Common use of Changes to the Programme Clause in Contracts

Changes to the Programme. 8.1 We will endeavour to ensure that the information provided to you on programmes offered is as accurate and up-to-date as possible. We will consider changes to programmes very carefully, and we hope to minimise any changes. 8.2 We undertake forward planning and, ordinarily, where a decision is taken to cease providing a course or module, or to withdraw from provision at a particular location, registered students currently on course will be taught to the conclusion of their studies and/or consulted on the change. 8.3 If changes are required, we will make every effort to minimise any disruption to your academic experience. 8.4 We reserve the right to make changes to a programme at any time if the changes are required /made for one or more of the following reasons: a) Unplanned absences of key members of academic staff; b) To make updates to programmes to reflect best practice or new academic developments and to refresh programme curricula to ensure their currency for the benefit of students; c) To improve and enhance students' experience of a programme, or to incorporate ch anges arising from student feedback for the benefit of students; d) alter the approach to methods of delivery of programmes such as the timetable, loc ation, number of classes and methods and timings of assessments; e) To meet external, professional or accrediting body requirements; and/or f) To safeguard academic standards, for example, in response to external examiner feedback. 8.5 We consider significant changes to a programme to include: a) A change to the award title; b) A change to the accreditation arrangements; c) Significant changes to the content of your programme such as adding or removing a mandatory module; d) Changes to the method of delivery or method of assessment of your programme suc h that the overall learning outcomes of your programme are fundamentally different; e) Significant changes to the location at which your programme is taught. 8.6 In the unlikely event that we (i) discontinue or do not provide your programme of study; or (ii) significantly changes the content of your programme, or (ii) significantly change the location at wh ich your programme is taught, and any such change may adversely affect you: a) we will notify you at the earliest possible opportunity; b) if you request us to do so, we will seek to offer you a suitable replacement programme with us University for which you are qualified or if we are is unable to offer you a suitable replacement programme, then we shall seek to refer you to a comparable higher education institution offering a suitable replacement programme; c) if you do not wish to accept our offer of a replacement programme or we are unable to offer a replacement programme, you will be entitled to withdraw your application by notifying the us in writing; d) in the event that you choose to withdraw, the we will may make an appropriate refu nd of tuition fees and deposits paid, at our sole discretion. At the application stage 8.7 If during the application stage we consider that a significant change is required to a programme as set out in the prospectus, we will highlight that change made to the programme when we make you an offer. If you accept the offer to study, we will treat this as your agreement to the change to the programme. After accepting your offer 8.8 If after accepting an offer we consider that a significant change is required to a programme as set out in the prospectus and any such change may adversely affect you: a) we will notify you at the earliest possible opportunity; b) if you request us to do so, we will seek to offer you a suitable replacement programme with us for which you are qualified or if we are unable to offer you a suitable replacement programme at we shall seek to refer you to a comparable higher education institution offering a suitable replacement programme; c) if you do not wish to accept our offer of a replacement programme or we are unable to offer a replacement programme, you will be entitled to withdraw your application by notifying the us in writing; d) in the event that you choose to withdraw, we may make an appropriate refund of tuition fees and deposits paid, at our sole discretion. After commencing your course 8.9 Proposed significant changes to programmes: a) would be subject to consultation with you in advance about proposed changes to programmes, and any changes will be communicated to students so that they are aware of any implications affecting their study; b) would by implication be considered by the you and us to be a variation to the contract in place with you. c) would be agreed by consent by you on the basis of you continuing to be enrolled in your studies. 8.10 Most changes to programmes will become effective from the start of the next Academic Year, but in-year changes may be made by us or by the university for reasons beyond our control (including but not limited to the reasons set out in clause 14). 8.11 If you do not consent to a change we will arrange to discuss the matter with you formally within a reasonable period and seek to find a resolution to which both parties can agree. 8.12 If no resolution can be agreed upon within a reasonable period, you have a right to withdraw from your programme. In this situation: a) if you are yet to start your course, you must notify us prior to the start date of your c ourse so that your place may be offered to another applicant; b) on request, we will use our reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative programme with us (for which Tuition Fees will be payable) or suggest a suitable progra mme at an alternative educational institution; and c) If you will not be studying further with us, we will refund any Tuition Fees as appropriate, at our sole discretion. 8.13 If you do not agree that the change is fair, you may wish to seek redress under the Student Complaints Procedure.