0 WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT...................................................7

5.0 APPOINTMENT OF STAFF..................................................................7

6.0 INDUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHING STAFF................8

7.0 PROGRAMME DESIGN AND ONGOING DEVELOPMENT...............11

8.0 IN-COUNTRY APPROVAL TO OPERATE..........................................12

9.0 APPROVAL OF MARKETING INFORMATION...................................13

10.0 STUDENT RECRUITMENT AND ALLOCATION OF STUDENT

NUMBERS.......................................................................................14

11.0 STUDENT ADMISSIONS, REGISTRATION AND RECORDS............14

12.0 STUDENT INDUCTION AND STUDENT HANDBOOKS....................16

13.0 STUDENT SUPPORT AND REPRESENTATION...............................18

14.0 STUDENT COMPLAINTS, APPEALS AND DISCIPLINARY

PROCEDURES................................................................................19

15.0 PROGRAMME DELIVERY..................................................................20

16.0 LEARNING RESOURCES...................................................................21

17.0 ASSESSMENT....................................................................................21

18.0 EXTERNAL EXAMINERS....................................................................23

19.0 ISSUE OF ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS AND AWARD PARCHMENTS

23

20.0 QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS INCLUDING REVIEW.............24

21.0 PROGRAMME OR PARTNERSHIP TERMINATION..........................27

22.0 GLOSSARY OF TERMS.....................................................................27

23.0 USEFUL LINKS...................................................................................31

Appendix One (to be added by Faculty): Quality Annex to the Collaborative Provision Agreement


1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 This operations manual has been designed to promote common understandings about the respective roles and responsibilities of the Partner and University staff involved in the delivery, management, quality assurance, and co-ordination of the University’s awards offered through collaborative arrangements. It is specifically tailored to accommodate University requirements relating to its Joint Franchise Model of Collaboration. Mutual understandings are essential to assure parity of the student experience, regardless of the site of delivery. The University recognises it is important to avoid jargon and a glossary of terms is included in this manual. A set of useful links to other information sources is also provided.

1.2 This manual is designed by the University but may be contextualised by the Partner with University agreement. The core sections included in the manual may not be altered. The University and the Partner are jointly responsible for ensuring that this is issued to all staff who contribute towards programme delivery. It amplifies the roles that staff in each organisation are expected to fulfil as laid down in the Collaborative Provision Agreement (CPA) that governs this collaboration. It may also be useful to refer to the University’s Guidelines on the Role of Assistant Programme Leaders at Partner Institutions accessible through:https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-6167/AQH-I1-4a+Role+of+Assistant+Programme+Leader+at+Partner+Institutions.docas well as the University’s Guidelines on Roles of Centre Leader and that of the Faculty Partnership Leader (cf1.4).

1.3 Sections from the Quality Annex to the Collaborative Provision Agreement between the University and the Partner are included as core italicised and emboldened sections presented in grids throughout the Manual, beneath which the specific requirements are explained in more detail. Please refer to the Quality Annex to this Agreement – see Appendix One. These Agreements are normally reviewed every six years. Agreements with partners are drawn up to reflect the University of Sunderland’s Collaborative Processes - see: https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-5273/AQH-I1+Collaborative+approval+and+review+processes.doc

together with the University’s’ Collaborative Models of Provision paper (https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-7996) and relevant sections from the Quality Assurance Agency’s UK Quality Code for Higher Education (e.g. Chapter B10 Managing higher education provision with others http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Pages/quality-code-B10.aspx ).Please refer to the University’s Academic Quality Handbook for all guidelines referred to in this manual, see:http://services.sunderland.ac.uk/academic-services/academic-quality-handbook/

1.4 To optimise effective communications it is important that appropriate

mechanisms and communication channels are in place for contacting relevant staff and to resolve issues in a timely manner. The University will produce a clear schedule of activities each year including the date and time of various


http://services.sunderland.ac.uk/academic-services/academic-quality-handbook/


http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Pages/quality-code-B10.aspx

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Pages/quality-code-B10.aspx

https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-7996

https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-5273/AQH-I1+Collaborative+approval+and+review+processes.doc

https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-5273/AQH-I1+Collaborative+approval+and+review+processes.doc

https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-6167/AQH-I1-4a+Role+of+Assistant+Programme+Leader+at+Partner+Institutions.doc



activities including relevant Board/meeting dates. The University will appoint a Faculty Partnership Leader / Centre Leader as the member of staff who takes responsibility for management of the relationship with a given collaborative partner for an agreed subject area and the relevant programmes. For University guidance on the role of Centre Leader please refer to: https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-5250/AQH-I1-4+APPENDIX+4+The+Role+of+the+Centre+Leader.doc. and for role of Faculty Partnership Leader please refer to: https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-8076/AQH-I1-19%20The%20Role%20of%20the%20Faculty%20Partnership%20Leader.docx

2.0 EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

2.1 The University values and promotes equality and diversity for its staff and students. In line with its strategic aims, it works to ensure that all members of the community treat one another with respect and dignity.

This University’s Equality and Diversity website:http://services.sunderland.ac.uk/hr/equalityanddiversity/aims to provide details on developments related to equality and diversity within the University, guidance for both staff and students, and resource information on good practice. The University of Sunderland operates a strict equality and diversity policy. It will therefore not tolerate discriminatory practices. Copies of the University’s position policies on this are available on the website via the above link.

3.0 COMMUNICATION CHANNELS

3.1 From the outset, it is important to establish and maintain effective communication channels to assure the successful operation, quality assurance and management of the provision. At the practitioner level, communications between Assistant Programme Leader at the partner and the Centre Leader/Faculty Partner Leader at the University in particular should be established from the outset.

3.2 The current University Management Structure is accessible here

3.3 Typical Faculty Structure: University of Sunderland

3.4.1 Please refer to http://www.sunderland.ac.uk/faculties/ to access up-to-date details relating to specific individuals/Departments.

Typical University Faculties include: a Dean Associate Dean – Student Experience, Associate Dean – Resources, Research and External Engagement, Associate Dean – Recruitment and Development, and Heads of Department.

