[Course design, approval and modification home page]
Advice is available on all aspects of new course and module approval, from initial development of a proposed course or module, through to ongoing review and amendments once the course has been approved and is being offered.
ASPO's
responsibilities include reviewing the new course approval process in
consultation with colleagues and recommending enhancements to relevant
committees of Senate. The team provides guidance, forms and procedures
relating to new course approvals.
They also manage the process of approval of new courses for publicity purposes,
including establishing the form of approval required, and
liaise with colleagues in Registry, the Faculty and the department to identify
areas to be addressed during the approval process. Where courses are
considered by a validation panel, ASPO identifies panel members in consultation
with colleagues in Registry, the Faculty and the department.
Education Managers work alongside Executive and
Deputy Deans on new course and module
approvals. They can offer advice on areas such as how new course and
module proposals fit within University policies and the Rules of Assessment
framework.
Education Managers collate documentation from departments for consideration by
the Executive and Deputy Dean and Faculty Executive Committee, and will ensure course and module approvals are
reported to the relevant committees of Senate and to relevant sections of the
University once approved.
Registry and also provide advice on credit accumulation and modular study.
A wide range of staff in the Faculty can offer advice, including:
The Systems Administration Office, including the Course Records team and Timetabling team, maintains systems for the management of academic and students’ records, including programme specification and module directory databases. They provide training and support to users in departmental and central offices, including on the annual update of courses and modules (Annual Review Process).
CER can help to assess the market and demand for a course, and can compile a market research report to submit with approval documentation. They can also offer advice on how to market a course, on inclusion in the prospectus, and on admissions and entry requirements.
Teams in CER include:
Learning and Development produce a range of resources which help staff who are designing new courses and modules. Resources include a best practice database, ‘How to’ guides, Smart guides, and information on projects and work being carried out in areas such as assessment and feedback, and research.
The majority of courses can be designed to include a term or year abroad, offering students the chance to add an international dimension to their studies. For study abroad, guidance is available through the Essex Abroad Office or Departmental Officers.
There are a wide range of initiatives designed to enhance students’ employability skills, which can either be fully integrated elements of a course, or sit alongside and complement it. For ideas on how to enhance employability skills and incorporate work-based learning, contact the Faculty Employability Co-ordinators or the Employability and Careers Centre. Contact details for Faculty Employability Co-ordinators can be found on the individual faculty webpages. Detailed guidance on work-based and placement learning is available, and Learning and Development are also developing a knowledge bank of resources and case studies relating to work-based learning.
Page last updated: 12 September 2013