University of Glasgow
Academic Standards Committee
Minute of Meeting held on Friday 24 May 2013 at 9:30 AM in the Melville Room
Dr Jack Aitken, Mr Razvan Balaban, Professor John Briggs, Dr Kenny Brophy, Dr Barbara Burns, Professor Christine Edwards, Professor Thomas Guthrie (Convener), Mr Matthew Hastings, Ms Helen McAvoy (vice Mr George Tait), Dr Anna Morgan-Thomas, Dr Kevin O'Dell, Dr Anna O'Neill, Dr Joanne Ramsey, Dr Karen Renaud, Dr Bill Stewart, Mrs Eleanor Waugh.
In Attendance:Ms Helen Butcher, Mr Oli Coombs (SRC Vice-Principal elect), Ms Catherine Omand (acting clerk).
Apologies:Dr Rhona Brown (vice Dr Penny Morris), Professor Frank Coton, Professor Neil Evans, Professor Bob Hill, Professor Alice Jenkins, Dr Martin Macauley, Ms Anna Phelan, Dr Allison Orr.
Convener's Welcome
The Convener welcomed Dr Anna O'Neill and Mr Oli Coombs to their first meeting of ASC. Dr O'Neill had replaced Professor Phil Cotton and Mr Coombs was SRC Vice-Principal elect.
The minutes of the previous meeting held on Tuesday 16 April 2013 were approved as an accurate record, subject to recording Dr Anna O'Neill under 'Apologies' and not the noted attendance.
The Convener advised that the following key issues arising from the College Annual Monitoring Summaries had been brought to the attention of EdPSC:
- MyCampus
- Inadequate localised administrative support
- Heavy workloads and suitability of University's workload model
- Balance between expansion of PGT provision and capacity of academic staff to fulfil other responsibilities during the summer months, particularly in relation to research activity
- Reconsideration of the January intake which limited opportunities for new students to participate in induction programmes and in courses that covered both Semesters 1 and 2.
EdPSC had confirmed that first 3 matters were being addressed. With regard to MyCampus, a Process Improvement Manager had been appointed and additional administrative support had been put in place while expertise was being developed by core staff. With regard to localised administrative support, responsibility lay with line management within the Colleges and therefore was not an issue EdPSC could resolve. SMG and Colleges were aware of the issue which had been reported during the Year 1 Review of Restructuring and identified as one of the key actions in the resulting Action Plan.
Additional volume of work was recognised as a concern and the Convener of EdPSC agreed to raise the matter at Senior Management Group during strategic discussions. The limited induction opportunity for students arriving in January was discussed; with the majority of January arrivals based in Science and Engineering but other areas becoming involved. It was recognised that January was not appropriate for all programmes and that care should be taken. EdPSC had agreed that co-ordinated effort was required to ensure consistent and improved student experience was provided for those arriving in January. A Working Group would be set up to look at current practice to identify opportunities for improvements.
The Convener advised that EdPSC had endorsed the MEduc and it would therefore be submitted to Senate for final approval. Senate Office was seeking confirmation from College Deans of Graduate Schools whether or not PgCerts should be re-titled Graduate Certificates.
Mrs Lesley Fielding from the Senate Office was in attendance to present the report which contained a summary of matters raised by external examiners during 2011-12. ASC's attention was drawn to the statistical information that identified an increase from 84% in 2010-11 to 94% in 2011-12 on number of reports received. It was considered that the increase was due to the new on-line submission of reports becoming more established. However, Mrs Fielding highlighted that the number of reports expressing satisfaction had decreased from 90% to 84%. From the comments that required a response, 30 External Examiners had commented on marking and the marking scheme with 20 of those commenting on the inconsistent use of the marking scheme between markers. ASC noted that an on-line induction was now available through the Senate Office web pages and Mrs Fielding confirmed that External Examiners were advised of the induction programme in their letter of appointment. Further developments of the external examiner on-line system included the submission of nominations and responses to External Examiners and inclusion of a 'frequently asked questions' section.
