Handbook for Manchester Met and Partner Link Tutors 2018-19 - The University for World-Class Professionals
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The University for World-Class Professionals Handbook for Manchester Met and Partner Link Tutors 2018-19
www.mmu.ac.uk/casqe 2 3 Handbook for Manchester Met and Partner Link Tutors
Welcome About Academic Collaborations
The Academic Collaboration Team (ACT) The Team are responsible for the co-
is located within the Academic Quality ordination of Link utor support f you
and Standards Group at Manchester have any specific training needs to
Met, which has responsibility for the support you in your role, or any
maintenance of academic standards and questions, please do not hesitate to
the promotion of quality enhancement. contact us.
The Link Tutor Handbook has been developed to support The ACT develop and implement ou can contact the ACT, or find out
Partner and Manchester Met Link Tutors in their role. policies that enable the University to more about the services we provide,
assure itself about the quality and using the methods below:
It articulates minimum baseline requirements, identi- standards of programmes leading to a
fies Manchester Met and Partner responsibilities and Manchester Met award. To ensure an
Contents
signposts where you can find further information on the equivalent and comparable learning
experience, the University takes
management, delivery and assessment of collaborative responsibility for the academic http://www.mmu.ac.uk/aca-
provision. standards of all its awards, whether they demic/casqe/collaborative/
are delivered at Manchester Met or index.php
4 / Role of the Link Tutor through collaborative arrangements; and
6 / Quality & Standards in Partnerships
We would welcome your feedback about this handbook, the standards of all of our awards are +44 (0)161 247 2000
9 / Recruiting Students and please do not hesitate to contact us regarding any of assured by a set of embedded quality
12 / Programme Management the activities. management procedures, wherever and
17 / Assessment however a programme of study is academiccollaboration@mmu.
delivered.
24 / Curriculum ac.uk
27 / Engaging & Improving Our work is guided by the robust
30 / Approval & Review mechanisms that govern the quality and
33 / Staffing standards of awards o ered by
34 / FAQ Julie Watson igher Education providers, particularly
36 / Checklist of Actions Head of Academic Collaboration the uality ode for igher
38 / Calendar ducation
39 / Policy Updates
40 / Useful Contacts
Commonly used Abbreviations
hroughout this guide, you will find a FAQSC - Faculty Academic Quality &
number of abbreviations and acronyms Standards Committee
related to Quality and Standards. FHEQ ramework for igher
ducation ualifications in ngland,
ACT - Academic Collaboration Team Wales and Northern Ireland
RPL - ecognition of Prior Learning FEC - Faculty Education Committee
RPCL - ecognition of Prior ertificated ICP - Institutional Code of Practice
earning CPARA Collaborative Programme
RPEL - ecognition of Prior Experiential pproval, eview Amendment
Learning CPEAR - Collaborative Programme
AQSG- Academic Quality & Standards Enhancement, Approval & Review
Group QAA - Quality Assurance Agency
CIP - Continuous Improvement Plan RTS ecognised utor tatus
CMI - Continuous Monitoring and EC - Education Committee
Improvement
www.mmu.ac.uk/casqe 4 5 Handbook for Manchester Met and Partner Link Tutors
he ole of the ink utor ey esponsibilities
For the purpose of this handbook the terms Manchester Met
eporting
Practices may di er slightly depending on the nature of the Whilst it is expected that the exact nature of the Link Tu-
Link Tutor and Partner Link Tutor are used to identify the key tor role will vary according to the needs of each Partner, All Manchester Met Link Tutors are required to complete
sta roles in managing collaborative provision he ink utor validation, type of partner institution and if the programme is
the following is a list of key duties which all Link Tutors a Quality and Standards report twice a year; once at the
role is crucial to the successful operation of Collaborative run at an overseas location. The Link Tutor role, therefore, varies
will be expected to complete. This is not an exhaustive end of the first term and again at the end of the summer
Provision at the University. For every Collaborative Programme slightly from institution to institution. Additionally, whilst every
list, but demonstrates the typical repsonsibilities of a term. The report provides the ACT with information on
undertaken, two Link Tutors are appointed, one at the partner collaborative provision programme has a named Link Tutor at
Link Tutor: how the partner is performing. This report will feed in to
organisation, the Partner Link Tutor, and one at the University, Manchester Met, there are variances betwen Faculties to ensure
the annual review of each partnership, in addition to
the Manchester Met Link Tutor f agreed with the local ead that support is provided in the most e cient and e ective
Programme Management supporting our ongoing assessment of risk at each
of Department, the Programme Leader can assume the respon- way. Thus, in come cases, the Link Tutor is shared with other
partner.
sibilities of the Link Tutor themselves, both at Manchester Met programmes to better support the portfolio of the partner, the
collaborative provision of the supporting Faculty or both. The Ensure data is transferred to Manchester Met
and at the partner institution. This handbook makes reference to programme administrators to facilitate the he eport also provides ink utors with the opportu-
Link Tutors who are not also Programme Leaders as the default three models of Link Tutor support are:
enrolment, pro-gression, suspension, withdrawal nity to ensure themselves that all of the required duties
standard. and completion of students on a partner programme have been fulfilled at both the niversity and the partner
a single Link Tutor supports a single collaborative pro-
gramme; Ensure that assesment results are submitted and
The Link Tutor role is a key one, and it is expected that Man- exam boards take place for the programme, either
chester Met and Partner Link Tutors will work closely together,
act as critical friends and o er support, guidance and advice to
a single Link Tutor supports all of the collaborative pro-
grammes in a single partner organisation; at the partner or at Manchester Met Concerns
a single Link Tutor supports very similar collaborative Ensure processes are established for the sub-
the relevant programme teams. Link Tutors also have a key role mission and review of complaints, appeals and If either a Partner or Manchester Met Link Tutor has
in monitoring compliance with University regulations, academic programmes in more than one partner organisation.
academic misconduct allegations, in accordance any concerns, they should be raised with the Academic
standards and procedures. Consequently, the role of a Link with the relevant procedures Collaboration Team as soon as possible. The Academic
Tutor can be complex and demanding, requiring extensive owever, there are minimum re uirements that all ink utors
must adhere to in order to ensure the security of Manchester eview programme information, including the Collaboration Team will work closely with Link Tutors
experience and understanding of how their own organisation programme specification, handbooks and unit to ensure that any concerns are investigated and,
operates and knowledge of Manchester Met quality expecta- Met awards and these are set out in this andbook
materials, and record this in line with the Published where necessary, resolutions are sought to resolve any
tions. Information Approval procedure concerning matters.