The current Faculty/Department structure is as follows:

Faculty Departments


http://www.sunderland.ac.uk/faculties/

https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-8340/University%20Organisation%20January%202013%20(final).pdf

http://services.sunderland.ac.uk/hr/equalityanddiversity/

https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-8076/AQH-I1-19%20The%20Role%20of%20the%20Faculty%20Partnership%20Leader.docx



https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-5250/AQH-I1-4+APPENDIX+4+The+Role+of+the+Centre+Leader.doc


Applied Sciences

Department of Computing, Engineering & TechnologyDepartment of PsychologyDepartment of Pharmacy, Health & Well-beingDepartment of Sport & Exercise Sciences

Education and Society

Department of EducationDepartment of Social SciencesDepartment of Culture

Business and Law

Sunderland Business SchoolDepartment of LawDepartment of Tourism, Hospitality and Events

Arts, Design and Media

Department of Arts & DesignDepartment of Media

Figure 1: University Faculties and Departments

3.4 A selection of current University contacts according to role:

Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive tel: 0191 515 2036Deputy Vice Chancellor & Chief Executive (Academic) tel: 0191 515 2039Deputy Vice Chancellor & Chief Executive (Resources) tel: 0191 515 2460Director of Academic Services tel: 0191 515 2060Assistant Director of Academic Services tel: 0191 515 2433Assistant Director (Marketing and Recruitment - TNE) tel: 0191 515 2283Assistant Director (Marketing and Recruitment - UK) tel: 0191 515 2667Assistant Director (Student & Learning Support) tel: 0191 515 2903Head of Quality tel: 0191 515 2063Senior Quality Assurance & Enhancement Officer tel: 0191 515 2065/

0191 515 2069Educational Partnerships Office,Marketing and Recruitment

tel: 0191 515 2806

Faculty, Department, and programme University of Sunderland contacts:[to be annotated as appropriate]

Role Telephone/emailDean of Faculty xxxxxxxxxxxxFaculty Associate Dean (Recruitment & Development) xxxxxxxxxxxxxFaculty Associate Dean (Student Experience) xxxxxxxxxxxxFaculty Quality Management Sub-Committee Chair xxxxxxxxxxxxCentre Leader / Faculty Partnerships Leader xxxxxxxxxxxxProgramme Assessment Board Chair xxxxxxxxxxxxFaculty Programme Studies Board representative xxxxxxxxxxxxFaculty Programme Leader xxxxxxxxxxxxGeneral Enquiry Telephone number for the Faculty xxxxxxxxxxxx

3.5 The current Management Structure of the Partner organisation is [To Be Inserted


3.7 Partner Contacts (to be completed by Partner)

Role Telephone/email

4.0 WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT

4.1 The Quality Annex to the Collaborative Provision Agreement (CPA) (see Appendix One), signed between the University and the Partner at Chief Executive level, clearly describes the aspects of quality, assurance and management that the Partner and/or the University is responsible for fulfilling.

5.0 APPOINTMENT OF STAFF

Core Activity/ responsibility core requirement: Joint Franchise Model

Consider Partner staff CVs taking into account the expertise of individuals and the balance of expertise across the staff team

University

5. 1 The University will be responsible for approving the appointment of staff teaching on the programme in accordance with University criteria in advance of their commencing to teach on the programme.

5.2 The Partner will be responsible for: providing to the University the CVs of staff whom it proposes to

engage to support delivery of the programme for approval by the University in advance of their appointment;

submitting details of proposed changes to teaching staff to the University for approval in advance of their implementation;

reflecting on any teaching staff changes in the annual monitoring report;

maintaining a team of a suitable number and range of staff teaching on the programme.

5.3 The Partner will put forward the CVs of staff whom it is proposed will teach on the agreed University programmes and modules in accordance with the curriculum vitae guidance below. Tutors recruited to teach on the approved programmes and modules are expected to have at least one year’s


experience of Higher Education (HE) teaching at a level above that for which it is proposed they will be responsible for delivering. The Partner will also submit to the University for approval, via the Centre Leader/Faculty Partnership Leader, a matrix for each programme to be delivered at that Partner site, detailing the names of tutors whom it proposes will lead each programme and teach each of the programme modules. The Partner will ensure that an appropriate number and range of academic staff is attributed to the delivery of each programme covered by the Collaborative Provision Agreement (CPA). A maximum number of modules that an individual member of Partner academic staff may lead will normally be agreed by the appropriate University Faculty.

5.4 To ensure appropriate liaison and management of the University programmes, the Partner will provide appropriate administrative support.

5.5 Where teaching staff are appointed subsequent to the initial validation, the above procedure should be followed. Approved staff changes should be reflected upon in the annual monitoring report produced by the Partner.

5.6 Curriculum Vitae Guidance

5.6.1 The University’s guidelines on Partner Organisation Staff CVs are accessible via the following link.https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-6508/AQH-I13%20Guidance%20to%20Partner%20Organisations%20on%20Staff%20CVs.doc

6.0 INDUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHING STAFF


Provide staff development including pedagogical development, subject-specific development and awareness of UK and University quality and standards requirements.

University and Partner in collaboration. However the Partner is expected to provide subject-specific staff development for their own staff.

6.1 Teaching Staff Induction

6.1.1 All teaching staff appointed should ideally undergo a process of staff induction/development. The exact issues to cover in teaching staff induction will vary but will typically include:

Learning and teaching issues; learning outcomes etc Academic regulations Academic support for students Assessment/feedback on assessment Quality Assurance issues/annual monitoring requirements etc Collection of student feedback Plagiarism and cheating Complaints procedure


https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-6508/AQH-I13%20Guidance%20to%20Partner%20Organisations%20on%20Staff%20CVs.doc



Access to University on line library facilities

6.1.2 Approved tutors who teach on University ‘Joint Franchise’ programmes may be eligible to apply for a University of Sunderland Associate Lecturer Athens Account. This will provide access to certain University e-resources for the purpose of supporting University of Sunderland students.

6.1.3 To apply for an Athens Account, tutors should print, complete, and sign the registration forms available from the University library web pages and access the following link for further information: http://twitter.com/UoSliboffcampus.

6.2 Teaching Staff Ongoing Development

6.2.1 The University will normally be responsible for inviting Partner staff to attend certain staff development activities organised by the University, e.g. collaborative conferences. These are available to Partner and University staff involved in the delivery, co-ordination and management of programmes offered through partnership arrangements. Academic Development, accessible via: http://services.sunderland.ac.uk/academic-services/academicdevelopment/organises a range of continuing professional development activities throughout the year which are available to off and on-campus staff.

6.2.2 The Partner will normally be responsible for ensuring that its staff assigned to teaching on the programme engage in continuous professional development or scholarly activity/research to maintain the currency of their knowledge at an academic level above that which they are responsible for delivering to students. This could include in-house, external or University led activities.

6.2.3 It is extremely useful if dates of specific staff development sessions are included in an annual plan/calendar of operations (see below). Each party should advise the other as early as possible of the proposed dates of Programme and Module Boards in Assessment/Studies Modes. The dates of such Boards should be incorporated within the annual plan of operations so that all staff are aware of these at the start of each year. The current University academic calendar is accessible via: https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-50.

