Quality Assurance Framework for Collaborative Provision (March 2018)

EXTRACT

International Triage Process

International arrangements, by their nature, can carry an additional and significant level of potential risk to academic standards, requiring detailed scrutiny and an enhanced level of due diligence by the University. As such, all proposed new educational international partnerships are required to undergo a strategic, triage-based assessment process for Approval to Proceed (the “International Partnership Triage Process”).

While each School/Faculty may adopt its own procedures to progress a proposed new international link, in line with their internal governance structures, a suggested model is provided as Appendix 8. As a minimum, however, all proposals must be supported by the appropriate School Management Board (SMB) and FEB (or the assigned delegated authority for each) Engagement with, and endorsement by, the School Director of Internationalisation and Faculty Dean of Internationalisation in relation to all early stage discussion with a potential international partner is essential. A check-list to help inform such conversations has been developed and is included as Appendix 9.

Should there be sufficient support, Schools should progress to complete the ‘Key Issues’ Pro forma (Appendix 10) and provide appropriate supporting documentation for Faculty review, including a completed Risk Assessment (Appendix 6). Where a joint or dual award is proposed, evidence should also be provided that the University’s Policy on such matters has been considered and that key principles have been addressed (Appendix 7).

The documentation will be considered by the relevant FEB, which, if agreed, will normally request the development of an appropriate business case to support the proposed arrangement. An agreed template is provided as Appendix 11. If appropriate, this template can be completed in place of the ‘Key Issues’ Pro forma with the agreement of the relevant Faculty Dean of Internationalisation. Faculties may also advise the drafting of a dedicated Partnership Management Plan to support ongoing project development and implementation. The business case will then be reviewed by Faculty and a decision on Approval to Proceed confirmed. Academic Affairs will be informed prior to business case development and appropriate support provided as necessary, in conjunction with other Professional Support Services.

Where a new initiative with an International Partner is proposed involving cross-Faculty support, non-standard features (such as a fee discount outside the University Fee Framework) and/or where decisions need to be expedited in response to an available opportunity, proposals may be triaged through the International Partnerships Group (IPG) rather than SMB and FEB. Chaired by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Internationalisation and Engagement, the IPDG meets on a monthly basis to consider such arrangements. Its membership includes the Faculty Deans of Internationalisation and representation from Finance, Academic and Student Affairs, Research and Enterprise, and Marketing, Recruitment, Communications and Internationalisation, (MRCI) as well as relevant School Directors of Internationalisation. The Group is to ensure strategic alignment and provide increased agility in the agreement of collective actions and further due diligence required to realise partnership opportunities, including clarity on student visa requirements at a very early stage of programme design/development.

Appendix 6

Risk Assessment

Complete the partnership activity risk assessment, in conjunction with the Dean of Internationalisation (as appropriate), to provide an initial indicator of the level of risk that may be associated with the proposed partnership.

Question Rating Score1. Language of delivery and assessment

English, with English as students first language English, with English not students first languageNot delivered/assessed in English

123

2. Cultural and educational context English speaking country European (EU) country Other

123

3. Partner's status University/polytechnic (UG and PG)Polytechnic (UG only)Publicly-funded FE college/private college/organisation or any institution less than 10 years old

123

4. Partner's strength Large well-resourced (>10,000 students) Medium or small well-resourced (<10,000 students)Any size with limited resources

123

5. Type of collaborative arrangementArrangements not involving recognition of creditArrangements involving some recognition of creditValidation or franchise arrangements

123

6. Partner’s expertise in this fieldProgrammes at this levelProgrammes at lower levelNo experience in this field

123

7. Partner’s previous collaboration with UK HEIsAt this levelAt lower levelNone

123

8. Programme(s)Established programmeNew programme in established curriculum areaNew programme in new curriculum area

123

Total Score

Key Score of less than 9 Green = Low riskScore of between 9 and 17 Amber = Medium riskScore of greater than 17 Red = High risk

Appendix 7

University Policy on Joint and Dual Awards

1. University Policy on Joint and Dual Awards

The University may enter into dual and joint degree arrangements for both taught and research programmes. A dual degree is one in which a separate award is made by each partner. A joint degree is one in which a single award is made with both partners named on the single parchment

Key principles

(i) The proposed partner institution must be of equivalent academic standing to Queen’s with a compatible mission and ethos. League tables such as Shanghai Jiao Tong University Rankings (http://www.shanghairanking.com/), Times Higher (https://www.timeshighereducation.com and/or QS World Rankings (http://www.topuniversities.com/qs-world-university-rankings provide information on relative rankings.

