(Page last reviewed November 2023)
The Course Modification Framework sets out the approval required for the most common types of changes to taught courses. In all cases, Faculties and Departments should discuss the changes with their EQPO liaison officer, who will advise on the approval route and how to complete the relevant paperwork.
For changes to research degrees, please contact the Postgraduate Research Team in the first instance.
Deadlines
The more complex the change to a course, the longer the approval process will take, and the more evidence will be required.
The final meeting of Academic Standards and Enhancement Committee at which approval of changes to courses with effect from October 2025 will be considered, is 24 April 2024. Some changes will require a longer lead in time.
Paperwork must be submitted to your EQPO liaison officer no later than 3 April 2024.
Types of modifications
There are three levels of course modifications:
Our course modification flowchart provides information about what constitutes each level of change:
Adjustments
Minor adjustments to courses can sometimes be dealt with by Faculty Boards (see below) or can be approved by your EQPO liaison officer. Please talk to your LO about the change/s being considered for further advice. The Course Modification Framework sets out the route for Adjustments.
Faculty Board Powers
Some course regulations give Faculty Boards the power to publish minor changes independently as Supplementary Regulations or as Notices in the Reporter. This power is always clearly set out in the course regulations. In case of doubt, contact your EQPO liaison officer for advice.
If changes are approved at Faculty Board, the Reporter editor should be contacted directly via reportereditor@admin.cam.ac.uk to check if publication of the changes is required.
Minor Modifications
Most minor modifications require completion of the Minor Course Modifications Form and approval by EQPO or the Academic Standards and Enhancement Committee (ASEC), depending on the impact of the change. Faculties and departments should discuss minor course modifications with their EQPO liaison officer as early as possible, and to check whether a form is required.
The following should be noted when completing the form:
- ASEC will not accept incomplete paperwork, or paperwork pending approval from Faculty Board, or the relevant School or ICE committee.
- Revised programme specifications and course regulations must be included.
- Student engagement is a key part of the process of amending courses. As far as possible, students should be consulted via surveys, questionnaires, focus groups, or by soliciting feedback directly. Faculties and Departments are advised to approach their student representatives to discuss wider consultation. Course teams developing new postgraduate courses may wish to consult with current undergraduate students in cognate or related disciplines.
- If there is an impact on any type of College teaching, evidence of consultation with Directors of Studies should also be included; some changes will need to be endorsed by the Senior Tutors’ Standing Committee on Education (advice can be sought from your EQPO liaison officer or the ASEC Secretary).
- If minor modifications are dependent on new resources, approval for such should be secured before submitting the form for approval. Confirming this on the form indicates that evidence is available should it be requested.
- Faculties and departments should note that all prospective and current students have rights which are defined and protected by consumer legislation. Guidance on pursuing course modifications in line with these legislative duties can be found in our Competition and Market Authority guidance.
Major Modifications
Faculties and departments considering redevelopment of courses should discuss with their EQPO liaison officer at the earliest possible opportunity. Any major changes to undergraduate matriculated courses will require endorsement from the Senior Tutors' Education Committee and Senior Tutors' Committee. Proposals for major modifications should be forwarded to your EQPO liaison officer via the Major Course Modifications Form.
If the proposed modifications are dependent on new resources, approval for such should be secured before submitting the form for approval. Confirming this on the form indicates that evidence is available should it be requested.