Institutional Overview of Quality Frameworks, Quality Assurance and Enhancement Dr Anne Craven, Head of Quality and Academic Partnerships 25/04/2014

Northampton Quality Assurance Framework (NQAF) Informed by the QAA Academic Infrastructure Mapped against the newest QAA guidance Strategic Fit Risk-based approach to QA / streamlined and responsive A more intelligent approach to the use of institutional data Systems and procedures for monitoring and enhancing academic quality and standards A framework for the consideration of feedback from students and External Examiners about academic quality and standards

Core Quality Assurance Processes Assuring standards; use of data Planning and Development Approval Validation Monitoring and Evaluation –School Quality, Standards and Enhancement Committee –Boards of Studies –Annual Review Modules and Subjects School Institution: Standards; Learning Opportunities –Change of Approval –Periodic Subject Review External Scrutiny (External Examiners/PSRBs)

Core Quality Enhancement Processes Enhancing quality of learning opportunities Enhancement as strategic appreciation and spreading of good practice and continuous improvement across the institution Linked to quality assurance –self-reflection –Peer advice –Sharing of good practice –Listening to students/student voice –Use of data –External advice and comment/QAA; communities of practice External Examiners Approval, monitoring and review of programmes –School Quality, Standards and Enhancement Committee and UN Committees

University Modular Framework (UMF) A flexible framework which allows students to study full- time, part-time, or as a distance learner Continuous; covers all modules from level 4 to level 8 Ensures that students have an equitable educational experience irrespective of their programme of studies. Designed to consider learning as a continuum. A common set of progression and assessment regulations Governs the design process for modules and their organisation into a range of awards. A student centred learning experience enabling individual progression, development and achievement

University Modular Framework (UMF) Modular structure – 10, 20, 40 (etc.) credits Credits forming an approved programme of study (APS) A named degree formed according to Award Map Compulsory and Designated Modules; Electives FT Undergraduate: 120 (100) credits/year (max. 140) Changing and withdrawing from modules governed by regulations Attendance and Cause for Concern policy

University Modular Framework (UMF) Course design, Validation and Change of Approval done to a certain timetable within the academic year Course documentation (module specifications, module catalogue; also prog. specifications incl. key skills maps) Distinctiveness of degrees and pathways; similarity and difference defined by percentages Degree names (BSc, BA, etc.; joint degrees ‘with’ or ‘and’) Awards/Exit awards (e.g. Honours degree/Ordinary degree); Combined Studies

University Modular Framework (UMF) Awards

University Modular Framework (UMF) Period of registration

University Modular Framework (UMF) Levelness and Learning Outcomes; linked to assessment

University Modular Framework (UMF) Study Hours

University Modular Framework (UMF) ‘Skills Agenda’ Key Skills Map Employability

University Modular Framework (UMF) Designing Assessment

University Modular Framework (UMF) Assessments specified in the course documentation (Validation); details in the annual Modules Guides –2 attempts (Extensions; deferrals; mitigating circumstances; referral; re-start) –Late submissions/failures of submission affecting mark –Assessment from A+ to F-; G a non-submission mark –Failing students may re-sit during the year Accumulated failure: and failed, having exhausted all opportunities for re- assessment. Either: more than 80 credits at level four, or more than 60 credits at level five, or more than 80 credits at level six, or more than 40 credits at level seven, or 20 credits at level eight. Each failure contributes to this count. Condonement: At levels 4 and 5 only, a student who successfully passes modules amounting to 100 credits and has an F+ in one or two modules amounting to no more than 20 credits in total will be awarded a condoned fail, recorded as grade E.

University Modular Framework (UMF) Marking: PG

University Modular Framework (UMF) Marking: UG

University Modular Framework (UMF) Grading

University Modular Framework (UMF) UG Classification (degrees) Ordin. degrees not classified Others Distinct./Merit/Pass

Classification – Masters and PG Dip (PG Cert, Grad Cert/Dipl not classified)