(ii) Where the partner institution is in a country with Higher Education accreditation

and/or quality assurance requirements then it should be able to demonstrate that it meets those requirements. The QAA has a useful list of such countries and agencies at http://www.qaa.ac.uk/about-us/corporate-governance

(iii) The proposed partner institution should be recognised as excellent in the relevant discipline area(s). The league table http://www.topuniversities.com/subject-rankings/2015 is a useful source of such information.

(iv) The partnership proposal should support the University’s strategic goals and should provide strategic value as determined by the Faculty Executive Board. The proposal must be supported by the Faculty Executive Board.

(v) There should be clear benefits for the University and for the students on the proposed joint/dual award.

(vi) Dual degree arrangements should be entered into only where a joint degree is not legally possible (for example in China or Russia) or where the dual degree is of benefit to Queen’s.

All arrangements will require Approval to Proceed by the Faculty Executive Board and approval by the Collaborative Provision Group and the Education Committee for taught programmes and the Research and Postgraduate Committee for research degree programmes. Major strategic partnerships will require approval from Senate through the Scheme of Delegation.

2. Specific Issues for Consideration

In addition to the legal capacity of an institution to award a joint degree, the following issues should be considered:

i. Enrolment and registration procedures and transfer of enrolment data.

6

ii. Identification of visa requirements for international students and what impact this may have on their study status in more than one institution.

iii. Exchange of module information and assessment outcomes.iv. Alignment of regulations (must reach Queen’s minimum standards).v. Roles and responsibilities in administering and collecting fees.vi. Clarification of student entitlements such as library access or access to support

services.  (Library access may be determined by the student career path and entitlements may differ from other institutions involved in the collaborative arrangement).

vii. Appointment and reimbursement of external examiners.viii. Clarification on the requirement for a European Diploma Supplement and how this

will be produced for a joint award.ix. Development of Records of Achievements/Parchments and conferring of awards

(MOAs should clarify the use of terms such as Parchment and Student Transcript in line with Queen’s understanding when determining roles and responsibilities).

These issues must be discussed with Student Records at a very early stage in the development of a Memorandum of Agreement.  Where a joint parchment is required a proposal must be sent to the Qsis Strategic Users Group at least one year prior to the production of the parchment.  The proposal must be specific regarding the design and wording of the joint parchment. Final approval of the design rests with the Chair of the Collaborative Provision Group and the Director of Academic and Student Affairs.

Where a dual award is proposed, the University must be very clear about the entitlements of students and the responsibilities of each institution. In such instances, it may be appropriate to consider bespoke programme regulations which must meet Queen’s minimum standards but take into account the requirements of the partner institution.

Appendix 8

International Partnership Triage Process – Issues for Initial Consideration Check listUniversity Policy on Collaborative Provision and information on approval procedures, including a typology of collaborative arrangements and brief details of existing arrangements, can be found on:

http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/AcademicStudentAffairs/AcademicAffairs/CollaborativeArrangements/

1. PROPOSED PARTNER INSTITUTION

Name:

Address:

Institutional URL:

Institutional Status:(Public or Private university / college, charity, registered company, government body/agency)

2. INSTITUTIONAL CONTEXT / ENVIRONMENT

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS

Has the proposed partner the legal authority to contract as an institution in its own right?

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Does the proposed partner have the financial resources to support international collaboration?

ACADEMIC CONSIDERATIONS

Is the proposed partner of equivalent or higher academic standing / ranking to QUB?

What Is the principal language of delivery / assessment at the proposed partner institution? English or other.

Does the proposed partner have previous experience of collaboration with Queen’s or any other international HEI?

If yes, has any institution withdrawn from an arrangement with the proposed partner?

Does the proposed partner operate within an established/national framework of quality assurance / accreditation?

Does the proposed partner Institution have a sound understanding of UK HEI practices?

3. PROPOSED TYPE OF COLLABORATION / LEVEL OF ENGAGEMENT

Education – Validated / Franchised programme

Education – Articulation (including 2+2)

Research

Research – joint supervision / PhD awards

Recruitment – e.g, 4+1, 3+1+1

Study Abroad / Student Exchange

4. STRATEGIC FIT / ALIGNMENT

University

Faculty

School

5. POTENTIAL RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS / INVESTMENT

Are there any initial resource / investment requirements for the School to progress further discussion?

