New postgraduate taught programme approval process

Submission of an expression of interest form: Proposers planning to develop a new PGT course are asked to provide high level information on the title of the proposed programme, its structure and the School(s) likely to be involved in the delivery of the programme. The form is reviewed, and Academic Affairs will meet with the proposer to discuss the proposal, timelines and will share relevant template documents.

Approval Process of PGT course proposals

A new course proposal must meet internal quality and regulatory standards to ensure it is suitable for inclusion in Trinity’s portfolio of taught graduate programmes.

Before contacting Academic Affairs the proposer should discuss the project with the School Director of Teaching and Learning (Postgraduate) and their colleagues in the discipline.

Proposers must present proof of market need and a solid academic basis for approval of a new programme:   

• A business case for the proposed programme addresses its sustainability and viability from resourcing, financial, market and academic perspectives. The proposer consults with a number of professional and support units indicated in the image below. At the School level, a proposal requires approval from the Director of Teaching and Learning (Postgraduate), Head of Discipline and Head of School. Subsequently, consultation is required by the Careers and Trinity Global and the Faculty Dean.  
• The Curriculum Plan provides a detailed proposed curriculum. This work should be completed in consultation with Academic Practice. Academic Affairs will review the final draft of the plan to ensure regulatory alignment. 

Approval 

The proposal must be signed off by the School Executive Committee to be reviewed by the Dean of Graduate Studies. After the Dean’s approval, the final version of the proposal is externally reviewed. In parallel, the proposed course may proceed to Graduate Studies Committee. Subject to addressing the recommendations from the external reviewer and feedback from the Graduate Studies Committee, the proposal is considered for approval by Council.

Contacts and supports

Contacts and supports 

The proposer can contact the following professional colleagues for advice on: 

Queries relating to the development of the proposed course structure, Trinity’s regulations, timelines: Ms Ewa Sadowska (esdowska@tcd.ie) in Academic Affairs, Trinity Teaching and Learning. 

Queries relating to the online application: Dr Ríonnagh Sheridan (rionnagh.sheridan@tcd.ie). 

Graduate outcomes and Careers: Ms Orla Bannon, Director of Careers (Trinity Careers Service)(bannono@tcd.ie)  

Effective market research and course promotion: Mr Declan Coogan, Associate Director Recruitment (Trinity Global) (declan.coogan@tcd.ie)  

Curriculum design: Centre for Academic Practice (academicpractice@tcd.ie). Further resources developed by the Centre of Academic Practice to assist with the curriculum plan can be found here.