Programmes
| New Programmes |
Summary
Academic Regulations govern all programme related activity and can be found here.
Curriculum Design and Development: UCD Teaching and Learning provides resources and support in curriculum development and design.
Support for Programme Development: the Programme Development Consultation Network is a collaboration of support colleagues drawn from a broad range of areas (Policy, Administrative Services, Graduate Studies, Marketing, Finance, etc.) who provide support and advice to new programme proposers. They can be contacted at programmes@ucd.ie
Initial Approval: When developing a new programme proposal, it must first be approved by the relevant Programme Board before submission for University approval and subsequent advertising.
Timelines and Advertising: For new undergraduate programmes, and in order to meet CAO deadlines, it is necessary for new programme proposals to be submitted at least 18 months prior to the start-date for such programmes. New programmes can only be advertised or recruited into when the proposal has been formally approved by the University Undergraduate Programme Board (UUPB).
The approval process for new graduate taught programmes takes approximately six months. New programmes can only be advertised or recruited into when the proposal has been formally approved by the University Graduate Programmes Board (UGPB).
For information on new programme submission deadlines and committee meeting dates, click here.
Programme Reporting, Review and Enhancement: New programmes are normally approved for an initial period of 5 years, after which time they are subject to a formal Periodic Review process. The Annual Programme Reporting Process is designed to enhance the University’s taught programmes on an ongoing basis.
The following procedure describes the steps taken by all parties involved in the development of a new programme.
New Programmes Lifecycle
The new programme lifecycle comprises of the following six phases:
Phase 1. New Programme Idea
Proposer can seek support and information from the Programme Development Consultation Network (PDCN) by emailing all queries to programmes@ucd.ie.
Phase 2. Support in developing my proposal
Proposer may obtain advice from PDCN members, fellow academic staff, Programme Deans, Graduate School Directors and should complete Form A: New Programme Proposal.
Phase 3. Submission to relevant Programme Board or Graduate School Board for review and recommendation
Proposer should contact the relevant Programme Officer or Graduate School Office for details of submission dates and meetings.
Phase 4. Submission to Academic Secretariat for University approval
If recommended, local Programme or Graduate School Board submits proposal to Academic Secretariat for consideration by the relevant University committees:
• University Management Team – Academic (UMTA) for all new programmes
• University Undergraduate Programmes Board (UUPB) for all new programmes at NFQ levels 6, 7 and 8
• University Graduate Programmes Board (UGPB) for all new programmes at NFQ levels 9 and 10
Phase 5. Communicating University Committee decisions
Academic Secretariat communicates the decisions made by UMTA and the relevant University Programme Board (UUPB or UGPB) directly to the relevant Programme or Graduate School Board. Decisions by UUPB and UGPB are also posted on the relevant committee’s website, as well as on a UCD Connect Group for Board members. Individual proposers should be informed of decisions by your UUPB or UGPB representative.
Phase 6. Building of new programme
When proposals have been formally approved by UUPB and/or UGPB, Academic Secretariat communicates the relevant details to Administrative Services, who build the new programme structure in the University’s curriculum management system. For information relating to queries on new programme structures please contact your Programme School Liaison (PSL).
Types of programmes
Types of Awards
The University offers a variety of programmes at different NFQ levels leading to a number of differet types of awards - major, minor, special purpose, and supplemental.