The following SAMPLE template should be annotated, applied and updated annually – Ideally, include a link to a web-based version of the Faculty Calendar.:

Note: This grid (into which approximate dates have been inserted) is intended to provide an overview of typical activities involving collaborative provision that take place during each year. Exact dates and specific activities e.g. the type and frequency of Development Day Sessions and the timing of programme boards will be determined between the parties and the grid below annotated accordingly.



http://services.sunderland.ac.uk/academic-services/academicdevelopment/

http://twitter.com/UoSliboffcampus

Date/time University Meeting/Activity

Partner meeting/activity Location

April Collaborative annual monitoring report guidelines issued to partners by University Faculties

July Partner Annual Monitoring Reports must be completed and returned to the University via the host University Faculty for previous academic year

August Student Handbooks for the coming academic year to be finalised and approved as necessary

August Operations Manual updated as necessary, in consultation with University, for the coming academic year to be issued to all staff who contribute to the co-ordination, teaching and administration of the provision

September Student Induction Sessions

September Development Day for teaching staff

September Programme Refer/Defer Board

September Semester 1 begins October Development Day October University Open Day November Programme Studies Board

December University Graduation Ceremonies

See:http://www.sunderland.ac.uk/studentlife/graduation/

December Development Day for teaching staff

February Semester 2 Begins Programme Assessment Board

February/March

University Open Day See: http://www.sunderland.ac.uk/opendays

March Partner Cluster Feedback day, Sharing Good Practice


http://www.sunderland.ac.uk/opendays

http://www.sunderland.ac.uk/opendays

http://www.sunderland.ac.uk/studentlife/graduation/



April Development Day

May Programme Studies Board June Moderation of

Assessment, Assessment Boards.

June University Open DayJuly Partner Annual Monitoring

report completed and returned to the University for the recently completed academic year

July Annual Monitoring Reports (AMRs) due for return

July University Graduation Ceremonies

August University Open Days

6.2.4 The Partner should inform University staff in advance of ‘in-house’ meetings taking place that require input from the University. TO BE ANNOTATED AS APPROPRIATE, E.G. WOULD NOT APPLY TO INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS: Partners are invited to attend University boards in studies and assessment modes but it is particularly important that they attend Assessment Boards given this is where student grades are agreed. The constitution of University boards is laid out in University guidelines in its Academic Quality Handbook available on the University’s website. Partner and University staff, particularly the Programme Leader, Centre Leader/Faculty Partnership Leader and Assistant Programme Leader, should ensure they understand the implications of the Collaborative Provision Agreement (CPA) for the operation of the provision.

7.0 PROGRAMME DESIGN AND ONGOING DEVELOPMENT7.1 Introduction

7.1.1 The AGREED University programmes (as defined by the relevant programme specifications approved by the University) will be offered at approved Partner sites by the Joint Franchise Model of Collaboration. For a full list of programmes/sites covered by this manual please refer to the Schedule of Programmes Annex to the Collaborative Provision Agreement (CPA) which has been agreed and signed between the University and the Partner.


7.1.2 Programme Design and Approval


Design of the programme, ensuring the currency of the curriculum (i.e. informed by research and/or scholarship and/or contact with commerce/industry and/or practice-led as applicable)

University and/or Partner as appropriate and agreed

Prepare programme approval and periodic review paperwork

University

7.1.2.1 Initial design of programmes and modules will follow the University’s programme development and approval processes as specified in its Academic Quality Handbook accessible via https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-2775. This section of the handbook incorporates all templates and forms together with a full description of the University’s taught programme approval processes. A guideline on termination of programmes themselves is also incorporated in this section. The University will be responsible for preparing the programme approval documentation and for ensuring that initial proposal documentation is received by the relevant groups or committees. The structure of the programme is included in the programme specification approved by the University.

7.1.3 Ongoing programme development


On-going development of the programme, ensuring the currency of the curriculum (i.e. informed by research and/or scholarship and/or contact with commerce/industry and/or practice-led as applicable)

University alone or with Partner as appropriate and agreed

Approve minor modifications to programmes and modules

University

7.1.4 Ongoing curriculum developments such as those arising out of response to staff or student feedback, external drivers or research, will be subject to the approval of the University. All curriculum developments should follow the University’s Minor Modification guidelines included in its Academic Quality Handbook, accessible via https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-2778

8.0 IN-COUNTRY APPROVAL TO OPERATECore Activity/ responsibility core requirement: Joint Franchise

Model

Responsible for in-country accreditation Partner with University involvement in line with agreed processes

8.1 Where appropriate, local in-country approval to operate programmes associated with the collaboration must be secured by the Partner prior to commencement of





delivery. The University will co-operate to a level that shall be specified in the Agreement. The Partner must inform the University in advance of any in-country re-accreditation so that it can provide any necessary information or agreed support in a timely manner. The Partner should provide the University with evidence of the outcome of in-country approval or accreditation including copies of relevant documentation. The University’s guidance on in-country accreditation are accessible via https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-7029/AQH-I1-16%20Oversight%20of%20in-country%20accreditation%20processes%20and%20outcomes.docx

9.0 APPROVAL OF MARKETING INFORMATION

Core Activity/ responsibility

core requirement: Joint Franchise Model

University Partner

Design a marketing plan and prepare publicity materialsMaterials to be approved by the University before publication/ distribution

Partner, although in some circumstances joint development with the University and/or between Partners will be appropriate

The University approves the marketing and publicity materials produced by the Partner, including web-based ones and any use of the University logo in documentation or signage, before they are implemented.

The Partner designs and submits to the University for approval all marketing and publicity materials, including web-based ones and any use of the University logo in documentation or signage, before they are implemented.

9.1 The University is responsible for the accuracy of all public information published in relation to the awards for which it is responsible. It reserves the right to publicise its collaborative programmes in its own publicity materials and in other publicity materials agreed with its partners. The partner should also design a clear marketing plan for the provision from the outset. Please see https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-2785 for further details of the Collaborative Marketing Approval Process which must be adhered to in respect of all publically available materials referring to the awards of the University of Sunderland.

9.2 It is particularly important that all references to University awards specify the correct and approved programme title as specified in the Agreement and in the programme specification in all documents produced by the Partner, such as annual monitoring reports, student handbooks and publicity leaflets. The University will be responsible for receiving and approving the accuracy of publicity materials prior to their implementation and regularly monitoring these and other information issued to registered or prospective students in respect of the provision covered by the Collaborative Provision Agreement. The Partner will be responsible for submitting to the University, publicity materials in respect of the collaborative provision, for approval prior to their implementation. The Partner will also be



https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-7029/AQH-I1-16%20Oversight%20of%20in-country%20accreditation%20processes%20and%20outcomes.docx



responsible for publicising locally the availability of the programme and the recruitment and admission arrangements in accordance with University admissions criteria.

