1. Curriculum Reform Stephen Hill 14 February 2008

2. What is Curriculum Reform/Review? Holistic review of present UG and PG curricula Gathering of evidence / opinion Making of recommendations for future development Message from the Principal: Curriculum Reform (2 October 2007) ‘a debate on the nature and purpose of our curriculum’ ‘a real conceptualisation of our intellectual vision’ ‘a rigorous and wide ranging debate, that contributes to a wider process of gathering evidence, both internally and externally’ ‘to define a curriculum that is right for this University, but one which we are equally confident will be fit for the world of the next decade if not longer’

3. Why? Reasons implicit in the definition To be innovative To be competitive To reassure ourselves To prepare for the future Why not?

4. Examples of issues to be considered Depth and breadth Preparation for citizenship, personal development, employment The number and types of degree programmes Professional degrees / employment-related curriculum Routes into, through and from programmes Modes of delivery Student support Core knowledge and skills Research-led teaching

5. Schedule Year 1: Consultation and proposal October 2008 – Report to Senate Year 2: Prepare for implementation Year 3: Begin implementation

6. The Structure of the Reform CURRICULUM REFORM COMMISSION STEERING GROUP STUDENT EXPERIENCE GROUP RESEARCH GROUP BUSINESS, INDUSTRY AND PROFESSIONS GROUP RESOURCES GROUP IMPLEMENTATION GROUP

7. The Curriculum Commission To review and make proposals for the reform of our education objectives, programme structures and curriculum content, with a view to developing a high quality and distinctive educational experience for undergraduate and postgraduate students at the University of Aberdeen, which takes account of developing international approaches.

8. Commission Membership Bryan MacGregor (Chair) Cathy Macaslan Two promoted members of academic staff from each College One non promoted member of academic staff from each College Three Directors of Teaching & Learning Three Directors of Graduate Schools Three nominees of the Senate One nominee of the University Secretary Three nominees of the Students’ Association Three external experts nominated by the Principal and the SVP

9. Process and Progress so far Initial open meetings for all staff Commission and Steering Group Website; blogs; discussion boards; web casts Initial IDEAS drafted Time to widen scope to the “extended internal” and external constituency

10. Engagement with Graduates A key constituency, covering a number of angles Aberdeen Magazine Monthly e-bulletin Alumni website Open call for submissions / opinions

11. Questions / Discussion ?

12. Curriculum Reform Stephen Hill 14 February 2008