What would be the likely costs/resources involved for QUB in delivering an arrangement with the proposed partner? E.g. Staffing (admin / teaching / assessment / pastoral support), travel/accommodation, facilities, library access

Appendix 10

International Partnerships Triage Process

Key Issues to be Considered in Assessing New or Existing Educational Partnerships

The following form should be completed for all proposed new international partnership arrangements or in respect of any proposed changes to an existing international arrangement, regardless of the type of collaboration involved, for consideration and endorsement at School and Faculty level.

1. General Background

1.1 Queen’s University Lead

Name______________________________

School/Directorate____________________________________________________

Job title_____________________________ Contact No______________________

Email_______________________________ _

1.2 Please identify other Schools / Institutes involved:

Name______________________________

Name______________________________

Name______________________________

(If required, please add additional lines)

1.3 (i) Has a Partnership Management Plan been considered?

Yes/No

(ii) Who needs to be involved?

2

Details of Proposed Partner

2.1 Contact information

Name of Organisation______________________________________________

Address_____________________________________________

Main Contact______________________________________________

Position______________________________________________

Contact No________________________ Email_________________________

URL________________________

2.2 Does the proposed partner have the legal capacity to contract with Queen’s University? (Please mark)

Yes ☐No ☐Don’t know ☐

2.3 Identify the type of Institution / Organisation (Please mark)

YES NO

Higher Education Institution – Public ☐ ☐

Higher Education institution – Private ☐ ☐

Other Educational Institution (e.g. FE College, Teaching College) ☐ ☐

Research Institution ☐ ☐

Third sector organisation (e.g. charity, voluntary group) ☐ ☐

Registered Company ☐ ☐

Government body or agency ☐ ☐

Other (please specify):

3

2.4 Does the partner operate within an established / recognised Quality Framework regime? (e.g. QAA in the UK or regulated education provider)

2.5 Strategic fit with Queen’s, the Faculty and School(Please state how this partnership will help to achieve University/Faculty/School objectives and contribute towards Vision 2020 and other key strategic considerations)

2.6 Strategic fit and/or benefit for the proposed partner?

2.7 Outline previous relevant experience of the proposed partner in the education area and with other partnerships.

2.8 Does the proposed partner have any existing or past (expired/failed) engagements or formal arrangements with Queen’s University? (Please provide details)

4

2.9 Does the proposed partner have any agreements you are aware of with other universities? If so, which ones and for what purpose. Please indicate where any arrangements have been withdrawn with the proposed partner at the request of another institution (if known).

2.10 What is the proposed duration of the partnership?

2.11 Please outline broad timescales for implementation of the partnership.

2.12 Does the School/Institution have the capacity and resources to support the proposed term/duration of the partnership? (Please detail any resource implications e.g. staff time, number of staff committed to delivery, non-pay, equipment or facilities and specify if additional budget allocation will be necessary)

5

2.13 What are the key responsibilities of each partner in the proposed arrangement?

2.14 Does the proposed partnership relate to the following? (Please mark)

YES NO Proceed to

Education ☐ ☐ Section 3Student recruitment ☐ ☐ Section 4Study abroad ☐ ☐ Section 4Summer schemes ☐ ☐ Section 4

2. Proposed Education Partnership

3.1 Please select the type of partnership under consideration

Please mark

Articulations ☐Validation / franchise ☐Joint / dual awards ☐Other (please specify)

☐

3.2 What type of award will be covered by the proposed partnership?

Please markUndergraduate (UG) ☐Postgraduate Taught (PGT) ☐Sub – degree or Foundation ☐

3.3 Please provide a broad outline of the proposal?

6

3.4 What Degree Awarding Powers does the proposed partner hold, if any? (Please mark)

YES NO

Degree Awarding Powers ☐ ☐

Undergraduate degrees ☐ ☐

Postgraduate taught degrees ☐ ☐

Postgraduate research degrees ☐ ☐

Joint Award - UG ☐ ☐

Joint Award - PG ☐ ☐

Other (please specify) ☐ ☐

3.5 What is the academic standing of the proposed partner? For example their position in global league tables such as Times Higher World University Rankings (Please provide evidence)

3.6 Expected student numbers to Queen’s University(Please indicate if more than one academic year – is there a minimum/maximum of student numbers required?)

