NUI Strategic Plan 2023-2027

The quality and prestige of NUI qualifications nationally and internationally remain a hallmark of the plan, but we also commit to presenting our universities as research intensive institutions that deliver significant social capital and have a tangible positive impact locally, nationally and globally. Other key objectives of the strategic plan are:

1. to support students to reach their potential at all levels;
2. to develop our capacity to support and promote the Irish language and culture;
3. to embed the UN Sustainable Development Goals into our operations.

The plan is centred around 4 key pillars:

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Additionally, NUI will use its unique position in the sector to take a long-term, objective view to plan beyond the normal horizons for higher education institutions. This long-term vision and engagement across the sector will be beneficial to the sector and NUI’s stakeholders.

NUI Strategic Plan 2018-2022

This document sets out the strategy for the National University of Ireland for the period 2018-2022. This strategy builds on the work and achievements of the 2014-17 period, and seeks to reflect the views of NUI’s constituent universities, Recognised Colleges and wider, interested parties.

NUI has five strategic goals to pursue as part of its new five-year plan:

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NUI’s central vision is to continue to be an integral part of the Irish higher education system, contributing to its development, being an advocate for its advancement and supporting its member institutions.

Strategic Plan 2014-2017

This document sets out the strategy for the National University of Ireland for the period 2014-2017. Having emerged from a period of considerable uncertainty concerning its future, NUI engaged in a systematic review of its role and functions and related to this, undertook an extensive series of consultations across the NUI universitites and colleges and more generally in the higher education sector with a view to the preparation of its future strategy.

Policies and Quality Assurance

 

NUI Policy on Extern Examiners for Research Degrees in the Recognised Colleges

This policy applies to NUI recognised colleges, including institutions that are designated awarding bodies (DABs) in their own right. It covers the full range of research degree awards that are placed in the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) at levels 9 and 10, including professional research degree awards. Recognised colleges may offer some or all these research degree awards.

 

NUI Protocol for tranisitioning to Permanent Online Delivery in the 2022-23 Session in the Recognised Colleges

The purpose of this protocol is to set out NUI’s procedures for the re-validation of existing RCSI and IPA programmes transitioning from temporarily approved online delivery modes1 to permanent online modes of delivery starting in the academic year 2022-23. This protocol does not apply to proposals for new, fully online academic programmes in the Recognised colleges, which should continue to follow NUI’s published regulations for new programme approvals2, until further notice.

 

Policy, regulations and procedures for the approval of Research Degrees in the Recognised Colleges

This policy contains regulations and procedures for use by NUI Recognised Colleges, when developing programmes of education and training that will lead to NUI research degree qualifications.

 

Policy and Procedures for updating NUI on Graduate Name Changes in the NUI Constituent Universities and Recognised Colleges

NUI has a statutory duty to maintain, in perpetuity, a register of all graduates with degrees and other qualifications of the National University of Ireland. This policy and procedures document should be used by staff in the Registry/Student Records offices in NUI’s constituent universities (or linked colleges thereof) and in NUI Recognised Colleges. A list of these institutions is available here. This policy will be kept under annual review.

 

Guidelines for the Institutional Review of Quality Assurance Effectiveness at Recognised Colleges that are Linked Providers

These Guidelines are intended for use by Recognised Colleges that are also Linked Providers of NUI, under the terms of the 2012 Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training Act). NUI provides these guidelines to assist these Colleges to prepare for external review of the effectiveness of their approved Quality Assurance policy and procedures. Such review must take place at least once every seven years.

 

The Quality Assurance Relationship between the National University of Ireland and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – University of Medicine and Health Sciences

RCSI - University of Medicine and Health Sciences, has been a Recognised College of NUI since 1977. This document sets out the scope and nature of the Quality Assurance relationship between NUI and RCSI, clarifying that as RCSI is a Designated Awarding Body (DAB) in its own right, it is not termed a Linked Provider of NUI. However given the important statutory relationship between both institutions, Quality Assurance responsibilities continue to exist in policy and practice.

