This flowchart outlines the process for accrediting new taught programmes at NFQ Levels 6 to 8. Key steps include: 1) Developing a new programme proposal and getting outline approval from senior management and academic committees. 2) Preparing a detailed submission document and getting approval from the registrar, evaluation panel, and resource approval from management. 3) Seeking recommendation for approval from validation committees and academic council before getting final accreditation from the governing body. There are also important timelines to consider around notifying external bodies, applying for state approval, and inclusion in prospectuses and CAO handbooks for student enrollment.

1. Approved: AC/GB October 05
New Taught Programme Accreditation Flowchart 1 NFQ Level 6 to Level 8
Flow of Information Important Notes:
1
Review of Programme Demand This Programme Approval Flowchart assumes a new
programme proposal has a successful passage through the
various stages outlined. At any point in the cycle the
programme may be referred back to an earlier stage for
Complete New Programme Proposal Form (PPI) particular reasons, e.g. more information, clarification, etc.
2
Outline Approval by Institute Senior Management 2
Outline approval is granted by Senior Management subject to
resource implications being outlined and that the programme is
scheduled in alignment with the Institute's Strategic Plan.
Outline Approval by Programme Planning & Validation
Committee
3 As part of this process providers are required to consult with
Outline Approval by Academic Council Industry Advisory Board/Peer Review Group.
There are certain milestones to be aware of:
Programme Development Team to prepare submission
document (PP2) 3 HETAC require three months formal notice prior to the the
commencement of new programmes.
Evaluation of submission by the Registrar using checklist
The Institute is required to seek DOES approval prior to the
criteria commencement of programme. This can take up to three
months.
Programme Submission Document (PP2) to Programme
Evaluation Panel
In the case of CAO entry, planning should allow for publication
in the CAO Handbook in May for entry in the following year,
e.g. for a programme to begin in September 2008, entry in the
Programme Evaluation Panel Assssment CAO handbook would be May 2007.
Programme Development Team consider Programme
Evaluation Panel Report CAO: 31st October CAO Mailshot to 2nd Level Students
CAO: 31st March CAO Mailshot to 2nd Level Students.
Final Resource Approval by Institute Senior Management
For Non-CAO entry programmes (Add-on Degrees), the
with Proposed Starting Date Institute will require a deadline of June for the inclusion in its
Prospectus for the coming academic session.
Agreed Report from Programme Evaluation Panel &
Departmental Response to Programme Planning &
Validation Committee for approval
In order to meet the above deadlines it is proposed to
complete all Programme Evaluation Panel assessments by
March in each academic year.
Recommendation from Programme Planning & Validation
Committee to Academic Council for approval
Recommendation from Academic Council to Governing
Body for accreditation
Issue of Certificate of Programme Accreditation by
Academic Council
Notification to HETAC of New Programme
Approval by Department of Education & Science
NewProgramme AccreditationFlowchart:October05:SK

2. 1. This Course Approval Flowchart assures a new course proposal has a successful passage through the various stages outlin
2. There are certain time milestones to be aware of. The Assessors Panel Visit from HETAC should occur in the Autumn term
For Non-CAO Entry Courses (Add-on Degrees), the Institute will require a deadline of June/July, for the inclusion in its prospec

3. h the various stages outlined. At any point in the cycle or course, it may be referred back to an earlier stage for particular reasons, e.g., mo
occur in the Autumn term, to facilitate issue of the Course Validation Certificate in time for the Institute to seek DOES Approval in the Sprin
the inclusion in its prospectus for the following year.

4. articular reasons, e.g., more information, clarification, etc.
OES Approval in the Spring/Summer Term 1. In the case of CAO Entry Courses, planning should allow for publication in the CAO Handboo

5. ation in the CAO Handbook in May, for entry in the following year, e.g., for a course to begin in September 2006, entry in the CAO handboo

6. entry in the CAO handbook would be May 2005.