CODE OF PRACTICE

BUILT FOR CLARITY

The scope of UCEM’s Code of Practice is to set out UCEM’s academic policies and procedures and the underpinning principles for quality and standards of UCEM’s programmes. The code is a dynamic document that is subject to a rolling programme of review. It has been developed and continues to be informed by good practice within the wider and higher education community and the QAA UK Quality Code for Higher Education.

Please find below links to individual chapters within the UCEM Code of Practice.

Academic infrastructure - an introductory overview

The Introductory Overview to the Academic Infrastructure introduces students and other readers inside and outside of UCEM, to each aspect of the Academic Infrastructure and sign posts you to the more detailed guidance and statements of policy and practice.

Academic Infrastructure: Higher Education Programmes – An Introductory Overview

Admissions and recognition of prior learning

UCEM is committed to delivering a high-quality service to all applicants through admissions processes that are fair, inclusive, transparent and consistently applied as outlined in the following chapters.

Code of Practice chapter on Admissions and Recognition of Prior Learning – Higher Education Programmes

Admissions Document Verification Policy

Neurodiversity, disability and wellbeing

UCEM is committed to equal education for all regardless of a student’s disability or neurodiversity. UCEM will endeavour to meet any such needs in order to give all students an equal opportunity in education and this section sets out UCEM’s policies and procedures for disabled and neurodivergent students.

Neurodiversity Disability and Wellbeing

Neurodiversity Disability Wellbeing Procedure

UCEM is committed to widening access and participation by providing education that is accessible to all, to enable students to achieve and develop in their careers. Full details of UCEM’s Access and Participation Plan can be found on the student-focused policies section of the website. The Access and Participation Plans have been approved by the Office for Students (OFS) who regulate the provision of higher education in England.

Learning, teaching and assessment

This section sets out UCEM’s Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy which identifies the principal objectives and priorities for the period 2020-2025.

Code of Practice chapter on Learning, Teaching and Assessment

Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy 2020-2025

Alternative Assessment Policy

Partnerships

This Code of Practice chapter sets out the scope of UCEM’s approach to partnerships. It draws upon the Expectations and Core and Common practices from the QAA Quality Code for Higher Education and the QAA Advice and Guidance on Partnerships, including the core practice ‘where a provider works in partnership with other organisations, it has in place effective arrangements to ensure that the standards of its awards are credible and secure irrespective of where or how courses are delivered or who delivers them’.

Code of Practice chapter on Partnerships

Programme development and validation

This chapter sets out the broad principles and procedures that guide the design and approval of UCEM programmes.

Programme Development and Validation

Programme planning, monitoring and evaluation

This section sets out the broad principles and procedures that guide the annual monitoring, programme and module amendment and periodic review and re-approval of UCEM’s programmes of study. It also identifies the provisions that will be followed in event of a programme or award being withdrawn.

Code of Practice Programme Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation

Programme Amendment and Discontinuation Procedure

External examining

This section sets out the principal responsibilities of external examiners appointed to awards offered by UCEM, procedures relating to their appointment, reporting and other duties, and their involvement with boards of examiners, their nomination and circumstances relating to the termination of their appointment.

Code of Practice on External Examining

Student engagement

UCEM values student contribution and is committed to working in partnership with the student community to develop the student experience.

Code of Practice on Student Voices

Student Charter

For more information visit the UCEM Student Community webpage.

Careers advice

UCEM aims to ensure that all UCEM students have access to appropriate career education, information, advice and guidance and that students are provided with opportunities during their studies to develop career related knowledge and skills. This section sets out UCEM policy and procedure in relation to this.

Code of Practice chapter on Careers Education, Information and Guidance

Research and scholarship

UCEM recognises the value of research and scholarly activity in supporting academic excellence. It promotes and sustains research and scholarly activity that is consistent with the mission and strategic objectives of UCEM.

Code of Practice on Research and Scholarship

Research Strategy

Board of Examiners

This section sets out UCEM’s expectations for the conduct of boards of examiners including defining the roles and responsibilities of all staff involved.

Code of Practice on Board of Examiners

Mitigating Circumstances Procedure

Equality and diversity

UCEM is committed to securing equal opportunities for individuals; celebrating diversity and eliminating unfair discrimination in the pursuance of its mission. Full details of our commitment to equality and diversity can be found in UCEM Code of Practice Equality and Diversity.

Information about higher education provision

This section sets out the framework UCEM operates in order to ensure the accuracy and transparency of the information it provides about itself.

Code of Practice Information About Higher Education Provision

Apprenticeship provision quality assurance

This section outlines the policies in place to ensure the quality of UCEM’s higher education apprenticeship programmes.

Code of Practice chapter on Quality Assuring Apprenticeship Provision