Whakawhanake Hōtaka | Programme ImprovementWhy we do itChanging and improving programmes applies to all academic provision and is a constant part of our commitment to ensure that we maintain our relevancy and credibility. Our ability to react to strategic governmental directions, stakeholder feedback, self-evaluation and moderation provide the basis for programme changes that are fit for purpose. What it involvesAny changes to approved programmes need to either be:
For more information about these change types see the NZQA page Changes to Programme Approval. The process for making changesThe key feature of the process for making changes to approved programmes and training schemes is a recognition that any changes, no matter how small, affect the programme as a whole. Small changes in one course can effect other courses, and a good idea in one area could be an opportunity for improvement to be used across the whole programme. In order to ensure that any and all changes to programmes are considered as a holistic whole, each Te Komiti o ngā Hotaka | Programme Academic Quality (PAQCs) establishes a Rōpū Hōtaka Whakawhanake | Programme Development Group (PDG) to manage the process of evaluating any proposed changes and ensuring that all change applications are complete and continue to meet the relevant NZQA approval rules as well as improve outcomes for students.
Individual staff identify any changes that they wish to make to their courses using the following resources:
Teachers then make a submission for change to their PDG using an Individual (Type 1/2) Course Improvement Application Form. Programme Improvements Forms and Guidance
Programme Development Templates and Guidance
Rōpū Hōtaka Whakawhanake | Programme Development Group (PDG)The PDG peer reviews all submissions for development and improvement against approval criteria and considers the relationship between all proposed changes to ensure there is Programme cohesion. The PDG endorses the changes that they have agreed should move forward and consolidates them into a single change application. The PDG forwards the consolidated change application, along with their recommendations to the PAQC to endorse (or modify) the changes prior to them being sent to Te Komiti Whakamana Hotaka Hou | Academic Approvals Committee (AAC) and NZQA for approval. Please send PAQC endorsed applications to aac@unitec.ac.nz The documents in the resource section are designed to guide you through the process. As always if you need assistance, contact us. Note: Significant programme changes may require ELT approval prior to any work being undertaken for the change. |
ResourcesProgramme Improvement timelines and submission dates Programme Improvement Request Types For Teaching StaffIndividual (Type 1/2) Course Improvement Application Form For Programme Development GroupProgramme Development Group – Terms of Reference Relevant Policy and ProceduresAC 1.4 Programme Change and Improvement Procedure NZQA GuidanceChanges to Programme Approvals Guidelines for approval and accreditation of level 1-6 programmes Guidelines for approving and maintaining degrees and related qualifications
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If you are considering improvements for your courses or programmes, come talk with us or send an email to the Academic Approvals Committee at aac@unitec.ac.nz