Modifying an Existing Programme

This type of modification can be used to create a 'clone' of an existing programme, which may require the completion of a Programme Proposal (Part A: Strategic Approval) form (see the Proposing a New Programme page) and/or the completion of the Appendix (see below).

Exceptional modifications include the following:

1a. Modifications that result in the programme being materially different to the original programme, e.g. the creation of an exclusively Distance Learning version of an existing programme or the creation of an Apprenticeship or Transnational Education version of an existing programme (using the programme modification form), or to unbundle a current programme's modules to create microcredentials.

1b. Addition or withdrawal of a placement to an existing programme, such as a year abroad, or industrial placement (using the placement proposal form), or the creation of a new intercalated year for use across various programmes.

1c. Addition of research descriptor title to a postgraduate research programme (using the programme modification form).

1d. Any modification affecting or resulting from a change to the accreditation status of the programme (i.e. if accreditation by a professional, statutory or regulatory body (PSRB) is gained or lost).

1e. Modifications for which there is no accepted practice or relevant University Regulation, Code of Practice, or Guidance.

1f. Unavoidable in-session changes, to modules or to programmes. More guidance on what can reasonably be classed as ‘unavoidable’ is provided in the Policy on Consultation with Students (PDF - 90KB) and its associated guidance (PDF - 110KB). Note that any changes made in-session (i.e. in the current academic year) are classed as exceptional, even if the change itself is minor.

1g. Changing the majors (for Joint or Integrated programmes) and/or minors (for Specialist or Joint programmes) available on the degree – if these majors/minors primarily consist of new modules (completing the Appendix of the programme modification form in all cases).

1h. Creating a new major (for Joint/Integrated programmes) and/or minor (for Specialist/Joint programmes) for a range of degrees – if these majors/minors primarily consist of new modules (completing the Appendix of the programme modification form in all cases).

Major modifications refer to changes that are significant and may have implications across a number of areas, such as students' learning experience, completion rates, or satisfaction; internal resourcing; planning, etc. Some major modifications will result in the creation of a new programme code. Major modifications include the following:

2a. Withdrawal or introduction of compulsory modules, or other significant modification to the portfolio of compulsory modules available on the programme, including modification to assessments of compulsory modules if the modifications result in a significant change to the overall balance of methods of assessment on the programme.

2b. Introduction of elements of a new delivery mode, for example elements of Distance Learning or adding a flexible or part-time route.

2c. Any modification that might lead to a significant increase in the resource required to deliver a programme and/or the cost to students, for example introduction of a lab-based element or field trip.

2d. Significant modification to the programme title.

2e. Any modification that intends to, or may result in, an increase in the number of students registered on the programme (including making an alternative qualification directly admissible or adding an extra intake within the year).

2f. Modification of the award, providing the new award is within the same Level in the Office for Students Sector-recognised standards (PDF - 201KB) as the original award, whether directly admissible or not.

2g. Creation of an integrated master’s version of an existing bachelor’s programme, whether directly admissible or not.

2h. Creation of pathways within existing programmes and/or introducing a specialism at PGT level.

2i. Addition of an intercalated year (e.g. Year in Computer Science, Year in International Business). (No programme modification or programme specification needed, see the related FAQ on the Frequently Asked Questions page).

2j. Changing majors (for Joint or Integrated programmes) and/or minors (for Specialist or Joint programmes) available on the degree – if these majors/minors primarily consist of existing modules (completing the Appendix of the programme modification form if it is going to be directly admissible, i.e. part of an entry programme, but not otherwise).

2k. Creating a new major (for Joint or Integrated programmes) and/or a new minor (for Specialist or Joint programmes) for a range of degrees – if these majors/minors primarily consist of existing modules (completing the Appendix of the programme modification form if it is going to be directly admissible, i.e. part of an entry programme, but not otherwise).

2l. Creating a Flexible version of an existing Classic PGT programme or converting a Classic PGT programme to a Flexible programme. 

Minor modifications refer to small changes that do not alter the fundamental character of the programme. Minor modifications should have minimal or no impact on students; in many cases current students will not be aware that any change has been made. 

The following would normally be considered minor modifications:

3a. Minor modification to the programme outcomes/aims/rationale in line with progress in the field and/or to better articulate the Birmingham Graduate Attributes.

