Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Academic Council
2 April 2019
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1. Executive Summary
The Institute of Theology (IOT) manages the relationship between the University and
four Theological Colleges. Undergraduate provision of Theology is currently delivered
by one Constituent College, Union Theological College (UTC). The other three Affiliate
Colleges provide postgraduate taught and research provision only, to small student
cohorts.
In July 2015 serious concerns were identified regarding: the structures for the delivery
of Theology; reduced student numbers; the complexity of the current arrangement and
its ability to meet aspirations outlined in Vision 2020; and, the extent that the current
arrangement could deliver a contemporary research-led curriculum. An external panel
of experts carried out a Strategic Review of the educational provision of Theology in
June 2016. The 2016 Strategic Review Panel made a number of recommendations to
address serious concerns regarding the lack of academic diversity and narrow breadth
of subject matter and perspective of the undergraduate curriculum; the lack of exposure
to a wider research environment; and the lack of diversity in staffing.
The IoT took the lead in reviewing the undergraduate curriculum and the nature of the
provision, and while innovations were delivered by the University, this was not
sufficiently matched by UTC. The IoT reviewed postgraduate taught provision and
developed a new Master of Research in Theology to replace the Master of Theology
programme which the Strategic Review Panel suggested was an overly narrow degree
pathway. UTC did not accept the Strategic Review Panel’s recommendation for formal
University participation in appointment processes for College staff teaching on
University validated programmes.
While the IoT Director was actively engaged in driving the required changes, it became
apparent that some issues remained unresolved. Due to the potential impact on the
student academic experience, a follow-up review took place in September 2018. This
second review confirmed ongoing serious concerns regarding the lack of breadth and
diversity in the Theology elements of the undergraduate curriculum and the lack of
agency to affect change to diversify staffing in Theology. Evidence from external
examiners/advisors confirmed that UTC was not in a position to change their modules
to meet the requirements of the Review.
As the Review recommendations have not been met by UTC, rendering the delivery of
appropriate undergraduate programmes in Theology unviable, and with limited student
numbers on the postgraduate Theology programmes, Academic Council is asked to
endorse the following recommendations for Senate approval:
(i) That the collaboration with the four Theological Colleges through the Institute
of Theology be discontinued, subject to safeguards for students;
(ii) That the University no longer awards through the IoT degrees in the subject of
Theology, following completion of current students; and,
(iii) That the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theology, Bachelor of Divinity (BD), Graduate
Diploma in Theology and Master of Research (MRes) in Theology be withdrawn
with no further intake of students.
2. Background
Under the 1908 Irish Universities Act, the University was precluded from employing
University staff to teach Theology. Therefore, a non-teaching Faculty of Theology was
established by statute on 16 June 1926 to carry out the administrative functions to allow
the University to award degrees in Theology. It was decided that the theological
teaching should be delivered in some recognised college(s), and that the Senate
should exercise the same control over the courses, examinations, etc, as it did in other
faculties. The University’s responsibility would be confined to ensuring that the
teaching was given by properly qualified persons, in suitable conditions and that, in
both range and quality, it reached degree standard.
Union Theological College (UTC) was approved as a recognised college in 1927. The
Faculty of Theology expanded to include Edgehill Theological College (ETC in 1951);
Irish Baptist College (IBC in 1977), St Mary’s University College (SMUC in 1986) and
Belfast Bible College (BBC in 1994). The Faculty of Theology was led by a Dean, a
member of University staff.
The 1908 Act was repealed by The Queen’s University of Belfast Order 1981 and a
new Charter and Statutes were approved by Privy Council in 1982. Notwithstanding
the Repeal of the 1908 Act, the University decided to continue with the arrangements
for the teaching of Theology through the Theological Colleges.
