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Changes to programme approvals
Any changes to approved programmes need to either be:
- communicated to NZQA (notified) so accurate records are maintained, or
- approved by NZQA before the amended programme is provided to learners.
Whether the change needs to be notified or approved depends on what type of change it is: Type 1 or Type 2. See the sections below for more details.
Further guidance on changes to specific types of programmes
For programmes at levels 1-6 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) see the Guidelines for programme approval and provider accreditation at levels 1-6 on the NZQF.
For programmes at levels 7 and above on the NZQF see the Guidelines for approving and maintaining degrees and related qualifications.
Changes to, or adding new, delivery sites
Education organisations must notify NZQA of any changes to where a programme is delivered, including new sites.
Any change to a delivery site can affect the quality of teaching and learning and the resources available to learners. Changes may also affect the content that is taught, or how learning is structured. For more information see Approval of delivery sites for Level 1–6 Programmes and Level 7 Diplomas.
Types of programme change
Type 1 changes
Type 1 change means one or more changes to components of an approved programme which do not impact on the programme as a whole.
Examples of Type 1 changes include:
- changes to learning activities
- minor changes to assessment methods and/or assessment weightings, for example an essay is replaced with a test
- changes to the title of a component.
For more information see Section 4 of the Guidelines for programme approval and provider accreditation at levels 1-6 on the NZQF.
Type 2 changes
Type 2 change means one or more changes to components of an approved programme which do have an impact on the programme as a whole. A Type 2 change must be approved by NZQA prior to implementation.
Examples of Type 2 changes include:
- graduate profile outcomes and/or changes to learning outcomes
- the programme title, aim, content or outcome statement
- programme structure e.g. adding, combining or removing components, changing components (including work placements, etc.), or changing component credit values
- regulations, including entry requirements
- the total credit value, total learning hours, delivery or vacation weeks (durations)
- changes to unit standard versions where the level or credit value has changed
- mode of delivery (e.g. a move from face-to-face learning to distance online learning), and
- significant changes to assessment methods and/or assessment weightings.
For more information see Section 4 of the Guidelines for programme approval and provider accreditation at levels 1-6 on the NZQF.
Submitting a change to an approved programme
Type 1 changes
Email Type 1 change notifications to qaadmin@nzqa.govt.nz. NZQA will acknowledge the notification of a Type 1 change and add the changes to our records. We will make contact if the proposed changes are considered to be Type 2 changes.
Type 2 changes
Apply to make a Type 2 change via the TEO portal using the secure log-in.
NZQA reviews the programme in light of the proposed change. If the extent of the proposed changes indicate that the programme is markedly different to the current version of the programme then you may be advised to submit a new programme application.
Further information
For more information or queries about changes to an approved programme, contact our client services team.