Minutes - Academic Planning Unit - University of Ulster
Minutes - Academic Planning Unit - University of Ulster
Minutes - Academic Planning Unit - University of Ulster
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UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER<br />
ACADEMIC PLANNING SUB-COMMITTEE<br />
Unreserved <strong>Minutes</strong> <strong>of</strong> a meeting held on 25 January 2007 at the<br />
Jordanstown campus.<br />
PRESENT<br />
CONFIRMED<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essor ND Black (Chairman), Dr SDA Barnhill, Mr AG Faulkner,<br />
Mr J Kennedy, Mr D McGivern, Pr<strong>of</strong>essor R Millar, Pr<strong>of</strong>essor C Mulholland,<br />
Mrs EE Urquhart, Mr RN Wilson<br />
APOLOGIES<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essor A Moran<br />
IN ATTENDANCE<br />
Mrs AJ Cairns, Dr S Edge (<strong>Minutes</strong> 07.07, 07.09 and 07.10),<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essor EM Lillie (<strong>Minutes</strong> 07.08), Pr<strong>of</strong>essor R Welch (<strong>Minutes</strong> 07.08 and<br />
07.09), Mr P Fleming (<strong>Minutes</strong> 07.16, 07.17, 07.18 and 07.19)<br />
07.01 MINUTES<br />
The minutes <strong>of</strong> the meeting held on 15 November 2006 were approved.<br />
MATTERS ARISING<br />
07.02 Proposed BArch Hons Architecture (FT/PT) (BT/JN) (Min 06.98)<br />
It was noted that:<br />
a) DEL had been requested to clarify whether students would be <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Ulster</strong> students during Part 3;<br />
b) the Faculty had not yet reported back on how it would facilitate the<br />
programme within the existing MaSN allocation, if additional was not<br />
available and if the title <strong>of</strong> the programme should be classified as<br />
postgraduate;<br />
c) discussions had taken place between the faculties <strong>of</strong> Arts and<br />
Engineering on the subject <strong>of</strong> MaSN.<br />
AGREED that:<br />
i) the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Arts again be asked for clarification on MaSN (Dean <strong>of</strong><br />
Engineering to be copied into the communication) and programme title<br />
issues;
ii) faculties, when proposing new undergraduate programmes <strong>of</strong> study,<br />
identify how the programme will fit in with the existing MaSN or if<br />
additional is required.<br />
07.03 Proposed BA Hons Photography (FT/PT) (BT) (Min 06.99)<br />
The Committee noted that no response had been received from the Faculty<br />
concerning MaSN and that equipping the space within the existing resource<br />
allocation was the subject <strong>of</strong> ongoing discussion.<br />
AGREED that a response be sought from the Faculty.<br />
07.04 Proposed PgCert Forensic Studies (PT) (DL) (Min 06.105)<br />
It was noted that the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Social Sciences had identified and agreed a<br />
resource within the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Engineering to deliver the Law modules.<br />
07.05 CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATIONS<br />
There were no communications from the Chair.<br />
COURSE PLANNING<br />
07.06 The Committee considered business from the Faculties (Papers<br />
APSC/07/01 to APSC/07/04).<br />
FACULTY OF ARTS (APSC/07/01)<br />
07.07 Proposed BA Hons Photo Imaging: Minor (FT/PT) (CE) (APSC/07/01a)<br />
The Committee received a CA1 proposal and noted that:<br />
a) the programme would start to address the skills gap identified by<br />
industry related bodies in the area <strong>of</strong> Photo Imaging;<br />
b) full-time numbers were estimated to rise from 25 in the first year <strong>of</strong><br />
intake to a total <strong>of</strong> 68 in year six;<br />
c) no additional resources were required.<br />
The Committee discussed potential part-time interest and agreed that there<br />
could be a significant market. It was thought, however, for the part-time mode<br />
to be successful, the mode <strong>of</strong> delivery and location required serious<br />
consideration. It was suggested that it would best be located at the Belfast<br />
campus.<br />
It was reported that the Faculty had established a working group to consider<br />
various part-time issues.<br />
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AGREED that it be recommended to the <strong>Academic</strong> Development and Student<br />
Services Committee that the proposal proceed to planning and evaluation with<br />
a view to entry in September 2008.<br />
07.08 Proposed MRes Cultural Heritages (FT/PT) (ME) (APSC/07/01b)<br />
The Committee received a CA1 proposal and noted that:<br />
a) the proposal responds to policies <strong>of</strong> key funding bodies such as the<br />