ASC expressed concern relating to the number of comments raised in relation to inconsistent marking and it was queried as to whether this was occurring across Subjects. ASC agreed that it would be useful to remind Schools of the good practice guidelines for moderation.
Action: Senate Office
It was also proposed that it would be useful for ASC to review the responses made to External Examiners in relation to this issue.
Action: Mrs L Fielding
Concern was expressed that it appeared that some Board of Examiners were not being minuted and ASC agreed that the standard University template for Board of Examiners' minutes should be circulated to Schools with a reminder of the importance of recording Board of Examiners' decisions.
Action: Senate Office
ASC/2012/65.1.1 College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences
ASC was pleased to note that the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences had now met the conditions set by the PAG and therefore the following were approved for introduction in 2013-14.
BSc (Hons) Neuroscience and another subject - New
MSc Medical Physics - New
MSc (MedSci) Diabetes - New
MSc Bioinformatics, Polyomics & Systems Biology - New
MRes Biomedical Sciences (Veterinary Science) - New
MRes Ecology & Environmental Biology - New
MRes Ecology & Environmental Biology (Biodiversity) - New
MRes Ecology & Environmental Biology (Evolution & Systematics) - New
MRes Ecology & Environmental Biology (Marine & Freshwater) - New
MSc Clinical Sciences - New
MSc Clinical Sciences with specialism in Paediatric Science - New
MSc Clinical Sciences with specialism in Reproductive and Maternal Medicine - New
MSc Clinical Sciences with specialism in Surgical Oncology - New
MSc Sport & Exercise Science & Medicine - New
MSc Translational Medical Sciences - Change
MSc Translational Medical Sciences (Diagnostic Technologies) - Change
MSc Translational Medical Sciences (Molecular Medicine) - Change
MSc Translational Medical Sciences (Molecular Pathology) - Change
The PAG has recommended each of the following programmes, subject to satisfactory outcome of the actions identified in the report.
MRes Biomedical Sciences (Cancer Studies) - New
MRes Biomedical Sciences (Cardiovascular Studies) - New
Once the PAG had confirmed that actions were complete, the proposal would be submitted for final approval under summer powers by the Convener of ASC and the Clerk of Senate.
Action: Convener of ASC and Clerk of Senate
The PAG could not recommend approval of the following programme at present:
MSc (MedSci) Advanced Practice in Health Care with specialisms - Change
ASC/2012/65.1.2 College of Science & Engineering
ASC received and noted the PAG report which had considered revised proposals from the College of Science and Engineering on 25 April 2013. It was noted that the PAG had recommended each of the following programmes, subject to the satisfactory outcome of actions identified in the report.
BEng/MEng Aeronautical Engineering - Change
BEng/MEng Aerospace Systems - Change
BEng/MEng Biomedical Engineering - Change
BEng/MEng Civil Engineering - Change
BEng/MEng Civil Engineering with Architecture - Change
BEng/MEng Electronic and Software Engineering - Change
BEng/MEng Electronics and Electrical Engineering - Change
BEng/MEng Electronics with Music - Change
BEng/MEng Mechanical Design Engineering - Change
BEng/MEng Mechanical Engineering - Change
BEng/MEng Mechanical Engineering with Aeronautics - Change
BEng/MEng Mechatronics - Change
BEng/MEng Product Design Engineering - Change
MSc Physics: Nuclear Technology - New
ASC's attention was drawn to the variation of credit rating of 120 and 130 within the following degree programmes: BEng/MEng Aeronautical Engineering, BEng/MEng Electronics and Electrical Engineering and BEng/MEng Electronics with Music. This was due to a number of optional courses credited with either 20 or 30 credits. ASC advised that this was acceptable as long as students were made aware of this variation prior to study. No additional weighting should be awarded to the higher rated option.
Once the PAG had confirmed that actions were complete, the proposal would be submitted for final approval under summer powers by the Convener of ASC and the Clerk of Senate.