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ETC and IBC withdrew from providing Queen’s undergraduate programmes in 2010 as
a result of not being able to meet the University minimum threshold requirement of 8
students per module. BBC withdrew from providing undergraduate programmes in
2015, also due to falling student numbers. Therefore, the IoT now works with just one
Constituent College, UTC, which offers both undergraduate and postgraduate
teaching. The other three Affiliate Colleges have a MOA permitting admission to
postgraduate programmes only. Therefore, since 2015 the provision of the
undergraduate curriculum has been delivered from the perspective of UTC only.
The Collaborative Provision Group (CPG) carried out a periodic review of Theology
under the University’s normal five-year Periodic Review procedures in March 2015.
Following the appointment of the new IoT Director, and after consideration of the
Periodic Review Report, major areas of concern began to emerge regarding the
provision of Theology. In July 2015 the TWG considered the CPG Periodic Review
report and in following discussions identified serious concerns with: the structures for
the delivery of Theology; reduced student numbers; the complexity of the current
arrangement and its ability to meet aspirations outlined in Vision 2020; and, the extent
that the current arrangement could deliver a contemporary research-led curriculum.
At that point the University agreed to renew the expiring five-year Memoranda of
Agreement (MOA) on a one-year basis for 2015-16 and to appoint an external panel of
experts to carry out a Strategic Review of the educational provision of Theology: that
review happened in June 2016 (Terms of Reference attached as Appendix 2). A
timeline outlining the key decision points is attached as Appendix 3.
(i) The current organisational shape and academic operation of the IoT and its fit
for the purpose of delivering a contemporary research-led education in religious
studies and theology.
(ii) The strengths and weakness of the current organisation, and what elements of
a contemporary education in religious studies and theology could enhance the
undergraduate provision.
(iv) What a sustainable model of education and research provision in Theology and
Religious Studies might look like going forward.
(ii) The current arrangements for the delivery of the teaching of Theology are
provided by colleges that do not have the same mission or ethos as the
University.
(iii) There was concern about the academic diversity and narrow breadth of subject
matter and perspective of the curriculum, particularly with the undergraduate
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provision concentrated in one College. The quality of the provision is severely
affected by this lack of diversity.
(iv) The denominational constraints; the various forms of fragmentation; and a lack
of academic diversity, work against innovation and interdisciplinary
development. The single denomination providing all the undergraduate
theology provision for a research-based University is highly problematic and not
sustainable in today’s post-conflict Northern Ireland.
(v) Lack of control over staff appointments has resulted in a lack of diversity in
staffing and in the curriculum.
The University should take the lead, through the IoT, in developing areas of
research excellence between Theology and the rest of the University. This
would ultimately help to influence breadth and diversity in PGT and PGR
provision.
3.3 Staffing
The University approved a further one-year MOA for 2016-17 and again in 2017-18 to
allow the partners time to respond to the recommendations of the Strategic Review.
The following developments took place during the two-year period:
The IoT took the lead in reviewing the undergraduate curriculum and the nature
of the provision. Following consultation with AHSS Schools, and with approval
of the Faculty Executive Board, a wide range of modules, including those
drawing heavily on areas of strength in Religious Studies in the Faculty, were
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made available to students for a new Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theology. This
work also included the development and implementation of a new first year
module, delivered by the University with involvement from St Mary’s University
College, entitled ‘Religion, Faith and Society: Perspectives on Belief’. This new
module incorporated a core Religious Studies strand into the new degree,
exposing students to inter- and cross-disciplinary perspectives.
The IoT was also asked to restructure the Bachelor of Divinity (BD) to address
areas of overlap with the BTh and ensure its [the BD’s] distinctiveness from the
new BA.
As part of the restructuring, UTC was asked to provide stage 2 and stage 3
modules that would support and develop the themes in the new first year
module (Religion, Faith and Society; Perspectives on Belief). This did not
happen in UTC.
UTC proposed two new modules available to BD and BA students (albeit that
one of these replaced an existing module on a broadly similar theme), minor
revisions to two out of 26 Theology modules on the BA, and two new modules
specifically for the BD. These constituted only minor changes to the UTC’s
module offerings; and therefore did not provide the required breadth and
diversity needed for a viable University curriculum, as highlighted by external
experts.