AHRC’s emphasis on the sound provision <strong>of</strong> advanced research<br />
methods, tools and skills, and a correlated knowledge base promoting<br />
the creation <strong>of</strong> viable enhanced pathways towards research at PhD<br />
level, as anticipated in the AHRC’s new emphasis on block grant<br />
funding for postgraduates, and equivalent high level enquiry and<br />
consultancy outside academia;<br />
b) NI domiciled students would be eligible for ARHC funding;<br />
c) the programme is unique in the whole <strong>of</strong> Ireland with its closest<br />
equivalent being the MA by Directed Research in Literatures at<br />
Liverpool;<br />
d) full-time numbers were estimated to rise from 6+ in the first year <strong>of</strong><br />
intake to a total <strong>of</strong> 18+ in year six;<br />
e) in the medium/long term, space needs to be created to accommodate a<br />
Faculty Postgraduate Centre with its respective campus hubs;<br />
f) as the use <strong>of</strong> WebCT increases, additional support staff will be<br />
required;<br />
g) the need to enhance the library into a research-led resource should be<br />
taken into account as part <strong>of</strong> normal library upgrading;<br />
h) additional space is planned for Magee and it is anticipated that this will<br />
be suitably equipped.<br />
AGREED that<br />
i) it be recommended to the <strong>Academic</strong> Development and Student<br />
Services Committee that the proposal proceed to planning and<br />
evaluation;<br />
ii) Faculty to agree a start date <strong>of</strong> January 2008;<br />
iii) Faculty to undertake a market review to include the part-time element<br />
iv) Faculty to liaise with Physical Resources, Human Resources and<br />
Information Services to ensure adequate resources are available.<br />
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07.09 Proposed BA Hons Journalism, Major (FT/PT) (CE) (APSC/07/01c)<br />
The Committee received a CA1 proposal and noted that:<br />
a) the proposal was a revision <strong>of</strong> an existing subject strand <strong>of</strong> Journalism<br />
from a Main to a Major;<br />
b) revising the programme into a Major subject strand would allow the<br />
Faculty to best meet NCTJ requirements for full accreditation over the<br />
next 3-5 years;<br />
c) no additional resources would be required<br />
AGREED that it be recommended to the <strong>Academic</strong> Development and Student<br />
Services Committee that the proposal be approved with a view to entry in<br />
September 2007, subject to submission <strong>of</strong> the required external evidence that<br />
the programme represents an appropriate and coherent programme <strong>of</strong> study,<br />
as specified at D23 <strong>of</strong> the CA1 form. The Committee recognised the potential<br />
for part-time mode <strong>of</strong> delivery and recommended that the Faculty should<br />
develop and enhance the part-time elements <strong>of</strong> the programme.<br />
07.10 Proposed BA Hons Film Studies, Major (FT/PT) (CE)<br />
The Committee noted that:<br />
a) Student Recruitment Services had received text and suggested<br />
combinations for Film Studies for inclusion in the 2008 prospectus,<br />
however, no CA1 proposal had as yet been considered by the<br />
Committee;<br />
b) a CA1 had been prepared but too late for submission <strong>of</strong> papers;<br />
c) it was proposed that Film Studies, in addition to being <strong>of</strong>fered as a<br />
Main and a Minor, also be <strong>of</strong>fered as a Major;<br />
AGREED that the CA1 be submitted for Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Black’s consideration and<br />
Chair’s Action taken, if appropriate.<br />
FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT (APSC/07/02)<br />
07.11 Proposed Foundation Degree in Hospitality and Tourism at East Down<br />
IFHE (APSC/07/02a)<br />
The Committee received a revised CA2 proposal to <strong>of</strong>fer the part-time<br />
provision at the Downpatrick campus <strong>of</strong> the East Down Institute.<br />
It was noted that:<br />
a) the original proposal had been referred back because <strong>of</strong> concerns<br />
about market demand and library resources;<br />
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) the course duration would be 2.5-3 years;<br />
c) inadequate library stock existed.<br />
AGREED that before the proposal would be approved to proceed to planning<br />
and evaluation, the Faculty be asked to comment on the following specific<br />
issues.<br />
i) the course duration: would students working in industry be exempt from<br />
the work based learning element in year 3;<br />
ii) entry requirements and alternative to GCSE Mathematics;<br />
iii) the issue <strong>of</strong> financial agreement;<br />