Facilitate visits from External Examiners, including
Support for Link Tutors ensuring the moderation of assessments
Quality Assurance
The Manchester Met Link Tutor is supported and
advised by:
acilitate any CPARA activity for the programme
Ensure the completion and monitoring of a CIP for
Professional Services sta including Programme
each programme
Administrators
ngage in the Partner eview process conducted
the Academic Collaboration Team, respon-
by the ACT
sible for Collaborative Agreements, the Collabora-
nsure that all sta teaching at a partner institution
tive Provision egister and advice and guidance
have been approved under the ecognised utor
on a wide range of quality and standards related
Status scheme
matters
eep the ACT updated with any changes to sta ng
for International Partnerships, support is also
and Link Tutors at partner institutions
available from the nternational ce
Feedback
The Partner Link Tutor is supported and advised by:
Ensure students are provided with a welcome from
the Manchester Met Link Tutor
both the University and the Partner during their
the relevant partner organisation sta
induction
the relevant Manchester Met aculty sta including
Link Tutors should communicate with each other
Programme Administrators
on a monthly basis to discuss the operation of
the Academic Collaboration Team; and
the programme (this can be through face to face
for international partnerships futher support is
meetings, email or Skype contact)
available from the nternational ce
Facilitate the collation of student feedback through
meetings, Programme Committees and SSLCs as
The Academic Collaboration Team have produced a
necessary
wide range of supporting information and guidance
Conduct a Programme Committee meeting once
which is available online.
per term
The Roles and Responsibilites document that forms
part of the collaborative agreement for each
partnership arrangement will also provide further
details regarding key responsibilities for each partner.
www.mmu.ac.uk/casqe 6 7 Handbook for Manchester Met and Partner Link Tutors
Quality & Standards in
Partnerships
All awards delivered or validated by Manchester Met adhere
to national benchmarks for Academic Quality and
Standards, in order to protect the integrity of awards
conferred in the University’s name.
The Quality Assurance Agency The requirement to align our provision Quality and Standards at Man- Minimum requirements for taught provision leading to Manchester Met
with the and the mechanisms chester Met awards
by which we assure ourselves that our
The QAA’s role is to uphold quality and
standards in universities and awards are at the appropriate level
"Where a provider works in
At Manchester Met, we are committed Academic Board Award Titles: Approval,
colleges. The QAA guides and checks underpin a wide range of the Universi- partnership with other to working with our partners to ensure The Academic Board of Manchester Amendment and Review
the quality of teaching, learning and ty’s policies, procedures and regulations organisations, it has in place that the University and the students Met has overall responsibility for the All award titles must be approved at
including:
assessment in higher education, to
provide every student with the best
effective arrangements to undertaking any programme leading academic management and control of strategic level before academic
to a Manchester Met award can be the Programme and for the oversight, scrutiny of the provision is considered
possible learning experience. the Programme pproval, eview ensure that the standards of confident in the uality of provision maintenance, monitoring and evalua- via the Programme pproval, eview
and Amendment process its awards are credible and In return, we require our partners to tion of academic standards and quality. and Amendment process
the Manchester Met Assessment
Manchester Met is subject to regular
egulations
secure irrespective of where engage with our quality processes and
reviews by the QAA, the most recent of be committed to dedicating time and R of Prior Learning Continuous Monitoring and
which was conducted in April 2016. the arrangements for External or how courses are resources to ensure that Manchester (RPL) Improvement
uring this review the confirmed Examining delivered or who delivers Met s processes are e ected and to All PL applications must be consid- The University’s procedures for Con-
that the quality and standards of the
provision at Manchester Met meets
them." ensure that the quality of education is ered in accordance with the tinuous Monitoring and Improvement
All Manchester Met awards are aligned of an appropriate standard. University’s Policy and Procedures for (CMI) apply in full.
expectations, and the University was to the a list of the awards and QAA Quality Code the ecognition of Prior Learning.
approved to display the QAA Quality the relevant level is provided on We recognise that our partnerships Credit Sizes and Structure
Mark for a further six years. the AQSG website. must serve the needs and requirements Admissions The size and structure of all Manches-
of Manchester Met, the partner and The admission of students shall be in ter Met awards must comply with the
The Framework for Higher At Manchester Met, the Code underpins students. Sometimes there may be a accordance with Manchester Met s e- relevant curriculum framework.
Educa- The Quality Code our policies and procedures for main- di erence of opinion When Manches- cruitment and Admissions Policy, with
taining academic standards and quality, ter Met o ers a programme in collab- any particular re uirements specified in Curriculum: approval
he ramework for igher ducation All higher education providers reviewed and you will see that our documentation oration with a partner we always work the Programme pecification The University’s Programme Approval
ualifications in ngland, Wales and by the QAA must commit to meeting has been developed with the with the partner to achieve the best procedures apply in full. Students
orthern reland is published by formal Expectations outlined in the expectations of the Quality Code in possible experience for our students Assessment must not be enrolled on any provision
the QAA. It represents the key QAA’s Quality Code. The Quality Code mind. and will endeavour to take into account The Manchester Met Assessment leading to Manchester Met award/
reference point against which igher gives all higher education providers any partner specific re uirements egulations apply in full unless any credits until the approval process has
ducation providers are expected to a shared starting point for setting, Further information about the Quality owever, in all partnerships leading variation/exemption from these has been completed (including satisfactory
align the academic standard of their describing and assuring the academic Code is available from the QAA website. to the provision of Manchester Met been exceptionally approved by the completion of any conditions attached
degrees. Its main purposes are to: standards of their higher education credits or awards, the University University’s Academic Board). to the approval). The standard period of
awards and programmes, and the T retains responsibility for the academic approval is six years.