The IoT reviewed postgraduate taught (PGT) provision and developed a new
Master of Research (MRes) in Theology to replace the Master of Theology
(MTh) which the Strategic Review Panel suggested was an overly narrow
degree pathway. The new MRes aimed to create a Queen’s-facing research-
led context for postgraduate (PG) students in Theology and one in which
research skills are professionalised. Specifically, the MRes followed the AHSS
Faculty model, whereby students were required to take a module provided by
the Graduate School, e.g., ‘Master Your Leadership’, and have another free-
choice module, including from M-level modules across AHSS.
In order to develop the research culture, the IoT increased efforts to enhance
the visibility of the research opportunities for undergraduate students and for
staff. For example, in collaboration with the Corrymeela Community, the IoT
organised a student development event entitled ‘New Frontiers in Ecumenical
Theology’. Speakers at the event included colleagues from Trinity College
Dublin, Oxford University, St Andrews, St Mary’s University College Belfast,
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Edgehill Theological College, from Corrymeela itself and from Union
Theological College. No undergraduate students in Theology attended and
Theology staff representation was minimal. The lack of encouragement to
students, and engagement by UTC again hindered the development of research
excellence recommended by the Strategic Review Panel.
4.3 Staffing
As noted in 2.2 above, the 2016 Strategic Review recommended that the
University should seek to formalise its participation in the recruitment of staff
who deliver programmes on behalf of the University. This was not accepted by
UTC, and therefore failed to meet the recommendation of the Strategic Review
Panel.
5. Unresolved Issues
While the IoT Director was actively engaged in driving the changes recommended by
the 2016 Strategic Review, it became apparent that some issues remained unresolved.
However, the content of the Theology modules that make up the major element
in the new BA Theology had not changed significantly and they continued to be
taught almost entirely from the theological ethos and doctrinal framework of
UTC. UTC’s response to enhancing the breadth and diversity of their offer
appeared to provide very little opportunity for students to gain from other
theological perspectives, which was an essential requirement for the
undergraduate programmes.
In a briefing paper provided for the January 2018 TWG meeting, UTC confirmed
its position as a confessional, denominational College, an identity that shapes
its pedagogic practices.
At that time, UTC also concluded that there may be a need for a more radical
assessment of the place of Theology at Queen’s. The University recognised
the challenge of a single College delivering its part on a contemporary, broad-
based education and, via the IoT Director continued to express concern in
respect of the Theology-specific undergraduate modules offered in the new BA.
It was increasingly clear that UTC, with its primary mission of training ministers
for the Presbyterian Church, was unable to meet the objectives of the new
degree programme by providing the study of Christian Theology in a pluralist,
critical, intellectually-open environment; which was a major recommendation of
the 2016 Strategic Review to ensure the programme remained viable.
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5.2 Postgraduate Provision and Research Culture
5.3 Staffing
All applications for teacher recognition are initially considered by the IoT.
Despite the recommendation of the 2016 Strategic Review, and the efforts of
the Director, the IoT has no agency in how individuals are recruited for or
selected by the Colleges. This reinforces the University’s concerns over
equality and diversity highlighted by the 2016 Strategic Review. UTC’s
insistence that a clause be inserted in the 2018-19 one-year MOA to state that
the UTC Equality and Diversity Policy applies in relation to the appointment of
staff, which is at odds with the University’s commitment to equality and diversity,
concerned the University. The University agreed to this for one year, as a
means to provide delivery of the programme to existing students, and to provide
an opportunity to further discuss the staffing issue; but it has been confirmed
that UTC is unable to meet the University’s expectations regarding equality and
diversity.
Recent UTC decisions relating to staff deployment, and late changes affecting
the availability of established recognised teachers, highlighted the vulnerability
of the University in assuring the academic quality of the student experience.
