PROGRAMME PROPOSAL
The aim of the proposal is to pull together information that enables a greater understanding of
what the proposed programme will offer prospective students, which will aid the College in
their decision to approve the proposal. Once this initial approval has been given than the
Programme Approval Form (PAF) and any other relevant documentation must be completed
and submitted to your Faculty (Institute/School) Education Committee/Postgraduate Research
Committee (or equivalent), as per usual procedures.
1.
General information
Department/Faculty
(Institute/School):
Name of proposer:
Programme title:
Intermediate (level 5)
Honours (level 6)
Level in the qualifications
framework:
Masters (level 7)
PhD (level 8)
Full-time
Mode of study:
Part-time
Distance learning
Modification to existing
programme
Yes
No
If yes please briefly note
proposed modification.
Proposed commencement
date:
Does the programme involve any collaborative activity including student exchange
(see Appendix 1 for what is classed “collaborative activity”)? If yes please detail the
activity involved and attach to the form a copy of the Collaborative Provision
Proposal Form.
Are student mobility options (eg semester/year abroad, field trip overseas,
international internship, elective) permitted? Please give details of the options
available to students. The Study Abroad Team can advise on available options.
Will the programme require/seek accreditation by a PSRB? If so which body?
2.
Programme synopsis
Write a short description of the programme, no longer than 200 words. This should
give external audiences a clear idea of what will be covered, what the focus will be,
what makes it a desirable programme to apply for and how it fits in with the Faculty
(Institute/School) and College Strategy.
By desirable programme please detail
i. the academic staff involved in teaching this programme and how they are regarded within
and outside academia
ii. what makes this Department well known?
iii. why is King’s the best place to study this discipline, what is distinctive
iv. how will this study benefit the student in their career – acquired skills, contacts,
experience
Will the programme provide opportunities for internships? If so give details.
Have you discussed internship options with King’s Careers & Employability?
Yes
No
Post-Graduate Research programmes only: Have you consulted the Graduate School
(If no please contact them prior to completing this part of the form)?
Yes
No
3.
Market rationale: Please see your marketing officer for guidance on completion of
this part of the form.
Have you seen your marketing officer?
Yes
No
If No please contact them prior to completing this part of the form
What are your programmes distinctive assets? For instance, access to specialist
clinical populations, state-of-the-art equipment, placements, historical collections,
partnerships, input from famous names in the field etc.
Is this programme:
Your marketing officer will help to conduct a competitor analysis looking at the other
programmes on offer in the UK, at which institutions and positioned at what subject or grade
requirements etc.
This will help to define your potential students and why they would be interested in your
programme specifically: is it because it is a unique programme in the UK with market
demand, or is it within a highly competitive set or is it similar to but distinctive from similar
programmes at other Russell Group universities. These considerations will be very
important when developing marketing efforts against the target students.
Existing discipline in UK
New programme to UK
Similar to an existing
programme at King’s
2
What market share are you
expecting
What potential and where will
students move from?
Is there risk of overlap
and how do we mitigate
this risk?
Is this replacing any
existing programmes?
What opportunities are there for sharing modules with existing King’s programmes?
4.
Financial
In consultation with your Faculty Management Accountant (or equivalent) please
complete the Business Case Template. The business case must be submitted
attached to the same email as this Programme Proposal Form.
5.
Resources
Has consultation and approval been given for any additional requirements?
Please take into consideration the current existing space requirements for students and the
implications this new programme would have on existing resources. Rachel Parr (Health
Schools) and John Worne (Arts and Sciences) can offer guidance on these matters.
What additional facilities/equipment will be required?
Has consultation and approval been given for any additional requirements?
What additional library resources will be required?
Has consultation been given for any additional resources? Please take into consideration
the current existing library resources for students and the implications this new programme
would have on existing resources.
3
What additional staff will be required?*
Where will the teaching resource come from?
Has consultation and approval been given for any additional requirements? Please take
into consideration the current existing staff resources and the implications this new
programme would have on existing resources.
*Programmes requiring any new academic or professional staff must first undergo a
business case review [details on the Programme Approval website
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/aboutkings/governance/committees/PDAC.aspx] and
authorisation via the relevant territorial Vice-Principal.
PDAC cannot authorise new capital or new staffing requests without prior business
case approval.
6.
Online/Distance learning programmes
Have you spoken to the Director of King’s Online (Anna Wood) (If no please contact
her prior to completing this part of the form)? Please provide preliminary feedback.
Will the programme operate as blended learning on be taught wholly online? Please
note whether there will be any occasion when the students will be expected to attend campus
at any time, attend residential weekends or whether the programme is wholly an online
programme.
4
7.
Signatures (please note that the PPF cannot be accepted until all relevant
parties have signed off on the document – electronic signatures are accepted)
Initial approval by the Dean of Faculty (Institute/School):…………………………………
Date: ………………
If the proposed programme is cross-Faculty, signatures of both Deans are required.
Initial approval by the Territorial Vice-Principal:……………………………………………..
Date: ………………
Please return completed forms via email to matthew.claridge@kcl.ac.uk
Thank you
Quality and Academic Support Office
8th Floor
James Clerk Maxwell Building
Waterloo campus
Tel: 020 7848 3971
For QAS Use:
Date form received: …………………………….
Date form considered by Programme Development and Approval Committee: …………….
Programme: agreed to continue to next stage/further information required/Chair’s Actions
to be taken/ declined
If programme declined, rationale for this: ………………………………………………………..
…………………………….…………………………….…………………………….………………
…………………………….…………………………….…………………………….………………
5
Appendix: Definitions of Collaborative provision
The following definitions are used to describe the ‘collaborative activity’ covered by the
College policy for managing higher education provision with others.
Definition1 of managing higher
College definition of the key characteristics
education provision with others
ALL ACTIVITIES MUST BE UNDERPINNED BY A LEGALLY BINDING MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT
[MOA] SETTING OUT THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE COLLEGE AND THE PARTNER
FOR THE ACTIVITY UNDERTAKEN
Articulation agreement2: a
partnership arrangement whereby
cohorts of students who have
successfully completed or have
satisfied academic criteria on a
programme of study at a partner
institution are automatically entitled
(on academic grounds) to be admitted
with advanced standing to a
subsequent stage of a programme at
the College.