provide important points of ref- quality of the learning opportunities they standards and the quality of learning Assessment Boards
provide. Manchester Met is proud to have been opportunities. To support this respon- The Assessment Board that agrees Curriculum: review
erence for setting and assessing awarded silver in the eaching sibility the niversity has identified a student assessment outcomes must be he niversity s Programme eview
academic standards to higher The QAA have recently undertaken a cellence ramework, reinforcing the set of minimum quality and standards constituted in accordance with agreed procedures apply in full. If new award
education providers and their review of the Quality Code, and a high uality teaching that we provide to requirements it expects of its faculties University procedures. titles are proposed through Programme
External Examiners revised version has been published for our students and collaborative partners. eview, students must not be enrolled
assist in the identification of poten- all HE Providers. The revised code is Assessment Feedback on any provision leading to new
tial progression routes particularly less prescriptive, with a reduced These requirements are listed in the Students must be provided with Manchester Met award/credits until the
in the context of lifelong learning number of expectations, however; the right-hand table, and are described in feedback on summative assessments review process has been completed
promote a shared and common ethos of the code remains the same, further detail in specific sections in order to help promote learning and (including satisfactory completion of
understanding of the expectations with a focus on securing academic of this guide. facilitate improvement. any conditions attached to the
associated with typical ualifica- quality and standards to inform the best re-approval).
tions by facilitating a consistent use student experience possible.
of ualification titles Manchester Met has sole authority
for awarding certificates relating to
Manchester Met awards.
www.mmu.ac.uk/casqe 8 9 Handbook for Manchester Met and Partner Link Tutors
ecruiting tudents
Manchester Met is responsible for ensuring that only students
with the ability, potential and motivation to benefit are
admitted onto any Manchester Met programmes of study.
Minimum requirements for taught provision leading to Manchester Met Admissions Articulation Arrangements
awards Useful Resources
The admission of students shall be in
accordance with Manchester Met s e-
Actions Articulation describes a formal arrange-
ment between Manchester Met and an
Exceptional Factors
ceptional factors a ecting student Programme pecification must be QAA Website cruitment and Admissions Policy with external organisation to facilitate entry
performance during written examina- produced for each award approved by any particular re uirements specified in to an advanced point of a Manchester
the Programme pecification For Admissions Met programme for agreed groups
tions or other forms of assessment the University and revised following the UK Quality Code
must be considered in accordance with approval of amendments and of students - either through a right
agreed University procedures. the outcome of periodic reviews. In For all taught provision leading to a Manchester Met and Partner Link to apply or a guaranteed admission
accordance with QAA requirements, Framework for Higher Edu- Manchester Met award the University Tutors: arrangement. Admission to the Man-
will ensure that: chester Met Programme is granted on
External Examiner Manchester Met publishes all Pro- cation Qualifications (FHEQ) the basis of academic credit awarded
The University’s External Examining gramme pecifications, including those Agree responsibilities for manag-
for Collaborative Programmes, on its its minimum agreed entry require- by an external organisation which is
ing Applications to the programme
arrangements apply in full.
website. Academic Quality & ments are adhered to; approved by Manchester Met as being
to ensure that they are all con-
Language of Study Standards Group Website only students with the ability,
sidered in accordance with the
equivalent to study which would other-
potential and motivation to benefit wise have been undertaken as part of
The delivery and assessment of Publicity & Marketing Information University’s requirements
are admitted onto the programmes the Manchester Met programme.
provision leading to a Manchester Met All publicity and marketing information CELT Website of study;
award must be in the English Language relating to Manchester Met and its
programmes must be approved by all applications are assessed Manchester Met Link Tutors: All Articulation Arrangements must be
(unless delivery in another language
has been exceptionally approved by the Manchester Met prior to issue. Assessment Regulations fairly and consistently according formally approved by the University in
to criteria that are clear, fair and Monitor student admissions to order to provide assurance that robust
University’s Academic Board).
transparent; ensure that the minimum entry and appropriate academic judgements
Student Voice/Student Institutional Code of Practice the selection process is criteria have been made. In general terms,
Engagement requirements are adhered to
for Collaborative Provision based; and there are two approval routes,
Manchester Met must approve any sta Programme teams must ensure that
delivering/and or assessing a Manches- students are provided with formal and and Academic Partnerships decisions are made by those best
Consult ACT and ecruitment &
depending on whether or not the
able to make the required judge- external credit has already been
ter Met programme prior to those sta informal mechanisms to make their Admissions on any proposed
ments. formally aligned to the Framework for
undertaking any delivery/and or assess- views known and these arrangements Teaching Excellence amendments to entry re uire- igher ducation ualifications
must be clearly communicated to
ment of Manchester Met provision.
students. Framework or based partners who are ments prior to submitting for he cademic ollaboration
admitting International students onto formal approval Team should be contacted at the ear-
Programme Committee Manchester Met validated provision, liest opportunity, to advise on specific
A Programme Committee must be Transcripts of study please see the website for further proposals.
Manchester Met has sole authority for Ensure that arrangements are in
constituted under the authority of information.
Transcripts of Study. Any Transcripts of place to maintain oversight of any
Manchester Met’s Academic Board to Please note that the Articulation policy
take oversight of the programme. Study issued by the partner must be admissions responsibilities de-
does not apply to individual student
verified by Manchester Met prior to volved to the Partner Link Tutor
applications for ecognition of Prior
Programme Handbooks issue to the students.
Learning ( PL).