The nature of these unresolved issues, and the potential impact on the student
academic experience, resulted in the decision, of June 2018, to carry out a follow-up
review of the Institute of Theology’s Agreement and Relationships for the provision of
undergraduate and postgraduate provision (Terms of Reference attached as Appendix
4). That follow-up review took place in September 2018.
In advance of the 2018 Review, the University engaged with the three affiliate Colleges
(IBC, BBC, ETC) in relation to the limited postgraduate provision under the current
MOAs.
(i) Following the Strategic Review in 2016, to assure the University of the breadth,
quality and balance of the curriculum content in the Theology degree
programmes in terms of planning for and delivering a contemporary research-
led education in the area.
(ii) The IoT’s ability to assure quality in the delivery of its Theology programmes
and to ensure they are provided in a critical, open, academically stretching
environment.
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(iv) Oversight of, and adherence to, the institutional quality assurance procedures
as relevant to the IoT, including the process for the appointment of recognised
teachers and the establishment of a Student/Staff Consultative Committee.
The 2018 Review Panel concluded that the implementation of the new
BA Theology degree has not delivered sufficient diversification in the
Theology modules (which is the major element of the programme). This,
is contrary to the 2016 recommendations, and therefore, renders the
programme unviable in a post-conflict Northern Ireland.
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confessional training. At this time, all were male and predominately from
a Presbyterian background. The job description for the appointment of
lecturing staff includes the criterion that the successful applicant will
‘have a personal Christian faith, and be committed to working within the
Christian ethos and doctrinal framework of the Presbyterian Church in
Ireland’. The criteria for Professorial appointments includes ‘being an
ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, or eligible to
become such’.
The Review Panel concluded that the concern raised by the 2016
Strategic Review remains unresolved, specifically that a single
denomination provider, delivering all the undergraduate Theology
provision for a research-based University is highly problematic and not
intellectually or pedagogically sustainable in today’s post-conflict
Northern Ireland. This again renders the programme unviable.
The current student body in UTC consists of 143 registered students, 62 men
and 81 women. Typically, the undergraduate population in Theology contains
more women than men but that trend reverses at postgraduate level.
Discussion within the IoT suggested that the lack of female role models in
Theology staff may do little to encourage women moving from undergraduate
to postgraduate study.
The Review Panel concluded that the lack of action in increasing the diversity
in UTC staff may impact negatively on the student experience and is
inconsistent with the University’s Equality and Diversity Policy.
UTC has no action plan to address the lack of women teaching staff in full-time
or permanent roles.
6.3 Staffing
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Renewal applications for recognised teacher status within UTC often indicate
little or no such engagement with Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
activities.
The Review noted that Colleges had put forward staff for PGR supervision roles
who do not have the same (or equivalent) research profile as that required by
the University. Whilst, at this time, Colleges do not make a submission to the
Research Excellence Framework (REF), the University’s criteria in respect of
being research active still apply when awarding honorary lecturer status.
As the University does not have a formal role in the appointment of College
teaching staff, there are insufficient mechanisms to resolve these quality issues.
The Review Panel concluded that variability in staff profiles that are not
consistent with University standards has the potential to impact negatively on
the student experience.
The 2018 Review Panel agreed with the assessment of the 2016 Strategic
Review Panel that the current arrangements for the delivery of the teaching of
Theology are provided by Colleges that do not have the same mission or ethos
as the University.
The Review Panel concluded that the organisational structures for the delivery
of the teaching of Theology and the lack of agency in staff appointments
continues to limit diversity in staffing and in the curriculum. As these
recommendations from the 2016 Strategic Review were not met, this again
renders the delivery of the programmes unviable.
During both recent reviews, there has been limited evidence that UTC can provide the
required resources, or has the ability to provide a breadth of teaching of Theology, to
include other faith perspectives. UTC colleagues proposed that radical change, change
that could not be delivered by UTC, is required. During the 2018 Review, UTC leaders
confirmed that its primary mission is to train ministers for the Presbyterian Church. The
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2018 Review Panel concluded that, given UTC’s main priorities, UTC is unable to
develop the required broad based teaching provision of Theology that is required of a
university-level programme in this post-conflict Northern Ireland. Evidence from
external examiners/advisors confirmed that UTC was not in a position to change their
modules to meet the requirements of the Review. In addition, the disengagement of
the other Colleges from undergraduate teaching and the lack of expertise in Theology
at the University further limit possible interventions, rendering the programmes
unviable.
