Quality assurance procedures: Section O

Section O: Articulation arrangements

 

O1. General considerations

An articulation arrangement is where the University and an external institution enter into a formal agreement confirming that the learning outcomes and standards achieved as part of a University award can be demonstrated satisfactorily through successful completion of the external institution’s own award (or award of credit). Such an agreement would promote entry to an identified University award with advanced standing as a natural progression route for a successful student from the external institution.

Progression to a course at the University through an articulation route will still require the submission of an application by the student. The University will reserve the right to refuse admission.

Applications to the University submitted independently by potential students who wish to claim APL for prior study and tariffs established by Schools for commonly held qualifications which allow advanced entry do not fall into this category and should be treated as part of the admissions procedure. Similarly, applications to top- up degrees do not fall into this category and should be treated as part of the admissions procedure.

 

O2. Administrative procedures for approval of articulation agreements

The initiative to enter into an articulation arrangement with another institution is taken by the School owning the course. Curriculum or academic matters in relation to articulation arrangements must be approved by the School Teaching and Learning Committee, or Accreditation and Validation Panel (where separately constituted).

A formal case outlining the nature of and rationale of the proposed articulation should be submitted to the School Teaching and Learning Committee, or Accreditation and Validation Panel (where separately constituted). The case must be signed by the Dean (or nominee) and an appropriate representative from the external institution and should include explicit references to the institution’s mission, existing provision and strategic aims.

Following approval of the arrangements, the Memorandum of Understanding will be signed by the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) and the Principal of the collaborating institution. The original documents will be held on central file by the VCO.

Schools are required to establish mechanisms for the review of articulation agreements to ensure their continued currency.