Students must be provided with a pro-
gramme handbook and unit information Unit Evaluation Articulation arrangements that are
either within the programme handbook ll units o ered to students in each approved to permit admission to a
or as a set of separate unit handbooks. academic year must be formally Manchester Met award delivered under
Arrangements must be made for evaluated. "The provider has a reliable, a Collaborative Agreement must be
Manchester Met sta to approve the fair and inclusive admissions approved by Manchester Met in
information issued to students. accordance with the Manchester Met
system." Policy and Procedures and a tripartite
agreement between Manchester Met,
QAA Quality Code
www.mmu.ac.uk/casqe 10 11 Handbook for Manchester Met and Partner Link Tutors
Actions
For new Articulation Arrangements
Partner and Manchester Met Link
Tutors
Contact the ACT if an Articulation the assurance that the University’s
Arrangement with a third party is
Actions
requirements are being met, and the
proposed to facilitate admission University must maintain oversight of
to the Manchester Met these arrangements.
the approved collaborative partner Met award. Evidence to support Collaborative Programme. The
and the external provider must be in a claim for PCL will require a formal ACT will consider the proposal The responsibility for making the PL
place before any student enrols on the ualification or award or part of an and advise on the approval claim rests with the student/applicant For Recognition of Prior Learning
programme. award, with formal documentation such making the claim. All applicants will be > Stage 5 - Processing outcomes
process
as a results transcript or formal certifi- required to make an application for Manchester Met and Partner Link including notification of outcomes
R of Prior Learning cate and/or evidence of assessment, as
For existing approved Articulation
ecognition of Prior Learning after first Tutors: to students)
appropriate, from a University, College making a separate application for
or Professional Body. Arrangements admission to a Manchester Met
ecognition of Prior Learning ( PL) is a Agree responsibilities for man- Manchester Met Link Tutors:
way of recognising and valuing the programme. ecognition will only be
The ecognition of Prior Experiential Partner and Manchester Met Link awarded against the Manchester Met aging PL Applications to the
knowledge and skills that people bring Ensure that arrangements are in
with them when they embark on a Learning ( PEL) is the process by Tutors course for which an application for programme to ensure that they
admission has been made and is not are all considered in accordance place to maintain oversight of any
programme of study. Manchester Met which an individual’s prior learning,
gained from experience rather than for- transferable. The possession of prior with Manchester Met’s admissions responsibilities de-
allows students who provide evidence Agree responsibilities for:
of prior learning to be considered for mally assessed study, may be assessed learning alone does not confer right of requirements. These volved to the Partner Link Tutor
exemptions for parts of their academic and formally recognised to provide entry to any programme of study. responsibilities apply to 5 stages
- monitoring the progress of stu-
programme when they can demonstrate academic credit towards a target award. of approval: Submit all required information to
dents admitted to the Programme
that their existing knowledge and skills > Stage 1 - Dealing with initial your Faculty Academic Quality and
meet some of the requirements of that All PL applications must be via an Articulation Arrangement Useful Resources Standards Committee (FAQSC)
against those admitted via the enquiries
programme. considered in accordance with the Chair to enable completion of the
University’s Policy and Procedures for standard entry route Manchester Met’s Policy for Faculty ecognition of Prior
> Stage 2 - Giving detailed advice
Such prior learning may fall into one of the ecognition of Prior Learning. - reporting on the health of the the ecognition of Prior earning P Monitoring eport
the following categories: Manchester Met is ultimately arrangement via Continuous
responsible for the academic standards Learning > Stage 3 - Making a formal Form
Monitoring and Improvement
The ecognition of Prior Certificated of all credit awarded in its name and the application
Learning ( PCL) is a process whereby decisions regarding the accreditation of Agree with your Faculty Learning
Manchester Met Link Tutors and Teaching Support Group Man-
academic credit for learning has been prior learning are a matter of academic >Stage 4 - Assessing the claim
previously assessed and/or accredited judgement, informed by professional ager arrangements to record PL
at level, through a formal course of bodies and other stakeholders. If any Ensure that arrangements are in decisions at the relevant
study, and may be used towards the duties are devolved to the partner, place to maintain oversight of any Manchester Met Assessment
credit requirements of a Manchester arrangements (and formal evidence) admissions responsibilities de- Board
must be in place to provide volved to the Partner Link Tutor
www.mmu.ac.uk/casqe 12 13 Handbook for Manchester Met and Partner Link Tutors
Programme Management
Manchester Met employs a number of protocols and procedures
to ensure the smooth running of all programmes that
lead to our awards. These are key to the successful
management of any collaborative programme and supporting
our partners.
Communication External Examining awards is maintained The Reporting Process The Programme Committee
the assessments with which the
egular and ongoing communication
between the Manchester Met and
The University’s External Examining
arrangements apply in full to all taught
Examiner is concerned are carried
out in accordance with the Universi-
Each year, at the conclusion of the
assessment process and once the Actions Programme Committees take oversight
of matters relating to the operation,
Partner Link Tutor is key to the success programmes of study whether home- ty s egulations and any approved assessment boards have met, all of our delivery and standards of the pro-
of any Collaborative Partnership. Dur- based or delivered under a collaborative additional programme specific External Examiners are required to com- gramme and to the overall experience
ing the life of a partnership, both Link arrangement. These arrangements gov- regulations. For External Examining
plete an annual report. These reports of students on the programme. Aspects
utors will engage with sta from a vari- ern all aspects of External Examining. play an important role in our quality of good practice and improvement
Where a course is delivered through Manchester Met and Partner Link
ety of departments at both Manchester assurance and enhancement processes, Tutors actions are addressed through the
Met and at the partner organisation. It The Nomination and Approval collaborative provision or overseas, and they are used in external review as Continuous Improvement Plan, which
is essential that arrangements are in Process the External Examiner may be asked indicators of general programme health Agree responsibilities for commu- is made available to all Committee
place to ensure that both the partner to undertake visits from time to time to and quality. nication with the External Examiner members, including student course
and Manchester Met Link Tutor are Nomination of External Examiners for meet sta and students in order to con- to ensure that the assessment representatives. A Programme is one
kept in the loop in all communication collaborative programmes follows the firm that standards are appropriate and A copy of the External Examiner or more cognate courses represented
process is managed in accordance
pertaining to the partnership n the first same process as that for Manchester comparable to similar University-based report(s) for collaborative programmes by a single programme specification n
instances, Link Tutors should commu- courses, and that the assessment with the University’s requirements,
Met-based programmes, supplement- will be sent to the partner organisation. some cases, a programme will contain a
nicate with their counterpart, and bring process is fair and consistent for all There must be a detailed discussion of, including providing responses to single course; in others, the programme
ed by consultation with the partner
other stakeholders into discussions concerned, where appropriate. Any students. Link Tutors should discuss the and response to, Subject External ternal aminer eports will contain many courses.
