Validation
Validation is a quality assurance process intended to ensure that a proposed programme can enable a learner to acquire and demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skill or competence to justify the award(s) being offered in respect of that programme.
New Validation
All new programmes intended to offer QQI awards must first be validated by QQI.
Providers may apply for validation of a single programme, or of a principal programme with one or more embedded programmes.
Applications for a new validation should comprise
• a programme descriptor
• a self-evaluation against QQI criteria
• evidence of PEL arrangements
Programme Review and Revalidation
Programmes previously validated much be revalidated within a maximum period of five years.
The provider must
• review and evaluate the programme as it has been implemented
• update and revise the programme, addressing any identified deficiencies and taking opportunities for improvement
• apply for revalidation
Links to resources and templates for both new validation and revalidation are available below.
Resources for HET Validation and Revalidation (from July 2020)
Application templates
Additional Resources
Devolved Responsibility for parts of the validation process
QQI may devolve some responsibility for arranging the independent evaluation report to a provider applying for new programme validation.
Additional Resources for Programmes of Higher Education and Training
Please refer to the following documents in order to ensure that any new programme conforms to policy.
QQI Policies and Guidelines – Awards and Standards
QQI Policies and Guidelines – Access, Transfer and Progression
Validation Report and Style Guide
Transitional arrangements – research degree programmes, collaborative programmes and transnational programmes
If there are any inconsistencies, current policies and criteria will apply.