3b. Addition or removal of optional modules to the portfolio of optional modules available to students. Removal of an optional module can be considered to be a minor change as long as the potential for its removal has been explicitly stated to students when making their decision to accept an offer of study at the institution.

A programme modification is not always required for introducing optional modules, as the programmes to which the new module will be added will be listed on the module specification form (ensure you include any information about the module's grouping, e.g. if the module is part of a particular subject theme or list/basket of optional modules). This will provide the Curriculum Management Team with all the information they need to add the modules to the relevant programmes without requiring a programme specification.

Similarly, a module withdrawal form can be used to remove an optional module from multiple programmes, without requiring a programme modification or revised programme specifications. 

For large-scale changes to the optional module portfolio, programme specifications are recommended in order to ensure the options are clearly mapped and the semesters are balanced. 

Some small, administrative changes do not require formal approval; these changes can be made via an email to the Curriculum Management Team. 

• To confirm the category for a programme – where no other changes are being made to the programme. 
• To amend the programme lead, School, or College administrative contact only. 
• To change the semester in which a module is delivered.
• Amendments to the programme specification to clarify existing practice rather than to make a change (e.g. adding information to the specification that is not currently captured on the specification). 

If you have any questions regarding whether approval is required for a change, please contact your College Academic Policy Partner. 

For exceptional programme modifications, following approval by CQAAC the Deputy Director of Education and College Academic Policy Partner should determine whether College Board scrutiny is needed. The paperwork will then be referred to the Chair of the University Quality Assurance Committee (UQAC) for verification, via the College Academic Policy Partner.

The Appendix takes key questions from the new programme proposal form, including around the programme's fee, the market, and admissions requirements. 

• The Appendix should be completed when a new version of a programme is being proposed (including creation of microcredentials via unbundling a currently running programme's modules) and should usually be accompanied by a market research report. 
• Some types of new programme, e.g. new Apprenticeships, require the submission of a Programme Proposal (Part A: Strategic Approval) form, which covers key questions regarding the market, in which case no additional market research is necessary. 
• In some instances, only certain aspects of the Appendix should be completed. For example, the market questions do not need to be completed if an existing programme is being modified and the way it is to be marketed will not change. Questions that may need to be completed include those around the fees and admissions requirements (if these are to be different for the modified programme).
• The Appendix should not be completed for major and minor modifications that do not impact fees, marketing, admissions requirements etc., e.g. changing compulsory modules.
• The Appendix should also not be completed in instances where new programmes that are not open for admission are created, such as programmes with an intercalated year, e.g. year abroad or year in Computer Science.

If the only change that is being made to the programme is the addition of a placement (e.g. a year/semester abroad or work placement), the placement proposal form should be submitted instead of the programme modification form. This covers key questions around pastoral support for placement students, the learning agreement, the learning programme, and the assessment.

If the intention is to create a placement version of a programme that is directly admissible (i.e. students will apply directly to the placement programme, rather than transferring to it later in their degree) the programme modification form should be completed, to address questions regarding market, admissions criteria, etc. 

When creating a new placement, the placement proposal form should be accompanied by a module proposal form for the placement itself, i.e. the module on which the students will be registered while undertaking the placement. This would usually be a 120 credit module for a year-long placement and a 60 credit module for a semester. 

If no the addition of the placement is the only change, a revised programme specification may not be required (it should be made clear on the programme proposal form whether the programmes with the placement will have a different title, whether there are any additional learning outcomes, and whether it is available for transfer only).

When considering the addition of a placement to an existing programme of study, to ensure that placement learning opportunities can be offered to international students with visa requirements, Schools should ensure that the following requirements are met:

Work Placements:

• (a) A course that includes a work placement must lead to an approved qualification and the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies must be assigned by a student sponsor (who is not a probationary sponsor) if the course of study is below degree level.
• (b) A work placement must be assessed as an integral part of the course and must not be longer than one third of the total length of the course, except when there is a statutory requirement that it must be so, or where (c) applies.
• (c) A work placement on a course that is at degree level or above at a higher education provider with a track record of compliance or at an overseas higher education institution must not be longer than half of the total length of the course. 

Study Abroad:

• A placement must be an integral and assessed part of the programme and, for degree level programmes, must not be more than 50% of the total length of the programme. 

If adding a placement to a programme, please ensure you refer to the Code of Practice on Placement Learning (PDF - 148KB). For more information on visas, please contact the International Student Team.