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Stage 1: Approval to Proceed
Approval to Proceed must be secured from the relevant Faculty Executive Board (FEB) for all proposed collaborative arrangements to allow formal approval mechanisms to be instigated on behalf of ECQS. Supporting procedures for Approval to Proceed with regard to Articulations are as follows:
(a) Articulations involving a UK/EU Partner
The initial proposal must be discussed and approved at the relevant FEB using the appropriate Approval to Proceed pro-forma for Articulations, which should be completed and endorsed at School level in the first instance. Faculties may adopt their own procedures, in line with their respective internal governance structures, for bringing forward this documentation as required. However, early contact with the Admissions and Access Service and Academic Affairs is recommended.
Where a discounted fee is to be proposed, a business plan should be developed, in conjunction with the relevant Faculty Finance Business Partner, and agreed with the Finance Directorate. Schools should discuss initial ideas with the appropriate Dean(s) within the Faculty to check that the proposal aligns with the Faculty’s plan.
(b) Articulations involving an International Partner
All proposed articulation arrangements with an international partner must be considered in accordance with the University’s International Partnership Triage Process to secure the necessary Approval to Proceed.
Where a proposed arrangement is to include the award of a double degree, the supporting documentation should also provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate the University's Policy on Joint and Dual Awards that has been considered and key principles addressed. Early contact with the Admissions and Access Service and Academic Affairs is also recommended.
FEB must inform the Partnerships Team in Academic Affairs if the proposed articulation is given Approval to Proceed and supply the name of the assigned University Coordinator, providing confirmation of the decision and supporting documentation. The Secretary will then contact the lead School (or Faculty depending on the extent/nature of the arrangement) to confirm next steps.
- Stage 2: Documentation
A written submission, prepared by the School/Faculty should be provided in support of the proposed articulation arrangement for consideration by ECQS. In addition to background information about the proposed partner institution, the submission should refer to programme compatibility and entrance requirements as well as information on how the School will help to support students articulating onto programmes at the University. Appropriate evidence of curriculum matching, undertaken by the School, should be provided to demonstrate the academic quality and standards of the partner’s provision being used as the basis for admission to the University with advanced standing. Confirmation should also be provided from the Admissions and Access Service that the proposal is consistent with other such arrangements across the University. The International Student Support Office should also be consulted on any visa requirements. Where the articulation arrangement will involve a non-standard fee or commission payment, this must be approved and agreed by the Director of Finance or nominee and a copy of the business plan included in the proposal for ECQS.
- Stage 3: University Approval
Supporting documentation should be submitted to Academic Affairs for consideration at the next available meeting or via the fast track approval process. Formal approval of articulation arrangements is a matter for ECQS including those arrangements involving the award of a double degree.
- Stage 4: MOA Signature and Implementation
When final approval has been given by ECQS, Academic Affairs will arrange for the signature of the Articulation Agreement. Details of the new arrangement will be circulated to relevant Faculty staff and Head of School, the University Coordinator, the Admissions and Access Service, Information Services, Finance, the Student Services and Systems and, if appropriate, the International Office and the International Student Support Office. The articulation agreement will be recorded on the Collaborative Provision Register.
University Coordinators will normally be responsible for taking forward implementation and should liaise with their School/Faculty, particularly in relation to the application of any Partnership Management Plans which may be required by Faculty.