The two most recent reviews have concluded that serious concerns remain unresolved
and are contributing to an increasingly unsustainable and unsatisfactory position. As
a result, the University suspended entry to all undergraduate programmes through the
IoT for September 2019 entry.
Given the range of issues identified during the review, it is recommended that the
University disengage from the current arrangement for the delivery of Theology.
Arrangements can be made to deliver the appropriate teach out of programmes and to
extend the recognition of teacher status in order to provide the teaching out
arrangements.
In the context of the 2018 Review, the University had already suspended any
proactive recruitment activities for 2019 intake. However, the undergraduate
programmes were listed in UCAS for 2019 entry and the University has
communicated with all applicants to provide support to find an alternative
programme of study at the University or at an alternative university. All
applicants who applied to Queen’s with alternative course choices have been
accommodated.
The MOA requires both parties to continue to operate the programmes for
students enrolled on the programme at the date of the termination. Both parties
are required to agree the necessary support to allow currently enrolled students
to complete their programmes within a reasonable time.
The University has engaged with the Principal of UTC regarding the teaching
out arrangements for current undergraduate students, and where necessary,
arrangements can be made to extend the recognition of teacher status in order
to provide the required teaching delivery.
For the undergraduate programmes, the AHSS Faculty has reviewed the
module provision, working with the IoT Interim Director and UTC, in relation to
interim arrangements.
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Seventy-six students will be continuing/completing undergraduate Theology
programmes in 2019-20. Students entering Level 2 and Level 3 in 2019-20
have already selected their modules for that academic year [2019-20], and UTC
has committed to delivering these modules. The University will offer students
an expanded selection of optional modules to build on the range of learning
possible on the programme.
The University has engaged with each of the Principals of the three Affiliate
Colleges following the review to consider potential scenarios. The University
has also engaged with current students through the Staff Student Consultative
Committee and addressed concerns including, the possible teaching out
arrangements, published statements in the media regarding Breadth, Quality
and Balance of the UG Curriculum and the inputs of students to the review
processes.
The University has ongoing interest in the academic study of Religion, including
the promotion of research in this area, across a range of Schools and via the
Global Research Institute – The Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global
Peace, Security and Justice. The AHSS modules offered on the new BA
Theology are not specific to that programme and will continue in other
programmes, within History, Philosophy, Politics, English and Sociology. In line
with wider Faculty initiatives to offer greater multidisciplinary opportunities for
students, these modules may, in due course, be grouped as a minor pathway
in Religious Studies.
The degree of MRes is currently available through the School of Arts, English
and Languages and PhD study with Religious Studies themes will continue to
be supported by the Faculty of AHSS where a University-based principal
supervisor is identified. Any additional supervisors required involving staff in
the Theological Colleges could be considered on a case-by-case basis: such
an arrangement would not require a formal MOA.
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8.4 Financial Arrangements
The University will work with the Colleges to agree an appropriate financial
arrangement which will allow them to operate the teaching out of programmes
for current students.
9. Recommendations
(i) That the collaboration with the four Theological Colleges through the Institute
of Theology be discontinued, subject to safeguards for students;
(ii) That the University no longer awards through the IoT degrees in the subject of
Theology, following completion of current students; and,
(iii) That the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theology, Bachelor of Divinity (BD), Graduate
Diploma in Theology and Master of Research (MRes) in Theology be withdrawn
with no further intake of students.
(i) The current MOA with the four Theological Colleges will not be renewed at the
end of its current term, i.e. 31 August 2019, and notice of the decision not to
renew the MOA will be communicated to the four Colleges forthwith.
