All new taught programmes must be validated, using the validation process set out by the University. This is a key mechanism by which the University ensures that:
the academic rationale for new programmes is fully exposed and understood
the requirements for students to achieve the intended learning outcomes are clear
resources can be provided to deliver the programme to standards acceptable to the University.
The validation process aims to ascertain that proposed programmes are in line with the University’s overall vision and strategy, are responsive to market demands and that their quality is comparable to that of our European and international partners. The procedure for the approval and validation of new programmes is designed to be rigorous and effective, whilst also encouraging appropriate innovation.
When proposing one or more new programmes, Faculties/Institutes/Centres/Schools (F/I/C/S) are expected to consider the potential impact these additions may have on their existing academic offerings. In cases where multiple new programmes are being planned, they should be submitted collectively to the Programme Validation Committee (PVC) after receiving approval from the respective Board of the F/I/C/S, rather than being submitted individually and sequentially.
This approach enables F/I/C/S to:
Develop a holistic view of all programmes they intend to offer, including new proposals, thereby facilitating a review of existing offerings and identifying any necessary updates or improvements;
Ensure that all new proposals are aligned with the strategic direction of the F/I/C/S.
The bodies involved in the programme validation process are:
Programme Originators: develop an idea for a new programme with the backing of the respective Department within a Faculty, Institute, Centre or School (F/I/C/S)
Department: responsible for considering approval of Stage 1 and Stage 2 Proposals and making recommendations to the Programme Validation Committee (PVC) through the Board of the F/I/C/S
Board of Faculty, Institute, Centre or School (F/I/C/S): responsible for considering Stage 1 and Stage 2 proposals and making timely recommendations to Senate through the PVC
Academic Programmes Quality and Resources Unit (APQRU): responsible for providing administrative support to academic staff in the planning stages of new courses to ensure that programmes of study offered by the University are in line with regulations, bye-laws and University policies, whilst also considering their viability in relation to available resources and market demands
Finance Department: responsible for determining the financial feasibility of new programmes of study
Programme Validation Committee (PVC): responsible for recommending decisions for Senate approval after analysing the documentation submitted at both stages of approval
Digital Education Committee (DEC): assists the PVC with the validation of distance learning programmes and study-units through a joint sub-committee of PVC and DEC
External Reviewer: responsible for providing expert independent feedback on various aspects of the proposed programme.
Senate: responsible for approving academic programmes offered by the University
Council: responsible for approving additional funding for implementing programmes of study (if required)
New Programmes of Study
There are two main stages in academic programme planning. Stage 1 concentrates on the practicality and feasibility of the idea generated within the overall vision and strategy of the University. Stage 2 focuses on the design and detailing of the academic programme given that the original idea has been approved in principle by Senate. Programme originators are encouraged to start developing the proposal at a sufficiently early stage and to adhere to the deadlines established by the PVC to ensure that the validation process (both internal and external) is completed in time to allow for the proper marketing of the programme.
Proposals for new programmes cannot be referred to Senate for approval, unless these have been approved by all the statutory bodies referred to in the steps below:
Stage 1 Approval
Step 1: Not less than 12 months prior to the intended date of commencement of the new programme, F/I/C/S Boards submit to PVC through APQRU the Stage 1 Proposal Form [PDF] which is intended to provide preliminary details of the programme that is being planned. If the programme being proposed includes elements of distance learning (online or blended), the proposers are required to submit with the Stage 1 Proposal, a duly completed Distance Learning Programme Checklist (detailed as Appendix D [PDF] to the Distance & E-Learning Policy [PDF]). A Stage 1 Proposal must be accompanied by a general statement from the Finance Department confirming that the proposed programme is financially viable
Step 2: If in line with requirements, APQRU refers the Stage 1 Proposal Form to the PVC for consideration. If substantial amendments are required, the proposal is returned to the programme originators together with a preliminary report outlining which areas need to be revised
Step 3: A Stage 1 Proposal which is accepted by PVC is subsequently referred to Senate with a recommendation for 'In-principle' approval. A proposal which requires revisions or clarifications is returned to the originators together with the decision of the Committee. Recommendations of the PVC are expected to be discussed at Senate only if there is advice against the recommendation
Step 4: If additional funds are required to run the proposed programme of study, programme development can continue subject to Council approval for additional funding
Step 5: If 'In-principle' approval is given by Senate, and no significant additional funds are required, Senate advises APQRU to inform programme originators to move on to the Stage 2 Approval phase
Stage 2 Approval
Step 6: APQRU liaises with programme originators and Officers in charge for submission of the Stage 2 documentation at least 8 clear months from the proposed date of commencement of the programme (by the end of January for courses commencing in October, by the end of May for courses commencing in February)
Step 8: Stage 2 Proposal Form together with the documentation referred to in Step 7 are subsequently forwarded to APQRU
Step 9: If all documentation is submitted in line with requirements, APQRU forwards the Stage 2 documentation to the Finance Department to consolidate and confirm costings, and subsequently to PVC for consideration. For programmes that include elements of blended or online learning, the checklists are forwarded to the PVC/DEC sub-committee for evaluation of the blended/online methodologies (ESDEC), prior to the submission of the programme documentation to the PVC for consideration
Step 10: The programme documentation pertaining to a proposal which is accepted by PVC is referred to an independent External Reviewer [PDF] (when applicable) for evaluation and subsequently to Senate for confirmation of final approval
In programme planning and design explicit consideration should be given to the following issues:
The proposed programme title.Does the title appropriately reflect the aims and scope of the programme? Is it self-explanatory and attractive to students, and is it distinguishable from other programme titles?
