1.  Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish a structured and transparent approach to programme review and revalidation at National College of Ireland (NCI). Programme review enables the College to evaluate the effectiveness, relevance, and quality of its academic programmes over the full cycle of delivery. It provides a framework for critical self-evaluation, evidence-informed enhancement, and the development of revised programme proposals for formal revalidation by QQI.

This policy supports the delivery of high-quality academic programmes that are aligned with NCI’s mission, meet the needs of learners and industry, and comply with national standards and QQI validation criteria.

2.  Scope

This policy applies to all taught programmes leading to QQI awards that fall within National College of Ireland’s (NCI’s) approved scope of provision and are subject to periodic review and revalidation. It covers the internal programme review process and the submission of revised programme documentation to QQI for formal revalidation.

Specifically, this policy applies to:

• Programmes at NFQ Levels 6 to 9 delivered under NCI’s devolved responsibility;
• Periodic, in-depth programme reviews, typically conducted every five years;
• The preparation of documentation required for revalidation, including the Provider’s Programme Review Report, the Self-Evaluation Report, and revised Programme Descriptors;
• The appointment and conduct of an independent Programme Review and Revalidation Panel (PRRP);
• The submission of a revalidation application to QQI via QHub;
• Programmes that include blended, online, or technology-mediated learning components;
• Programmes with work-based learning or apprenticeship elements, insofar as the programme review must evaluate their integration and effectiveness.

This policy does not apply to:

• The validation of new programmes (see Policy on Programme Validation);
• Annual programme monitoring or minor changes made through routine quality assurance processes (see Policy on Programme Monitoring);
• Teaching methodologies, assessment design, or module delivery approaches (see Learning and Teaching policies);
• The review or approval of collaborative or transnational programmes involving new partner institutions or delivery locations (see Policy on Collaborative Provision and Academic Partnerships);

3. Policy Statement

National College of Ireland (NCI) is committed to a structured, transparent, and evidence-based programme review process that ensures all academic programmes remain fit for purpose, aligned with the College’s strategic priorities, and responsive to the needs of learners, employers, and society. Programme review serves as the formal mechanism through which the College evaluates its experience of delivering a programme over a full validation cycle and makes informed decisions regarding its continuation, revision, or discontinuation.

3.1. Programme Review and Revalidation Process Overview

Programme review is conducted at least once every five years in accordance with QQI’s Programme Review Manual (2022). It is a provider-owned quality assurance process that precedes and informs a formal application for revalidation. Revalidation, by contrast, is a QQI-owned process that results in a new Certificate of Validation.

The programme review process includes:

• Completion of a Provider’s Programme Review Report;
• A structured self-evaluation against current QQI validation criteria;
• Stakeholder consultation and comprehensive data analysis;
• Review and revision of the programme, including supporting documentation;
• Independent evaluation by a Programme Review and Revalidation Panel (PRRP);
• Submission of a complete revalidation application to QQI via QHub.

This process supports continuous enhancement by examining programme performance, completion and progression trends, award classifications, graduate outcomes, external examiner and stakeholder feedback, and the programme’s relevance to national, professional, and sectoral needs.

3.1.1. Differential Validation

In cases where a programme team proposes substantial changes outside of the scheduled revalidation cycle, or where the scope of changes exceeds the standard revalidation process once underway, a differential validation process may be initiated. This alternative pathway is aligned with QQI’s Core Policies and Criteria and allows for a focused revalidation of the affected programme components. See Differential Validation Procedure for operational details.

3.2. Internal Programme Review Requirements

Before a programme is submitted for revalidation, it must complete NCI’s internal programme review process. This includes:

• Quantitative and qualitative analysis of data relating to enrolment, progression, completion, learner outcomes, and graduate destinations;
• A Critical Self-Evaluation Report (SER) based on the QQI validation criteria;
• Documentation of stakeholder engagement, including learners, graduates, employers, and staff;
• Completion of the Provider’s Programme Review Report, which includes proposed modifications and rationale for continuation or discontinuation;
• Internal review and approval by the Programme Director, Dean, and QIE, confirming readiness for external evaluation.
• Submission of recommendations to the Academic Programmes and Quality Committee (APQC) for academic oversight and approval

Programmes may not proceed to panel review until all internal requirements have been met and documentation is deemed complete.

