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Quality Assurance Regulations: Introduction

Introduction

This document (the QA Regulations) provides a short guide to the regulations which the University Teaching and Learning Committee, University Research Committee, Graduate Board and Senate have adopted for the validation and annual evaluation of courses, programmes of study and research awards, including those validated by external bodies, and for the review of teaching, research and academic support services. The regulations have been developed and align with the UK Quality Code for Higher Education (the Quality Code), as published by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), to ensure that academic standards are set at a level which meets the UK threshold standard for the qualification concerned. It is aimed at academic and administrative staff and those at Collaborating Institutions. A separate document has been produced by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor covering the financial arrangement for collaborative provision (CP), copies of which can be obtained from Registrar and Secretary’s Office (RSO).

School Reviews

The evaluation of the strategic direction and performance of Schools within the University and the audit of the operation of their quality assurance and enhancement arrangements along with an examination of its assessment, teaching and learning and research strategies is undertaken through mechanisms including Quality Appraisals, Subject Review, Professional and Statutory Regulatory Body (PSRB) Reviews, Office for Students (OfS) quality assessments and UNIAC audits and most regularly through the mechanism of the Annual Planning Round. External scrutiny to the process is provided through the periodic audits of OfS and PSRBs to which all Schools are exposed.

Service Reviews

The evaluation of the strategic direction and performance of the services within the University and the audit of the operation of its quality assurance and enhancement arrangements is undertaken through mechanisms including Quality Appraisals, UNIAC audits and most regularly through the mechanism of the Annual Planning Round.

Emergency Procedures

There may be times, because of exceptional circumstances beyond our reasonable control, when the University is unable to apply the approved QA Regulations. In these circumstances, emergency regulations may be approved by the University Teaching and Learning Committee for a duration as determined by the Vice-Chancellor (or nominee).

Variations to the regulations may involve alteration of processes or the use of measures designed to support virtual or online processes in instances where it may not be possible to hold face-to-face events. Once approved, any emergency regulations will be circulated to stakeholders as appropriate and will be made available on the RSO website.

Further Information

Users of these QA Regulations who require further information on any point should consult the Head of Quality Assurance or staff in RSO in the first instance. Further information is also available from the RSO website.

Throughout this handbook the Pro Vice-Chancellor with responsibility for curriculum delivery, and quality assurance and enhancement is referred to as the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning). The Pro Vice-Chancellor with responsibility for Research Awards is referred to as the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise).

The Changes included in the August 2026 edition can be found below.

 

Changes for the August 2026 edition include:

This is the list of changes made to the Quality Assurance regulations for 2026/27
This information is presented in rows section by section.
Section Changes
Throughout Document
  • Updates to formatting and terminology
  • Removal of references to School validation panel and replacement with University validation panel
  • Consistent use of abbreviations and acronyms
  • Renamed to QA Regulations
  • Reordering and renumbering of sections
  • Replacement of SCCP with Academic Partnerships Board (APB)
Section A
  • Removal of School Board
  • Removal of School Board Terms of Reference
  • Removal of Appendix -- Guidelines for the operation of school boards
Section B-J
  • Redrafting based on plain English principles
Section L
  • Redrafting based on plain English principles
Section N
  • Removal of requirement for EE to attend assessment meetings
  • Additon of School Based EE induction
  • Addition of requirement for EEs to approve new and significantly amended assessment briefs
  • Redrafting based on plain English principles
Section O
  • Redrafting based on plain English principles
  • Revision to the term of office of MRes EE examiners (S: O.3) – Approved by Graduate Board following UTLC
Appendix A
  • Update to Validation Flowchart
Appendix B
  • Update to Validation and Recruitment Timelines
Appendix E
  • Revision to Dean’s Confirmation form reflecting new University structure

Removed Sections & Appendices

The following have been moved to the new Collaborative Provision Regulations:

Section: The Validation of Joint Awards

Section: Collaborative Provision

Section: Articulation Arrangements

Section: PGR Partnership Activities

Appendix: Dual Award Cotutelle Request Proforma

Appendix: Cotutelle Flow Chart (Dual Award)

Appendix: Single Award Cotutelle Request Proforma