Rule SAC003: Changes - significant

Type:

Rule or condition

Significant changes to a qualification include changes to the:

• Equivalent Full-Time Student (EFTS) value of a qualification, which may result from a change in the credit value, or a change in the number of teaching weeks or learning hours. However, if the change in EFTS value is the result of revision of a unit standard, the tertiary education organisation (TEO) does not require re-approval from an external quality assurance body
• total credits in the qualification:
  • When a TEO adds additional credits to a national qualification, an increase of less than 5% over the credit value (maximum number of credits in the case of a variable credit qualification) is acceptable. Additional credits will not raise the EFTS value of a national qualification
  • An increase of more than 5% over the maximum number of credits to a national qualification changes it to a local qualification. If this occurs, TEOs require full approval and accreditation
  • Any reduction in the number of credits in a national qualification changes it to a local qualification. If this occurs, TEOs require full approval for the qualification
• length of a qualification or the timeframe to complete a qualification (acceleration or compression) - see Rule SAC004
• level of the qualification on the New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications (the Register).

 

Note:  All significant changes to qualifications require funding approval from the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) if continued funding is sought.

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) has identified changes that require evaluation by the relevant quality assurance body (QAB).

The relevant QAB will have its own requirements regarding changes to qualifications, which TEOs must also comply with. The following are examples:

• Change of title, level or credits
• Other changes to Register details, such as the addition of new majors or changes to core or compulsory content.