Validation in respect of collaborative provision describes the process whereby the University judges that a programme developed and delivered by, or with, another institution or organisation is of an appropriate quality and standard to lead to a Queen’s award (single or joint/dual). A validated programme should normally be in a subject which is offered by the University. Such arrangements include Access Programmes, Foundation Degrees and programmes developed and delivered through INTO-Queen’s.
Franchising is the process whereby the University agrees to authorise the provision of the whole or part of one or more of its own approved programmes by a collaborative organisation. In doing so, the University retains overall and direct responsibility for the programme’s content, delivery, assessment, and quality assurance arrangements.
Serial franchising, where the University enters into a collaborative agreement with a partner organisation which, in turn, uses that arrangement as a basis for establishing collaborations of its own with third parties, using the University’s award is not permitted.
Related to franchising are arrangements involving the delivery of University programmes off-campus, at an external location, by members of University staff. Such arrangements are referred to as Flying (or fly-in) Faculty and are delivered off-site, in their entirety or in part through, for example, a blended learning approach. The students receive a Queen’s award on successful completion.
A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) setting out the regulatory framework and respective responsibilities for the management and operation of a validated or franchised programme of study is required prior to the commencement of any new arrangement in which the University is involved. The authorised signatory is the Vice-Chancellor or Institutional Pro-Vice Chancellor.
The initial point of contact for advice for validated and franchised programmes is the Educational Partnerships Team in Academic Affairs.