iv) the proposed start date – unlikely to be September 2007;<br />
v) library resources.<br />
07.12 Programme Withdrawals<br />
It was noted that the following programme had been withdrawn:<br />
FdSc e-Commerce<br />
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING (APSC/07/03)<br />
07.13 FdSc Building Technology and Management (PT) at Causeway<br />
Institute <strong>of</strong> FHE<br />
The Committee received a request from the Institute to increase the part-time<br />
student intake to a maximum <strong>of</strong> 28.<br />
The Committee noted that:<br />
a) the request had the approval <strong>of</strong> the Faculty, for the 2007/08 intake<br />
only;<br />
b) the Institute had confirmed that sufficient resources were available to<br />
accommodate the increase.<br />
AGREED that the increase in part-time numbers be approved for the 2007/08<br />
academic year only.<br />
07.14 BEng Hons Electronics, Communications and S<strong>of</strong>tware<br />
The Committee noted the following correction to Minute 06.31 (April 2006):<br />
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Due to incorrect information on the submitted CA5 form, the above<br />
programme was recorded as withdrawn in error. The programme that was<br />
actually withdrawn was the BEng Hons Electronics and S<strong>of</strong>tware (Pilot) (PT).<br />
Student Recruitment Services and <strong>Planning</strong> Department have confirmed that<br />
BEng Hons Electronics, Communications and S<strong>of</strong>tware had remained ‘live’.<br />
07.15 Programme Withdrawals<br />
It was noted that the following programme had been withdrawn:<br />
HNC Computing (S<strong>of</strong>tware Engineering) at Omagh College (PT).<br />
FACULTY OF LIFE AND HEALTH SCIENCES (APSC/07/04)<br />
07.16 Proposed PgCert Veterinary Studies (Veterinary Public Health) (DL)<br />
with <strong>University</strong> College Dublin (APSC/07/04a)<br />
The Committee received a CA2 proposal and Faculty Assessment and noted<br />
that:<br />
a) recent changes in the EU regulatory framework in terms <strong>of</strong> Food Safety<br />
require that Official Veterinarians in all EU Member States undergo a<br />
formal course <strong>of</strong> training in Veterinary Public Health;<br />
b) Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Mulholland had met with colleagues from Dublin and had<br />
some concerns around identifying the market and any additional costs<br />
for the <strong>University</strong>;<br />
AGREED that:<br />
i) the Faculty submit to the Committee a Business Plan and a revised<br />
Market Analysis;<br />
ii) as this is a joint programme the Faculty is required to submit a CA1;<br />
iii) a CA9 is required as UCD is not an existing partner in course delivery;<br />
07.17 Proposed FdSc Applied and Medical Sciences (FT/PT) at Belfast IFHE,<br />
Newry IFHE and North West IFHE (APSC/07/04b)<br />
The Committee received a CA2 proposal and Faculty Assessment.<br />
AGREED that the proposal be referred back to the Faculty for further<br />
clarification on:<br />
a) the financial agreement and credit arrangements;<br />
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) what, if any, impact the proposal would have on current Faculty<br />
provision.<br />
07.18 Proposed PgDip/MSc Bioanalytical Science (DL) APSC/07/04c)<br />
The Committee received a CA1 proposal and noted that:<br />
a) the programme would target a specific market in which student<br />
numbers are low;<br />
b) Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Mulholland had not been consulted.<br />
Members agreed that it was difficult to fully consider the proposal because it<br />
was presented in isolation and would perhaps have been better looked at if it<br />
had been presented as part <strong>of</strong> a business package.<br />
AGREED that the Faculty be asked to submit a revised proposal addressing<br />
the Committee’s comments.<br />
07.19 Proposed PgDip/MSc Pharmaceutical Sciences (FT/PT) (CE)<br />
(APSC/07/04d)<br />
The Committee received a CA1 proposal.<br />
Members agreed that the rise in student numbers from 10 in the first year <strong>of</strong><br />
intake to a total <strong>of</strong> 30 in year six did not look achievable and that the financial<br />
model did not seem viable, as it did not take into account issues such as<br />
depreciation and the additional resources required beyond initial capital<br />
investment.<br />
AGREED that the Faculty be asked to submit a revised proposal addressing<br />
the Committee’s comments.<br />
Duration: 2 hours 25 minutes<br />
Approved: ________________________________ Date: ______________<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essor N D Black (Chair)<br />
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