Year (e.g. 2017-18) UG PGT PGR

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5Total

7

3.7 What are the teaching arrangements for the proposed partnership e.g. where and who?

3.8 Is the quality of student learning opportunities and experiences at the partner institution considered, or likely to be, comparable to those at Queen’s and adequate to enable students to achieve the appropriate academic standards expected for a Queen’s award?(Please comment)

3. Proposed Student Recruitment Partnership

4.1 Please select the type of partnership under consideration

Please mark

3+1+1 ☐4+1 ☐2+2 ☐1+1 ☐Study Abroad ☐Student Exchange ☐Summer Schools ☐Other (Please specify)

☐

4.2 What type of award will be covered by the proposed partnership?

Please markUndergraduate (UG) ☐Postgraduate Taught (PGT) ☐Sub – degree or Foundation ☐

8

4.3 Please provide a broad outline of the proposal

4.4 What Degree Awarding Powers does the proposed partner hold, if any?

(Please mark)

YES NO

Degree Awarding Powers ☐ ☐

Undergraduate degrees ☐ ☐

Postgraduate taught degrees ☐ ☐

Postgraduate research degrees ☐ ☐

Other (please specify)☐ ☐

4.5 What is the academic standing of the proposed partner? For example their position in global league tables such as Times Higher World University Rankings(Please provide evidence)

9

4.6 Expected student numbers to Queen’s University(Please indicate if more than one academic year – is there a minimum/maximum of student numbers required?

Year (e.g. 2017-18) UG PGT PGRYear 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Total

4. Endorsement of the Proposal

Approval: Head of School and School Management Board

I confirm that I am satisfied with the content of this proposal.

Name______________________________

School___________________________________________________

Job title_____________________________

Signed_______________________________

Date

Approval: Faculty Executive Board

I confirm that I am satisfied with the content of this proposal.

Name______________________________

FEB___________________________________________________

Job title_____________________________

Signed_______________________________

Date

10

Appendix 11

QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY BELFAST

Business Plan TemplateInternational Partnerships (Education)

5. Has the Faculty Executive Board approved the corresponding Triage Document?

Yes ☐No ☐Other (please specify):

6. General Background

2.1 Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) Lead

Name: _________________________

School/: _________________________ Directorate:

Job title: _________________________

Contact No: _________________________

Email: _________________________

2.2 Please identify other Schools / Institutes involved:

Name: _________________________

Name: _________________________

Name: _________________________

(If required, please add additional lines)

2.3 Has a Partnership Management Plan been considered and who needs to be involved? Yes/ No

2

3. Details of Proposed Partner

3.1 Contact information

Name of Organisation: _________________________

Address: _________________________

Main Contact: _________________________

Position: _________________________

Contact No: _____________ Email: ______________

URL: _________________________

3.2 Does the proposed partner have the legal capacity to contract with QUB? (Please mark)

Yes ☐No ☐Don’t know ☐

3.3 Identify the type of Institution / Organisation (Please mark)

YES NO

Higher Education Institution – Public ☐ ☐Higher Education institution - Private ☐ ☐Other Educational Institution (e.g. FE College, Teaching College) ☐ ☐Research Institution ☐ ☐Third sector organisation (e.g. charity, voluntary group) ☐ ☐Registered Company ☐ ☐Government body or agency ☐ ☐Other (please specify):

3

3.4 Does the partner operate within an established / recognised Quality Framework regime (e.g. QAA in the UK or regulated education provider)?

3.5 Strategic fit with QUB, the Faculty and School(Please state how this partnership will help to achieve University/Faculty/School objectives and contribute towards Vision 2020 and other key strategic considerations)

3.6 Strategic fit and/or benefit for the proposed partner?

3.7 What market research has been undertaken and by who? Please provide a copy of the Market Intelligence Report / NARIC, if applicable.

3.8 What were the results of the market research? Please provide a summary.

3.9 Outline previous relevant experience of the proposed partner in the education and with other partnerships

4

3.10 Does the proposed partner have any existing or past (expired/failed) engagements or formal arrangements with QUB? (Please provide details).

3.11 Does the proposed partner have any agreements you are aware of with other universities? If so, which ones and for what purpose. Please indicate where any arrangements have been withdrawn with the proposed partner at the request of another institution (if known).

