Quality Assurance Regulations: Section H

Section H: Validation of postgraduate research provision

 

To progress proposals for new or amended postgraduate research (PGR) provision, proposals will normally need to be added to the Validation Schedule. Schools must notify RSO of proposed developments via the Graduate School Manager by submitting:

 

• An outline proposal to RSO
• For new courses only:
  • Confirmation from the Director of Marketing, Communications and Student Recruitment that appropriate market research has been undertaken and that there is a viable graduate careers route following graduation.
  • Immigration Compliance has confirmed that visa requirements are met, where applicable.

 

RSO will record proposals on the Validation Schedule and, in consultation with the Dean of the Graduate School and the Vice-Chancellor’s Office (VCO), determine the appropriate level of scrutiny. Where proposals include taught elements (e.g. professional doctorates), these will also be subject to Section B of this document. The schedule of PGR validation events will be reported to URC.

 

H1.   Validation events and panel membership

 

PGR validation events are conducted by the Graduate Board. Panels will comprise Graduate Board members, excluding representatives from the proposing School, and may include an external member where appropriate. The inclusion of an external member will be agreed by RSO in consultation with the Dean of the Graduate School and VCO.

 

External panel members must have relevant academic expertise, experience in UK higher education, and up-to-date knowledge of quality assurance practices. They must not have had any involvement with the University of Huddersfield within the previous three years or any other connection that could compromise impartiality. RSO is responsible for confirming eligibility and impartiality.

 

H2.   Validation discussions

 

Panels will normally consider:

 

• The appropriateness of programme aims, learning outcomes, structure, and assessment.
• Where applicable, module aims, learning outcomes, content, and assessment, including confirmation of consultation with Disability Services.
• Delivery arrangements, including the use of C&IT.
• The alignment of staff expertise and development with the proposed provision.
• The adequacy of physical and learning resources.
• Alignment with University and School strategies.
• Inclusivity, in line with the University’s Inclusivity Framework.

 

Panels should identify both strengths and areas for development.

 

Panel members will be provided with and are expected to review:

 

• Relevant QA Regulations.
• Applicable University strategy documents.
• Validation documentation identified in the PGR validation checklist.
• Draft programme and administrative arrangements.
• Any additional relevant documentation.

 

RSO is responsible for ensuring that external members are briefed on the University’s validation procedures.

 

Validation agendas should highlight issues requiring input from senior management or central services. Where issues relate to named post-holders, their involvement in discussions is expected.

 

Where specialist reports are required, panel members will be notified in advance and asked to submit reports within 28 days of the event. Responsibility for such reports will normally be shared.

 

A report of the validation discussions will be drafted by RSO, summarising key issues, panel views and detailing any conditions or recommendations made.

 

H3.   Approving and responding to PGR validation reports

 

The following applies:

 

• The draft report is circulated to panel members for confirmation or amendment.
• The report is shared with the proposing School to correct any factual inaccuracies.
• The approved report is received and noted by URC.
• The School prepares a response to any conditions or recommendations, as appropriate.
• The response is submitted to the Chair of the Graduate Board for approval.
• The Dean ensures that actions arising from the report are followed up and reports any issues to URC.
• Implementation of conditions and recommendations should be addressed in subsequent annual evaluation reports.

 

A signed statement from the Chair of the Graduate Board confirming that conditions have been met will be submitted to RSO.

 

H4.   Documents required for validation

 

Documentation must be submitted to RSO at least three weeks in advance of the validation event. Minimum requirements include:

 

Planning and resource approval:

 

• Confirmation from the Dean confirming that costs have been approved by the Director of Estates and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor.
• Approval by the Director of Computing and Library Services that appropriate computing facilities and sufficient library resources are available to support delivery
• Full details of course management and staffing arrangements, including CVs or profile links for all contributing staff.

 

Programme rationale:

 

• An introduction explaining how the provision fits within the existing University portfolio, supports School and University strategic priorities, and how academic viability and financial sustainability have been established.

 

Programme documentation:

 

• A completed PGR course specification and supporting information.

 

Where applicable:

 

• Module specifications for taught elements.
• Reports and confirmation of conditions met from related taught provision approvals.
• Confirmation of consideration under the University’s Inclusivity Framework.
• Where applicable, an annotated version of the course's entry on the University's online prospectus, highlighting any implications related to Consumer and Markets Authority (CMA) requirements.

 

Following validation, programme and any module specifications must be published on the University’s curriculum-management system.

 

Role of the Dean

 

The Dean oversees the quality and completeness of validation documentation, ensuring alignment with required standards, institutional strategy, and relevant policies. The Dean must also ensure an inclusive approach, including appropriate consultation with Disability Services and use of current EDI guidance.

 

H5.   Appealing against the outcome of a validation event

 

Schools may appeal the outcome of a validation event by submitting a case, via the Dean, to URC. The Committee will convene a separate panel to consider the appeal.

 

H6.   Changes to validated provision

 

Proposed changes to course specifications must be submitted to RSO using the Validation Proposal Form. Where changes constitute a material change, Schools must provide evidence that CMA requirements have been met.

 

H7.   Termination of provision

 

Where provision is to be discontinued, the School must develop an exit strategy detailing arrangements for closure. This must be approved by the School Leadership Team and monitored by the School’s Director of Graduate Education.