NCC Education would like to take this opportunity to provide all our Accredited Partner Centres and their students with an update regarding the University of Wales and the recent changes.
NCC Education would like to take this opportunity to provide all our Accredited Partner Centres and their students with an update regarding the University of Wales and the recent changes.
As you may be aware, the University of Wales announced that it is to stop validating degree courses at learning institutions worldwide. NCC Education has been effectively communicating with the University of Wales and we can successfully offer further clarification.
The University of Wales has confirmed they will be merging with Swansea Metropolitan University and the University of Wales: Trinity Saint David. They have stated to NCC Education that they will be honouring a March 2012 intake of students and they will honour all students registered for an academic award with the university.
NCC Education is pleased to announce that we have been proactively looking into the best way forward and have been working alongside the University of Central Lancashire with a view to progressing the attached high-quality replacement programme through validation.
Please see below a list of FAQ’s which outlines key questions and answers to assist you with any possible concerns you may have. We guarantee that we will fully update you with any new developments, but if you do have any queries please ring us on 0161 438 6200.
FAQ’s
1. Why is the merger happening?
Recent developments in Welsh Higher Education policy have been driven by a desire for there to be fewer universities in Wales. The Welsh Government is putting policies in place to have only six or seven universities (there are currently eleven). The merger is in response to this challenge from the government.
2. I am currently studying a programme, will I be able to complete my course?
The University of Wales has confirmed that they will bring the current validation model to an end, but they will honour all students who have enrolled on a programme with the institution.
3. I am currently studying on the IDB/IADB/IDCS/IADCS programme, will I be able to complete the University of Wales programme?
The University of Wales has stated that NCC Education will remain able to operate existing programmes in accordance with the legally binding agreements which are in place and in force between NCC Education and the University of Wales. This confirms that there will be a March 2012 intake for the University of Wales degree, please see FAQ 6 for further details.
We are also proactively working towards replacing both programmes by 2012, for further details please see FAQ 10.
4. I am a prospective student, where do I stand?
If you have been offered a place on a University of Wales course you will be treated in the same way as all past students and if successful you will exit with a University of Wales award.
5. I have graduated with a University of Wales award and am applying for a Masters, will these recent changes have any effect on this?
No, students can have full confidence in the quality and standards of University of Wales awards. The Institutional Review of the University of Wales undertaken by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) in 2010 noted the highest possible outcome of confidence.
6. If the University of Wales has been abolished, who will award my degree?
At the moment we are awaiting feedback from the University of Wales, your degree will be awarded by the University of Wales or the University of Wales: Trinity Saint David.
7. If the University of Wales has been abolished what value will a University of Wales degree hold in the future, i.e. 20 years time?
There are many University of Wales alumni who graduated from universities which no longer award University of Wales degrees. All of the University of Wales courses meet UK standards and they anticipate that this will continue to be the case. Therefore the value of the University of Wales degree will not diminish and will have the same value as any degree awarded to a student.
8. What will the ranking position of the transformed university be?
The University of Wales has never featured in any ranking system due to its Federal nature. The transformed University of Wales: Trinity Saint David will appear in the ranking systems but it will take time to establish its position.
9. Am I going to be able to visit the transformed University of Wales: Trinity Saint David?
The university will encompass a number of campuses and facilities and students will be welcome to visit all facilities.
10. What is NCC Education doing about finding replacement options?
NCC Education have been working alongside the University of Central Lancashire with a view to progressing the high-quality BSc (Hons) in Business Computing and Information Systems replacement programme through validation, further details of the replacement programme can be found attached in the qualification outline. NCC Education is working effectively to have the programme in place by September 2012. We are also in contact with the University of the West of England to replace the BSc (Hons) Business Administration programme.