Program approval

Policy framework

The key Policy and Procedures Library (PPL) entries governing program approval processes at UQ are the Program Design Policy, Program Design Procedure and the Program Approval Procedure. Other relevant documents include the Governance and Management Framework Policy and the Academic Board Policy.

The UQ program approval process has been developed in accordance with the following principles (taken from the Program Design Policy):

Programs and plans are consistent with the University's academic and/or strategic priorities;
Programs and plans incorporate appropriate—
- learning experiences and learning outcomes,
- teaching approaches,
- assessment, and
- evaluation of student learning;
The quality and integrity of UQ’s programs meet the highest academic standards;
Direct consultation occurs with—
- all relevant academic units that can contribute to respective areas of discipline expertise, including adherence to the requirements of the Collaborative Service Teaching Policy;
- all relevant organisational units and their leaders in relation to resource implications (e.g. UQ library, schools, institutes and faculties teaching into the program);
- the office of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement); and
- relevant external and accreditation bodies, where applicable; and
Programs and plans comply with all relevant legislation, such as the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act) and the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act), and mandatory government requirements.

The University ensures the systematic and regular review of curricula, teaching and program quality, and risk. All programs undergo annual review via the Programs, Plans and Courses Quality Assurance process, and a comprehensive cyclical review as outlined in the Academic Program Review Procedure.