Alignment of non-statutory awards of certain Irish bodies with the National Framework of Qualifications Policy and Process Mary Sheridan Head of Recognition HETAC October 2006

Context S.23 Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 1999, HETAC makes and recognises higher education and training awards NQAI policy in respect of the inclusion in, or alignment with the Framework of “awards” of specified bodies – adopted July 2006 HETAC policy in respect of regulated professions without statutory awarding powers and those with statutory powers, if the award may be withdrawn

Alignment with the Framework through Framework award types and their descriptors, or at a level, on a best-fit basis of learning outcomes/awards a voluntary process which applies to all relevant learning outcomes/awards bodies may have to apply under two categories

Quality Assurance (QA) Evaluation of QA processes is a legal requirement QA procedures intended to further improve and maintain quality All providers of HETAC awards must: –Establish quality assurance (QA) procedures –Submit for approval by HETAC HETAC must: –Ensure that providers have a QA policy and establish procedures –Monitor the effectiveness of these procedures and processes

Quality Assurance (2) Awards aligned with, or included in, the Framework must have QA procedures associated with the awards/learning outcomes Identify the existence of a QA ethos which is embedded within the structures of the body and underpins all of the relevant activities

Quality Assurance (3) Guidelines and Criteria for Quality Assurance Procedures in Higher Education and Training, 2002 Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area

Principal Quality Assurance Procedures Procedures must address: –Design and approval of new programmes and modules –Assessment of learners –Ongoing monitoring of programmes –Evaluation of each programme at regular intervals –Selection, appointment, appraisal and development of staff –Evaluation of premises, equipment and facilities –Evaluation of services related to programmes of higher education and training –Evaluation of the effectiveness of quality assurance procedures. Provider must embrace the ethos of quality improvement

Application Process Preliminary application to determine eligibility Detailed application - Form - Detailed submission Policies on –Access, transfer and progression –Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

Application Process Detailed Application: List of awards/Learning outcomes List of relevant awards no longer made Identification of expected level of alignment Numbers involved Description of learning outcomes using Framework descriptors Identification of credits using ECTS A statement of a commitment to operate in accordance with Framework policies and criteria

Assessment Two part process: 1.Quality assurance policy and procedures 2.Learning outcomes/programme/award - process for determining the standard - validation process - assessment process - entry requirements; transfer and progression

Assessment (2) Expert panel comprising: 1.QA experts 2.Experts in the field of learning Experts meet with individuals responsible for 1.QA policy and procedures 2.Learning outcomes/programmes HETAC : 1.Agrees QA procedures 2.Decides on appropriate alignment 3.Agrees titles of awards 4.Informs the Qualifications Authority 5.Publishes the decision

Appeals If process hasn’t been followed Precise grounds for appeal Review Effectiveness of the QA procedures – 5 yearly Applicant body must advise of any change which affects the alignment