10.0 STUDENT RECRUITMENT AND ALLOCATION OF STUDENT NUMBERS


Undertake student recruitment Partner

10.1 The number of student places per annum will be agreed with the University in accordance with the Financial Annex to the Collaborative Provision Agreement.

11.0 STUDENT ADMISSIONS, REGISTRATION AND RECORDSCore Activity/ responsibility core requirement: Joint Franchise

Model

Carry out admissions to admissions requirements approved by the University and send offer letters

University

11.1 General

The University will be responsible for: providing student registration forms; ensuring that students are registered at the start of each stage of their

programme and accurately inputting student information onto the Student Records System (SITS);

generating a University student ID for all registered students to include an email account and facilitate access to the University website;

providing data reports drawn from the University Student Records System (SITS) as necessary.

The Partner will be responsible for: ensuring completed student registration information is returned to the

University in accordance with University deadlines.

N.B. All non-standard applications will be considered by the University. Students may not be admitted if these have not been approved by the University.

11.2 Entry Criteria

The normal entry criteria for admission to the agreed University programmes are detailed in the relevant University programme specifications and University of Sunderland academic regulations accessible through: https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-2780



Any articulation routes will also need to be approved by the relevant University Faculty Quality Management Sub-Committee (FQMSC).

11.3 The Application and Registration process

Student applications should include the following:

Standard application form fully completed Entry qualification: If the qualification is included within the normal entry

criteria - full certificate advising that the qualification has been completed successfully by the applicant

OR Transcripts accompanied by a letter from the awarding body/institution

advising that the qualification has been completed successfully

If the entry qualification is not included within the normal entry criteria the application must include all of the following:

Evidence that qualification obtained is equivalent to the qualification stated Full transcript or certificate stating that award has been completed

successfully Full details of the programme including syllabus and curriculum content Details of work experience (this should include reference to the job title, the

nature of responsibilities held, tasks performed, any accountability for people, resources, budgets, customer and external client relations)

Evidence of achievement of at least a minimum score of IELTS 6.0. (International English Language Testing System) or equivalent (for applicants with English as a second language only)

N.B. Failure to provide all of the relevant documentation detailed above along with the application form will result in a delay in the processing of the application, as the Partner will be requested to obtain more information from the student.

11.4 How to submit applications

All applications must be submitted from the Partner to the University as shall be agreed.

The University will check each application using an application checklist to ensure that all required evidence/documentation has been provided. Any missing documentation will be requested from the Partner.

The Partner will be responsible for obtaining all requested documentation from the student and returning it to University (as shall be agreed).

11.5 Admission Decisions: acceptance/rejection

The University will arrange the processing of straightforward applications which meet its standard entry criteria, and will liaise with other relevant University staff regarding 'non-standard' applications for decisions to be made.

All final decisions on acceptance and rejection will be sent to the Partner.

N.B. An offer letter does not represent a registration or enrolment onto the programme.


Once a student is accepted, a registration number will be issued by the University and must be used from this point on all correspondence e.g. library/registration, exam paper, and assignments.

Attached to each offer letter will be a University New Student Enrolment Form that must be completed by the student as formal acceptance of their offer. The student must formally accept the offer, complete the enrolment form, and return it to the Partner for onward transmission to the University for processing before the programme commences.

FOR UK Higher Education Funding Council (England) (HEFCE) FUNDED STUDENTS – TO BE ANNOTATED AS APPROPRIATE: For September/October starts, students must be enrolled by 5th October of that year. The University must have received a hard copy of the student’s Application Form by this date. Failure to do so will result in the student not being registered as a student of the University and not being able to commence his/her study; furthermore this means he/she will not be able to register for assessment, have access to library facilities and the Student Union.

11.6 Re-enrolment

All students whose studies cover more than one academic year will be required to re-enrol at the beginning of the subsequent year, once progression is confirmed by the University Programme Assessment Board.

The University will send “Re-enrolment” forms to the Partner, from where they will be forwarded to students as appropriate with instructions for completion. The Partner will ensure that Re-enrolment forms are completed by students and returned to the University via the Centre Leader/Faculty Partnership Leader in accordance with the deadline specified by the University.

12.0 STUDENT INDUCTION AND STUDENT HANDBOOKS

12.1 General

The University will be responsible for inducting registered students as University of Sunderland students. The Partner will be responsible for: inducting registered students to their programme of study.

12.2 Information to be provided for students


Develop student handbooks University provides core information for programme and module handbooks; Partner adds local information as applicable which may include local variations on delivery and assessment. Partner writes college handbook.Partner provides handbooks to students.


A student handbook should be issued to students at inductions that will be developed by the Partner following University guidelines and checked by the University and should include as a minimum:

Contact details for students (to be completed by the Partner and the University)

Study skills information Information about pastoral support Programme Regulations Procedures and Administration Information on student and learning support including careers advice Information on the University’s Library services and those of the Partner An assessment cover sheet An extenuating circumstances form Assignment extensions information Changes to personal details information Withdrawal from the programme guidance information Leave of absence guidance information Appeals and complaints procedures Health and safety information

This handbook will be updated as necessary by the Partner, in consultation with the University via the Centre Leader/Faculty Partnership Leader as shall be agreed before distribution to students. All students will also be provided with appropriate information on their specific programme of study as specified by the University.

12.3 Student Induction programme content

Student induction sessions will normally include:

Explanation of the student handbook and related programme specific information

Introduction to the Partner and the University – roles, access to facilities, contact details

Information regarding pastoral support An overview of programme structures and assessments Discussions on study and assignment writing skills The opportunity to discuss expectations and what students want to achieve

from their programme Advice on reading material Details on what students can expect from their tutors An overview of the programme regulations on re-assessment and mitigation,

plagiarism etc Administration information such as how to access the University of

Sunderland Library services including on-line resources (where access to these is permissible)

Networking and introduction – sharing work experiences/expectations Election of representatives for the Partner staff/student liaison committee Student feedback mechanisms Schedule of assessment Consideration of results Procedure for publication of results


13.0 STUDENT SUPPORT AND REPRESENTATION

13.1 Student Representation


Ensure processes for student representation and feedback are in place. This must include a Student-Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC) at programme/subject level and use of questionnaires

Partner manages Student-Staff Liaison Commitees (SSLCs). University and Partner develop and manage programme/ module questionnaires via Module Studies Board (MSB)/Programme Studies Board (PSB).

