Alignment of non-statutory awards of certain Irish bodies

with the National Framework of Qualifications

Policy and Process

Mary SheridanHead of RecognitionHETAC October 2006

Context

• S.23 Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 1999, HETAC makes and recognises higher education and training awards

• NQAI policy in respect of the inclusion in, or alignment with the Framework of “awards” of specified bodies – adopted July 2006

• HETAC policy in respect of regulated professions without statutory awarding powers and those with statutory powers, if the award may be withdrawn

Alignment with the Framework• through Framework award types and

their descriptors, or• at a level, on a best-fit basis• of learning outcomes/awards • a voluntary process which applies to

all relevant learning outcomes/awards• bodies may have to apply under two

categories

Quality Assurance (QA) • Evaluation of QA processes is a legal

requirement• QA procedures intended to further improve

and maintain quality• All providers of HETAC awards must:

– Establish quality assurance (QA) procedures

– Submit for approval by HETAC• HETAC must:

– Ensure that providers have a QA policy and establish procedures

– Monitor the effectiveness of these procedures and processes

Quality Assurance (2)• Awards aligned with, or included

in, the Framework must have QA procedures associated with the awards/learning outcomes

• Identify the existence of a QA ethos which is embedded within the structures of the body and underpins all of the relevant activities

Quality Assurance (3)• Guidelines and Criteria for Quality

Assurance Procedures in Higher Education and Training, 2002

• Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area

Principal Quality Assurance Procedures • Procedures must address:

– Design and approval of new programmes and modules

– Assessment of learners– Ongoing monitoring of programmes– Evaluation of each programme at regular intervals– Selection, appointment, appraisal and development of

staff – Evaluation of premises, equipment and facilities– Evaluation of services related to programmes of

higher education and training– Evaluation of the effectiveness of quality assurance

procedures.• Provider must embrace the ethos of quality

improvement

Application Process• Preliminary application to determine

eligibility• Detailed application

- Form- Detailed submission

• Policies on– Access, transfer and progression– Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

Application ProcessDetailed Application:• List of awards/Learning outcomes• List of relevant awards no longer made• Identification of expected level of

alignment• Numbers involved• Description of learning outcomes using

Framework descriptors• Identification of credits using ECTS• A statement of a commitment to operate

in accordance with Framework policies and criteria

AssessmentTwo part process:1. Quality assurance policy and procedures2. Learning outcomes/programme/award

- process for determining the standard

- validation process- assessment process- entry requirements; transfer and progression

Assessment (2)• Expert panel comprising:

1. QA experts2. Experts in the field of learning

• Experts meet with individuals responsible for1. QA policy and procedures2. Learning outcomes/programmes

• HETAC :1. Agrees QA procedures2. Decides on appropriate alignment3. Agrees titles of awards4. Informs the Qualifications Authority5. Publishes the decision

Appeals • If process hasn’t been followed• Precise grounds for appeal

Review• Effectiveness of the QA procedures

– 5 yearly• Applicant body must advise of any

change which affects the alignment