What is the rationale for the proposed programme?There should be a valid justification for introducing the programme. Is the new programme being developed in response to the changing needs of the Maltese economy or society? Does this new programme contribute to the research domain of the University? It is also important to explain how the programme objectives will be aligned with the vision of the Department, Faculty and the University. Programme originators should consider whether similar programmes exist at the University and in what ways the proposed programme differs from these. It is also important to explain the need for an additional programme and to describe any unique, distinctive and innovative features.
Is there a target group of students for the proposed course?Is the proposed programme designed to meet a specific student clientele e.g. managers with a certain number of years of experience? Will any preparation and/or pre-qualifications be necessary for the student to join the programme? These considerations are important because they will influence the nature and level of the award, the content of the curriculum, thelearning outcomes [PDF] , and the assessment strategy.
It is important to establish the structure, objectives and intended learning outcomes of the proposed programme.In order for the proposed programme to achieve its aims, it must demonstrate a clear strategy which links the curriculum to the intended learning outcomes, enabling students to achieve these outcomes. Programme initiators should also determine how theselearning outcomes [PDF] , which need to be pitched at the appropriate level of study, will be assessed.
Is the proposed programme in line with the University regulations?It is important to check at each stage of programme development that the proposals being made conform to the regulations of the University, applicable to all undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The regulations are the framework for course design, providing important guidance on such issues as levels of study-units, credit allocation, minimum credit requirements for different awards, etc. Delays in validation can be avoided by ensuring that such factors are considered and the programme is properly aligned with the general regulations.
Review all the study-units which will contribute to the proposed programme.Are there any existing study-units that can be utilised in the programme? Will new study-units need to be developed? It is essential to make necessary arrangements to ensure the agreement and commitment of other (servicing) Departments regarding any study-units which are to be included in the proposed course.
Is the programme responsive to market demand?Will the programme meet the requirements of professional and statutory bodies and employers? If in the affirmative, explain how this will be achieved. If this is not the case, what differences exist between the outcomes of the programme and the needs of the industry? Why is supply not matching demand? What are the career prospects for graduates? Have stakeholders (where applicable) been involved in the design of the proposed programme? Evidence of consultation with relevant stakeholders should be provided (e.g. minutes of meetings) as such evidence will promote confidence in the utility and standards of the programme.
Is the proposed programme supported by adequate resources?Can physical resources, space, and equipment be made available in the timescale proposed? What additional resources will need to be provided in order to meet the requirements of the proposed programme? Is the Department proposing the new programme assured of the commitment and availability of staff that have sufficient expertise to deliver the programme?
Is the proposed programme financially viable?The programme initiator should take into account all resources required to implement the programme of study, as well as the expected number of students to be admitted in considering the financial viability of the programme
Similar to new programmes of study, existing programmes which are extensively revised need to be submitted through a process of validation.
Extensive revisions are those which involve:
any significant change to the name/title of the programme
changes in a number of compulsory study-units which affect 20% or more of the programme content as last approved by Senate, or those which affect the structure of the programme
any significant changes in the learning outcomes of the programme
changes to bye-laws - including the addition of interim awards
changes to the mode of delivery (this may result in a change in the fee structure. Please liaise with the Finance Office before proceeding with the submission of the relevant appendices). Conversion to a blended or online mode of delivery should follow this procedure.
changes to the method of assessment of 20% of the study-units listed in the programme.
Extensive changes to existing programmes of study are to be submitted by not later than 8 months prior to commencement of the revised programme and must be accompanied by the following:
- the revised programme of studies in track changes (this is done by copying the current programme of study from the Course Finder onto a word document and affecting any changes in track) together with any new and/or revised study-units
