Postgraduate Research programme approval
1.
1.1
What is your proposal?
Complete either section 1.1 or section 1.2
New PGR
Award and title (e.g. PhD in Applied Biology):
programme
Proposed start date:
Proposed intake number (FTE):
Year 1:
Year 2:
Year 3:
If these changes will result in changes to the faculty’s PGR intake targets, have they
been reflected in the most recent intake targets submitted as part of the student
number planning process?
Will the programme be available on a part time basis?
Please list any planned exit awards (e.g. Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate
Diploma, Master of Research)*
Please describe the training element of the programme, including if students will take
credit bearing units*
1.2
Change
to existing
PGR
programme
Award and title (e.g, PhD in Applied Biology)
Short description of the change
* Please note that exit awards and credit bearing units will require further detail in programme
specifications and unit specifications. Please contact the Academic Quality and Partnerships
Office to discuss.
Case for approval of a new/changed PGR programme 15/16.
Page 1
2.
2.1
Proposal details
Why is this proposal desirable and timely?
Short description (up to 200 words) of the rationale for this proposal at this time, to include
- in establishing new titles, reasons why existing PGR titles are not suitable for use
- new or changing markets, or other external drivers
- internal drivers such as student satisfaction, change in staffing, change to School/Faculty strategy
- mitigation of existing risk
- etc.
2.2
if the programme is part of a new or existing educational collaborative arrangement, please give
details:
If a new educational collaborative arrangement is being put in place, has agreement in principle been
given?
Yes / No
2.3
Please give details of the research environment and how this proposal fits within it
2.4
Fees
Please provide details of the Fees and Postgraduate Bench or Visitor Fees that will be charged for
this programme. This should include separate rates for Home and Overseas students and for those
studying on a Full-Time or Part-Time basis. Proposed fees must be discussed with the Student
Systems and Information Office (Ext. 88057).
Please provide details of any additional costs (e.g. cost of field trips) that will be chargeable to
students on this programme.
2.5
Resource implications (staffing, space, equipment, consumables etc.)
2.6
Is this proposal cost neutral or better?
Yes
No
If No, will the Faculty subsidise this activity?
Yes
No
Case for approval of a new/changed PGR programme 15/16.
Page 2
3.
Significant Risks and Mitigation
Please score impact on scale 1 (low) to 5 (high) and probability on scale A (low) to E (high), thus 1A would
be very low risk and 5E very high risk. Mitigation is the action planned to address the risk.
For example, could the recruitment of students be difficult? Will it be financially viable? Will it be
sustainable? Is there a high start-up cost? Is delivery reliant on the recruitment of new staff? Is the subject
area new to the Faculty/University?
Impact
Risk
4.
Probability
Mitigation
Signatures (prepared by)
Name
Owner
Accepted?
Version
Date
Academic Lead
Confirmation that resourcing and finance
have been discussed and agreed
Name
Date
Faculty Manager
Faculty Financial Controller
On completion, please could the faculty manager arrange for the Dean to review the case.
5.
Signatures (reviewed by)
Name
Version
Date
Dean of Faculty
Following approval by the Dean, the case should be considered by the faculty graduate studies
committee and then forwarded to the Academic Quality and Partnerships Office (approval-help) for
consideration by Education Committee.
Case for approval of a new/changed PGR programme 15/16.
Page 3
Sources of guidance
Below you will find a useful list of contacts from the Professional Services who will be able to
provide advice and guidance about developing a proposal for a new/changed PGR programme
Academic Quality and Partnerships Office
Email: approval-help@bristol.ac.uk Tel: 0117 33 14204

General queries about the Programme Approval Process

Dates of Education Committee meetings
Faculty

Finance spreadsheet and intake targets – Faculty Financial Controller

Marketing – Faculty Marketing Officers

Library Resources and Reading Lists – Faculty Librarian
(http://www.bristol.ac.uk/library/help/contacts/faculty.html)
Bristol Doctoral College

Information about researcher skills training

Information and guidance about existing models of PGR provision
Student Systems and Information Office
Email: ssio-info@bris.ac.uk Tel: 0117 33 88057

Student Numbers

Tuition, Bench and Visitor fees
Postgraduate Recruitment and Admissions
Email: pg-admissions@bristol.ac.uk Tel: 0117 331 8500

Postgraduate Recruitment and Marketing

Postgraduate Prospectus

Hobsons ‘Apply Yourself’ –email address pga-help@bristol.ac.uk

Advice on award naming conventions

Advertising a programme “Subject to Approval”
International Office
Email: international-office@bristol.ac.uk Tel: 0117 331 8571

International Marketing

Visa Queries
Business case for approval of a New programme or a Major Change to an existing programme 13/14.