as appropriate. For the partnership nominee for a post including partner arrangements for any visits to a partner Examiner reports at the Programme
to succeed there must be open and provision must be entirely independent organisation. External Examiners will Committee, with the involvement of Establish mechanisms to provide Franchised Provision (provision which
transparent communication between of all institutions, and sta and students also be expected to attend the relevant student representatives. partner sta with formal opportu- is linked into a Manchester Met home
both parties; this may range from concerned. ssessment oard which may be held nities to engage with the External programme):
copying each other into relevant email at the partner premises. Examiner
communication to regular formal and All External Examiners for programmes The main Programme Committee is
informal meetings. leading to Manchester Met awards, in- normally held at Manchester Met,
Manchester Met Link Tutor
The ACT website contains pro-formas
cluding those delivered under collabora-
tive arrangements, must be approved by
Actions Ensure that if you devolve any
with each partner delivering elements
of the programme holding its own
that Link Tutors can use to help keep a the University. The Mancheser Met Link Useful Resources sub-committee that feeds into the main
responsibilities for communication
record of their meetings, in particular Tutor will be able to provide Partner Link For Communication programme committee.
where they take place digitally (Skype with the External Examiner to the
Tutors with the name and contact details
for example) due to the Partner being External Examiner Nomination Partner Link Tutor, arrangements Externally Validated Provision (provi-
of the External Examiner(s) appointed Manchester Met and Partner Link
overseas. are in place to keep you in the loop sion which is not linked into a Manches-
to the programme. We recommend that Tutors Form
any programme specific communication ter Met home programme):
At the beginning of each year, the with External Examiner(s) is sent via the Partner Link Tutor
Faculty will provide each Link Tutor Manchester Met Link Tutor. Non-pro- Agree a method for maintaining The Programme Committee is normally
with an information pack. This pack will gramme specific, institution wide proce- regular contact regular telephone Contact the Manchester Met Link convened by the Partner Organisation.
contain all of the key deadline dates dural information and guidance is sent conversations, email communi- Tutor if you are unsure which Exter-
which relate to the partner and the pro- to the External Examiners by the cation, Skype meetings, physical nal Examiner(s) is/are appointed to Please bear in mind that if there is more
gramme throughout the year. Both Link Academic Standards Team. meetings or a combination your programme than one partner approved to deliver
Tutors should use this information pack the programme, there should be one
to inform their ongoing communication over-arching Programme Committee
Roles and Responsibilities Confirm dates for both formal Agree with the Manchester Met
with each other, to ensure that they are that takes oversight of the programme
and informal contact in advance Link Tutor the arrangements for
able to complete their role throughout External Examiners are appointed by the as a whole. In such cases, each partner
the year. consider whether this should be responding to External Examiner may decide to hold sub-committees at
Academic Board of the University to eports
weekly, monthly or termly a local level, which feed into the main
ensure that:
Programme Committee.
Keep each other informed Ensure that arrangements are in
justice is done to the individual
student
throughout the life of the partner- place to allow students to access
the standard of the University’s ship the External Examiner report(s) for
their programme
www.mmu.ac.uk/casqe 14 15 Handbook for Manchester Met and Partner Link Tutors
Programme Committee
Terms of Reference
Programme Committees are governed by a strict set of
criteria that must be adhered to at all times.
The Programme Committee arrange- examples of proven good practice
ments for collaborative partners which may be shared more widely Programme Committees are constituted issues raised by professional, statu-
involved in other types of collaborations
(for example dual awards or joint
within the faculty.
issues which need faculty-wide,
Actions under the authority of the Academic
Board and are responsible to the
tory or regulatory bodies P
the reports of Subject External
s Particular requirements apply to the
operation of Programme Committees in
delivery) shall be included in the Formal rather than programme-level, programme s ead of epartment or Examiners and of the programme collaborative programmes, as follows:
Agreement between the partner and resolution. equivalent). leader’s written response to the
For Programme Committees
Manchester Met and articulated in the Subject External Examiner regard- Franchised Provision (provision which
Roles and Responsibilities document These should be recorded within the Purpose: ing issues raised in the reports is linked into a Manchester Met home
programme Continuous Improvement Manchester Met and Partner Link programme)
Programme teams should take Plan.
Tutors
To take oversight of matters relating to iii. Considering and approving pro-
particular care in respect of collab- the operation, delivery and standards of gramme development proposals in The main Programme Committee is
orative provision to ensure that the The minutes of each Programme Confirm Programme Committee the programme, and to the overall expe- accordance with the requirements of normally held at Manchester Met,
arrangements for collaborative Pro- Committee meeting must be circulated (and any sub-committee) dates rience of students on the programme. the University’s programme approval, with each partner delivering elements
gramme Committees comply with the to all Programme Committee members well in advance to ensure optimal review and modification processes of the programme holding its own
Manchester Met published terms of after each meeting has taken place, attendance Terms of reference: sub-Committee that feeds into the main
reference, and are approved so any members who were unable to iv. Considering nominations of Subject Programme Committee.
accordingly during the programme be present have the opportunity to Arrange, wherever possible, Programme Committees shall be External Examiners.
approval/review process t is the approach the Chair or Secretary with responsible for: Externally Validated Provision (provi-
Programme Committee meetings
responsibility of eads of Department, any comments/queries about the issues v. Considering and implementing any sion which is not linked into a Manches-
with support from the Manchester Met discussed at the meeting.