13.1.1 It is vitally important to the University that it receives feedback from students about their particular programme of study, the modules and any operational issues that need to be raised and addressed. The University places great value on being responsive to students needs and operates on the principles of encouraging students to evaluate the quality of their educational experience and to feedback their perceptions of the programme and of the centre. Several mechanisms exist within the traditional delivery modes to facilitate this process, and the off-campus mode will seek to foster the same approach. At the end of each module, students will be required to provide feedback.

13.1.2 Elected student representatives should attend regular meetings organised by the Partner and attended by Partner academic staff. The aim of such staff: student liaison committee (or equivalent) meetings is to focus on the student experience of the day-to-day running of their programme, to debate any problems which might occur, and to report back to the University (through the Centre Leader/Faculty Partnership Leader) on any issues which the students feel require discussion at the Programme Board of Studies or elsewhere. Any individual student may, at any time, communicate with the Centre Leader/ Faculty Partnership Leader (directly or via the Partner) on matters causing concern or requiring further explanation.

13.2 Student Support


Provide personal support for students including adjustment for those with disabilities, careers guidance, pastoral support

Partner

13.2.1 The University will be responsible for approving, and having oversight of, the arrangements which the Partner implements for the welfare of students on a general, and on an individual basis. The Partner will normally be responsible for providing support to students on the programme, including appropriate levels of support for disabled students, careers advice and guidance, pastoral support, counselling and study skills advice, as appropriate.


13.2.2 The Partner will normally be the first point of contact for all student queries regarding academic and pastoral support which will be directed through the relevant contact person as detailed in the student handbook.

13.2.3 It is the Partner’s responsibility to ensure that students are fully aware of who the relevant contact at the Partner is for their queries.

14.0 STUDENT COMPLAINTS, APPEALS AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURESCore Activity/ responsibility core requirement: Joint

Franchise Model

Responsible for student appeals UniversityResponsible for handling student complaints

Partner in the first instance with further court of appeal to the University in respect of issues relevant to the academic provision.

Responsible for handling student disciplinary matters

Partner but if it has implications for academic quality must be referred to the University’s processes.

14.1 All complaints should be progressed in the first instance through the complaints procedure of the Partner. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of the complaint at this stage he/she may complain to the University in relation to issues concerning the delivery or assessment of the programme or the resources provided directly to support study on the programme. Other issues including non-academic matters may not be referred to the University.

14.2 Academic Appeals in relation to assessment must be made to the University using its procedures.

14.3 Students are subject to the rules, procedures, and regulations governing Conduct and Discipline of the Partner institution at which they are studying. However, where a disciplinary matter has implications for academic quality and standards (for example, in the case of assessment irregularities), the Partner must refer this to the University and address the issue in consultation with the University through the University’s processes. In such a case the University has the right to exercise the ultimate sanction of withdrawing a student from the programme.

14.4 The University is responsible for: giving the Partner access to its process documentation; approving the processes managed by the Partner.


14.5 The Partner is responsible for: maintaining robust but fair and transparent complaints and disciplinary

processes; ensuring that students understand the Complaints and Appeals

procedures open to them and the disciplinary rules which apply, and that they have easy access to the relevant processes and associated documentation.

14.6 University guidelines on Complaints, Appeals and Disciplinary Procedures are accessible via https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-2784

15.0 PROGRAMME DELIVERY

15.1 The University will be responsible for designing and issuing to the Partner a teaching staff Operations Manual detailing the precise arrangements that will be in place to facilitate the delivery, quality assurance and management of the programme.

15.2 The Partner will be responsible for issuing to all staff Operations Manual(s) detailing the precise arrangements that will be in place to facilitate the delivery; quality assurance and management of the programme.

15.3 ANNOTATE AS APPROPRIATE: The University is responsible for the delivery of any agreed teaching of any sessions that may be based at the University.

15.4 The following grids show core activities and responsibilities, the specific requirements are in the Quality Annex (see Appendix 1). MORE DETAILS TO BE INCLUDED HERE ABOUT WHO PREPARES TEACHING AND LEARNING MATERIALS ALONGSIDE ANY ARRANGEMENTS BY WHICH THEY CAN BE CONTEXTUALISED TO SUIT LOCAL DELIVERY ENVIRONMENTS


Develop, design and prepare teaching and learning materials appropriate to the programme and the student cohort(s)

University and/or Partner as appropriate and agreed; however it would be expected that the Partner would have a significant input into this

15.5 The following responsibilities for delivery of teaching and learning materials and academic advice and support for students:


Deliver teaching and learning materials and provide academic advice and support to students

Partner



15.6 The following grid demonstrates any agreed levels of ‘expert’ input to the student learning experience:


Provide an agreed level of ‘expert’ input via guest lectures or similar events

University if appropriate and agreed

16.0 LEARNING RESOURCES


Provide learning resources for students including a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), access to hard copy and electronic learning resources, IT and specialist equipment as appropriate

Partner The University also provides access for students and staff to its Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and to online library resources. Any other provision agreed will be specified in the agreement.

16.1 ANNOTATE AS NECESSARY, E.G. FOR OVERSEAS STUDENTS. Registered students are entitled to full membership of the University Student’s Union and will have access to the Partner and University libraries (including electronic access to the University’s library resources in respect of students who are included in the University’s return to Higher Education Funding Council (England) (HEFCE).

16.2 The Partner will be responsible for ensuring local information services support and library facilities and maintaining agreed levels of core materials.

16.3 The Partner’s policies in relation to the provision of learning resources will apply to students whilst they remain studying on their programme at the Partner site.

17.0 ASSESSMENT17.1 Assessment design


Design assessments University and/or Partner as appropriate and agreed

Approve assessments (examinations and coursework, including project/ dissertation

University


titles) before they are passed to students

17.2 Assessment Moderation/Marking


Undertake first and second marking and moderation of assessments. University assessment criteria must be adhered to

The University and/or the Partner as agreed. At the least, the University will moderate according to its policy and in addition to the external examiner

Manage the organisation and preparation of papers for Programme and Module Assessment Boards (PABs and MABs);liaise with the external examiner, chair Programme Assessment Boards / Module Assessment Boards (PABs / MABs)host the boards. (Combined Boards are treated as Programme Assessment Boards (PABs.))

University manages, chairs and hosts Programme Assessment Boards and Module Assessment Boards (PABs and MABs). University liaises with external examiner over meeting arrangements. Partner representation on Programme Assessment Boards and Module Assessment Boards (PABs and MABs) as agreed, typically Assistant Programme Leader.