3.12 What is the proposed duration of the partnership?

3.13 Please outline broad timescales for implementation of the partnership.

3.14 What are the key responsibilities of each partner in the proposed arrangement?

3.15 Does the proposed partnership relate to the following? (Please mark)

YES NO Proceed to Education ☐ ☐ Section 4Student recruitment ☐ ☐ Section 5Study abroad ☐ ☐ Section 5Summer schemes ☐ ☐ Section 5

5

4. Proposed Education Partnership

4.1 Programme(s) and award(s) involved:

4.1.1 Please select the type(s) of partnership under consideration

Please mark

Articulations ☐Validation / franchise ☐Flying faculty ☐Joint / dual / double awards ☐Other (please specify)

☐

4.1.2 What type of award will be covered by the proposed partnership?

Please mark

Undergraduate (UG) ☐Postgraduate Taught (PGT) ☐Sub – degree or Foundation ☐

4.1.3 Please provide a broad outline of the proposal.

4.1.4 Name of Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) programme(s) involved or to be proposed:

4.1.5 Is the programme(s) new?(Please mark)

Yes ☐No ☐

4.1.6 If the programme(s) already exists, will any changes be required to facilitate the proposed arrangement (e.g. programme delivery, mode of study, new or revised modules or programme specification)? If so, please explain the changes:

6

4.1.7 Has the proposed programme been considered against relevant Subject Benchmark Statements and is it compliant with FHEQ and relevant QAA Qualification descriptors

4.1.8 Has appropriate curriculum matching/mapping been undertaken (e.g. in the case of a proposed articulation (2+2), has partner content been assessed and deemed equivalent to level 1 study at QUB for the relevant programme ) – please provide details/evidence

4.1.9 Is the programme(s) subject to professional, statutory or regulatory body (PSRB) recognition? If so, will approval from the PSRB be required?

4.1.10 How does the proposed programme fit with the suite of programmes currently being offered by the Faculty?

4.1.11 Structure of the programme(s) under the proposed arrangement (CATS, years of study, number and name of modules). Please also highlight any proposed use of partner content/courses.

4.1.12 Mode of delivery of the programme(s) (e.g. part/full-time study, distance learning):

7

4.1.13 Proportion of credit for the award assessed by QUB and proposed partner:

4.1.14 What teaching arrangements will be required for the proposed partnership e.g. where and who?

4.1.15 Will students from the proposed partner institution require English language support/provision or other additional support (e.g. an academic bridging programme/course)? Please outline anticipated requirements / interventions.

4.1.16 What Degree Awarding Powers does the proposed partner hold, if any? (Please mark)

YES NODegree Awarding Powers ☐ ☐Undergraduate degrees ☐ ☐Postgraduate taught degrees ☐ ☐Postgraduate research degrees ☐ ☐Joint Awards ☐ ☐Other (please specify) ☐ ☐

4.1.17 What is the academic standing of the proposed partner?

For example their position in global league such as Times Higher World University Rankings (Please provide evidence)

8

4.2 Management and administration:

4.2.1 Ownership of students i.e. will the students be QUB students, students of the proposed partner or both?

(Please provide detail)

4.2.2 Expected student numbersPlease indicate expected new student intake numbers and provide evidence/justification for your projections?

Year UG PGT PGR

Year 1 (e.g. 2017-18)Year 2 (e.g. 2018-19)

Year 3Year 4Year 5Total

Evidence / justification:

4.2.3 What are the minimum number of students required each year and the maximum number of students that can be accommodated each year under the arrangement? Please add more rows as required.

Year(e.g. 2017-18)

UG PGT PGR

Year 1 MinimumYear 1 MaximumYear 2 MinimumYear 2 MaximumYear 3 MinimumYear 3 Maximum

4.2.4 What is the marketing and promotion plan for the initial recruitment of students?

4.2.5 What is the marketing and promotion plan for the lifetime of the proposed partnership?

9

4.2.6 Who will be responsible for marketing and promoting the provision offered under the arrangement? How will this be managed?

4.2.7 Is the quality of student learning opportunities and experiences at the partner institution considered, or likely to be, comparable to those at QUB and adequate to enable students to achieve the appropriate academic standards expected for a QUB award?(Please comment)

4.3 Selection and Recruitment

4.3.1 By whom will the students be selected and recruited? If by the partner organisation, what will be QUB involvement?(Details are needed for reference in the legal agreement).

