Procedures for the Approval of Minor Changes to Courses
Introduction
Major changes to courses are normally considered as part of course review or revalidation in the light of a
wider debate with peers about the purpose and standards of the course. These procedures relate to minor
changes to courses that need to be made between reviews; they apply to all University of the Arts London
HE courses.
Changes to Courses
All University courses undertake a continuing process of monitoring via programme and course committees,
producing a monitoring log and an annual course monitoring report. Either through this monitoring, or via
other means, teams may conclude that minor changes are required to the course as presented at validation
(or revalidation/review). The procedures below indicate the extent of change allowed under the UAL minor
modification procedure and how such changes may be approved.
Procedures
There are four levels at which minor changes can be approved:
Level 1 Course Leader
Level 2 School Board
Level 3 College Academic Committee
Level 4 Academic Standards and Development Committee
Whatever the level, all proposals should be scrutinised to ensure that:
a) academic standards are maintained;
b) the purpose of the course, as stated in the aims and objectives approved at validation, continues to
be fulfilled;
c) the rights of students affected by the changes are guarded.
Specific additional criteria for approval are given in the table below.
Approval Levels
Level
Approved by
Changes
Criteria for Approval
Level 1
Course Leader, in consultation with the students
affected, the Course Team and Dean
(a) Normal updating of course ‐ changes to course content within
each unit of course, but not changes to the aims and objectives of
each: ie the purpose of the unit remains the same.
(b) To the assessment of a unit including the number of
assessments, the size and type of assessments. However changes
to assessments that count towards an award (final or interim) may
not be made at this level.
That the unit continues to meet its
own objectives.
(a) To purpose, aims or objectives of units (and, inter alia, content
and/or assessment).
(b) To the contact hours of units
For further guidance around changes to unit contact hours please
liaise with Assessment and Quality
(a) Changes to assessment or assessment structure that relate to
final assessment or interim award (ie Dip HE or PgCert if awarded)
including number of assessments, size, timing, weighting. External
Examiners must be consulted about regulation changes that affect
students currently on the course.
(b) To the structure of the course including the timing and duration
of units.
(c) Changes to the rationale, aims and objectives and content of
the course. Such changes will normally only be considered as part
of a review or revalidation: however CACs may consider minor
alterations to the rationale, aims and objectives of a course,
including the addition of new areas of study, that might be needed
to adapt to changed needs or circumstances. Assessment and
Quality must be consulted for guidance.
In general the Committee will refer to a working party the addition
of new named routes or subjects, new modes of study or other
major structural changes which are not subject to revalidation. The
Validations Sub‐Committee of ASDC has delegated authority to
consider changes to course title, or titles of named routes. For
guidance Assessment and Quality should be contacted.
That the aims and objectives of the
course continue to be met.
That the contact hours are
adequate for students to meet the
learning outcomes of the unit.
That the objectives of the course
are adequately assessed and the
revisions are consistent with the
overall assessment philosophy of
the course.
That the aims and objectives of the
course continue to be met.
Normal validation criteria.
Level 2
Notes
(i) changes to the content of individual assessments
do not have to be approved under these
procedures.
(ii) following approval by the course leader changes
should be noted in the monitoring log.
Board of Studies in consultation with the students
affected, the Course Team; Dean, and Course
Committee.
Level 3
College Academic Committee in consultation with
the students affected, the Course Team, Dean, the
Course Committee, the School Board, Head of
College, Assessment and Quality, and External
Examiners (if appropriate).
Level 4
All other changes must be approved by Academic
Standards and Development Committee. If
appropriate, the Committee will refer the matter
to a validation working party or may insist on a full
review or revalidation.
That the objectives of the unit are
adequately assessed and the
revisions are consistent with the
overall assessment philosophy of
the course
Consultation
Where consultation with Assessment and Quality is stipulated this should be in the form of a written
proposal which will receive a written response. The response must be considered by the appropriate
committee alongside the proposal for change. Assessment and Quality may consult with appropriate staff
both inside and outside the University for advice on any proposal.
Introduction of Approved Changes
Changes to courses must normally be fully approved at the appropriate level before introduction during the
following year. Changes should not be introduced after a unit has begun, your part way through an academic
year. If, for exceptional reasons, changes are required with immediate effect the Assessment and Quality
unit must be consulted at the earliest opportunity, and all students affected must agree in writing to the
introduction of the change.
Following approval, changes should be incorporated in the annual updating of the course handbook and a
copy sent to Assessment and Quality.
Documentation
Documentation must be sent to the Assessment and Quality unit for all minor modifications. A suggested
template with the information required is given below.
[Approved by Academic Standards Committee ‐ 12 February 1998]
Updated following discussion at VSC 3 July 2012
Assessment and Quality
Academic Registry
September 2012
Minor Modifications Proposal
Course:
College:
Note: Please attach the existing unit descriptor and the revised unit proposal
Level of change
(i.e. Minor Modification Level 1, 2, 3 or 4)
Proposed change
(Ensure that full details of changes to
assessment are given including element
weighting or specify holistic marking)
Current position
Rationale for change
(Use separate sheet if necessary)
Consultation with programme or course
committee
(If a specific current cohort is affected by the
proposed changes, please give details of
consultation process with students)
Consultation with Board of Studies
(For Levels 2, 3, 4)
Consultation with External Examiners
Resources
Are there any resourcing implications
(staffing / physical) for these changes?
Implementation Date
(please specify affected cohorts)
Readers’ Group – summary of comments /
recommendations
(Quality Unit to complete if applicable)
Sent to Assessment and Quality / date
(Quality Unit to complete)
Via:
Approval
(Quality Unit to complete)
CC - [date]
/ BOS – [date] / CAC – [date] / ASDC – [date]
CAC Chair’s Signature:
Date: