Appendix I - Criteria for approval of levels 4, 5, 6, 7

Criteria – 4/5 / Criteria - Level 6/7 / Possible sources of evidence
Aims/ILOs: Alignment with the UK Quality Code. / Aims/ILOs: Alignment with the UK Quality Code. / Programme specification.
Curricula: engagement of employers/SSCs/PSRBS. Relevance of programme to further tudy/employment. Opportunities for practical/vocational experience.
Foundation degrees – adherence to defining characteristics. / Curricula: engagement of employers/SSCs/PSRBS. Relevance of programme to further study/employment. Opportunities for practical/vocational experience. / Programme specification and student handbook.
Assessment: to be conducted with equivalence to the University. / Assessment: to be conducted with equivalence to the University. / Assessment strategy. Criteria for assessment. Opportunities for formative and summative assessment. Programme regulations. Quality of written feedback. Assessment methods. Security and integrity of assessment.
Achievement: student retention. / Achievement: student retention. / Statistical data.
Teaching and learning: evidence of successful delivery of Levels 4 and 5. Teaching staff are qualified to Level 6 or equivalent. / Teaching and learning: evidence of successful delivery of Level 6/7. Teaching staff are qualified to Level 7 or equivalent. / Opportunities exist for staff development and scholarly activity. Peer observation of teaching scheme.
Progression: Link tutor arrangements. Diagnostic testing. / Progression: evidence of involvement of staff in the supervision of dissertations at Level 6/7. Link tutor arrangements. Diagnostic testing. / Statistical data. Arrangements for induction, admission and student support. Recruitment policies.
Learning resources: appropriate library facilities, appropriate IT facilities. Experience and qualifications of staff are appropriate to the programme. Access to University facilities where appropriate. / Learning resources: appropriate access to library and relevant specialist facilities exist including a book and periodical stock, appropriate IT facilities. Experience and qualifications of staff are appropriate to the programme. Access to University facilities where appropriate. / Tour of the learning resources; staff CVs.
Maintenance of standards and enhancement of quality: Student representation. Module/programme evaluation. / Maintenance of standards and enhancement of quality: Student representation. Module/programme evaluation. / Learning and teaching strategy; HE strategy; meetings with staff. Approach to quality assurance.