Academic Case
New programmes or changes to existing programmes that requires University level approval
This document should be completed for the academic approval of new programmes or changes to existing
programmes that require University level approval. The information captured here supplements the business case
and the programme specification. Its purpose is to support effective scrutiny of proposals by the School, the Faculty
and the University Education Committee.
The online version of this form is available on the Unit & Programme Management System.
Programme title
Final award
Department/School(s)
Faculty
Programme accredited by
Signatures (prepared by)
Name
Version
Programme Director
Signatures (approved by)
Head of School
Faculty Education Director
The following documents are also required with the Academic Case:
- Programme specification
- Report of Student Consultation
- Report of External Assessors
- Report of Professional Accreditation (if relevant)
- Comments from the Critical Friend
- Mapping of programme intended learning outcomes
- Unit approval forms and specifications for any new and/or changed units.
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Date
Academic Case
New programmes or changes to existing programmes that requires University level approval
A. Rationale
Academic rationale for new programme/major change to current programme.
 Please provide full details of the rationale for the proposed new, amended or withdrawn units, programmes or shared
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structures.
Please explain if the proposed changes have any implications for other programmes (e.g. associated joint honours
programmes)
If proposing new or amended programmes, please expand on the rationale in the business case (where one is being
submitted) and include reference to why the proposal is desirable and timely. Please ensure that the timing of the change
to the programme is clear.
Assessment Details
What is the assessment strategy for the programme?
Please refer to the Institutional Principles for Assessment and Feedback in Taught Programmes when considering the
programme’s assessment strategy.
Strategic School, Faculty and University Initiatives
Does the proposal align with current strategic School, Faculty and University initiatives? (For example, Technology Enhanced
Learning, sustainability, student satisfaction)
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Academic Case
New programmes or changes to existing programmes that requires University level approval
B. Ordinance & Regulations
Consequent changes to the Ordinances
All awards are covered by Ordinance 19 - Summary of Academic Awards in the Statutes, Ordinances, Regulations and Official
Record .
If any changes are required to the above please detail them below, or enter N/A. This section must be completed in consultation
with your Faculty Education Manager.
Regulations
If any changes are required to the above please detail them below, or enter N/A This section must be completed in consultation
with your Faculty Education Manager.
C. Equality Analysis
Have gender, race, disability and any other equality issues been taken into account when planning this
programme? Please ensure that both staff and student equality issues have been taken into account. For
example:
 Departments should, within reason, have procedures and mechanisms in place that anticipate the support needs of
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
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disabled students. However, it is recognised that in some programmes (e.g. professional) some assessments cannot be
adjusted as they test mandatory learning outcomes and/or a competence standard.
Where it is practicable, reasonable and fair to all students have assessment tasks been designed to accommodate the
religious observances of the students and staff involved
Do admissions criteria disadvantage any groups?
Does the content of the programme assume a prior knowledge of British lifestyles therefore disadvantaging overseas
students?
More information about Equality Risk Assessment can be found at: Equality and Diversity
Equality Risk Impact
Do the proposed changes have an impact on members of any of the following equality target groups: Disability; Gender; Race?
If yes, please explain what the impact will be.
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Academic Case
New programmes or changes to existing programmes that requires University level approval
E. Support
Please provide reports from two external academics of recognised standing (one of whom may be an existing
external examiner) on the rationale and suitability of the submission.
Please explain why the external assessors chosen are appropriate.
Response to External Assessors
Please provide an evaluation and response to the reports received from the external assessors. It is essential to cover any
questions or perceived difficulties raised by the externals. Responses should be sent to the externals, and any further comments
from them should also be included with this form. If the proposal has been modified in response to the external assessors’
reports, please indicate how it has been changed
Professional Body Scrutiny (if required)
What scrutiny has been undertaken by professional bodies?
Student Consultation
Please complete the student consultation template and attach it to your submission.
If you have any further comments on the student consultation, please add them here.
English Language Profile
Please indicate which English Language Profile the programme maps to and state why. Please refer to the website for further
information.
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