17.3 The University will also be responsible for assuring the recording of and notification of assessment results to students;

17.4 The Partner will also be responsible for: conducting assessments in accordance with the Assessment Policy of

the University as articulated in the programme regulations and in relevant guidelines such as those for invigilation procedures;

ensuring that best practice is followed to guarantee the security of assessment processes and to minimise the risk of any forms of malpractice on the part of the candidates (this includes processes for verification of the authenticity of the work submitted);

ensuring that appropriate examination venues are provided which meet academic requirements and comply with health and safety legislation;

notifying students of assessment arrangements including behaviour protocols;

notifying students of course assignment deadlines and ensuring the secure receipt of coursework.

17.5 Students studying University programmes will be assessed in accordance with the University’s Assessment Policy. This and the University’s Generic Assessment Criteria are accessible on: (Assessment Policy)

(Generic Assessment Criteria)


https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-7861/AQH-F6-15%20Generic%20Assessment%20Criteria.pdf

17.6 The processes by which University and Partner staff will assess and moderate the assessed work of students will be in accordance with the model agreed between the University and Partner and the University’s minimum threshold standards articulated within the University’s Marking Policy.

17.7 Timing and Delivery of Assessment

17.7.1 The University will publish an assessment schedule which will be reviewed as part of the Programme Annual Monitoring process. Assessment will take place at approved Partner sites. Where the assessment is an examination it will be held under conditions laid down by the University.

17.7.2 The Partner is required to comply with the University’s Assessment Policy, e.g. with regard to invigilation procedures and safeguarding processes – see above.

18.0 EXTERNAL EXAMINERS


Nominate and appoint the external examiner; respond to his/her reports; pay his/her fee and expenses

University nominates, appoints and pays.Partner is informed about external examiners’ recommendations and University responses as applicable.

18.1 The University Quality Assurance and Enhancement Office receives all external examiner reports and submits these to relevant Faculty Quality Officers upon receipt.

18.2 The Faculty Quality Officer submits the External Examiner Reports to the named central contact at the Partner upon receipt.

18.3 Named Partner central contact organises Partner level scrutiny of the External Examiner Reports and submits these to relevant teaching staff as soon as possible.

18.4 The Faculty will respond to comments made by External Examiners.

18.5 Partner ensures access by students to the External Examiner Report including information on actions taken in response.External Examiner reports are accessible via: http://services.sunderland.ac.uk/academic-services/external-examiners/

18.6 University guidelines on the role of External Examiners are accessible via:https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-2997/AQH-G1%20Policy%20on%20the%20Role%20of%20External%20Examiners.pdf


https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-2997/AQH-G1%20Policy%20on%20the%20Role%20of%20External%20Examiners.pdf



http://services.sunderland.ac.uk/academic-services/external-examiners/

https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-2986/AQH-F6-4%20Marking%20Policy.pdf

19.0 ISSUE OF ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS AND AWARD PARCHMENTS


Provide transcripts UniversityProvide parchments University

19.1 The University will be responsible for issuing award parchments and transcripts to students. The award parchment produced for successful students by the University shall state that the student has achieved the award as specified in Annexe 1 to the Collaborative Provision Agreement (CPA). The location of study shall be recorded on the accompanying transcript and the award parchment shall make reference to that transcript.

19.2 In the event of the introduction of any new requirements in the future by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) or any body with jurisdiction over the UK collaborative activities of the University, the University reserves the automatic right to implement amendments to the parchment. Any such amendments will not retrospectively affect students already registered to a current programme prior to the implementation of the amendments unless the bodies concerned take statutory powers to that effect.

20.0 QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS INCLUDING REVIEW

20.1 General management of quality including relevant boards

20.1.1 The University’s Academic Board has ultimate responsibility for the quality and standards of the student experience and of the awards made. Maintenance of quality and standards is delegated to senior University committees. General oversight of the provision, including the maintenance of its academic standards will be maintained by the University through:

establishing, operating and managing the Programme/Module Assessment Board(s) that shall be Chaired by the University and Serviced by the University, (see 17.0)

appointing External Examiners to the provision in accordance with the procedures detailed above, (see 18.0)

reviewing and monitoring the provision and the partnership in accordance with its Quality Processes available via https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-6062/AQH-I6+Quality+Processes+Doc+final.pdf and with the collaborative section of its Academic Quality Handbook accessible via https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-2773,

the University will also undertake an agreed programme of visits to the Partner as specified in the University’s Collaborative Processes Role of Centre Leaders accessible via: https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-5250/AQH-I1-4+APPENDIX+4+The+Role+of+the+Centre+Leader.docand Role of Faculty Partnership Leaders accessible via: https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-







https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-6062/AQH-I6+Quality+Processes+Doc+final.pdf

https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-6062/AQH-I6+Quality+Processes+Doc+final.pdf

8076/AQH-I1-19%20The%20Role%20of%20the%20Faculty%20Partnership%20Leader.docx

All Programme/Module Assessment/Studies Boards operate in accordance with the guidelines on the terms of reference of these of the University accessible via https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-2991/AQH-F6-+Module+and+Programme+Studies+and+Assessment+Boards+-+Terms+of+Reference.pdf

20.1.2Manage, chair and host Programme and Module Studies Boards (PSBs and MSBs) (Combined Boards are treated as PSBs.)

University manages, chairs and hosts Programme Studies Boards and Module Strudies Boards (PSBs and MSBs). Partner representation on Programme Studies Boards and Module Studies Boards (PSBs and MSBs) as agreed, typically Assistant Programme Leader.

The University will also establish, operate and manage Programme/Module Studies Boards that shall be Chaired by the University and serviced by the University.

20.2 Centre Leaders/Faculty Partnership Leaders


Provide a Centre Leader/Faculty Partnership Leader who will act as the primary over-arching link with the Partner

University

20.2.1 The University appoints Centre Leaders/Faculty Partnership Leaders who are responsible for managing at the programme/subject area level the relationship between the Partner and the host University Faculty. It is important that this relationship is established from the outset and effectively maintained. Further details of the roles and responsibilities are included in the University’s Academic Handbook, specifically, via the following links:Centre Leaders: https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-5250/AQH-I1-4%20APPENDIX%204%20The%20Role%20of%20the%20Centre%20Leader.docFaculty Partnership Leader:https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-8076/AQH-I1-19%20The%20Role%20of%20the%20Faculty%20Partnership%20Leader.docx

20.3 Statistical Data





https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-5250/AQH-I1-4%20APPENDIX%204%20The%20Role%20of%20the%20Centre%20Leader.doc



https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-2991/AQH-F6-+Module+and+Programme+Studies+and+Assessment+Boards+-+Terms+of+Reference.pdf






Provide statistical data on student admission, progress, completion and achievement

University

20.3.1 At the programme level, the University provides statistical data on student admission, progress, completion and achievement. However, the Partner will provide localised data as appropriate, for example, within the annual monitoring reports required to be submitted to the University (see below).