to coincide with Manchester Met
i. Maintaining the academic standards programme-related policies and actions ter Met home programme)
Link Tutor, to ensure that the approved Link Tutor visits to the Partner’s as determined or referred by Academic
of the programme, and ensuring that
arrangements for collaborative premises Board, its Committees or Faculty The Programme Committee is normally
the programme operates in accordance
Programme Committees take place in with the approved programme specifi- Executive Group, and advising these convened by the partner organisation. If
practice. "The provider actively Arrange Skype/videoconferencing cation. bodies as required to contribute to the there is more than one partner approved
support to facilitate participation if formulation of institutional academic to deliver the programme, there should
The membership of all Programme engages students, policy. be one over-arching Programme
the Manchester Met Link Tutor is ii. Maintaining and enhancing the qual-
Committees must include student individually and unable to attend in person ity of students’ learning opportunities, Committee that takes oversight of
course representation, and be quorate. collectively, in the quality of ensuring that issues requiring improve- vi. Through the programme leader, ad- the programme as a whole. In such
vising the relevant ead of epartment cases, each partner may decide to
t is essential that sta and student their educational Manchester Met Link Tutor ment are addressed, and good practice
(or equivalent) or Dean on the resourc- hold sub-Committees at a local level,
shared, through considering and
representatives from collaborative experience." approving the programme’s Continuous es required to support the programme. which feed into the main Programme
partners are included in the Monitor the operation of Pro- Committee.
QAA Quality Code
Improvement Plan. This must include
membership of Collaborative gramme Committees to ensure specific consideration of Reporting line:
Programme Commit-tees. It is important compliance with Manchester Met’s The Programme Committee arrange-
that the Programme Committee minutes requirements any issues, both academic and Faculty Education Committee. ments for collaborative partners
record any issues which relate to the non academic, which a ect the involved in other types of collaborations
student experience at specific partner quality of the student experience on Operation and frequency of (for example dual awards or joint
organisation s and that the partner the programme. These issues may meetings: delivery) shall be included in the Formal
organisation(s) is clearly identified be raised by students or sta Agreement between the partner and
information from student surveys, Programme Committees shall meet no Manchester Met and articulated in the
Reporting to the Faculty Education and all other sources of student less than twice per academic year, and Programme pecification
Committee opinion including sta student may meet more frequently if necessary.
liaison Committee meetings and In the case of students who are not re- Minutes:
The action points from Programme similar, which pertain to the pro- quired to attend regular campus-based
Committee meetings should be submit- gramme or the department/faculty classes, for example collaborative, part- The action points from Programme
ted to Faculty Education Committees, arrangements for reporting back to time, distance and e-learning students, Committee meetings shall be forwarded
including any actions under the follow- students and sta on actions taken virtual meetings of the Programme to the Faculty Education Committee,
ing two headings: in response to student opinion Committee may take place. including any actions under the follow-
www.mmu.ac.uk/casqe 16 17 Handbook for Manchester Met and Partner Link Tutors
ing two headings:
examples of proven good practice
which may be shared more widely
within the faculty
teaching on, or managing aspects of,
the programme
vii. A minimum of one Student Expe-
Assessment
rience Support Tutor (or equivalent) or
issues which need faculty-wide, rather aculty tudent upport cer
than programme-level, resolution
viii. A minimum of one representative Assessment provides an opportunity to appraise a
The full minutes, including action points, from earning and esearch nforma-
Please note: student’s knowledge, understanding, abilities, practical
shall be forwarded to members of the tion ervices
Programme Committee. and intellectual skills here are many di erent forms of
These Terms of Reference allow for
ix. Up to three co-opted members
term of o ce years variations at Collaborative Partners where assessment, all of which must comply with Manchester Met’s
Constitution:
necessary, subject to the articulation of
any arrangements being documented in
regulations, policies and procedures.
i. Chair: Programme Leader In the case of collaborative provi-
sion, the constitution of Programme t e a ro e Progra e eci cation
ii o cio ead of epartment or Committees may be varied from the
equivalent) above, subject to articulation in the
approved programme specification
iii. Where applicable, a minimum of All Programme Committees relating to
three student course representatives collaborative provision must include Assessment of Students assessment processes will be
from the full-time route of the pro- student course representation within equitable with all students being as- the intended learning outcome(s) of
gramme, which may include Combined their constitution. Assessment at Manchester Metropolitan sessed fairly on their own individual the unit
onours combinations University is an integrated and integral merit and ability the timetable for teaching the unit
The minimum number of student course part of learning and teaching. It is the the management of assessment the learning activities that students
iv. Where applicable, a minimum of representatives and academic sta principal instrument with which we will be just with clearly documented are expected to undertake in order
three student course representatives refers to the programme as a whole, not recognise and reward student progress, procedures to support this to achieve the intended learning
from the part-time route of the pro- to each individual course and award list- provide motivation for further achieve- the policy and processes of as- outcomes of the unit, e.g. attend-
gramme, which may include Combined ed within the programme specification ment, identify areas for development sessment will be subject to regular ance at lectures, participation in
onours combinations in both teaching and student learning, monitoring and review seminars, background reading
Quorum: monitor levels of achievement, maintain the nature of assessment(s), e.g.
