The Course Modification Framework sets out the approval process for changes to taught courses. In all cases, Faculties and Departments should discuss the change/s with their EQPO liaison officer, who will advise on the approval route and assist with completion of the course modification form.

For changes to research degrees, please contact the Postgraduate Research Team.  

Deadlines

The final meeting of the Academic Standards and Enhancement Committee where approval may be sought for course changes is 29 April 2026 for implementation in October 2027. Please note that significant changes to Tripos courses may need a longer lead-in time. Paperwork must be submitted to your EQPO liaison officer no later than 10 April 2026. 

Routes to Course Modification

There are two routes to course modification: 

• Your Liaison Officer can approve some minor course adjustments or amendments on behalf of ASEC, such as paper or module name changes, minor amendments to regulation wording and editorial changes. 

• All other course amendments must be considered by ASEC via the course modification form. A word version of the form can also be found here.

NOTE: Some course regulations give Faculty Boards the authority to publish minor changes independently as Supplementary Regulations or as Notices in the Reporter. This authority is always clearly set out in the course regulations.  In case of doubt, contact your EQPO liaison officer for advice.  When changes are approved by Faculty Board, the Reporter editor should be contacted directly via reportereditor@admin.cam.ac.uk to check whether publication of the changes is required.

The following should be noted when completing the form:

• ASEC will not accept incomplete paperwork, or paperwork pending approval from Faculty Board, Degree Committee or the relevant School or ICE committee.

• Revised programme specifications and course regulations must be included.

• Evidence of student consultation must be included.

• Details of any impact on College teaching must be included. Some course 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).

• 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.

(Page last reviewed May 2025)