Action: Convener of ASC and Clerk of Senate
ASC/2012/65.1.3 College of Social Sciences
ASC was pleased to note that the College of Social Sciences had now met the conditions set by the PAG and therefore the following were approved for introduction in 2013-14.
MSc Asset Pricing & Investment - New
MSc Global Cities - New
MSc International Planning Studies - New
MSc International Real Estate - New
MSc Public & Urban Policy - New
MSc City Planning & Real Estate Development - Change
MSc City Planning & Regeneration - Change
MSc City & Regional Planning - Change
MSc Real Estate & Regeneration - Change
MSc Real Estate - Change
MSc Housing Studies - Change
PgDip Housing Studies - Change
The PAG has recommended each of the following programmes, subject to satisfactory outcome of the actions identified in the report.
MSc Finance & Management - New
MSc Investment Fund Management - New
PgCert Leading Professional Learning - New
MEd Professional Learning & Enquiry - Change
MRes Public Policy Research - Change
MRes Urban Research - Change
Once the PAG had confirmed that actions were complete, the proposal would be submitted for final approval under summer powers by the Convener of ASC and the Clerk of Senate.
Action: Convener of ASC and Clerk of Senate
The PAG could not recommend approval of the following programmes at present:
PgCert Estonian Language - New
PgCert Hungarian Language - New
PgCert Latvian Language - New
PgCert Real Estate - Change
PgCert Spatial Planning - Change
It was noted that the following proposal has been withdrawn by the College:
MSc Sustainability, Professional Practice & Leadership - New
Under fast-track arrangements, the Convener of ASC and the Clerk of Senate had agreed that the following programmes could be submitted for approval out with the standard approval timescales.
College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences - PAG 2
MSc Experimental and Stratified Medicine - New
MSc Clinical Trials and Stratified Medicine - New
College of Science & Engineering - PAG 3
BEng in Electronics & Electrical Engineering (New dual degree programme with UESTC, Chengdu, China)
College of Social Sciences - PAG 4
MRes Chinese Studies - New
MSc Chinese Studies - Change
PgCert Teaching and Learning of Modern Languages in the Primary School - New
ASC reviewed the revised CAMS PGT template which removed duplication between the UG and PGT summary forms which would allow for a greater focus on PGT issues. ASC approved the revised template.
ASC/2012/67.1.1 Celtic & Gaelic
ASC received the report of the review of Celtic & Gaelic held on 15 February 2013. ASC noted that 5 commendations and 12 recommendations had been made. It was observed that there was some conflict between Commendation 5 which recognised the Subject Area's strategic research allocation which apportioned a semester of research leave every three to four years, whilst Recommendation 1 requested that the Subject Area reflect on the current research strategy in order to ensure an even balance between teaching and research commitments. ASC noted that there had been no marked improvement in recruitment to the MLitt Celtic Studies and that the programme should be reviewed. ASC suggested that Recommendation 7 should be revised to read: 'Review its handbooks for all courses to make them more "consistent"' rather than "generic". With regard to Recommendation 11, it was unclear as to why there were specific issues identified with the availability of Room 202 and ASC sought clarification on this.
ASC approved the report and its 12 recommendations, subject to amendment of Recommendation 7 and clarification of Recommendations 1 and 11 as discussed above.
Action: Senate Office
ASC/2012/67.1.2 School of Engineering
ASC received the report of the review of the School of Engineering held on 28 and 29 January 2013. Clarification was sought in relation to Recommendation 8, concerning the duration of examinations, as to whether the examination or the time allocated for the examination was inappropriate. ASC acknowledged that the School had engaged with the University's internationalisation agenda with the collaboration with the Singapore Institute of Technology, but there were a number of issues to be resolved including the impact on staff workload and the need to integrate Glasgow and Singapore students and experiences. In relation to staff workload, considerable pressure had been placed on a small number of staff with the potential resource benefits of the collaboration not evident. It was unclear whether the business model for international collaborations had included additional resources. ASC agreed that Recommendation 1 should therefore be drawn to the attention of the Head of College rather than the Head of School with the College invited to clearly identify the benefits of the collaboration for the School.