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CONFIDENTIAL Appendix 1
Terms of Reference:
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CONFIDENTIAL Appendix 2
Terms of Reference:
a) To review the current organisational shape and academic operation of the Institute of
Theology and its fit for the purpose of delivering a contemporary research-led
education in religious studies and theology.
b) To consider the strengths and weakness of the current organisation, and what
elements of a contemporary education in religious studies and theology could
enhance the undergraduate provision.
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CONFIDENTIAL Appendix 3
2009 QAA Institutional Audit recommended that it would be advisable for the
University to review the memoranda of agreement and current
arrangements, including its own structures, for the management of
collaborative provision in theology.
March 2015 Collaborative Provision Group carried out Periodic Review under normal
University procedures. Noted the appointment of a new Director of the
Institute the Periodic Review panel agreed that the Institute should
conduct a review of the curriculum during 2015-16.
July 2015 TWG noted Periodic Review report and raised potential issues
particularly the structures for the delivery of Theology; reduced student
numbers; the complexity of the current arrangement and the value added
by the relationship with the Colleges through the Institute; the aspirations
outlined in Vision 2020; and the possibilities for modernizing and
enhancing the curriculum to include Religion and Global Cultures. TWC
recommended Strategic Review and a one-year MOA 2015-16.
May 2016 TWG agreed a further One Year MOA approved 2016-17.
June 2016 Strategic Review of Theology: Panel concluded that diversity in the
provision of Theology at Queen’s needed to be greatly improved in the
teaching staff, student body, teaching methods and programme content.
May 2017 University Approval of new BA Theology, MRes and restructured BD.
June 2017 TWG agreed a further One Year MOA approved 2017-18 to allow time for
recommendations of Strategic Review to be addressed.
June 2018 It was agreed that a comprehensive follow-up review to the 2016
Strategic Review should be carried out.
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CONFIDENTIAL Appendix 4
Terms of Reference:
b) To review the Institute’s ability to assure quality in the delivery of its Theology
programmes and to ensure they are provided in a critical, open, academically
stretching environment.
c) To review oversight of, and adherence to, the institutional quality assurance
procedures as relevant to the Institute of Theology, including the process for the
appointment of recognised teachers and the establishment of a Student/Staff
Consultative Committee.
d) Following the Strategic Review in 2016, to assure the University of the breadth,
quality and balance of the curriculum content in the Theology degree programmes in
terms of planning for and delivering a contemporary research-led education in the
area.
f) To take into account such other matters which may come to light in the review.
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CONFIDENTIAL Appendix 5
1. Summary Timeline*
June 2020 With exception of 2 students, all students BTh and old BD
programmes to have completed
June 2020 All postgraduate taught - MRes and Grad Dip students to have
completed
June 2021 All undergraduate students on BA and new BD to have
completed
June 2023 One part-time student on old BD to have completed
June 2023 One part-time student on old BTh to have completed
September 2025 All postgraduate research students to have submitted
*assuming all students complete within the normal timeframe
2. Teaching-out Required
Student
Programme Modules to complete
Numbers
80 CATS Theology modules -
BA in Theology 17
40 CATS AHSS - all optional modules
120 CATS Theology Modules -
BDiv 12
40 CATS which are core modules
120 CATS Theology Modules -
Old BD 1*
40 CATS which are core modules
120 CATS Theology Modules -
BTh 1+
all optional modules
TOTAL 31
Student
Programme Modules to complete
Numbers
History: 6
60 CATS Theology modules; 60 CATS
BA Joint Degree English: 3
AHSS - all optional modules
Philosophy: 3
Old BD 5 120 CATS Level 6 modules - all optional
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modules
BTh 28 120 CATS Level 6 modules - all optional
TOTAL 45
Student
Programme Modules to complete
Numbers
80 CATS Theology modules; 40 CATS
BA in Theology 17
AHSS - all optional modules
BDiv 12 120 CATS Theology Modules
Old BD** 1 120 CATS Theology Modules
Old BTh** 1 120 CATS Theology Modules
TOTAL 31
**At this time there are two undergraduate students studying part time, with a
projected completion date of 2022-23. The Interim Director of the Institute of
Theology, along with colleagues from UTC and AHSS, will continue to meet
with these students with a view to planning an appropriate curriculum, for
example front-loading UTC modules before AHSS modules. Where required,
bespoke modules may be delivered on a one-off basis and not subject to
normal enrolment limits if required for these and other students.
