When considering a course modification, please consider the effect this might have on programme regulations, especially for programmes in other departments. Please consult with other departments/colleagues as appropriate. Please talk to the relevant Sub-Committee Secretary if you are unsure.
Please note: TQARO reserves the right to request Chair’s approval for any course change.
Departments should make course changes in CAPIS during the annual review process to ensure course guides are kept up to date. The course guide published in the Calendar is considered to be the definitive version and forms part of the School's 'contract' with the individual students registered to take it. It is therefore the responsibility of each department to ensure their course information is accurate and complete for the start of each academic session.
Change to a course title
Changes to course titles will be flagged as 'major' in CAPIS so that programme regulations can be updated accordingly.
Departments are free to make changes to course titles, but should consult with other departments where the title is similar to an existing course. Please search existing course titles in the course index pages for key words to ascertain which courses might have similar titles. Details can be found in the Calendar (UG, PGT, PGR).
Change to teacher(s) responsible
Departments are free to make changes as required.
Changes to course availability
Changes to course availability will be flagged as 'major' in CAPIS so that Timetables can be updated accordingly.
Departments are free to propose changes to optional course availability. Chair’s approval will not normally be required for minor amendments.
Departments should consult with the Programme Director of the programme(s) where the course is listed when a change is being considered. Timetabling should also be considered, especially when a course is listed on multiple programmes as the wider the availability, the more complicated it can become to avoid timetable clashes.
Approval is required for all changes to core course availability. Proposed changes must be supported by a brief rationale including details of:
-
-
the modifications required, including the year it is to be applied;
-
the reasons why you wish to make the change; and
-
any change to the course's learning outcomes.
Approval may also be required for changes to the availability of courses on short option lists, for example where students are asked to chose one course from a list of two or three options.
Changes to outside options and General Course access
Changes will be flagged as 'major' in CAPIS so that Timetables and the General Course Dean can be updated accordingly.
Departments are free to make changes to outside options and General Course access.
Departments should make these changes in CAPIS during the annual review process to ensure course guides are kept up to date.
Change to pre-requisites
Departments are free to remove, add or amend existing pre-requisites as required.
If adding a pre-requisite will impact course sign-up from a particular group of students, the department making the change should liaise with departments whose students will be affected to inform them of the change.
Changes to course content
Departments are free to make changes as required.
Please consider the following Equity, Diversity and Inclusion question when making changes to course content: Does the course material (explicitly or implicitly) address an appropriate range of issues relating to equity, diversity and inclusivity in teaching and learning? Where appropriate, does material draw from a range of theoretical and cultural perspectives? For example, does the course use examples and case studies from a range of social and cultural sites, are a diverse range of voices represented on the course?
Changes to teaching arrangements
Changes will be flagged as 'major' in CAPIS to allow TQARO to review amendments. CAPIS will also require a rationale to be entered for changes to teaching arrangements.
Departments are free to make term swaps, add/remove lectures/classes/seminars, and make changes to the teaching format, pending confirmation by Timetables.
Departments are required to inform Timetables of all changes via the Lecture/Seminar Room Booking & Timetabling Form.
Teaching information in the course guide should match information submitted to Timetables exactly and departments are encouraged to refer to the timetabling forms when reviewing course guides in CAPIS.
Approval will be required for changes to teaching format resulting in the need to request an exemption to the class/seminar size limit of 15 students per group. See seminar and class size limits for further information.
Approval may also be required for substantive changes to teaching arrangements, for example moving from a lecture and class format to seminars only, or increasing or decreasing contact hours significantly across a term or course.
Please consider the following Equity, Diversity and Inclusion question when making changes to teaching arrangements: Does the teaching on the course use a variety of methods to reflect the diversity of student backgrounds? For example, use of interactive learning methods such as workshops, online activities and support, diverse methods of feedback such as face-to-face, providing support and guidance on the use of learning technologies for students who are unfamiliar with them.
Changes to formative coursework
Departments are free to make changes to formative coursework. Please note, however, that the School's Codes of Good Practice require that formative coursework opportunities are given to students on all taught courses before they submit or sit a summative piece of work.
Changes to reading list
Departments are free to make changes as required.
Please consider the following Equity, Diversity and Inclusion question when making changes to reading lists: Does the course material (explicitly or implicitly) address an appropriate range of issues relating to equity, diversity and inclusivity in teaching and learning? Where appropriate, does material draw from a range of theoretical and cultural perspectives? For example, does the course use examples and case studies from a range of social and cultural sites, are a diverse range of voices represented on the course?
Suspension of a course*
Departments are free to suspend optional courses for a period of one academic year. Further suspension requests must be made annually otherwise the course will be listed in the Calendar as being offered in the following year.
When proposing a course suspension please consider whether it is a core course on a programme, or if it is a requirement for students to complete their degree (e.g. for the exit awards on the modular MSc Health Economics, Policy and Management programme).
One year suspensions of core courses require approval and should be supported by a brief rationale.
Academic Board policy states that a course suspended for three (or more) consecutive years and not offered in the fourth year is automatically withdrawn, unless a special case can be made for keeping the course. Proposed exemptions from this rule should be submitted to the relevant Sub-Committee Secretary.
Withdrawal of a course*
Departments are able to withdraw optional courses which they are not intending to run again.
As with suspensions, when proposing a course withdrawal please consider whether it is a core course on a programme, or if it is a requirement for students to complete their degree.
Chair’s approval is required for the withdrawal of Core courses.
* Note: For undergraduate course suspension/withdrawals, all requests must be submitted by the end of week 7 of Lent Term. This is because the online course choice system for undergraduate students goes live in week 9 of Lent Term.