3.3.  Devolved Responsibility for Programme Revalidation

National College of Ireland (NCI) holds devolved responsibility for programme validation and revalidation, as approved by QQI. This allows the College to manage its internal programme review process, including the coordination of independent evaluation panels and preparation of documentation in accordance with QQI’s Programme Review Manual (2022).

Programme review is a provider-owned process. Revalidation is a QQI-owned determination. All programme revalidations must be submitted to QQI via QHub, and are not considered approved until a new Certificate of Validation is issued by QQI.

3.3.1. Scope of Devolved Responsibility

Devolved responsibility applies to taught programmes at Levels 6 to 9 in areas for which NCI has established delegated authority, including Business, Computing, Psychology (excluding clinical psychology), and Education.

It does not apply to:

• Collaborative provision involving new partners;
• Transnational education in new locations;
• Joint awards;
• Apprenticeship programmes

3.3.2. Programme Review and Revalidation Panel Requirements

The panel must include:

• An independent chair;
• Subject matter experts (including one international expert for Level 9 programmes);
• A learner representative;
• An industry/professional representative;
• A recording secretary.

All members must complete conflict of interest declarations. The panel’s role is to assess the robustness of the review process and the fitness for purpose of the revised programme(s).

3.4. Submission to QQI and Revalidation

Following the panel evaluation and provider response, NCI submits the full revalidation application to QQI via QHub. The application must include:

• The revised Programme Descriptor;
• The Self-Evaluation Report;
• The Provider’s Programme Review Report;
• The Independent Programme Review and Evaluation Report;
• The Provider’s formal response to the panel report;
• Confirmation from the panel chair that recommendations and conditions have been addressed;
• Evidence of Protection for Enrolled Learners (PEL), where applicable;
• Fee cover note in accordance with QQI’s Schedule of Fees.

Revalidation is granted solely by QQI. A programme may not continue to be delivered without a valid Certificate of Validation.

3.5. Revalidation Outcomes

All institutional recommendations arising from programme review are subject to approval by the Academic Programmes and Quality Committee (APQC) prior to submission to QQI.

Full Revalidation

The programme may continue to be delivered. QIE updates internal systems and notifies relevant departments. Final documentation is archived.

Conditional Revalidation

The programme team must address all conditions before QQI will issue a revalidation certificate. Delivery cannot resume until full approval is confirmed.

Rejection or Discontinuation

If revalidation is not granted, the programme must cease delivery. In such cases, a managed teach-out plan must be developed to protect enrolled learners.

3.6. Governance and Oversight

3.6.1. Institutional Oversight

Academic Programmes and Quality Committee (APQC) oversees the strategic implementation of the programme review cycle. The QIE Office manages the review timeline, supports documentation preparation, coordinates panel events, and oversees submission to QQI.

3.6.2. Stakeholder Engagement and QA Integration

Programme review is integrated with broader QA and enhancement strategies. Stakeholder feedback and data analysis inform not only the programme itself but institutional planning and curriculum development. External stakeholder engagement is critical to ensuring industry alignment and the future relevance of the programme.

4.  Roles and Responsibilities

5. Compliance & Monitoring

NCI is committed to maintaining a robust and transparent approach to programme review and revalidation, aligned with QQI requirements and institutional quality assurance procedures.

The QIE Office is responsible for:

• Monitoring the implementation of this policy and associated procedures;
• Maintaining a schedule of upcoming reviews and revalidations;
• Tracking outcomes and conditions of revalidation across all programmes;
• Coordinating internal and external audits of the review and revalidation process;
• Ensuring all revalidation decisions are recorded in the institutional QA system.

The APQC reviews annual programme monitoring outcomes and validation trends to inform strategic planning and identify areas for system-wide enhancement.

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