Quality Handbook Supplement 12D - Applications to the University’s course design exceptions register
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1. Potential deviations from course design requirements
1.1 All NTU courses are expected to meet the requirements set out in Quality Handbook Section 12. However, there are some circumstances where courses need to deviate from these to meet business, accreditation or industry needs.
1.2 This supplement outlines the process for seeking approval for an exception to standard course design requirements. It is intended to be used by School colleagues involved in seeking approval for an exception to course design requirements.
1.3 A Register of approved exceptions will be held by the University and overseen by ASQC. The Register is available on the Academic Quality Hub.
1.4 The table below identifies the requirements for which an exception may be sought and the potential reasons:
- PSRB, or accreditation requirements for modules to be different sizes than those specified in the policy.
- The course is a professional or vocational course which achieves the aims of a final major project in alternative, practice-based ways.
- A greater number of option modules than stipulated in the policy are required for a specific industry need.
- Options to be arranged differently: options to be organised in sets with a differing number from that specified.
- The requirement to start a course on a different specified start date due to the specific needs of the course delivery and content.
2. Process for seeking approval of exceptions to course design requirements
2.1 Courses may only have deviations from Section 12 approved as part of a new course design or a high impact change. Requests for a new exception to Section 12 design requirements for existing courses may only be made as part of a wider set of changes.
2.2 Approval of an exception to one or more course design requirements must be sought from before the course is presented to the Academic Course Approval Sub-Committee for approval.
2.3 All exceptions must be endorsed by the Course Design Exceptions Panel and ratified by the Academic Standards and Quality Committee (ASQC). In line with the Course Review and Re-approval Policy, exceptions will be approved for a maximum of five years, and re-approval must be sought through the Course Design Exceptions Panel and ASQC.
2.4 Applications for re-approval of existing exceptions to course design requirements must be made to ASQC every 5 years. However, the course will not need to be approved by the Academic Course Approval Sub-Committee if there are no other changes.
2.5 The Course Design Exceptions Panel will meet three times per year and meeting dates will be circulated to Schools at the start of the academic year.
2.6 To seek (re)approval for an exception, the School must submit an application to Education, Quality and Partnerships (EQP) using the University Course Design Exceptions Register Application Form.
2.7 Requests may only be submitted if the exception has been approved by the School Executive Team.
2.8 Applications must include a clear rationale, be accompanied by supporting evidence, and should be submitted within two weeks of the stakeholder consultation and at least one month before the relevant Course Design Exceptions Panel.
2.9 Applications must include a Market Insights report must be submitted where a request is made on the basis that an exception is necessary to meet a demonstrable industry requirement or to ensure course viability within the market.
2.10 EQP will seek feedback from relevant stakeholders as necessary and submit the request to the Course Design Exceptions Panel and ASQC for consideration. Applicants will be notified of the outcome within one week of the committee meeting.
2.11 Stakeholders may include:
- Education, Quality and Partnerships (EQP)
- Education, Quality and Partnerships (EQP)
- Academic Registry, Student and Course Administration;
- Planning, Portfolio and Insights (where an industry need is cited)
- Academic Registry, Student and Course Administration
- Academic Registry, Student and Course Administration;
- Communications, Alumni Relations, Marketing and Student Recruitment;
- Planning, Portfolio and Insights (where an industry need is cited)
3. Process for removing approved exceptions from the exceptions register
3.1 Some exceptions are approved conditionally or for a limited time.
3.2 Changes to the exceptions register will be presented annually to ASQC by EQP.
3.3 EQP will request annual updates from Schools on the status of approved exceptions to inform the ASQC paper. This communication will be sent to the School Quality and Standards Manager.
3.4 Schools are responsible for ensuring that where exceptions are approved conditionally and/or for a limited period of time, conditions are met and that courses meet course design requirements within the time frame specified. Schools must notify EQP when exceptions are no longer required so that the exceptions register can be updated. Notification should be sent to eqp.qualityteam@ntu.ac.uk.
3.5 Where re-approval through the Course Review and Re-approval process results in the removal of exceptions, the School must inform EQP following SASQC approval by sending an email to eqp.qualityteam@ntu.ac.uk..
Change History
Approval Date:
25.09.25
Nature of Revisions:
New Supplement.
Implementation Date:
09.10.25
Approval Date:
26.11.25
Nature of Revisions:
Additional of final major project.
Implementation Date:
02.12.25
Approval Date:
03.03.26
Nature of Revisions:
Addition of process for removing exceptions.
Implementation Date:
03.03.26
Approval Date:
01.09.26
Nature of Revisions
Approval process changed from ASQC to Course Design Exceptions Panel, ratified by ASQC. Addition of supporting evidence required.
Implementation Date:
01.09.26