The partner Institution owns the curriculum and
the award for their particular programme of study
and is responsible for its delivery and quality
The College recognises the identification,
assessment and formal acknowledgement of
learning and achievement that occurred at some
time in the past (perhaps as a result of a previous
course, self-directed study, or active experience)
The College is responsible for ensuring that the
provision undertaken at the partner institution is
suitable for the recognition of credit for advanced
standing when admitting a student to a
programme of study at the College
The arrangement may involve credit
accumulation and transfer, so that credit
achieved for the approved study at the partner
institution is transferred to contribute to the
programme and award completed at the College
Requirements for admission with advanced
standing/AP(E)L credit transfer are governed by
College Regulations for admission and
registration
Normally, attached to bids for funding from the
relevant Research Council
Postgraduate researchers are registered at the
College and subject to College regulations for
their programme of study, but may spend time at
the partner/centre
Contact the Graduate School for advice on
submitting applications for funding and setting up
agreements
Each partner is responsible for the content,
delivery, quality and standards of its own
provision and makes its own award
Students may be registered concurrently at each
partner institution or sequentially
Credit from each partner is used towards the
award from the other partner
The awards based on a single programme and
the same assessed student work must be mindful




Doctoral Training
Centres/Partnerships (DTC/DTP): a
partnership arrangement whereby two
or more awarding bodies collaborate
in the delivery of personal,
professional and career development
skills training for research candidates
e.g. LAHP Doctoral Training
Partnership
Dual (double or multiple) Award: a
partnership arrangement whereby two
or more awarding bodies together
provide a single jointly delivered
programme (or programmes) leading
to separate awards (and separate
certification) being granted by both, or
all, of them.







