Frequently Asked Questions - PDQA
The process encompassing the development and review of programmes adheres to the guidelines outlined in the NUST Curriculum Framework (CF). For more comprehensive information, please consult the CF.
The appointment of PAC members aligns with the provisions stated in the Terms of Reference (ToRs) regarding PAC member selection as specified in the Curriculum Framework.
A minimum of three HEIs within the SADC region and three HEIs beyond the SADC region are required for benchmarking purposes.
A minimum of three letters of support from peer HEIs within the SADC region and three letters from HEIs beyond the SADC region, against which the programme is benchmarked, are required.
Moreover, a minimum of eleven endorsement letters from PAC members (including professional bodies where applicable) are required.
The duration of the process depends on various factors, including the nature of the programme itself. For instance, an undergraduate programme might require more time to complete. The urgency and commitment demonstrated by the Department also impact the duration. Generally, the process takes a minimum of six months.
The implementation of a new or significantly revised programme necessitates approval from the University's EXCO (Executive Committee), accreditation by the National Council on Higher Education (NCHE) and in some cases by professional bodies. These factors inform the decision-making process for implementing such programmes.
NQF Registration: Refers to the recognition and placement of a qualification on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) subject to full compliance with the criteria and requirements of the NQF. Qualifications are registered on the NQF for a specified period of time, i.e. five years.
Programme Accreditation: Formal recognition by external quality assurance regulatory bodies that the programmes offered by a higher education institution meet minimum quality standards and criteria. It is an evaluation that focuses on the quality of higher education programmes. Programmes that meet the accreditation requirements are accredited for a specified period of time, ranging from three to six years.
Programme accreditation is externally-driven by the external quality assurance agencies such as the National Council for Higher Education; and national, regional and international professional bodies are responsible for validating professional programmes.
Programme accreditation is necessary because it provides assurance that the academic offerings of NUST meet minimum quality standards and criteria, which makes the articulation of programmes and the mobility of students across higher education systems easier.
Nine months, but it can be completed in a shorter period.
Twice per annum – during the first semester and during the second semester.
The duration of an accreditation cycle varies between three and six years.
The department that hosts the particular programme should develop an improvement plan and indicate what actions would be taken to satisfy the condition/s, also indicating the resource implications and how long it would take to meet the condition/s. The improvement plan together with valid prove of the corrective actions taken must be submitted to the EQA regulatory body for re-evaluation. Accreditation conditions should normally be met within a timeframe of six months.
Yes. The programme may continue to run, while the department is in the process of working on the improvement plan and meeting the conditions.
An existing programme that fails accreditation, may no longer be offered by the institution. Appropriate measures should be taken to systematically phase out students enrolled in the programme, with full protection of their rights and privileges. A report must be submitted to the EQA regulatory body with details of the phase-out plan and the timeframe for implementation thereof (NCHE, 2009).
The department should develop an improvement plan, indicating how the areas identified for improvement will be rectified and submit it to the EQA regulatory body together with valid prove of the corrective actions taken. The EQA regulatory body will re-evaluate the programme and only when the programme is fully accredited can it be offered.
No, but exceptions could be made based on merit.
NQF Registration refers to the recognition and placement of a qualification on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) subject to full compliance with the criteria and requirements of the NQF. Qualifications are registered on the NQF for a specified period, i.e. five years.
Programme Accreditation refers to formal recognition by external quality assurance regulatory bodies that the programmes offered by a higher education institution meet minimum quality standards and criteria. It is an evaluation that focuses on the quality of higher education programmes. Programmes that meet the accreditation requirements are accredited for a specified period, ranging from three to six years.
Programme accreditation is externally-driven by the external quality assurance agencies such as the National Council for Higher Education; and national, regional and international professional bodies are responsible for validating professional programmes.
