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University Programmes Board

The University Programmes Board (UPB) reviews, approves and monitors the design, delivery, assessment and quality of the educational programmes within its remit and provides University level oversight for all programmes governed by Undergraduate and Graduate Taught Programme Boards, the Graduate Research Board, Joint Academic Programme Boards and Boards of Studies established by the University.

Committee Support: University Secretariat | programmes@ucd.ie

 UPB Meeting Schedule 2023/2024

Submission Deadline Meeting Date
Thursday 14 September 2023 Thursday 12 October 2023; 10am 
Wednesday 25 October 2023 Wednesday 22 November 2023; 2pm
Thursday 18 January 2024 Thursday 15 February 2024, 10am
Thursday 7 March 2024 Thursday 4 April 2024, 2pm
Wednesday 10 April 2024 Wednesday 8 May 2024; 10am

The University Programmes Board (UPB), on delegated authority from the Academic Council, monitors and audits the programmes and CPD offerings of the University. UPB shall:

1) Oversee the development, approval, review, and delivery of programmes by governing boards to assure compliance with Academic Regulations and the effectiveness and quality of programmes.

2) Establish frameworks for the development, approval, and review of programmes that delegates to Governing Boards or reserves to UPB decision-making as appropriate.

3) Ensure procedures are in place to monitor trends and audit decision-making with respect to –

  • Admission
  • Progression
  • Continuation
  • Completion
  • Recognition of prior or concurrent learning
  • Internationalisation of programmes
  • Internships and employability initiatives
  • Other aspects of programme design or governance identified by UPB or Academic Council

4) Develop policies, procedures, guidelines, and initiatives as appropriate to promote effectiveness, excellence, and fairness in the delivery and governance of programmes.

5) Adjudicate on applications for derogation from the Academic Regulations submitted by schools or governing boards.

6) Review the Academic Regulations at suitable intervals and where amendment is deemed advisable, propose amendments to Academic Council.

7) Recommend policies, and approve and oversee procedures and frameworks as appropriate, for the development, approval, review, and delivery of the following educational activities, to assure the effectiveness and quality of such offerings:

  • Internship and employability initiatives
  • Study abroad opportunities
  • CPD offerings by schools

8) In consultation with the Academic Council Quality Enhancement Committee, approve and oversee policies, procedures, and frameworks as appropriate for the governance and continuous monitoring and auditing of programme quality.

9) Request, receive, and review reports pertinent to monitoring and auditing the quality of programmes.

10) Highlight existing and emerging good practice examples and promote dissemination of such practices.

11) Consider such matters as Academic Council may refer.

Contact the UCD University Secretariat

Tierney Building, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
T: +353 (1) 716 1279 (general enquiries) | E: univsec@ucd.ie