Seventeen students are registered on PGR programmes; 14 at UTC and three at IBC.
Student
Expected Submission***
Numbers
2018-2019 3
2019-2020 4
2020-2021 2
2021-2022 1
2022-2023 -
2023-2024 4
2024-2025 3
(***within maximum period of study, without temporary withdrawal)
Students are advised in the programme specification that not all optional modules
will necessarily be offered in each academic year. Also, the delivery of a module
may be subject to a minimum number of enrolments as well as unforeseen
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circumstances (e.g. illness of a member of staff). The choice of optional modules
may also be limited due to timetabling constraints.
The Honorary Titles Group may need to extend the Honorary Titles for those
supervising PhD students until September 2025.
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CONFIDENTIAL Appendix 6
Statute XIV
Recognition of Institutions
1. The Senate may, on the recommendation of the Academic Council, recognise any
organisation as an institution in which registered students of the University may
pursue a course of study or part of a course of study leading to a Degree, Diploma,
Certificate or other award of the University, and any such recognition shall be subject
to such terms and conditions as the Senate may determine by Regulations.
2. Where the associations between the University and the Institution meet criteria
established from time to time by the Senate, the Institution may, with the approval of
the Privy Council, be accorded the title of University College.
1. Pursuant to Statute XIV, the Senate may recognise any organisation as an institution
in which registered students of the University may pursue a course of study, or part of
a course of study leading to a Degree, Diploma, Certificate or other award of the
University. Such recognition will be subject to such terms and conditions as the
Senate may determine by Regulation.
(i) That the academic standard of awards are equivalent to those of comparable
awards delivered at the University.
(ii) That the academic standard of awards comply with the Quality Assurance
Agency Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and any relevant
Quality Assurance Agency Subject Benchmark Statements.
(iii) That the quality of student learning opportunities and experiences are
comparable to those in the University and adequate to enable students to
achieve the appropriate academic standards.
4. In addition, the Academic Council will apply the following key principles with regard to
all proposed collaborative arrangements:
(i) That it will consider collaboration only with organisations which have the ability
to successfully deliver programmes to appropriate academic standards, the
financial standing to sustain them, and the legal standing to contract to their
delivery.
(ii) That it will approve programmes taught, in whole or part, only in collaborative
organisations which can meet appropriate academic standards and which
offer the learning opportunities and experiences necessary for students to
attain those standards.
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(iii) That it will negotiate arrangements for collaboration only with organisations
which will enable it to effectively discharge its responsibilities for the academic
standard of awards.
(iv) That it requires that these arrangements should be set out in the form of a
legally binding agreement or contract.
(v) That collaborations which have met (i) to (iv) above will only be approved for
entry onto its Register of Collaborative Provision, normally for a five year
period.
(vi) That, during the five year period, it will monitor the provision and, if it
perceives that standards are at risk, it reserves the right to suspend or
terminate the collaboration subject to safeguards for students.
(vii) That, at the expiry of the agreement, there will be a full review of the
standards and quality of the collaborative provision leading to a
recommendation as to whether it should be re-approved and continued on the
Register, or terminated and discontinued, subject to safeguards for students.
5. The Academic Council shall have the power to recommend to the Senate the
approval of:
(ii) Programmes of study validated by the University, which have been developed
and which are delivered by a recognised organisation.
6. Where the associations between the University and a recognised Institution meet
criteria established, from time to time, by the Senate, the Institution may, with the
approval of the Senate and the Privy Council, be accorded the title of University
College.
25 November 2014
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