Chapter 2 Section 5: Validation Papers

Section 5 Validation Papers

1 Introduction 1.1 The papers that accompany the course handbook for HE
validation are formalised into one document known as the
Validation Papers. This section sets out the required format and
content of Validation Papers. The intention is to differentiate
between written information which is needed as background
information for the validation (Validation Papers) and that needed
for validation and for students in the description of the course
(Course Handbook).
1.2 This format must be followed for all courses, going through
validation or revalidation. The Validation Papers are produced for
the stage II meeting of validation.
2 Format 2.1 The validation papers draw heavily on information originally
included on the Validations Sub-Committee form (VSC form and
guidance notes available on Academic Affairs website). Such
information may be updated as necessary, the format list below
includes the VSC form section number in brackets at the end of
each sub-section.
Course Proposal 2.2 a How the development fits with the University mission and the
academic strategy (VSC form, section 3.3).
b Academic features which will underpin quality.
(VSC form, section 3.4)
Targets and 2.3 a Student target numbers (three year projection).
Demand (VSC form, section 4.1)
b Market size and structure/evidence of demand.
(VSC form, section 3.1)
c Main competitor courses, including University of the Arts
London courses (VSC form, section 3.1).
Admissions 2.4 The admissions section is broken into three sub-sections:
Policy
a this relates to the intended character of the student group as
a whole and should state what sort of applicant the course is
looking for. While admissions regulations (see below) state
the minimum qualification required for entry the admissions
policy states what criteria will actually be used to select the
student body. A well planned course will be concerned with
how the members of such a group of students will be
enabled to achieve the course's aims and objectives and
demonstrate that they have done so. For example a group
which is predominantly mature and bringing a great variety
of experience to the course will need to be given a different
sort of consideration from that appropriate to a group of
predominantly school-leavers. The admissions policy should
therefore indicate the intended starting point for the learning
process. The selection criteria should indicate what
admissions tutors will be looking for. It should be clear where
the line is to be drawn between proficiency and perceived
potential, and between the latter and commitment.
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Chapter 2 Section 5: Validation Papers
Procedures b these should outline the process of admissions. If there are
to be interviews, the procedures should state whether all or
some qualified applicants will be interviewed. If the latter is
the case, the grounds on which applicants are selected for
interview should be stated and what, if anything, they will be
required to present at interview. The procedures should be
such as to secure equity, including the realisation of the
University's equal opportunities policies.
Regulations c these appear in the regulations section of the handbook but
should be reproduced here for ease of reference.
Staffing and Staff 2.5 Gives an update of the details contained in the VSC form
Development (section 4.2), including both existing and planned staffing, and
staff development strategies and activities relevant to the
development of the course.
a Course Director, members of course team and their
responsibilities on the course. CVs to be appended in
Annexe A Staff CVs must follow required format.
b FTE staffing resource needed to run the course.
c If applicable, staffing changes to accommodate this course.
d Staff development strategy and planned activities associated
with this course.
Resources 2.6 All resources relevant to the course should be listed, both
existing and planned.
a Accommodation, including access to specialist workshops.
b Equipment.
c Library and learning resources.
d IT (open access and dedicated).
This section will subsequently contain more information than that
which appeared in the VSC form.
Sections 6 + 2.7 Additional material that course teams may wish to add or which it
is agreed during development may be helpful for the validation
panel. The need for such material differs from course to course
and not every item on the checklist below will need to be covered.
Possible additional sections checklist:
i research summary of research profile of course team,
possibly needed for postgraduate developments;
ii assessment indicative assignments, indicative dissertation
titles or major project topics;
iii indicative timetable;
iv collaboration details of arrangements when more than one
college is involved in a course.
2.8 Sections 1 to 5 and Annexe A must be produced for all courses
and the section and subsection numbering indicated here must be
followed. Extra sections and/or annexes may be added as
required.
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Chapter 2 Section 5: Annex A Example of Staff CV
Curriculum Vitae
Name: xxx
Appointment: Senior Lecturer in xx subject
Current role(s):
School/College
:
Stage 3 tutor BA (Honours) xx
xxx xxx
Academic Qualifications
Including Current Registrations
20xx PG Cert (HE) CLTAD
19xx BA (Hons.) xx, xx classification, xx College of Art and Design
19xx Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, xx College
Professional Roles and Memberships
2003 - current HE Academy (ILTHE)
1994 - 96 Chair of National Association of xx in Higher Education
1994 - current Member of xxxx (Council of Specialist Associations in Art and Design)
Teaching Experience (last 10 years max / selected)
20xx - present Stage 3 tutor BA (Hons) xx, xx College
19xx 20xx Pathway Leader, xx course, xx College of Art and Design
19xx Visiting Lecturer BA (Hons) xx, xx College
19xx 19xx Visiting Lecturer and guest speaker, xx course and xx course, xx College
Professional/Industrial Experience (last 10 years max / selected)
and brief description of professional practice if applicable
2004 Group exhibition, xxx gallery, location
2003 Commission xxx client, location
2002 Curator xxx exhibition, xxx gallery, location
2002 Project manager for xxx company/event, location
Work held in collections, if applicable
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Research (funded projects), publications, public papers and/or exhibitions
and brief description of research if applicable
dates Publication
Academic experience
2003 - current External Examiner for xx course, xx college
2000 External Advisor for xx course, xx college, university of the arts london
2002 Member of Validation Panel for xx course, xx college
Recent Conference Attendance of Particular Relevance
Dates Conference title, location
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