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Validation

Validation is the process by which new courses are fully approved by the University. This process enables the University to have confidence that for each course:

• academic standards have been secured;
• content and learning outcomes align with the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ), relevant Subject Benchmark Statements and PSRB requirements as appropriate;
• an excellent student experience will be delivered.

Once given approval by Portfolio Approval Sub-Committee (PASC), courses will progress to validation. This involves a detailed scrutiny of the curriculum by a panel of independent internal and external members.

A Curriculum Manager will liaise with the course development lead to organise the validation event. More details of the process and timescales for validation can be found in the Validation Process Document 2025-26 [DOCX 71.01KB]. 

The following documentation should be prepared for the validation event:

• A brand new Course Specification.
• AY25-26 Course Validation - Teaching Methods Appendix [DOCX 19.59KB]
• Validation Course Resources Form 2024-25.  Please refer to the Guidance for completing the Course Resources Form 2024-25.

• A New Module Proposal form must be completed for each new module in the course.

• Details of any existing modules to be part of the course. The Curriculum and Assessment Officer can provide this.

• Draft Course Handbook

Sussex Academic Framework

When you are developing courses and modules, please refer to the Sussex Academic Framework (SAF) and your Faculty Approach to the SAF in order to align the direction of development with the curriculum design principles as applied in the context of your faculty.