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Quality assurance-related policies

Find guidance on approval processes and mechanisms the University uses to assure the quality of student education academic provision.

Accreditation (taught programmes)

A number of our programmes have external accreditation.

Ad personam programme variation approval

In exceptional circumstances it may be necessary to make time-limited amendments to a programme of study for an individual student, subject to the approval of the relevant Pro Dean for Student Education.

Collaborative provision approval

The University encourages collaborations with partner organisations to deliver University awards, within a defined framework. Additional considerations apply when approving a collaborative programme.

Digital strategy for student education

This strategy document sets out the University's expectations for the provision of digital technologies and services for taught students aimed at enhancing the quality of the student experience.

Directors of Student Education handbook

The Handbook for Directors of Student Education provides an additional source of information for Directors of Student Education including an overview of the quality assurance requirements for each academic year. 

Distance learning (taught students)

There are some additional considerations for distance learning provision during both programme approval and ongoing review stages. These are described in this policy.

Equality and inclusion

Inclusiveness is one of the core University values. This framework explains how we will incorporate inclusiveness throughout our cultures, business and day-to-day organisational practice.

Joint honours definition (taught students)

A joint honours programme is an interdisciplinary programme where students combine two different subjects in approximately equal proportions in line with the University definition of joint honours.

Joint honours programme approval

Schools have overall academic responsibility for all programmes they parent. For joint honours programmes, this includes responsibility for programme amendments, in liaison with co-teaching departments. 

Joint PhD degrees

Joint / dual awards involve a collaboration with another degree awarding institution leading to the award of a single or joint qualification.

Leeds Expectations for Assessment and Feedback

The 'Leeds Expectations' sets out the vision and expectations for Assessment and Feedback at the University of Leeds. Acknowledging internal and external environments, both are consistent with HEA’s aims with respect to assessment and feedback, the University’s work on the Leeds Curriculum, Digital Learning, and aims for programme developments and student support.

Major programme amendment

Following the request of the Taught Student Education Board the Quality Assurance Team has revisited the definition of ‘major programme amendments’ to ensure that only those proposals presenting substantial changes to existing programmes are classified as such.

Module codes

The standard format for module codes, particularly relating to M level modules, was defined by Learning and Teaching Board in 2005 and is explained in this document.

Open Educational Resources (taught students)

This document sets out the University’s position and guidance on the use and publication of Open Educational Resources within educational situations at the University.

Ordinances

Ordinances define the qualifications the University awards and the associated regulations. They form part of the University Constitution.

Programme title changes (taught students)

Titles of programmes on which students have already been accepted or are currently registered can only be changed if this is unavoidable. A change in programme title affects the validity of student visas for students outside the EEA.

Programmes with related titles (taught students)

Where a proposed programme title might be associated with the provision of another school, this consultation process should be followed.

Referencing policy

Each school is required to select a single referencing style for use by all their taught students.  Schools that have adopted the Harvard or Numeric referencing styles are required to use the standardised Leeds version. 

Student Staff Forums

Student Staff Forums are the primary means by which the student body within a school is consulted on issues relating to the development of the School and, in particular, its taught provision.

Teaching Enhancement Scheme

The Teaching Enhancement Scheme provides a flexible framework in which staff involved in teaching can enhance their teaching quality.