4.3.2 What will be the admissions criteria and English Language requirements?(Note: international students will be required to fulfil UKVI English Language and other requirements)

4.3.3 Will Disclosure and Barring Service checks be required?

10

The answer should be ‘yes’ if students will be in contact with anyone under the age of 18 and/or vulnerable adults. If yes, which organisation will be responsible for ensuring that the checks have been carried out?

4.4 Programme Operations

4.4.1 Applicable regulations – QUB / Partner / Bespoke?

4.4.2 How will student conduct, discipline and appeals be managed?

4.4.3 How will QUB Module Review and APR processes be accommodated?

4.4.4 Have arrangements for student engagement been considered, i.e. SSCC, University and National Surveys

4.4.5 Please provide a broad outline of arrangements to support examination and assessment? Are there any likely impediments to achieving compliance with QUB regulations / expectations / standards?

11

4.4.6 Will partner staff be required to deliver the programme and therefore require approval as Recognised Teachers of the University?

4.4.7 What arrangements will be required for student support and how equivalent will these be to QUB expectations/requirements?

4.5 Finance

4.5.1 Has the excel business plan template been completed (Annex 1)? If so please indicate the forecasted 5 year net contribution.

Year(e.g. 2017-18)

Surplus / (Deficit)

Year 1Year 2Year 3Year 4Year 5Total

4.5.2 What fee rate will be applied to the new programme? How has this been determined?

Please indicate the appropriate assigned fee rate as outlined in the Tuition Fee Schedule which can be found at http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/finance/TuitionFees/

Please tick the relevant box below which specifies the  appropriate Fee Rate for this programme

UG: Fee Rate 1 Fee Rate 2 Fee Rate 3 Fee Rate 4PGT: Fee Rate 1 Fee Rate 2 Fee Rate 4 

4.5.3 What discounts / scholarships will be applied or made available (standard University scholarship package or bespoke arrangement)?

12

4.5.4 Please note key assumptions used in Annex 1(i.e. pay cost, travel, student waivers etc.).

4.5.5 How much travel is required per year to the proposed partner, for how many people and the duration per trip?

4.5.6 How will marketing costs be funded?

4.5.7 How will incremental direct costs relating to maintaining the proposed partnership be funded (i.e. new investment or re-allocation of current funds/resources)?

4.5.8 If students from the proposed partner institution require English language support/provision or other additional support (e.g. an academic bridging programme/course), how will this be funded?

13

5. Proposed Student Recruitment Partnership

5.1 Programme(s) and award(s) involved:

5.1.1 Please select the type(s) of partnership under consideration

Please mark

3+1+1 ☐4+1 ☐2+2 ☐1+1 ☐Study Abroad ☐Student Exchange ☐Summer Schools ☐Other (Please specify) ☐

5.1.2 What type(s) of award or level(s) of study will be covered by the proposed partnership?

Please mark

Undergraduate (UG) ☐Postgraduate Taught (PGT) ☐Sub – degree or Foundation ☐

5.1.3 Please provide a broad outline of the proposal?

5.1.4 What Degree Awarding Powers does the proposed partner hold, if any? (Please mark)

YES NODegree Awarding Powers ☐ ☐Undergraduate degrees ☐ ☐Postgraduate taught degrees ☐ ☐Postgraduate research degrees ☐ ☐Other (please specify) ☐ ☐

5.1.5 What is the academic standing of the proposed partner?

14

For example their position in global league tables such as Times Higher World University rankings (Please provide evidence)

5.1.6 Name of Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) programme(s) involved:

5.1.7 Will any programme changes be required to facilitate and/or support students recruited to the University under the proposed arrangement? If so, please explain the changes:

5.1.8 Has appropriate curriculum matching/mapping been undertaken/considered to ensure students can undertake study at QUB (e.g. pre-requisite study for Level 3 modules)(Please provide details/evidence)

5.1.9 Will students from the proposed partner institution require English language support/provision or other additional support (e.g. an academic bridging programme/course)? Please outline anticipated requirements / interventions.

5.2 Management and administration:

15

5.2.1 Expected student numbersPlease indicate expected new student intake numbers and provide evidence/justification for your projections?