With regard to student integration, Recommendation 2 suggested increasing social interaction during the overseas immersion programme, but since this occurred during the summer vacation, it was unclear how many Glasgow students would be available at that time and therefore the issue of integration and interaction required a more considered response by the School.
ASC approved the report and its 13 recommendations, subject to amendment to Recommendation 1 and further clarification of Recommendations 2 and 8.
Action: Senate Office
The Reviews of Open Studies and Politics were not yet available to the Committee and would therefore be considered for approval under summer powers.
ASC/2012/67.2.1 Management
ASC received an update on the progress Management had made in the last 12 months in response to the recommendations arising from its Review held on 12 and 13 March 2012. ASC concurred with the Panel Convener's view that as far as possible the recommendations had been given full and appropriate consideration. It was agreed that updates on further progress should be provided to ASC in November 2013 for the following recommendations:
- Recommendation 1 - review workload model to determine whether current approach taken would deliver balanced workloads and, if not, what alternative steps have been considered
- Recommendation 3 - to update on development of alternative assessment methods
- Recommendation 4 - to update review of processes for feedback provision
- Recommendation 5 - outcome of review of additional learning support
- Recommendation 8 - to update on review of lecture recording policy (taking into account the University policy currently being developed by the Learning and Teaching Committee's Working Group on Lecture Recording)
- Recommendation 12 - to update on progress made with harmonising course and programme materials
Action: Senate Office
ASC/2012/67.2.2 School of Education
ASC received an update on the progress the School of Education had made in the last 12 months in response to the recommendations arising from its Review held on 27 and 28 February 2012. ASC concurred with the Panel Convener's view that as far as possible the recommendations had been given full and appropriate consideration, but updates on recommendations which had not been fully implemented should be provided to ASC in November 2013 for the following recommendations:
- Recommendation 2 - to update on introduction of PGT standardised documentation
- Recommendation 3 - to update on improvement to the Annual Monitoring process
- Recommendation 5 - to update on staff workload balance following the appointment of new staff
- Recommendation 7 - to update on assessment processes to ensure feedback is provided within the University's policy of a 3-week turnaround (and not 4-week as stated within the Report)
- Recommendation 10 - to update on progress made in development of the School's web pages
Action: Senate Office
ASC/2012/67.2.3 School of Law
ASC received an update on the progress the School of Law had made in the last 12 months in response to the recommendations arising from its Review held on 1 and 2 March 2012. ASC noted that the School had raised issue with a number of the recommendations made to which the Panel Convener had conceded or provided additional contextualised commentary. These were:
- Recommendation 9 - devolve responsibility for some of its recruitment procedures to RIO. The School did not agree with this recommendation as the School's recruitment processes were carefully tailored. The Convener commented that the word "possibility" had been omitted but advised that the input from RIO was to provide assistance to the School rather than take over its responsibilities.
- Recommendation 10 - recommended that the language entry requirement for overseas students and language support given to the School of Law be reviewed. The School had discussed the matter with RIO and it was agreed that it would not be appropriate to raise the language entire requirements. It was in the School's view that in-session support for international students was a University-wide concern rather than School. The Panel Convener agreed that this was appropriate.
ASC verified that this was appropriate and should be brought to the attention of Educational Policy and Strategy Committee.
- Recommendation 11 - resolution of the problem pertaining to the variability of marking by staff and ensure that the marking scheme was fully implemented. The School did not consider that there was a problem of undue variability or failure to implement the marking scheme fully. The Panel Convener highlighted that the recommendation was to resolve the perception of students that the marking scheme was fully implemented and that could be accomplished by presenting the evidence to allay student concerns.
ASC agreed that this was a matter of perception and the School should ensure that the process was clarified to students.
- Recommendation 15 - that the School implemented policy to ensure there was more consistency in the provision of information in the ILOs. The School was confused by this recommendation and considered the ILOs were sufficiently clear and consistent. The Panel Convener conceded that the recommendation had been too strongly worded and should have sought reassurance that the School was satisfied with the consistency of its ILOs.
