Course Change

Course changes (formerly modifications) are needed to keep a module's syllabus up-to-date, enhance the curriculum,  promote innovation and further embed the University's learning and teaching strategy. 

An approved course is a form of contract between multiple stakeholders, approved to provide a particular academic experience appropriate to the subject, students and sector's expectations.

Consequently, when the course team needs or wants to make changes, there is a formal process. 

There are three types of course change (routine, minor, major).

The following guidance should assist you in determining which type of change you are making to your course and which process to follow:

The general principle is that course changes will apply to the next entering cohort and not for any current students.

There may be exceptional circumstances when course change needs to be made which affects current students and prospective students once the admissions cycle has begun. Read the Policy on Changes to Published Material Course Information which outlines circumstances where this might apply.

The course change process provides an opportunity in the early part of a newly approved course to correct or make adjustments to a course based on academic reflection, student evaluation or recommendations from an external stakeholder, such as an External Examiner or Professional Statutory Regulatory Body (PSRB).

The information on this web page outlines the formal process that assures all stakeholders (University, student, external bodies) that the changes are in the best interests of the students involved in the course, that the course remains a high quality experience and that it remains in line with sector expectations.

The process ensures that, where a change may constitute a significant change to the student experience, the appropriate measures are put in place to conform with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

A major course change should apply to the next entering cohort and not any current students. Adequate time should be allocated to completing the course change process (see attached process flow).

Requests for major changes should be made using the Major Change Proposal Form. The form outlines the documentation required for different types of change. An updated course change log must be submitted with the proposal.

Proposals are reviewed at a Faculty Scrutiny phase before proceeding for consideration by the University Standing Approval Panel. University Approval Panels must take place at least 6 months before the intake of students to which the change will apply. 

Minor changes should apply to the next entering cohort.

Minor changes for modules starting in semester/trimester 1 must be completed by 31st January of the academic year proceeding the next cohort intake. 

Minor changes for modules starting in semester/trimester 2 and trimester 3 must be completed by 31st May of the academic year proceeding the next cohort intake.

An updated course change log must be submitted with the proposal form.

These changes are annual updates to the course which are not material change and do not alter the architecture of the module. 

Examples of routine change include: updates to the resource list; indicative module content; staff changes.

The Changes to Published Course Information sets out examples of the types of changes that would be considered as material changes and examples of types of changes that would be considered non-material.

It outlines the required process to follow for consultation with students and applicants.

The following links may be helpful when making changes and updates to courses.

If you have any queries after reading this guidance, please contact your Faculty Director of Quality

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contact the Quality Officers via QSOEvents@canterbury.ac.uk
 

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Last edited: 15/11/2023 13:52:00