Quality and Standards Office

Programme modifications are used to maintain the currency of a programme. Modifications fall into two categories:

  • Major Modification, where significant changes are being proposed in which instance the University Validation procedure should be followed
  • Minor Modifications, which are a matter for consideration and approval by the appropriate Faculty Quality Committee.

Major Modifications

The following are those instances where a University Validation must be held:

  • Changes proposed both to the aims and/or intended learning outcomes of a programme and to the programme award title (including the addition of an endorsement)
  • A new pathway or named route is being introduced
  • Modifications to taught doctoral programmes are proposed
  • A Small-Scale Validation is deemed necessary by the Chair of Academic Planning Committee or the Chair of Quality and Standards Committee.

In such instances, the same procedure as that for full validations will be followed, including the submission of a Programme Proposal to Programme Proposals Sub-Committee and Academic Planning Committee.  The composition of the Validation Event to be organised by QSO will be proportionate to the changes proposed.

Minor Modifications

Responsibility for Minor Modifications is now delegated to the Faculties. In the first instance, the Faculty Quality Officer should be consulted.  More information on the process can also be found in the Quality Manual.

The following document 'Appendix 1' summarises which form/process to use for minor modifications to a programme.  Please seek advice from the Faculty Quality Officer if you have any uncertainty about which form to use. 

The following form encompasses minor modifications to existing module titles and assessments, where the change does not significantly impact the wider programme validation.

The following form encompasses modifications which are not covered by Form A (see Appendix 1) .

Notifying Students of Changes in the Running of Programmes

There is a requirement to notify students of changes in the running of programmes, which is outlined in the paper below.