- Recommendation 18 - the College of Social Sciences should consult with the School regarding resourcing the establishment of a law clinic. The School considered the provision of a law clinic worth exploring but that resource implications were significant. However, the School disagreed with the premise on which the recommendation was based: on student perception that the University of Strathclyde had a more practical approach to the teaching of law. The School considered that there was no evidence to indicate that this view was representative of students generally or the comparison was valid as the School provided many opportunities for students to practice experience of law. The Panel Convener highlighted that the recommendation was based on a factually accurate record of the Panel's discussions with students and therefore it was the Panel's responsibility to report such opinions. The recommendation was made with the intention of enhancing the School's competitiveness in the marketplace or address student misconceptions. If alternative and less resource intensive practical experience is provided and this has been highlighted to students, then the recommendation had been addressed.
ASC was satisfied that this recommendation had been addressed but agreed that practice experience available to students should be clearly highlighted to students.
- Recommendation 19 - the School reviews its current provision at Levels 3 and 4 to identify opportunities to incorporate additional oral assessments. The School concluded that its current balance of oral and written assessment was appropriate and did not agree to incorporate additional oral assessments. There were robust assessment arrangements in place which involved external examiners and did not wish to create undue burdens on academic and support staff and external examiners. Final Year students also received feedback on their seminar contributions, although these were not assessed. The Panel Convener conceded that the recommendation should have referred to increasing oral presentation experience rather than assessment and that the School could consider further the issue of presentation skills.
It was agreed that updates on further progress on Recommendations 11, 18 and 19 should be provided to ASC in November 2013.
Action: Senate Office
ASC suggested that some further guidance be provided to PSR Panel Members regarding the provision of evidence-based support for recommendations, the need to ensure that the recommendations accurately reflected what the Panel had decided and the need for recommendations to be clearly expressed so as to avoid misinterpretation of the Panel's intention.
Action: Senate Office
ASC/2012/67.2.4 School of Medicine - U/G
ASC received an update on the progress the Undergraduate Medical School had made in the last 12 months in response to the recommendations arising from its Review held on 21 and 22 March 2012. ASC concurred with the Panel Convener's view that as far as possible the recommendations had been given full and appropriate consideration but updates on recommendations which were in progress should be provided to ASC in November 2013 for the following recommendations:
- Recommendation 1 - to update on facilities, particularly at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary and the new Southern General Hospital
- Recommendation 2 - to update on discussion regarding NHS contracts to include contractual teaching obligation
- Recommendation 3 - to update on progress with establishing Service Level Agreements with each of the five Health Boards
- Recommendation 4 - to update on progress made with strengthening operational procedures via the network of Hospital Sub Deans and strategy being developed for the new Southern General Hospital and Glasgow Royal Infirmary
- Recommendation 5 - to update on success of revised Problem Based Learning component of the curriculum
- Recommendation 7 - to update on progress made following the introduction of the new curriculum and success in addressing the possible gaps in the curriculum
- Recommendation 12 - to update on progress made regarding appropriate staff development for NHS teaching staff. Clarification was also sought as to whether lecture capture was provided for Year 3 only or had this been expanded across Years?
- Recommendation 19 - to update on introduction of formative Year 4 clinical assessment
- Recommendation 20 - to update on provision of guidance on appropriate feedback to clinical staff
- Recommendation 22 - to update on managing the teaching interactions between Schools and Institutes
Action: Senate Office
ASC agreed that the introduction of a new style Year 3 staff-student committee run by students as a response to Recommendation 21 - that the School develops a more responsive feedback process to ensure closure of feedback loops - should be promoted as good practice across the University.
The Clerk of Senate expressed concern that a recommendation on obligatory teaching responsibilities of clinical University staff had been required but was pleased to note that action was being taken at College level.