20.4 Periodic Review of the Provision


Undertake approval and periodic review of the programme(s) to explore the scope of the programme including alignment with university expertise and UK requirements

University

20.4.1 The University’s Periodic Review (of taught programmes) Process is designed so that the University can assure for itself the quality and standards of its taught programmes against important internal and external reference points. In so doing the University aims to provide a robust system for programme re-approval drawing on experience and subject specialist advice, and to take a holistic view of taught provision in a subject area to support strategic programme planning development. The process provides for enhancement through identifying and disseminating good practice as well as any areas for improvement. Further details of the process is accessible in the University’s Academic Quality Handbook via the following web link:

https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-3112/AQH-Cii1%20Periodic%20Review%20of%20Taught%20Programmes.pdf

20.4.2 Annual Review

20.4.2.1 The University conducts annual review of all of its taught programmes in accordance with the procedures outlined in its Academic Quality Handbook.


Undertake annual review of the programme(s) using the University’s processes and templates, to the University’s deadlines

Partner submits annual partner review form and contributes to programme review through the Module Studies Board/Programme Studies Board (MSB/ PSB)

20.4.2.2The specific timeline for return of completed reports to the University will be advised by the Faculty each year but will typically be required by the end of July each year; i.e. immediately following the end of the academic year covered by the report. It is extremely important that reports are submitted fully completed by the required date so that these can effectively inform the University’s overall monitoring of the provision. These reports are required to be submitted by the due




date for all programmes with currently registered students, including any programmes that may be on ‘teach-out’.

20.5 Periodic Partnership Review


Undertake approval and periodic review of the Partner

University

20.5.1 The partnership as a whole will be subject to review by the University at intervals and in accordance with processes that will be determined by the University as in the Academic Quality Handbook, accessible via the following link: https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-5270/AQH-I1C%20Periodic%20Review.docx

20.5.2 The University will be responsible for: organising review panel membership; establishing the review requirements and the schedule of review visits; advising the Partner of requirements for the review process, including

documentation, meeting arrangements and access to facilities.

The Partner will be responsible for: providing documentation required by the University for reviews within

the timeframe specified; providing access for individuals and review teams to meet with staff

and students either in person or by electronic means, and to premises to review any resources which support the programme(s) concerned.

20.5.3 Each party will also inform the other in advance of forthcoming external inspection visits (e.g. by Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) or a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) and of the outcomes of these once they are completed.

21.0 PROGRAMME OR PARTNERSHIP TERMINATION

21.1 The University may invoke its Termination of Partnership or Termination of Programme procedures as specified in the Collaborative Provision Agreement.

21.2 If the Partner fails to recruit within two years of approval, or thereafter temporarily fails to operate for two academic years, the Partner should contact the University Centre Leader/Faculty Partnership Leaders who will discuss the re-approval processes that will be applied before the lapsed programme can recommence to operate with Quality Assurance and Enhancement.

22.0 GLOSSARY OF TERMS

This section defines the terms used in collaborative delivery in the University and other terms commonly associated with quality assurance in higher education. Most of this terminology is based on that used by the CVU and the QAA in its UK Quality


https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-5270/AQH-I1C%20Periodic%20Review.docx

https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-5270/AQH-I1C%20Periodic%20Review.docx

Code for Higher Education. Some terms are derived from those employed by other higher education organisations with particular expertise in their field.

ADC Academic Development Committee (University of Sunderland)Annual monitoring

is a process whereby staff and students (and possibly others) annually assemble and evaluate data on the operation of the partnership and or the programme, or part thereof, and provide analytical comments on the data and relevant events relating to the operation of the provision.

APL Accreditation of Prior Learning

Assessment is a process whereby formal judgement can be made by examiners of the achievement of students against the learning outcomes established in the approved curriculum, using the assessment scheme approved when the programme was validated.

Assessment Criteria

describe how well a student has to be able to achieve the intended learning outcome, either in order to pass (in a simple pass/fail system) or in order to be awarded a particular grade.

Award denotes a degree, diploma, certificate, or other similar formal mark of recognition of successful completion of a programme of study. Some awards also qualify their holders in more specific ways: for example, a degree may permit or facilitate entry to a particular vocation or profession, or exempt the holder from part or all of a professional examination. In these circumstances an award may also be a qualification.

Awarding institution

means a university or other higher education institution empowered to award degrees, diplomas, certificates, or credits by virtue of authority given to it by statute, Royal charter or the Privy Council or under licence from another body. (The Department for Education and Employment publishes official lists of those UK universities and colleges with degree-awarding powers and also of those colleges which offer courses leading to the degrees of other institutions).

Centre Leader the University faculty member of staff who is the main link between the (international or private organisation) partner and the faculty.

Cohort describes a group of students or learners who start their period of study together and, subject to satisfying assessment requirements, progress in tandem through the programme.

Collaborative provision

refers to the relationships between higher education institutions, with power to award degrees and diplomas (awarding institutions) and the institutions or organisations providing the tuition or support to the students (partner organisations).

Collaborative Provision Agreement

is a document agreed by an awarding institution and a partner organisation which covers those matters which govern the formal relationship between the two institutions and provides a framework within which programmes of study can be approved and/or delivered.

Core module is a module which all students taking a particular programme are required to pass.

CPD Continuing Professional DevelopmentCredit provides a means of quantifying assessed learning outcomes achievable in a

given number of notional learning hours and at a given level.Delivery of a programme

embraces teaching, management, administration, and assessment of a programme of study.

Double marking

is where an assessment is marked twice by two different people. This may be done blind where neither person knows each other’s mark and this is the normal practice with projects/dissertations/theses.

EFL English as a Foreign LanguageElective/Option module

is a module undertaken as a free choice which may be outside the primary area of study

External Adviser

Appointed by the University of Sunderland where appropriate to inform curriculum development

External Examiner

is a cognate subject specialist from another institution or from practice, of suitable academic standing, appointed by the University Academic Board to


serve for a defined period, to confirm the standards of student performance within programmes leading to a specified award. In modular programmes, an external examiner responsible for the standards of the award as a whole might not be expert in the specific subjects concerned, but be expert in the quality assurance of awards.

Faculty Partnership Leader

the University faculty member of staff who is the main link between the (UK FEC) partner and the faculty.

Formative Assessment

is an assessment which is intended to be informative only, with the prime purpose of helping students to improve.

FQMSC Faculty Quality Management Sub-CommitteeFTE Full-time EquivalentHEA Higher Education AcademyHEFCE Higher Education Funding Council for EnglandHESA Higher Education Statistics Agency which is the national UK body responsible

for collecting statistical data relating to all aspects of higher education, including students.

