The attached paper outlines a proposal from the Glasgow School of Art (GSA) for the development of the MSc Architecture in International Development, in collaboration with the University of Rwanda, East Africa. The proposal was approved, in-principle, by GSA's Executive Group in October 2015.

The proposed programme will be delivered by the Mackintosh School of Architecture (MSA) in partnership with the Department of Architecture in the University of Rwanda. The programme will be unique in that it will be the only degree to offer international development alongside hands-on design and construction practice in an international setting. It will equip students with the knowledge and skills to be professionally active in issues related to the built environment in low income nations. It is a 12 month programme and will consist of three stages as follows:-

• Stage 1 - attendance at GSA (January to end of May), (60 credits);
• Stage 2 - fieldwork in Rwanda (May to end of September) - to be delivered 'on-site' in Rwanda and wholly by GSA staff, (60 credits); and
• Stage 3 - attendance at GSA to undertake a research project (end of September to January), (60 credits).

[NB - Classes will commence at GSA in January to avoid students being in Rwanda during the annual rainy season which normally extends from January to May].

The University has a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Rwanda and the International Dean for Africa has supported GSA in bringing forward this programme.

The Committee should note that GSA has been asked to provide assurances to the University that the following issues, relating to Stage 2 of the programme in Rwanda, will be addressed fully as part of the programme approval process:-

• Health-care; medical provision and suitability of student accommodation;
• Tier IV attendance monitoring; travel arrangements and insurance provision in relation to construction projects;
• Potential English language proficiency/communication issues that might arise as a result of Rwanda being, historically, a French-speaking country;
• The extent of teaching and supervisory commitment provided by GSA staff;
• The suitability of the physical learning environment and telecommunications provision; and
• The provision of advice to students regarding sources of information in respect of travel in the region - eg British Council and Foreign and Commonwealth Office web-sites.

Furthermore, GSA will be required to submit a proposal to the University's Collaborations Group outlining further the nature of the proposed collaboration and the involvement of the University of Rwanda.

Academic Standards Committee is asked to consider and approve, in-principle, the introduction of the MSc Architecture in International Development at the Glasgow School of Art, commencing in September 2016 (the first cohort will commence study in January 2017) - see paper enclosed.

Subject to in-principle approval of the programme by Academic Standards Committee, programme approval documentation will be developed by GSA early in session 2015-16, with final programme approval documentation being submitted to the University in April 2016.

The Glasgow School of Art.

There are no resource implications for the University.

GSA aims to recruit and enrol the first cohort for commencement in January 2017.

GSA has an established equality policy in place.