ASC/2012/67.2.5 School of Physics & Astronomy
ASC received an update on the progress the School of Physics and Astronomy had made in the last 12 months in response to the recommendations arising from its Review held on 13 and 17 February 2012. ASC concurred with the Panel Convener's view that as far as possible the recommendations had been given full and appropriate consideration but updates on recommendations which were in progress should be provided to ASC in November 2013 for the following recommendations:
- Recommendation 5 - to consider further the introduction of additional formality in the feedback provided to GTA demonstrators as well as provision of standard guidance on topics to be included in verbal feedback
- Recommendation 8 - to update progress on the publication of overview of funds available
- Recommendation 9 - to update on progress made by the Working Group established to develop student programming skills into the Undergraduate curriculum
The following recommendation was to be drawn to the attention of Head of College:
- Recommendation 4 -the Head of College consider the appointment of a dedicated teaching administrator
The following recommendation was to be drawn to the attention of Estates and Buildings:
- Recommendation 2 - lack of disability access to the Common room and other rooms on level 6 in the Kelvin Building. The Head of Estates and Buildings is asked to consider any alternative solution to this issue or consider potential of relocation of the common room to allow for disability access
The following recommendation was to be drawn to the attention of the Vice-Principal (Learning and Teaching):
- Recommendation 10 - how best to support University Teachers in career development and whether the advancement criteria was set at an achievable level
Action: Senate Office
ASC/2012/67.3.1 Urban Studies
ASC received a further update from Urban Studies in relation to a PGT learning and teaching strategy. ASC considered the updated report from Urban Studies to be thorough and well thought out and no further action was therefore required.
Further to the report received under item ASC/2012/64, ASC considered the report from ARSC that identified comments raised in External Examiners' Reports for 2011-12 specifically relating to the Code of Assessment and other regulatory matters. ASC noted that 20 comments had been identified from a total of 422 reports. The Convener of ARSC advised that a number of issues raised arose from a misunderstanding of policy. The following was noted:
Assessment of students with disabilities
An issue regarding identification of students with dyslexia had been raised and whether adjustment should be made in the marking process. The Disability Service had advised that the University had no policy for concessionary marking as such polices had proven unworkable due to consistency, accountability and subjectivity, but instead the University made other arrangements for dyslexic students to ensure they were well supported in relation to assessment.
Honours Dissertation
ASC noted that a number of External Examiners for Law had raised concerns regarding the requirement for students to achieve at least D3 in the dissertation in order to qualify for the Honours degree and that ARSC had drafted a response to the Externals to explain the rationale of the introduction of the D3 requirement.
Good Cause
One External had raised the handling of special circumstances and recommended more procedural rigour as cases were being considered during rather than prior to the Board of Examiners. ARSC concluded that considerable efforts were made to highlight to students the importance of submitting claims in good time but the comment had been forwarded to the College's Dean of Learning and Teaching to be discussed with the relevant Assessment Officer to ensure consistent practice in considering special circumstances.
Board of Examiners
A number of External Examiners had commented on various aspects of the operation of Exam Board discretion and ARSC noted that the new guidance on operation of discretion would be in force at the May/June 2013 Boards which would address many of the concerns raised.
Assessment of study abroad
Concern had been raised regarding differing practices across subjects, including internal translation of year abroad grades. ARSC agreed that the translation of year abroad was challenging but the regulations permitted a level of discretion. However, ARSC agreed to re-examine this issue to establish consistent practice.
Action: ARSC
Code of Assessment
Seven External Examiners commented on the 22-point scale (Schedule A) for allocating degrees which was considered unfair as the provision of bands was effectively requiring students to average a mark at the middle of the band or found the letter classification as unduly complex. Whilst the examiners' view was that the process of rounding had a harsh impact on borderline students, ARSC was satisfied that the operation of Exam Board discretion would ensure that students would not be penalised. The issue of translating grades to grade points identified a misunderstanding of the Code of Assessment and that it should not be a mathematical exercise but related to achievement of the verbal descriptors.
