The Programmes domain encompasses the full lifecycle of academic programme development, validation, delivery, monitoring, and review at NCI. This domain ensures that all programmes are strategically aligned, academically robust, and compliant with national and institutional quality standards.
Policies in this domain support systematic and transparent processes for programme approval, evaluation, and enhancement, in line with the College’s delegated authority and QQI expectations.
The below tables indicate changes made as of August 2025
New Policy
Supersedes QAES
Summary of Change
Programme Development
- 3.1 General Principles of Programme Development- 3.2 Feasibility- 3.3 Stakeholder Engagement- 3.5 Structure Guidelines- 3.14 Non-Award Programmes
Establishes a two-stage development model (Discovery & Development); formalises use of POP; clarifies governance (EG & APQC); integrates online/blended and apprenticeship requirements; separates from validation.
Programme Validation
- 3.6 Validation Process- 3.7 Roles & Responsibilities- 3.8 Panels- 3.11 Outcomes- 3.12 Governance & Oversight
Provides a clear internal and external validation workflow; defines devolved responsibility; replaces internal/external panel structure with IEP model; formalises APQC and PLM roles; aligns with QQI 2018 Delegated Authority policies.
Programme Monitoring
- 3.9 Annual Monitoring- 3.10 Minor/Major Changes- 3.9.4 Material Modification Docs- 3.9.5 Programme Termination
Introduces structured Annual Programme Monitoring (APM); defines minor/major changes and Differential Validation triggers; integrates escalation and closure processes; governed by APQC using standard forms and reporting templates.
Programme Review & Revalidation
- 3.8 Programme Review & Revalidation
Fully overhauls the cyclical review process; aligns with QQI 2022 Programme Review Manual; defines SER and Provider Review Report; clarifies devolved revalidation responsibilities; embeds stakeholder data and enhancement planning.