This page outlines the processes, roles and responsibilities around the University’s periodic monitoring of the academic quality and standards of taught programmes.
2.1 Overview
Periodic Programme Review (PPR) is designed as the University’s mechanism for assuring the quality and standards of its taught programmes.
It builds upon and follows the principles of the Annual Programme Review (APR) process to provide a more in-depth periodic review of programmes to ensure academic standards are maintained and deliver positive outcomes for students.
There are two PPR formats: Regular and Comprehensive. Both formats have the same underlying principles, the significant difference being the Regular reviews are desk-based while Comprehensive reviews have an in-person panel element following the desk-based exercise.
The process is aligned to the Office for Students (OfS) B Conditions and the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Quality Code to ensure regulatory compliance and best practice.
2.2 Scope
This process covers all undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes.
Degree Apprenticeship programmes have a separate Monitoring process, see Related Regulations, Policies and Procedures for further details.
2.3 Selection criteria
2.3.1 Regular PPR
The (non-exhaustive) selection criteria for Regular reviews are:
- That they occur on a 5-yearly cycle
- To ensure provision in each faculty is reviewed annually
- To review progress following significant curriculum change
2.3.2 Comprehensive PPR
The (non-exhaustive) selection criteria for Comprehensive reviews are:
- The late/non-submission of a Programme Improvement Plan (PIP) required as part of the APR process
- Where a PIP submitted as part of the APR process is not approved
- Where there are consecutive years without meaningful progress on PIP, evidence through the APR process
- Where there is strategic rationale, e.g. resource issues, redesigned curriculum, National Student Survey (NSS) priority area, Access and Participation Plan (APP) priority area
- To support a risk-based approach, based on priorities identified through regulatory bodies
2.4 Review criteria, timelines and responsibilities
Further details on the review criteria, periods of notice when selected for PPR and key responsibilities (including reporting expectations) can be found in the PPR process document in Related Regulations, policies and Procedures.
3.0 Related regulations, policies and procedures
4.0 Version control table
Version control table
| Version Number | Purpose/Change | Approving Committee | Date |
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| 1.0 |
Reformatted to align with new University of Nottingham Policy Management Framework based on content last modified on 24/07/2024 |
QSC |
April 2025 |
| 2.0 |
Updated to reflect implementation of the new periodic monitoring process for undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes, launched 2025/2026 |
QSC |
November 2025 |
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