1.  Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to support the continuous enhancement and academic integrity of programmes delivered at National College of Ireland through structured, evidence-based monitoring and review. It establishes the principles and requirements for Annual Programme Monitoring (APM), and defines the framework for initiating and approving minor and major changes to programmes or modules.

2.  Scope

This policy applies to all academic programmes leading to QQI awards delivered by the College, except where a formal exemption from APM applies (e.g., scheduled revalidation). It includes:

• Annual Programme Monitoring (APM)
• Minor changes to modules and programmes
• Major changes to modules and programmes

This policy does not cover:

• Programme validation or revalidation

3.  Policy Statement

This policy establishes the requirement for all validated programmes to undergo Annual Programme Monitoring (APM), except where formally exempt (e.g., scheduled for QQI revalidation or in the first year following revalidation), with established procedures for the review of programme performance and the initiation of enhancements.

It defines the categorisation and governance of minor and major changes to modules and programmes, which may arise through APM or other stakeholder engagement. The detailed procedures for these changes are outlined in the associated procedures: Annual Programme Monitoring Procedure, Minor Module Change Procedure, Major Programme Change Procedure, Differential Validation Procedure.

Key principles underpinning programme monitoring include:

• Continuous enhancement: Ensuring programmes are improved iteratively over time, with learner and staff feedback, external examiner reports, and performance data informing development.
• Evidence-based decision-making: Change proposals must be supported by data and clear rationale, with implications for learners, staff, and resourcing considered.
• Proportional governance: Minor changes are approved locally and monitored by the Quality and Institutional Effectiveness (QIE) team, while major changes are subject to institutional and external scrutiny.
• Transparency and accountability: All programme changes are documented, reviewed, and stored centrally to ensure traceability and consistency across the programme portfolio.
• Alignment with validation: Any changes must maintain the integrity of the programme’s Minimum Intended Programme Learning Outcomes (MIPLOs) and comply with QQI’s Core Statutory QA Guidelines.

All programme teams are required to:

• Conduct APM annually, including formal Programme Committee meetings and completion of institutional templates.
• Review programme and module-level data sources provided by QIE and Registry (e.g. student feedback, enrolment trends, pass/fail rates).
• Discuss and document any proposed changes to curriculum, assessment, delivery or programme structure, clearly distinguishing between minor and major changes.
• Submit proposals for change using the approved forms and follow the defined approval routes.

Where APM outcomes indicate that a programme is no longer academically or strategically viable, a proposal for closure may be initiated. All programme retirement decisions must:

• Follow formal approval by Academic Council
• Include a documented teach-out plan
• Ensure student protection and stakeholder communication

Programme Monitoring is a collaborative responsibility involving Programme Directors, Deans, the QIE team, and the Academic Programmes and Quality Committee (APQC). It forms part of a broader institutional commitment to strategic quality enhancement, learner-centred design, and compliance with regulatory obligations.

If a proposed change is deemed substantial enough to alter validated programme outcomes, structure, or delivery mode, the APQC may recommend engagement with QQI. This may include initiating a Differential Validation process, which is governed by the Policy on Programme Review.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

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