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Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate Articulation - Guidenote

This guidenote has been prepared to help staff considering articulation proposals.

'Articulation' is the term used to describe an agreement with another university or similar organisation in which completion of all, or part of a programme in the other organisation is recognised by University of Dundee as a valid entry qualification to a programme at University of Dundee, usually with advanced standing, e.g. directly into Level 2 or 3 of an undergraduate programme

In developing an articulation arrangement, the University needs to ask two broad questions:

• would students be appropriately prepared by their prior learning to commence studies, including competence in English language?
• would students have demonstrated achievement of learning outcomes which are broadly equivalent to those of the University modules for which the students would be exempted (i.e. for which credit would be granted)?

This checklist is intended to guide the process of asking and answering these questions.

Stage 1: Consideration of potential for articulation

Types of information required about the programme in the other party (all to be in English language):

• Subject
• Title of programme
• Duration of programme
• Exit awards, including where possible, NARIC equivalence
• Typical intake requirements
• Curriculum structure
• Relevant aims and learning outcomes
• Any national or professional recognition / accreditation of the programme
• Typical graduate destinations from the programme
• Language(s) of instruction and assessment
• Detail of any English-language components within the programme, and / or typical competence in English language of graduates from the programme.

Checkpoints for University of Dundee staff

• Broadly, how does the programme in the other party fit with the equivalent at University of Dundee? [e.g. broadly equivalent to Level 1 + Level 2]
• What is the likely shape of potential articulation model(s), for example: Entry to Level XX of XX degree programme would require: completion of XX, plus English-language qualification of XX, plus XX [any other bridging or top-up requirements]
• Are there any professional / statutory body (PSB) considerations relating to collaborations with this programme? (Note: the accreditation requirements of some PSBs would mean that a student admitted under an articulation arrangement might not be recognised for professional accreditation)
• Is a Memorandum of Understanding desirable at this stage?

Stage 2: Evaluation of academic standards for articulation

Detailed mapping of the curriculum in the other party with the equivalent curriculum at University of Dundee

This should be carried out by an experienced member of academic staff in the relevant subject at Dundee. This mapping would form part of the supporting evidence submitted for formal approval of the proposed articulation.

Types of information required about the programme in the other party (all to be in English language)

• Programme curriculum, including schedule of modules, or equivalent.
• For each module: full syllabus and indication of extent of learning e.g. duration of study, student hours etc
• Relevant programme/module aims and learning outcomes
• For each module: assessments, including examination papers and coursework assignments
• Portfolio(s) of student work, typically from the final year. This should include a full portfolio for at least one student at the top end of performance, and one student at the (marginal) passing level of performance. Each student portfolio should include: examination papers and scripts; coursework assignments and submissions; pass mark sheets highlighting the student's position on the mark sheet.

Additionally, the process should include a site visit, with a meeting of a group of staff and with a group of students. This could take place associated either with Stage 1 Stage 2.

Checkpoints for University of Dundee academic staff

• In detail, how does the programme in the other party fit with the equivalent at University of Dundee?
• Proposed articulation model, for example: Entry to Level XX of XX degree programme would require: completion of XX, with a grade of XX, plus English-language qualification of XX, plus XX [any other bridging or top-up requirements]
• Statement of any PSB limits or conditions
• Confirmation of fee basis, including identification of related issues including any proposed discounts, bursaries and commissions to agents or other organisations.
• Can a formal articulation agreement be prepared at this stage?