Discretion in the Award of Honours/Masters
There were a number of comments regarded the ability to gain a First class degree or MSc degree but with a low mark in a course. However, ARSC confirmed that if a C or lower was achieved in any course, the other course grades had to be correspondingly stronger for the First class degree to be awarded which was considered appropriate and reflected a compensatory system.
Marking of Honours Assessment for Non-Honours students
There had also been concern regarding the issue of marks for those students graduating with ordinary degrees. The difficulty of retrospective assessing students against ILOs of a level different from which they had been working towards was recognised and ARSC agreed to consider this issue further with a view to developing guidance on how Schools and Subject Areas should deal with such situations, both in terms of setting out ILOs in advance and then reconsidering assessment when required.
Action: ARSC
ASC was reminded that at its February meeting, data on degree classifications for both Honours degrees and PGTs covering the last two graduating cohort in February 2013 had been reviewed and the variability in the proportion of graduates in different subject areas receiving first class and upper second Honours degrees was noted. The report had been referred to EdPSC where it was agreed that more historical data was required before further action should be taken. ASC reviewed the revised paper which now included three years of data and was invited to consider what further action could be taken to investigate the variation in the level of achievement across subject areas. ASC was also provided with comparison of percentage of graduates achieving good Honours degrees over the last five years at Russell Group Institutions. However, ASC agreed that it was difficult to compare with Russell Group due to the difference in length of study between England and Scotland, which was 3-year and 4-year respectively. However, it was acknowledged that there was significant variation in proportion of Firsts awarded, although those with small cohorts were difficult to analyse. ASC agreed that it would be useful to have access to HESA statistics to examine whether the variation was consistent with national averages within each subject area.
Action: Senate Office
Depending on the outcome of the review of those statistics, it was recommended that a short Working Party be established to examine the variations to determine whether or not there were any explanations for them, such as whether there was correlation with entry requirements.
ASC noted that the conditions set at the validation meeting for MSc Visualisation and revalidation of the BA (Hons) Design had been met and consequently approved by the Glasgow School of Art (GSA) Academic Standards Committee.
ASC approved the validation for MSc Visualisation and revalidation of BA (Hons) Design (subject to conditions being met) from 2013-14 for six years.
ASC noted the Periodic Review Report for Digital Design Studio undertaken at the GSA. The Review had included the revalidation of the MDes Sound for the Moving Image. The report and re-validation had been approved at the meeting of the GSA's Academic Standards Committee on 8 May 2013. ASC approved the revalidation of MDes Sound for the Moving Image (subject to conditions being met) from 2013-14 for six years.
An update report on the Periodic Review of the School of Fine Art was received for noting.
ASC further noted the Programme Approval Recommendations from Session 2011/12 for the following programmes:
- International Foundation Programme (for information only - not validated by the University of Glasgow
- Master of Design in Design Innovation and Citizenship/Service Design/Environmental Design
- Master of Education in Education in the Creative Disciplines
Members received the report from the Joint Liaison Board of the University of Glasgow and Christie's Education. ASC approved the revised membership of the Joint Board for Session 2012-13 and approved the extension period for the Graduate Diploma and MLitt in History of Art and Art-World Practice which was due to expire in September 2013. The re-validation date would now take place during Session 2013-14.
ASC approved the following members of staff as teachers of the University:
- Dr Giovanni Gasparini
- Ms Philippa Malas
The validation report for the MSc Art, Law and Business was received. It was noted that at the meeting with students highlighted that they felt disconnected from the University of Glasgow and suggested more communication from the University at the early stages of the programme would be useful. The Convener of the Joint Board agreed to liaise further with Christie's Education to examine ways of providing more effective communication with Christie's Education students to ensure that they felt part of the University community. ASC approved the validation for the MSc Art, Law and Business (subject to conditions being met) from 2013-14 for six years.
Friday 4 October 2013
Friday 15 November 2013
Friday 14 February 2014
Tuesday 15 April 2014
Friday 23 May 2014
There were no items of reserved business.
The next meeting of the Academic Standards Committee will be held on Friday 4 October 2013.
Created by: Ms Helen Butcher