Course Approval and Review Policy

1. Purpose and scope

This policy sets out how LIBT approves a new Academic programme (see the Glossary, LIBT Quality Glossary) and how an existing one is changed. Course monitoring and review after approval, that is annual monitoring and periodic review, is governed by the Course Monitoring Policy, not by this document. See section 6.

This policy applies to every Academic programme, whether LIBT-awarded (including where the programme carries CMI accreditation or endorsement) or QUALIFI-awarded. Where QUALIFI's own approval requirements differ, they take precedence for QUALIFI-awarded programmes.

2. Principles

Course approval at LIBT follows five principles:

• Rigorous. Every proposal is scrutinised against academic standards and the FHEQ level it claims.
• Relevant. Programmes reflect current industry, professional, and academic developments.
• Transparent. Decisions, conditions, and reasons are recorded.
• Inclusive. Programme design considers accessibility, equality, and diversity from the outset.
• Evidenced. A proposal is supported by market need, staffing, and resource evidence. It is not asserted alone.

3. Approval process

Stage	Responsible	Activity
1. Initial proposal	Programme Leader	Submits a Programme Proposal Form: rationale, market need, and alignment with LIBT's strategy.
2. Academic development	Programme Leader, with the Academic Registry	Drafts the programme specification, module descriptors, learning outcomes, and assessment strategy.
3. Internal scrutiny	Course Approval and Review Committee (see the Governance, Management Structure, and Conflicts of Interest Statement)	Reviews curriculum, assessment design, learning resources, and staffing; may seek external advisor input.
4. Approval	Academic Board	Considers the Committee's report and formally approves, with any conditions recorded.
5. Implementation	Academic Registry	Confirms documentation, setup on Canvas (LIBT's current Learning Management System), and delivery readiness before students enrol.

4. Documentation required

• Programme specification
• Module descriptors and learning outcomes
• Assessment strategy and marking criteria
• Staffing and resource plan
• External advisor report, where one was sought
• Evidence of market need
• Equality impact assessment

5. Approval criteria

A proposal is approved only where it demonstrates alignment with LIBT's mission and strategy. It must also show academic coherence and the correct FHEQ level. Its learning outcomes must be linked to employability and progression. Its staffing and resources must be sustainable. Finally, it must comply with data protection, accessibility, and ethical standards.

6. Course modification

• Minor changes, adjustments to module content, delivery schedule, or assessment weighting, are approved by the Academic Registry.
• Major changes, changes to programme structure, learning outcomes, or credit values, require Academic Board approval, following the same scrutiny as a new proposal.

7. Monitoring and review after approval

Once approved, a programme is monitored and periodically reviewed under the Course Monitoring Policy, which also covers annual monitoring, periodic review, and enhancement action planning. This policy does not repeat that process.

8. External input

An external advisor may be invited to review a proposal for benchmarking and impartiality. Their report is considered by the Course Approval and Review Committee and the Academic Board, and retained as part of the approval record.

9. Record keeping

Approval documentation, Committee reports, and Academic Board decisions are retained by the Academic Registry.

10. Review

This policy is reviewed annually by the Academic Board. Any change must be checked against the Cross-Reference Map, in particular against the Course Monitoring Policy and the Governance, Management Structure, and Conflicts of Interest Statement.

Company information: London Institute of Business & Technology Limited (LIBT) Hillary House, Prospect Hill, Douglas, IM1 1EQ, Isle of Man, British Isles.