1
Please note that for definitions reference has been made to the UK Quality Code for Higher
Education where possible
2 A distinction is drawn with (a) arrangements which are a form of progression and secure entry to
the first year of a HEI programme or (b) accreditation of prior learning (and experiential learning)
(AP(E)L) arrangements for individual students. These arrangements are governed by the College
Regulations for admission and registration
6
Exchange: a partnership
arrangement that is both sustainable
and reciprocal in nature. It is
important to note that the numbers of
incoming and outgoing students/ staff
should balance as failure to do so
may result in a net loss in respect of
College income. Consideration should
be given to the level of academic,
administrative and pastoral support
offered by a partner and the strength
of the relationship between
participating departments.
of College Regulations for admission and
registration
Promotes mobility and training opportunities for
students through a range of study abroad
opportunities, including the Erasmus scheme.
The partner is responsible for the design and
delivery of their own provision, which has
demonstrated adherence to the appropriate
quality requirements and academic standards
required
Involves a planned period of study or experience
for which credit may be given towards a
programme of study at the College either as
credit transfer or award of credit
Governed by relevant sections of the Academic
Regulations
Contact the Study Abroad Office for advice on
international student exchange agreements
Each partner must have the legal ability to award
a joint degree
There is usually shared ownership of the
curriculum and related IPR (Intellectual Property
Rights)
Students register with both/all institutions but one
normally provides the lead for administrative
purposes or students are free to select their
designated home institution
Students have the right of access to learning
resources at both/all institutions
The degree programme is subject to both/all
institutions quality assurance processes, although
there may be a pooling/sharing of processes
There is some form of joint committee,
responsible for overseeing and reviewing
arrangements and which reports into the relevant
structure at both/all institutions
There is a joint examination board/process which
reports into the relevant structure at both/all
institutions
Arrangements (including the student lifecycle)
should be fully specified in the MoA
Each partner provides free access to a course(s)
not affiliated to a programme of study at the
College on an online platform for students to
study and be assessed in at their own pace
Arrangements involving the award of credit
towards a College degree are governed by
relevant sections of the Academic Regulations
The partner is responsible for the design and
delivery of the provision, which has demonstrated





Joint Award: a partnership
arrangement whereby two or more
awarding bodies together provide a
programme leading to a single award
made jointly by both, or all,
participants. A single certificate or
document (signed by the competent
authorities) attests to the successful
completion of the jointly delivered
programme, replacing the separate
institutional or national qualifications.
A certificate produced in two parts by
each partner must clearly state:
certificate not valid without the other
part.








MOOC (Massive Open Online
Course): a form of distance learning
providing online courses aimed at
large-scale participation and open
access via the web.

Off-campus study3:


3
Please note that for arrangements involving intercollegiate activity, these are covered by the
ordinances of the University of London and have been classed as Other (Intercollegiate activity). Ad
hoc arrangements are covered by the College policy on registration of incoming or outgoing
students, but for formal arrangements being entered into for joint teaching or exchange of modules
where a Memorandum of Agreement is required please follow the Procedures for the approval and
monitoring of collaborative provision.
7
A delivery organisation that delivers
learning opportunities on behalf of the
College, e.g. teaching arrangements
or learning opportunities where
provision is made for students’
learning, including planned study
programmes, teaching, assessment,
academic and personal support, and
resources (such as libraries and
information systems, laboratories or
specialist facilities), e.g. placements/
Internships.



Partnership: an arrangement
whereby the College enters into an
agreement with another awarding
body to deliver learning opportunities
and grant awards. The provision is
designed and delivered by the
College and at least one other
partner, but each partner awards their
own degree.




Validation agreement: a process by
which a degree-awarding body judges
a module or programme developed
and delivered by another organisation
and approves it as being of an
appropriate standard and quality to
contribute, or lead, to one of its
awards. Students normally have a
direct contractual relationship with the
delivery organisation.