IIP Investors in PeopleJANET Joint Academic NetworkJISC Joint Information Systems CommitteeLearning materials

are materials produced in one of a number of media that designed to engage the learner in active participation in the learning process. These would normally be activity based and quality assured for learning design and subject content.

Learning outcome

is an assessed result of a programme, module or unit of assessment which all successful students will have achieved. An intended learning outcome is an assessed result of a programme, module or unit of assessment which all successful students should have achieved.

Learning resources

are a range of material accessible to the learner in print, CD ROM, video, audio or on line format. Sources include libraries and web sites.

Learning support

is support provided by a tutor either face to face or electronically mediated that specifically facilitates student learning in their own subject and performance in assessment. Skills gained may be transferable to other situations.

Moderation of assessment (internal and external)

is where a moderator takes samples (usually about 10%) of marked assessments from the whole range of achievement and verifies the first marker’s conclusions.

Module is a discrete unit of assessed learning with coherent aims and learning outcomes.

Notional learning time

refers to the length of learning time which it is estimated will be taken on average to achieve the specified learning outcomes

NUS National Union of StudentsOFSTED Office for Standards in EducationPathway is used to describe a recognised route through a programme of study.PDAP Partnership Development and Approval Panel (University of Sunderland)PI Performance IndicatorPre-requisite module

is a module which students are required to pass, or be credited with, prior to proceeding to a specific module. Pre-requisites are not permitted within a level.

Professional, Regulatory and Statutory Bodies (PSRBs)

are organisations which approve or recognise specific programmes in the context of the requirements for professional qualification. Some such organisations have a prescribed statutory responsibility to approve or recognise programmes and/or to determine the academic standards and professional or vocational components of such programmes.

Programme is a complete study route with its own aims and learning outcomes made up from combinations of modules and which leads to a recognised and approved academic award.

Periodic Partnership

Is the process by which the University conducts a review of the Partnership, normally every six years.


Review

Periodic Programme review

is the process whereby internal and external academic and professional peers and students (and possible others) evaluate the operation of the programme and achievements of the students over a period of years. It provides for greater reflection on the operation of the programme than any single annual monitoring activity.

Programme specification

provides a concise statement about the intended learning outcomes from a particular programme, information about the teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable the learning outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated, and shows how the modules and units of study which make up a programme will relate to levels of achievement recognised in the qualification frameworks.

QAA Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education QAE Quality Assurance & Enhancement (University of Sunderland)QMSC Quality Management Sub-Committee (University of Sunderland)Qualifications frameworks

describe the structures being developed by QAA within which it is intended that all UK higher education qualifications and awards should be located.

Quality assurance

is the means through which an institution confirms that the conditions are in place for students to achieve the standards set by the institution or other awarding body.

RIC Research and Innovation Committee (University of Sunderland)SLA Service Level AgreementSSC Student Success Committee (University of Sunderland)SSLC Staff Student Liaison CommitteeStudent Transcript

is a record of the credits achieved by a student and may include other aspects of the student experience (e.g., language and location of study and assessment). It is issued as quantitative evidence to support an award certificate.

Subject benchmark information

is a term used to define explicit national statements of academic standards or outcomes, at subject level. Subject benchmark information of this type provides a reference point against which outcomes can be measured.

Summative assessment

sums up a student’s achievement and is largely concerned with making evaluative judgements

TA Teaching Agency for Schools TQM Total Quality ManagementUCAS Universities & Colleges Admissions ServiceVFM Value for MoneyVirtual Learning Environment (VLE)

is a piece of software comprising a number of features that together deliver content, communicate with learners, and track student interaction.


23.0 USEFUL LINKSThe following internet links might be useful for Partner or University staff involved in collaborative programmes: (N.B. Please advise Quality Assurance and Enhancement of any broken links or amended contacts information in the sections below).

Organisation/Link Web AddressBritish Council, The http://www.britishcouncil.org/new/Education and Learning, UK: University and Higher Education Site

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/index.htm

Education Company, The (formerly Education Direct)

http://www.education.co.uk/

Edexcel (e.g. for HND/C information)

www.edexcel.org.uk

Higher Education Academy http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency)

http://www.hesa.ac.uk/

Higher Education Funding Council forEngland (HEFCE)

http://www.hefce.ac.uk/

Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted).

http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/

QAA – Academic Infrastructure http://www.qaa.ac.uk/AssuringStandardsAndQuality/Pages/AI-consultation-findings.aspx

Quality Assurance Agency Code of Practice

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/AssuringStandardsAndQuality/quality-code/Pages/default.aspx

Scottish Qualifications Authority www.sqa.org.ukSkills Funding Agency http://skillsfundingagency.bis.gov.uk/Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS)

http://www.ucas.ac.uk/

Standards and Testing Agency https://www.gov.uk/government/news/standards-and-testing-agency

Universities UK http://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/University of Sunderland home page

http://www.sunderland.ac.uk/

University of Sunderland Learning Matters website

http://services.sunderland.ac.uk/learningmatters/

University of Sunderland Academic Services: Academic Quality Handbook website link





http://services.sunderland.ac.uk/learningmatters/

http://www.sunderland.ac.uk/

http://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/standards-and-testing-agency

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/standards-and-testing-agency

http://www.ucas.ac.uk/

http://skillsfundingagency.bis.gov.uk/

http://www.sqa.org.uk/



http://www.qaa.ac.uk/AssuringStandardsAndQuality/Pages/AI-consultation-findings.aspx

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/AssuringStandardsAndQuality/Pages/AI-consultation-findings.aspx

http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/

http://www.hefce.ac.uk/

http://www.hesa.ac.uk/

http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/

http://www.edexcel.org.uk/

http://www.education.co.uk/



http://www.britishcouncil.org/new/

APPENDIX ONE: AGREEMENT QUALITY ANNEXE(S)


Version History of Template (for QAE use only):

Version Occasion of Change

Change author Date of modification Modifications made

1.0 Original placed in Academic Quality Handbook

C Gardner December 2011 Updated to reflect more closely the revised models of collaborative provision and related guidance

2.0 Updates made to reflect new CPA

S Patience March 2013 To include more links and revamped style to improve user friendliness

3.0 Annual review of Quality Handbook

A Carlton August 2013 link update

4.0 Updated Guidance on Marketing Approval Process, and removed references to HEFEPG

C Gardner February 2014 Link to AQH-I15 Collaborative Marketing Approval Process Included

5.0 Committee restructure

S Sutcliffe June 2015 Academic Experience Committee replaced by Student Success CommitteeCollaborative Provision Manager replaced by Head of Quality


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