Year UG PGT PGR

Year 1 (e.g. 2017-18)Year 2 (e.g. 2018-19)

Year 3Year 4Year 5Total

Evidence / justification:

5.2.2 What are the minimum number of students required each year and the maximum number of students that can be accommodated each year under the arrangement? Please add more rows as required.

Year(e.g. 2017-18)

UG PGT PGR

Year 1 MinimumYear 1 MaximumYear 2 MinimumYear 2 MaximumYear 3 MinimumYear 3 Maximum

5.2.3 In the case of proposed student exchanges, are reciprocal student numbers expected in both directions?

5.2.4 What is the marketing and promotion plan for the initial recruitment of students?

5.2.5 What is the marketing and promotion plan for the lifetime of the proposed partnership?

16

5.2.6 Who will be responsible for marketing and promoting the provision offered under the arrangement? How will this be managed?

5.2.7 Is the quality of student learning opportunities and experiences at the partner institution considered, or likely to be, comparable to those at QUB and adequate to enable students to achieve the appropriate academic standards expected for a Queen’s award? (Please comment)

5.3 Selection and Recruitment

5.3.1 By whom will the students be selected and recruited? If by the partner organisation, what will be QUB involvement?(Details are needed for reference in the legal agreement).

5.3.2 What will be the admissions criteria and English Language requirements?(Note: international students will be required to fulfil UKVI English Language and other requirements)

5.3.3 How will non-standard applications be handled?

17

5.3.4 Will Disclosure and Barring Service checks be required?

The answer should be ‘yes’ if students will be in contact with anyone under the age of 18 and/or vulnerable adults. If yes, which organisation will be responsible for ensuring that the checks have been carried out?

5.4 Programme Operations

5.4.1 Applicable regulations – QUB / Partner / Bespoke?

5.4.2 How will student conduct, discipline and appeals be managed?

5.4.3 How will QUB Module Review and APR processes be accommodated?

5.4.4 Have arrangements for student engagement been considered, i.e. SSCC, University and National Surveys

18

5.4.5 Please provide a broad outline of arrangements to support examination and assessment? Are there any likely impediments to achieving compliance with QUB regulations / expectations / standards?

5.4.6 Will partner staff be required to deliver the programme and therefore require approval as Recognised Teachers of the University?

5.4.7 What arrangements will be required for student support and how equivalent will these be to QUB expectations/requirements?

5.5 Finance

5.5.1 Has the excel business plan template been completed (Annex 1)? If so please indicate the forecasted 5 year net contribution.

Year(e.g. 2017-18)

Surplus / (Deficit)

Year 1Year 2Year 3Year 4Year 5Total

5.5.2 What fee rate will be applied to the proposed partnership? How has this been determined?

Please indicate the appropriate assigned fee rate as outlined in the Tuition Fee Schedule which can be found at http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/finance/TuitionFees/

Please tick the relevant box below which specifies the  appropriate Fee Rate for this programme

UG: Fee Rate 1 Fee Rate 2 Fee Rate 3 Fee Rate 4PGT: Fee Rate 1 Fee Rate 2 Fee Rate 4 

19

5.5.3 What discounts / scholarships will be applied or made available (standard University scholarship package or bespoke arrangement)?

5.5.4 Please note key assumptions used in Annex 1 (i.e. pay cost, travel, student waivers etc.).

5.5.5 How much travel is required per year to the proposed partner, for how many people and the duration per trip?

5.5.6 How will marketing costs be funded?

5.5.7 How will incremental direct costs relating to maintaining the proposed partnership be funded (i.e. new investment or re-allocation of current funds/resources)?

20

5.5.8 If students from the proposed partner institution require English language support/provision or other additional support (e.g. an academic bridging programme/course), how will this be funded?

6. Endorsement of the Proposal

Approval: Head of School and School Management Board

Name: _________________________

School: _________________________

Job title: _________________________

Signed: _________________________

Date: _________________________

Approval: Faculty Executive Board

I confirm that I am satisfied with the content of this proposal and that the details provided are correct. I have considered the academic and resource implications and sought advice from colleagues in the Directorates of Finance, and Marketing, Recruitment, Communications and Internationalisation. The Business Plan has been approved by the Director of Finance and a Market Intelligence Report is attached.

The proposal has the Faculty Executive Board’s support.

Name: _________________________

FEB: _________________________

Job title: _________________________

Signed: _________________________

Date: _________________________