v. Where applicable, a minimum of academic standards and help to prepare The Purpose of Assessment the type of coursework, the dura-
three student course representatives The quorum for the Programme Com- students for professional life. tion and style of any examination
from the distance/e-learning route of mittee meetings is of the minimum The purpose of assessment is to enable the submission dates for assessed
the programme, which may include number of members, however that The University’s policies and procedures students to demonstrate achievement summative coursework
ombined onours combinations is comprised sta , students or, for the assessment of students must of the intended learning outcome(s) of the supervision arrangements
preferably, a combination of both. be applied consistently to all students the unit. A student’s performance in the for any major pieces of assessed
vi minimum of two academic sta registered on taught courses of study assessment of units contributing to his coursework, e.g. projects
except where a course has good or her programme of study is the major details of when and how they might
Other University Committees in relation to Collaborative Partnerships grounds for non-alignment, for example source of evidence used by Assessment expect feedback on assessments
in order to satisfy the requirements of Boards in determining progression and the non-examination assessments
Academic standards in collaborative At Faculty level, this includes: a professional, statutory or regulatory recommendation for awards of the that will not be marked anonymous-
provision are monitored and managed tutors from Collaborative Partner body P University. ly
through the University’s Committee A Faculty Education Committee (FEC) organisations onto the ecognised the contribution that each element
structure. The Academic Board and to consider issues relating to the moni- Tutor Scheme The following policy statements under- At, or before, the commencement of the of assessment makes to the overall
its committees are responsible for toring and enhancement of the student pin all the ssessment egulations of teaching of a unit, arrangements should assessment of the unit outcomes
overseeing the management and experience (whether delivered at the nominations for the appointment of the University: be made to ensure that students receive a statement of the grading criteria
enhancement of quality and standards University or by a collaborative partner) Subject External Examiners (includ- the following information in writing: to be used for each assessment
across the University. and advise the Education Committee on ing External Examiners appointed assessment will be valid in relation
the student educational experience. where a single-tier Assessment to its form, quantity, level, content
The Academic Board is the Universi- Board structure is operational) and learning outcomes whilst
ty’s most senior academic deliberative To advise Faculty Executive on issues avoiding assessment overload
forum. To help it carry out its duties the relating to the Faculty’s student educa- The approval of amendments and tutor assessment will be facilitative and
Board delegates responsibility for some tion, including, particularly strategy and sta are not confirmed until they support and promote student learn-
aspects of quality management and the policy in relation to learning, teaching secure FAQSC approval. ing by the provision of appropriate
standard of its taught programmes to and assessment in connection with all feedback on students’ performance
its committees. taught award and credit bearing Once approved at FAQSC, assessment processes will be
provision. nominations for Subject External explicit with all parts of the assess-
At University level, this includes: Examiners are then submitted to the ment process being made clear
A Faculty Academic Quality and Academic Quality and Standards to all parties (students, University
The Education Committee to advise Standards Committee (FAQSC) to Group for final approval via the sta , Partner nstitution sta and
Academic Board on issues relating to consider for approval: External Examining approval process. External Examiners)
the student education, including, par- assessment will be reliable,
ticularly strategy and policy in relation certain amendments to consistent and reproducible in the
to learning, teaching and assessment programmes and courses judgements made. The processes
in connection with all taught award and will be robust and sta engaged in
credit bearing provision. them will be appropriately trained
www.mmu.ac.uk/casqe 18 19 Handbook for Manchester Met and Partner Link Tutors
Actions "The provider supports all
students to achieve
successful academic and
For Assessment
professional outcomes."
Manchester Met and Partner Link
Tutors QAA Quality Code
Agree responsibilities for ensuring
students registered on Manches-
ter Met programmes or units are
provided with:
- all information relevant to their
assessment (as per The Purpose of
Assessment section)
- assessment requirements and
any means of communicating assessment, without good reason, The Manchester Met Assessment Boards with essential information about he ssessment egulations and as-
information, e.g. Moodle, email, the Unit Assessment Board will reg-ulations for programmes of student progression, re-assessment and sociated appendices are available from
Regulations
location of notice boards determine that the student has study award he ssessment egulations are the Academic Quality and Standards
failed the assessments concerned The Manchester Met Assessment formally reviewed on an annual basis Group website
Any student who, for any reason, was notify the partner organisation of - timetables for examinations and egulations provide students, sta , and revised versions published online
not present when the information above changes to their term-time or home submission of other assessed work partners and members of Assessment early in each Autumn Term.
was provided, should take whatever address and contact details
steps are necessary to acquire the notify the Partner of any special - procedures for the release of
information. need for which the student will wish longside the egulations, there are a number of supporting documents
marks or grades
provision to be made in the assess- which outline in detail associated policies and procedures:
Assessment Responsibilities ment of that unit, as described in
the Manchester Met Assessment - timely information about student’s
Procedure for andling cademic Misconduct
It is the responsibility of the University egulations ssessment rrange- performance in assessments, in
http://www.mmu.ac.uk/academic/casqe/regulations/assessment/docs/
and the partner to: ments for Disabled Students accordance with the University
academic-misconduct.pdf
submit Exceptional Factors claims policy on feedback on assessed
assess students fairly in accordance with the procedures work
satisfy itself that proper invigilation described in the Manchester Met
Assessment regulations: Procedure Procedure for tudents at isk of cademic failure
of examinations is undertaken - the grounds and procedure for
ensure that the results of students’ for students to disclose to Boards http://www.mmu.ac.uk/academic/casqe/regulations/assessment/docs/
appeal against a decision of an withdrawal-suspension.pdf
assessments are published as far of Examiners exceptional factors
Assessment Board
as they relate to progression or a ecting their performance during
awards of the University written examinations or other forms
issue individually to students, on of assessment - general rules for the conduct of Procedure for Consideration of Exceptional Factors
request, their marks or grades undertake assessments honestly examinations as approved by http www mmu ac uk academic cas e regulations assessment docs
and in a manner that does not Academic Board e ceptional factors pdf
It is the responsibility of the University attempt to gain unfair advantage
to: ascertain the results of their perfor- - procedures for informing Assess-
mance in any assessment ment Boards of factors that may
investigate allegations of malprac- Procedure for Academic Appeals
have a ected a student s perfor- http www mmu ac uk academic cas e regulations assessment docs
tice during assessment The University’s Code of Practice mance
consider appeals against decisions on Assessment of Students academic appeals pdf
of the Exceptional Factors Panel,
Assessment Boards - procedures by which allegations
The University’s Institutional Code of
assure itself that the partner institu- Practice on Assessment of Students of academic misconduct shall be Student Complaints Procedure
tion has procedures and processes articulates baseline requirements for the considered http://www.mmu.ac.uk/academic/casqe/regulations/assessment/docs/
for examining students consistent design, setting, publication, employment complaints.pdf
with those of the University and review of all aspects of assessment. - procedures by which complaints
All collaborative partners are required shall be investigated
It is the responsibility of students to: to adhere to these requirements when
setting assessed work. Manchester Met Link Tutor
undertake the learning activities
specified for each unit for which The Code of Practice is available online. Maintain oversight of information
they are registered
issued to students
attend examinations and submit
work for assessment, including
for reassessment, as required. If a Ensure that mechanisms are in
student fails to attend an examina- place for regular monitoring of any
tion or submit work punctually for responsibilities devolved to the
Partner Link Tutorwww.mmu.ac.uk/casqe 20 21 Handbook for Manchester Met and Partner Link Tutors
Useful Resources
Procedures for Assessment
Grading, Criteria & Marking
Procedure for the Communi-
cation of Assessment Arrange-
ments to students
Lecturer must inform students whether
or not “non-examination” assessments Moderation of marks both internally
Actions will be marked anonymously.
