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Academic collaboration - validation

Validation

7.1   Validation procedures for collaborative programmes follow those in the section on Programme development, monitoring and review, with the following exceptions.

7.2  Validation events are usually one or two day events and take place a minimum of three months prior to the commencement of the programme. It is essential to leave sufficient time to incorporate any issues that arise from the event within the finalised Memorandum of Agreement.

7.3   The event will normally be held in the partner institution. This allows for a thorough scrutiny of the partner organisation’s resources, facilities, staff, traditions, ethos, and academic and non-academic capability.

7.4   The validation panel will consist of senior representatives of Queen Margaret University. The panel members must include the following:

• Convener, the criteria for whom are the same as described in Programme Development, Monitoring and Review, section 9;
• At least one external member, the criteria for whom are the same as described in Programme Development, Monitoring and Review, section 9;
• At least one internal member (but usually two), the criteria for whom are the same as described in Programme Development, Monitoring and Review, section 9;
• Secretary: a member of staff from the University Secretary’s Group.

7.5   Panel membership should normally include at least one member with experience of University collaborative arrangements. All panel members must have general experience of validation and review. A student reviewer will be appointed to provide feedback to inform the Panel’s discussions with the partner institution.

7.6   The Secretary to the validation panel will normally be a member of staff from University Secretary’s Group. A member of the partner institution’s staff may also be in attendance to facilitate communication.

7.7   The programme document necessary for validation is described in Resources for Validation and Review. For a collaborative programme, this should incorporate the partner institution into each of the subject headings. It must describe how the partner will meet the criteria in each area. It should also include:

• Explanation of the reasons for seeking the collaboration.
• Evidence of equivalence of procedures and processes.
• A statement on the relationship between QMU and the partner institution and proposed arrangements for quality assurance, programme management and communication between the partners.
• A statement on the language of instruction and assessment: if this is not English the documentation must include details of mechanisms to ensure the standard and quality of student work. (More information in Section Seventeen.)

7.8  Entrance requirements outlined within the programme document must not be reduced in respect of programmes offered overseas, but must reflect the level of knowledge, skills and understanding required to succeed on the programme.