A Partnership Manager’s Perspective

Maeve Paris, Computing & Engineering

Models of Collaboration

• Validated• Franchised• Articulation• Outcentres• Joint programmes

• Supported by the Collaborative Courses’ Unit

Scale of Collaborative Provision

• May 2015: 6242 students on validated programmes

• Top 3 campus enrolments: 720 (Newry), 684 (Strand Road), 588 (CAFRE)

Faculty 2014/15 enrolments

Social Sciences 2863

Life and Health Sciences 1232

Computing and Engineering 929

Ulster Business School 692

Art, Design, Built Environment 363

Arts 163

Computing & Engineering coursesBelfast Metropolitan CollegeAccess Diploma in Computing, Business and MultimediaFdEng Software EngineeringFdSc Interactive Design FdSc Computing Infrastructure

Southern Regional CollegeFdSc Computing FdSc Interactive MultimediaFdSc Computing Infrastructure

North West Regional CollegeFdSc Software Development FdEng Mechanical EngineeringFdEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering FdSc Information Technologies

South West CollegeAccess Diploma in ComputingFdSc ComputingFdSc Business Information TechnologiesFdEng Engineering (Automotive Engineering)FdEng Engineering (Mechatronics)FdEng Engineering (Manufacturing)

Northern Regional CollegeFdSc ComputingCertHE EngineeringFdEng Mechanical and Manufacturing EngineeringFdEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering

South Eastern Regional CollegeFdSc ComputingFdEng Mechatronic Engineering

Most likely evaluation/revalidation involvement

• Panel members for– Foundation Degrees• Subject Networks

– Access Diplomas

• New course proposal approved by Faculty, then University

• Existing course scheduled for revalidation approved by Faculty, then University

What’s a foundation degree?

• Integration of academic and work-based learning• 240 credits– Typically 120 level 4 (max 40 level 3)– 120 (or 100) level 5

• Full-time– 2 years

• Part-time– 3 years

• Part-time, fast track– 2 calendar years (40X3 semesters, X2 years)

What’s Work-Based Learning?

• FDs must include at least 40 credits of work-based learning

• Progression model: 2 + BRIDGING + 1• Bridging from 0 – 120 credits• Progression table for equivalences aligned

with UCAS tariff:– 280 – BBC – 55% level 5 modules

What’s a Subject Network?

• The same validated programme operates at 2+ partner institutions

• University’s preferred model• Arrangements for management and oversight

of network through network committee• Aim: consistent student experience

What’s an Access Diploma?

• Modules at levels 2 and 3• At least 60 credit points at level 3• Access to HE: few formal qualifications and

out of formal education for two years at course start date

• Progression table for equivalences aligned with UCAS tariff:– 280 – BBC – 65% Access

What about GCSE English and Maths?

• NICATS Maths – Equivalent to C at GCSE– Faculty accepts 70% as equivalent to B

• Level 2 Communication module

• All students are Associate Students of Ulster University

Questions for evaluation/ revalidation

• What NOT to ask…

• What to discuss further? – Entry requirements– Selection methods– Articulation route(s)– APEL procedures…

What’s the SPM doing at the revalidation?

• Speaking when spoken to!• Preliminary comments on CA4• Confirmation of faculty recommendations on

maximum cohort size• Confirmation of articulation route to honours

degree

Partnership ManagersArtsMr Jim Curran

Art, Design and Built EnvironmentDr Michaela Keenan

Computing and EngineeringMrs Maeve Paris

Life and Health SciencesMr Jerome Marley (Biomedical and Environmental Sciences)

Life and Health Sciences

Mrs Margaret Sowney (Sports, Nursing and Psychology)

Social Sciences Dr Pauline Irving (Counselling )

Social Sciences Ms Susannah McCall (Access, Community Development, CPD, Education, Health and Social Care, Policing and Social Work)

Ulster Business SchoolMs Carol Reid