Academic Board must approve any
variation to this requirement. In such
cases Manchester Met shall ensure
each level. Programme teams may
choose to use similar criteria for particu-
lar tasks at the same level across the
and by the Manchester Met appointed
External Examiners(s)
Examination answer books and course- that those sta teaching and assessing programme (e.g. essays, presentations,
Ensure that any information you work coversheets will facilitate anonymi- Programme teams should record their
For Assessment Regulations provide to the students in relation students have the subject knowledge e ams, portfolios , or may use di erent procedures for verification, marking
ty through use of a student number. and expertise in the language(s) used, criteria for each task. Criteria should be
to assessment directs them to the and moderation at the beginning of the
Manchester Met and Partner Link and shall ensure that appropriately qual- included in the assignment brief. academic session.
AQSG website. Please do not Language of Assessment
Tutors ified ternal aminers are appointed
reproduce or amend the Manches- Any assessment undertaken using a
Agree responsibilities for managing ter Met regulations within your own All teaching and assessment of units -
language other than English shall be
the assessment process for your documentation within courses leading to an academic recorded on the student’s transcript.
tion of Assessment
Actions
Manchester Met course to ensure award of the University will be in the
English language. The University’s All summative assignment tasks must
that all aspects of the Manchester Manchester Met Link Tutors Assessment Criteria be verified, marked and moderated
Met procedures and policies are according to University procedures:
Submit any requests for variations The University’s expectations on the
applied
Check the AQSG website regu-
or exemptions from the Manchester
Met ssessment egulations in a Actions setting of marking criteria are set out in
the procedures for grading
Verification of assessment briefs
For Verification, Marking &
Moderation of Assessment
timely manner, in order to ensure criteria and marking. Marking criteria
Marking of assessments according to
larly to ensure that all assessments should be provided for each assignment Manchester Met and Partner Link
they are considered by the Univer- pre specified and clear marking criteria, Tutors
are undertaken in accordance with task, and the institutional standards
sity in advance of implementation. For Anonymous Marking including re uirements for first, second
the requirements articulated in the descriptors should form the basis for
Do not assume that such requests and third marking.
current version of the assessment the development of these criteria at Agree responsibilities for ensuring
will be approved and do not Manchester Met and Partner Link
regulations Tutors that the verification of assessment
implement any changes until formal
briefs, marking of work and the
approval has been confirmed
Partner Link Tutors Agree responsibilities for ensuring moderation of marks is undertaken
Actions
that students are provided with in accordance with Manchester
Liaise with the Manchester Met Liaise with Professional Services
written information confirming the Met’s requirements, and that the
Link Tutor to ascertain whether staff to ensure that full and
Manchester Met procedures re- External Examiner is involved in this
any variations or exemptions from accurate assessment data is
garding anonymous marking process
the Manchester Met Assessment available and for consideration by For Assessment Criteria
egulations are re uired the relevant Assessment Board submitting the modification to
Apply Manchester Met’s proce- Manchester Met and Partner Link Decide an appropriate sample for
the ACT for consideration at the
dures for anonymous marking Tutors verification and internal and e ter-
Faculty Academic Quality and
nal moderation
Anonymous Marking of instruction his definition is intended Ensure that the assessment tasks Standards Committee
Contact the Centre for Excel- given to students re ect what is
to include practices variously known, Manchester Met Link Tutors
inter alia, as ‘examinations’, ‘open book lence in Learning and Teaching for published in the nit pecification
The University supports a policy of
anonymous marking of all assessments examinations’, ‘mid- term exams’ and guidance on the application of the Be aware that retrospective ap-
procedures for anonymous marking proval of amendments will not be Maintain oversight of all agreed
(i.e. the name of the student is masked ‘in-class testing’.” If changes to assessment tasks are approved assessment arrangements
from the marker). required Agree responsibilities for
Where assessments are conducted and Manchester Met Link Tutors arranging for formal approval of any
All assessments taken under examina- marked using computer aided assess- Ensure regular monitoring of any
changes via the CPARA process. Do not assume that all requests for
tion conditions will be marked anony- ment software, anonymity is assumed. Maintain oversight of information amendments to assessment cri- responsibilities devolved to the
This requires:
mously. “Examination” for this purpose, issued to students teria will be approved, and do not Partner Link Tutor
is defined as any assessment taken Wherever practicable all non-exam-
within a constrained period of time, in a ination assessments will be marked - consultation with those students implement any changes until formal
Monitor practices to ensure that approval has been confirmed by Agree with the Partner Link Tutor
set location, following a specified rubric anonymously. The Partner Institution who are impacted by the change
wherever possible Manchester Manchester Met how to oversee all communication
- Obtaining approval from the pro-
Met’s procedures for anonymous with the External Examiner(s)
gramme External Examiner(s)
marking are appliedYou can also read
