Quality Handbook

The Validation Unit has a Quality Handbook| which includes all key policies and procedures relating to the business of the Validation Board and Unit in the following areas:

• Mission Statement and Code of Practice:

The remit and purpose of the University’s validation work is set out in its Mission Statement| . All work undertaken by the University of Wales in relation to validation is in line with the Code of Practice| .

• The Validation Process:

The structure of the validation process is set out in a flowchart diagram|.

If a preliminary approach is accepted, full due diligence enquiries and an initial vetting| exercise takes place. On the basis of this information, the Taught Degrees Board judges whether a validation event can be held. The University will consider applications for validation in a range of subject areas and has specific criteria to assess proposals for research degrees|.

If validation is successful, a post-validation and induction visit| will be held in order to ensure any requirements made by the validation panel have been fully implemented and to induct new institutions into the University’s procedures and facilities.

• Annual and Periodic Monitoring:

The structure of the annual and periodic monitoring process is set out in a flowchart diagram|. 

Annual Monitoring| is a process of reflection on the previous academic year and action planning for the forthcoming academic year; conducted via Annual College and Course Review and at the Joint Board of Studies.

Moderators and External Examiners (and External Experts for health studies) are appointed to each validated scheme and undertake at least one visit per annum to the collaborative centre.

All collaborative centres are subject to a full review at least once every five years; this is called a periodic review| . Where necessary, the University may also decide to hold an interim review| at an earlier date to ensure the programme's effective operation.

• Programme Amendments:  

Programme amendments| form an important part of the programme development process and depending on the amount of change, can be approved by correspondence, at a Joint Board of Studies meeting or by a panel of assessors.

• Additional Scheme(s) and or Centre(s):

Existing collaborative centres may put forward an additional scheme| or additional centre| for approval.

• Withdrawal of Validation:

The University has guidelines for use at centres where validation has been withdrawn| or come to an end for other reasons.