 

NUI Policy in relation to the Usage of Titles of Degrees and other Qualifications

This policy is intended for use by NUI Constituent Universities and Recognised Colleges, providing an overarching set of principles to support and guide Academic Councils and equivalent bodies in their choice of title for degrees and other qualifications.

 

Guidelines for the Periodic External Review of Programmes Leading to NUI Degrees and Other Qualifications in Recognised Colleges that are also Linked Providers of NUI

These guidelines are intended for use by Recognised Colleges of the National University of Ireland that are also Linked Providers of NUI, in accordance with the terms of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012. As a Designated Awarding Body, NUI is responsible for validating and accrediting programmes of education and/or training offered by such Colleges that lead to the award of NUI degrees or other qualifications. These guidelines are intended to support Recognised Colleges which are Linked Providers as they plan and implement a cycle of periodic external review of previously validated and accredited programmes.

 

Statutory Guidelines for NUI Review of Linked Provider Institutions

NUI is a Designated Awarding Body (DAB) under the 2012 Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act. Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) provides guidelines to support NUI in the exercise of its statutory responsibilities in the area of Quality Assurance of Linked Provider institutions.

The 2012 Act defines Linked Providers as Higher Education Institutions that enter into arrangements with Designated Awarding Bodies to provide approved programmes of education and training. NUI’s Recognised Colleges (excluding RCSI) are termed Linked Providers under the 2012 Act.

 

Human Rights Principles and Code of Conduct for the National University of Ireland and its Member Institutions

The preparation of these principles and code of conduct was informed by the growing recognition within Ireland that all public institutions must operate in full compliance with the highest standards of human rights, and by appreciation of the new challenges and opportunities associated with the increasing internationalisation of NUI universities and member institutions both at home and abroad.

The purpose of these principles and code of conduct is to guide NUI universities and member institutions as they discuss, adopt and implement their own policies.

 

Guidelines for higher education institutions considering an application for NUI Recognised College status

NUI is empowered under legislation and its 1908 Charter to grant to Institutions of Higher Education the status of ‘Recognised College’ of the University. NUI is also a Designated Awarding Body (DAB) under the more recent 2012 Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act. NUI welcomes interest and applications for Recognised College status from existing or newly established institutions of higher education in the Republic of Ireland.

For more information, please download the Guidance document provided below.

 

Regulations, Procedures and Guidelines for the approval of New Programmes and changes to Existing Programmes in the Recognised Colleges

This policy outlines the process for approval by the NUI Senate of new programmes or changes to existing programmes proposed by Recognised Colleges of the University. It also outlines the University’s policy on the use of titles and the alignment of awards with the National Framework of Qualifications including award-type descriptors and credit weightings. This edition (May 2020) will supersede all earlier editions.

 

NUI Quality Assurance and Enhancement Framework

This National University of Ireland (NUI) Quality Assurance and Enhancement Framework (the Framework) sets out NUI’s approach to quality with specific reference to mechanisms for assuring and enhancing the quality of procedures with regard to recognised colleges that are also linked providers of the University.

 

NUI Policy and Procedures for the Approval of Quality Assurance Procedures in the Recognised Colleges

As a Designated Awarding Body (DAB) under the 2012 Quality and Qualifications Act, NUI must approve the internal QAE procedures in operation within its Recognised Colleges (RCs). The purpose of this policy is therefore, to set out the process by which NUI approves the quality assurance procedures of its RCs. The policy also outlines the process by which NUI reviews and approves updated or revised RC procedures on an on-going basis.

 

Quality Assurance for Collaborative and Transnational Provision of Academic Programmes Leading to NUI Qualifications

This policy provides guidance to Recognised Colleges on the issues that should be considered in the development of collaborative or transnational provision. It contains guidance on strategic considerations, due diligence and Memoranda of Understanding. It also outlines the University's procedures for the approval, monitoring and review of collaborative and transnational provision.

 

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This policy seeks to facilitate an inclusive approach to accessing qualifications of the University by recognising that a substantial proportion of learning occurs outside formal learning environments. The principles and practice considerations outlined in this document are intended to underpin the University’s support for lifelong learning within a framework of quality and provide a guide for member institutions in developing their own RPL procedures for programmes leading to NUI awards. 

 

NUI Policy on Extern Examiners