adherence to the appropriate quality
requirements and academic standards required
May involve a planned period of experience
outside the institution to help students to develop
particular skills, knowledge or understanding as
part of their programme, often leading to
recognition of study or award of specific College
credit
Includes programmes delivered or provided
jointly by the College and one or more partner,
irrespective of the award (whether single, joint,
dual/double or multiple). It refers to the education
provided rather than the nature of the award.
Governed by relevant sections of the Academic
Regulations
The partner can be another HEI or a public or
private sector body
If the College is the awarding institution, the
College will own the programme and have overall
responsibility for its delivery, quality assurance
and standards
Elements of the programme will be delivered by
the partner and often assessed by the partner in
collaboration with the College
Students are registered with the College but may
attend the partner for the delivery of particular
elements of the programme
The College determines the extent to which it
exercises direct control over the quality
assurance aspects of the programme’s
management. Separate procedures govern the
validation process
Students on validated programmes are not
students of the College and do not have rights to
use College facilities
There is currently only one such agreement in the
College, future agreements are unlikely
8
Definitions of ‘Other’ types of Collaborative activity
The following definitions are used to describe the collaborative activity not covered by the
College policy for managing higher education provision, as they do not lead to or contribute
to the award of academic credit or a qualification that is delivered, assessed or supported
through an arrangement with one or more organisation other than the College.
Collaborative activity – type and key characteristics
definition
ALL ACTIVITIES ARE SET OUT IN EITHER A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) WHICH IS NOT
LEGALLY BINDING ON THE COLLEGE AND THE PARTNER FOR THE ACTIVITY UNDERTAKEN OR A
LETTER OF INTENT OR A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT (MOA) WHICH IS LEGALLY BINDING AND
SETS OUT THE ROLES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF EACH PARTNER4
Accreditation: a process for
 Normally set out in a letter of intent or a
verifying or approving a higher
Memorandum of Agreement
education programme, or provider,  Includes PSRBs that set standards for and regulate
by an authorised external
the entry into particular professions, and are
organisation. Programmes can be
authorised to accredit, approve or recognise
accredited by a professional or
programmes leading to professional qualifications
regulatory body such as the
for which they have a statutory or regulatory
General Medical Council.
responsibility
 Governed by the relevant section of the Procedures
for programme and module approval and
modification
 Contact the QAS Office for advice
Intercollegiate activity: an
 Normally set out in a letter of intent or a
agreement entered into with
Memorandum of Agreement (except for ad hoc
another College or Institute which
arrangements where the Intercollegiate registration
comprises the University of
process should suffice)
London. Arrangements can include  Formal agreements are subject to stage three
joint/shared teaching of
(Approval of provision) of the Procedures for the
programmes/modules, exchange
approval and monitoring of collaborative provision
of modules or ad hoc
 Governed by the relevant section of the Procedures
arrangements for students
for programme and module approval and
undertaking a module as part of
modification
their degree programme at King’s
 Contact the QAS Office for advice on aspects of
quality assurance for the arrangement
Participation: an agreement to
 Normally set out in a Memorandum of
recruit students in participating in a
Understanding or a letter of intent
non-credit bearing programme of
 King’s is responsible for the provision of teaching
study or undertake study/access
and/or learning resources, but not for the award of
resources at the College where
the degree
there is no exchange of students
 Students have access to the provision provided by
between the partners.
the College as an associate student or a current
student on a non-credit bearing course
 International partner arrangements including Study
Abroad programmes or Summer School
arrangements
 Contact the Global Engagement Office for advice on
international partnerships
Progression: an agreement
 Normally set out in a Memorandum of
whereby students who have
Understanding or a letter of intent
completed a programme at one
 The partner institution owns the curriculum and the
organisation successfully may be
award for their particular programme of study and is
considered for entry (on an
responsible for its delivery and quality
individual basis) either to the
4
Please note that a final signed copy of the Memorandum of Agreement, Letter of Intent or
Memorandum of Understanding must be lodged with the QAS Office
9
beginning, or to a more advanced
stage, of a programme of the
College.
Promotion and Publicity: mutual
agreement to formalise dialogue,
market information and develop
networks across participating
institutions.






Recruitment: agreement to
recruit or target students from an
external organisation with
marketing information.




Scholarship: agreements with
external organisations to offer
sponsorship to students on a
King’s programme.





Transitional: agreement to
transfer assets from one
organisation to another.





Students who have successfully completed their
programme of study are automatically considered for
entry onto a King’s awarded degree programme with
or without accreditation of prior learning (and
experiential learning) (AP(E)L) under the College
Regulations for admissions and registration
Contact the Admissions Office for advice
Normally set out in a Memorandum of
Understanding
Includes arrangements to establish ties of friendship
and co-operation with a partner and possible future
agreements that may be of mutual benefit such as
student exchanges
Includes research activities not linked directly to
degree programmes
Contact the Global Engagement Office for advice on
international partnerships
Normally set out in a Memorandum of
Understanding
Includes arrangements to recruit or target students
with marketing information from a particular
geographical region
Includes arrangements by partners with knowledge
and understanding of the academic discipline in
question to recruit or target students
Contact the College’s Marketing and Widening
Participation team for advice
Normally set out in a letter of agreement or a
Memorandum of Agreement
Includes arrangements to offer scholarships from a
financial organisation for students studying in the
UK.
Includes governmental or research council
scholarships and awards for students from a
particular geographical region studying in the UK
Includes independent organisations offering
scholarships to students studying in an area of
interest to the sponsor
Contact the College’s Marketing and Widening
Participation team for advice or the Graduate School
for postgraduate student funding arrangements
Normally set out in a letter of agreement or a
Memorandum of Agreement
Includes arrangements for a departmental merger
between King’s and a partner, where managing
higher education provision with others is not
required once the merger has taken place
Includes staff recruitment including redeployment of
staff from one organisation to another
the transfer of assets to the College leading to the
development of College programmes
Arrangements should only be entered into by the
Principal & President and his central team
10