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Modifications

This page outlines key guidance, information and, forms for colleagues wanting to propose a modification for implementation in the next academic year. 

Academic and Professional Services colleagues are encouraged to read the following guidance alongside the guidance document provided below. The guidance has been produced in consultation with colleagues and outlines the steps for preparation, submission, and approval of a modification.

Definition of a modification

A modification is the process by which changes are proposed to either an existing programme or module(s) which were validated as part of that programme. The modifications process and timescales applies to all undergraduate postgraduate, collaborative, summer school, and credit-bearing short courses.

Types of modifications

Modifications are usually made in response to feedback from key stakeholders, changes within professional body requirements, or as a result of developments within the academic discipline.Modifications can either be at programme level or at module level. 

Programme level modifications result in changes to the programme specification published to key stakeholders such as current and prospective students.

Module level modifications mainly result in changes to module learning outcomes and assessments detailed in a module outline. 

Examples of programme modifications include changes to: 

  • Programme learning outcomes and associated curriculum content.
  • Programme mode of study (e.g. full-time or part-time).
  • Programme start dates (e.g. introduction of January start)
  • Programme mode of delivery (e.g. online or blended delivery).
  • Programme specific academic regulation (normally as a result of PSRB requirements)
  • Status of module from core to optional or vice versa.
  • Introduction, withdrawal or replacement of core and or optional module(s). This includes new, existing and cross-validated or shared modules.
  • Credit value or level of module(s)
  • Module title(s)
  • Semester of delivery

Examples of module modifications include changes to: 

  • Module learning outcomes and associated curriculum content.
  • Module assessment titles, methods, weightings, type or criteria. 
  • Module module of delivery (e.g. from face to face to online)
  • Module pre/co/de-requisites 

Consultation with key stakeholders

All modifications involve a process of consultation with clear communication to relevant key stakeholders. These include to students, academic and professional services colleagues such as Timetabling, Finance, Library, Teaching Enhanced Learning (TEL) and IT. 

To assist with the consultation process, the Quality and Standards team organises two key stakeholders meeting each year. The purpose of the meeting is for academic colleagues to discuss the proposed modification with colleages and obtain the required signatures ahead of submission to the Faculty/Institute Academic Development Committee (F/IADC). F/IADC is then responsible for considering and approving the proposed modification by the University's modifications deadline of the 28 February of each year.

Key stakeholders meetings are planned in advance of the 28 February University's modifications deadline and take place in December and January of each year. Academic colleagues who would like assistance with obtaining signatures must upload a completed modification proposal form, a revised programme specification and module outline(s). Please ensure that the proposed changes to the programme specification and or module ouline(s) are included as tracked changes and upload to OneDrive. Link available from qateam@stmarys.ac.uk 

Note: If you are not able to submit your completed modification proposal to either of the key stakeholders meeting, then you must contact the colleagues in Timetabling (Chris Paget), Finance (Ken Brown or Mandeep Bhogal), Library and Teaching Enhanced Learning (Bing Choong) and IT (Chris Johnson) separately to obtain their signatures and the submit to the Chair and Secretary of the relevant F/IADC. 

Modification approvals 

Modifications are approved by the relevant Faculty/Institute Academic Development Committee (F/IADC) following consultation with key stakeholders. 

Modification proposal forms and templates 

Please complete the following form for all proposed modifications and submit together with the required supporting documents: 

For new modules proposals, please complete the following module outline:

For existing modules, the last approved module outlines are available from Quality and Standards who maintain a centralised module repository. Email the team qateam@stmarys.ac.uk stating the module code and title. Please ensure changes being proposed are included as tracked changes on the last approved outline.

Copies of the last approved programme specification to submit with your proposed modification can be found here:

Key dates and deadlines 

The University's modifications deadline of the 28 February of each year. Following approval from the relevant F/IADC, the proposal comes into effect from the next academic session. For example, proposals submitted by 28 February 2022 will come into effect from September 2022. 

A key date if you would like assistance with obtaining signatures ahead of this deadline, you would need to submit the relevant paperwork to the December or January key stakeholders meeting instead.

Proposals for the upcoming 2022-23 academic session is now open. Proposals for the last 2021-22 academic sessions is closed.

Consumer Marketing Authority (CMA) requirements

The modifications process has been informed by the CMA guidelines, specifically in relation to access to accurately published information abot a programme's content and structure. This enables prospective and current students to make well-informed choices about their programme study. 

Approved programme specifications are available here Programme Specifications and are the definitive source of information about a programme's content and structure. Programme specification are produced and approved following extensive programme design, development and approval with academic colleagues. Programme specifications also underpins a variety of operational processes related to both the student and quality cycles. 

To maintain version control, programme specifications are also checked on an annual basis to maintain compliance with CMA requirements. 

Further information and queries

For further guidance, please contact the Quality and Standards Office (qateam@stmarys.ac.uk) who will be able to provide advice and support on any aspect of the modifications process.