The role of the Academic Scrutiny Panel

8. The Academic Scrutiny Panel is constituted as a standing panel reporting to the Q&SC. The Panel is responsible for making final decisions on the approval of scheme proposals but may refer decisions back to the PVC (ESE) and Head of Planning or on to Q&SC if there are significant areas of concern or issues of wider consideration for the University. Q&SC will retain oversight for the operation of the Academic Scrutiny Panel and will monitor the effectiveness of the QA processes.

9. The Panel will ensure that there is evidence of sufficient external consultation during the development of the scheme, for example with current external examiners, departmental external advisors, and representatives of professional or accrediting bodies. The Panel will take full account of the views of the external assessor, who will be required to complete a written report (SDF8) prior to the event for consideration by the panel.

10. Meetings of Academic Scrutiny Panel will be ordered as follows:

(i) Welcome by the Chair

(ii) Summary of the proposal by the proposing academic department(s)

(iii) General discussion, which will consider the following questions and take account of the needs of all students:

    • Is there evidence of demand for the scheme and are the entry requirements at an appropriate level?

    • Are the aims and learning outcomes of the scheme appropriate particularly in relation to relevant subject benchmarks, the Framework of Higher Education Qualifications and the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales?

    • Is the curriculum content and design appropriate for achieving the intended learning outcomes of the scheme?

    • Is the curriculum organised such that the demands made of the learner in terms of intellectual challenge, skills, knowledge, conceptualisation and learning autonomy increase progressively?

    • Is the assessment regime suitable to measure achievement of the intended outcomes?

    • Are there adequate resources, i.e. staff, library, IT and any specialist requirements, to deliver the scheme effectively?

    • Are there any special features of the scheme that have implications for its viability, management or delivery, or for the regulations of the University?

(iv) Deliberation by the panel, for which the representative of the proposing department(s) will not be present

(v) Decision.