Approval of new programmes of study
Annexe 1b - Application for Exemption from the Academic
Framework
The purpose of this form is to allow programme proposers to apply for exemption from the
academic framework.
The academic framework provides:
 greater flexibility for the development of interdisciplinary and cross faculty provision
 clarity for students regarding the structure of their programmes
 clarity and consistency regarding assessment and learning loads
 economies of scale with regard to teaching, timetabling and assessment.
The implications for students of operating outside of the academic framework, for example
on compensation, condonement and referral opportunities must be carefully considered.
A clear indication of the nature of the exemption must be indicated in Box 3 and the
rationale for the exemption must be indicated in Box 4.
Applications for exemption should be made via the relevant Faculty Learning, Teaching and
Assessment Committee (or equivalent) and must have the approval of the Dean.
Examples of exemption requests likely to be approved include:
* Reference (3b) PSRB requirements if written evidence of those requirements is added to
this application and clearly states that the requirements of the PSRB extend to the entire
duration of the programme and all its modules
* Reference (3c) free electives if the programme is subject to professional requirements, is
a ‘joint’, ‘with’ or combined programme or otherwise contains a significant number of optional
modules
* Reference (3c) free electives if two similar variants or routes of the programme are offered
with one of those variants including Free Elective modules
Approval of new programmes of study
Annexe 1b: Application for exemption from the academic framework
Version 1 05 – Oct 12
QH: G1
Annexe 1b:1
1a
Title of Programme
New
1b POS Code
2
a
Existing number on
AIS
Which aspect of the proposed programme is contrary to the academic
framework?
See Regulations:
Ch IV reg 9, 10
Ch VI & VII reg 2b
Ch VIII reg 3b
Please delete as appropriate to this programme
IV Reg 10 (a) (i)
Structure does not consist of two long-thin (two semester) modules
b
IV Reg 10 (a) (ii)
Structure does not consist of four short fat (single semester) modules
c
IV Reg 10 (a) (iii)
Structure does not include the option to take a Free Elective at all stages
(An explanation should be offered indicating why a Free Elective module cannot be
offered as an option alongside other long-thin modules, and why none of the long-thin
modules can be offered as a short-fat module, elsewhere in the programme)
d
IV Reg 10 (f)
Structure includes a 40-credit module at a stage other than Honours / Integrated
Masters stage of an undergraduate programme
e
f
IV Reg 10 (a)
Structure includes modules of a size other than 20-credits on an undergraduate
programme
VI, VII Reg 2 (b)
Structure includes modules of a size other than 20-credits on the Certificate or Diploma
stage (first 120 credits) of a Postgraduate Taught programme
g
VI, VII Reg 3 (b)
Structure includes modules of a size other than 30 or 60 credits on the Masters stage
(final 60 credits) of a Masters programme
h
Other – please provide details:
Approval of new programmes of study
Annexe 1b: Application for exemption from the academic framework
Version 1 05 – Oct 12
QH: G1
Annexe 1b:2
3
a
Reason for request
Please delete as appropriate to this programme
The Programme is:
Part time / distance taught / standalone CPD / multi-disciplinary
Please provide details:
There is a Professional and Statutory Body requirement (PSBR)
b
c
Please provide details (and append published statements of the requirements of the
PSBR with explanation of how this precludes a programme structure the University
would normally require):
This is an employer related / consortium based development
Please provide details (and append supporting statements of the employer/consortium
requirements):
d The programme does not follow the standard academic year
Please provide details (i.e. the structure of the modules/programme):
e
Other
Please provide details:
4
Indicate the programmes and modules affected and their AIS codes (state ‘new’ if no
AIS code is allocated yet)


Evaluate the impact of the exemption requested upon the student experience including,
but not limited to:
5
i) exams and other assessments
ii) Fail Repeat Year
iii) compensation, condonement and referral maxima (20 credits of each)
iv) consequences of ineligibility to progress (when an Exam Board decides)
4
Please attach the proposed programme structure
Approval of new programmes of study
Annexe 1b: Application for exemption from the academic framework
Version 1 05 – Oct 12
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Annexe 1b:3
The exemption described on this form is approved:
Dean of Faculty or Chair of FLTAC (for FLTAC)
PVC (Learning and Teaching)
Signature
Signature
Date
Date
In instances of requests for exemption excluding Free Electives driven by PSRB
requirements, requests are approved by the Dean or Chair of FLTAC within Faculty and
reported to PAC (as resolved by Programme Approvals Committee, April 2012).
Once completed this form should be appended to the Application for Development
Consent.
On receipt of the Application for Development Consent this form must be circulated by CDTE to
those indicated below.
Please note: circulation is for information at this stage and does not indicate that Development
Consent will be / has been granted.

Title
Name
Deputy
Dean
of
Learning and Teaching
Head of University
Department
The Head of Student
Derek Ord
Administrative Services
PI HE Manager (or
equivalent)
Secretary of PAC

Title
Name
Faculty
Administrator/
Quality Administrator
Departmental Secretary
Programmes
Administrator (SAA)
MarComms
Director of Finance (if Phil McDonald
indirect funding)
University Adviser
Partnerships (for
information)
Approval of new programmes of study
Annexe 1b: Application for exemption from the academic framework
Version 1 05 – Oct 12
QH: G1
Annexe 1b:4