The formal framework through which Watney College manages significant course changes and course closures, safeguarding students' academic interests and ensuring compliance with OfS requirements.
Course changes are classified as either minor or major, with different governance requirements applying to each.
Changes that do not materially affect learning outcomes, mode of delivery, award, or overall student experience — such as updates to reading materials, minor assessment refinements, or timetable adjustments. Approved through normal academic governance.
Changes that may materially affect students, including: significant amendments to learning outcomes, changes to assessment strategy, change of awarding or validating body, substantial changes to mode of delivery, relocation of delivery site, or structural curriculum redesign.
Major changes require formal approval by the Academic Board and must be reported to the Board of Governors.
Low recruitment · Financial sustainability concerns · Termination or non-renewal of validation arrangements · Regulatory intervention · Quality concerns · Strategic realignment.
Prior to any closure decision, an impact assessment must consider academic standards, financial sustainability, student numbers, equality implications, reputational risk and regulatory compliance. Closure of a course with enrolled students requires approval by the Board of Governors.
The College is committed to avoiding closure of a course with enrolled students wherever reasonably practicable, and will always act in a transparent, proportionate and timely manner. Academic interests and welfare of enrolled students take precedence over strategic or commercial considerations.
Where a major course change or closure is approved, the College will implement appropriate student protection measures.
Written notification will explain the nature of the change or closure, the reasons for the decision, available options, timelines, and support mechanisms. Students will be given the opportunity to raise concerns before final arrangements are implemented.
In the event of termination or non-renewal of a validation agreement, the College will seek alternative validation arrangements. If this cannot be secured within a reasonable timeframe, teach-out or transfer arrangements will apply.
| Decision Type | Approving Body | Oversight Body |
|---|---|---|
| Minor course change | Academic governance process | Academic Board |
| Major course change | Academic Board | Board of Governors |
| Course closure | Board of Governors | Board of Governors |
| Teach-out monitoring | Academic Board | Academic Board |
| Student transfer arrangements | Academic Board | Board of Governors |
Last reviewed: November 2025 · Version: 1.2 · Next review: November 2026
Download the full Course Change and Closure Policy (PDF)
