Brief description of the paper

In 2006, in a major overhaul of procedures for entering into academic collaborations, Senate noted the emerging UK/European practice of establishing collaborations where students are awarded a separate degree for the same programme of study by each of the participating universities. In 2006, the practice was relatively new in the UK and seen by some as relatively controversial. Senate decided that it would wish to consider any proposals to enter into such a scheme closely, on a case-by-case basis only.

The attached paper notes that double/multiple schemes have become increasingly prevalent and that reluctance to enter into such arrangements may impair the University's ability to improve its international activity, particularly in prestigious schemes such as Erasmus Mundus.

The paper was considered by EdPSC on 5 November 2008 and strongly endorsed. It was noted that further detail on the delivery models for double degrees would be required.

The paper recommends that ASC and EdPSC recommend to Senate that the present position is relaxed, and that proposals for double degree schemes are considered on the same basis as those for other academic collaborations.

Action Requested

ASC is requested to consider and endorse the recommended actions prior to them being submitted to Senate on 27 November 2008.

Recommended Person/s responsible for taking action(s) forward

Not applicable.

Resource implications

Savings from a simpler approval process for the relevant type of proposed degree, both in the approval process and in operation. Potential increased income generation thorugh facilitation of the University's participation in collaborations that might otherwise be rejected.

Timescale for Implementation

Not applicable.

Equality implications

No implications.