University of the Highlands and Islands - further education teaching programme: consultation analysis

Overview of Responses

General

• Respondents were generally supportive of the UHI programme proposed.
• The key areas of comment and concern related to admission arrangements for the programme (in particular scope of access and qualification requirements) and the content, nature and duration of the programme.

Programme Admission Arrangements

• Some respondents were concerned that access to the programme is to be restricted to UHI staff.
• Some respondents were concerned regarding the level of qualifications required in subjects where an HND is not possible and about the consistency across providers in this context.

Content, nature and duration of the programme

• A majority of the comments received related to the detail of the content, nature and duration of the programme.
• Some respondents were concerned that the duration of the programme (and start and end dates) need to offer more flexibility and better accommodate lecturers working part-time or fractional hours.
• A number of comments were provided on more detailed aspects of the course content and nature. The main theme raised in the comments provided is the need to enhance clarity through additional guidelines/explanation and ensure appropriateness of terminology.

Programme Assessment Arrangements

• All respondents agreed that the programme assessment arrangements are suitable – one respondent suggested that a wider range of allowable formats should be considered.

Functions of the governing bodies, principals and members of staff

• All respondents agreed that the functions of the governing bodies, principals and members of staff set out in the consultation were suitable.

UHI as programme provider

• All respondents agreed that UHI is an appropriate programme provider.