Head of Academic Programmes

Griffith College, Dublin

Background to Academic Programmes:

Historically, most of the College's academic programmes developed organically and arose from the collaborative efforts of the College's pre-existing and specially appointed teams.   This process proved successful resulting in excellent faculties being formed in computing, business, law, media, design, graduate business, music education and education.  (The order reflects the chronological order in which the academic faculties were formed.)

As the faculties grew in experience, further organic growth occurred with additional specialisation units and programmes being added.  Previous examples of internal faculty growth include the development of specialisations in accounting and finance, business and law, legal studies with business, international hospitality management, photography, and fashion.  

The integration of GCD with GCC and GCL allowed for a significant increase in provision nationally, with Griffith College benefitting hugely from the combined experience and proven programme development and approval record of all three partners.   This integration further extended faculty provision with the introduction of specialist programmes such as those in marketing, intercultural studies and office administration, along with an increased diversity of provision in respect of business studies variants.

In more recent years, and in line with the advanced academic qualifications of faculty members, the range of programme provision was extended, through the development, validation and delivery of postgraduate and masters level programmes in computing, business, media and law. 

Most recently, the individual College faculties' validated academic programmes have been further extended through collaboration with partners, both internal and external.  Internal developments include the joint faculty developments of the M.Sc. in applied digital media and the M.Sc. in accounting and finance management.  External partnerships include the delivery of the College's business studies programmes in Globe Business College, Munich and the joint development and delivery of a special purpose award in SME management with ISME, Ireland's small and medium enterprises association.

Current faculty initiated programme proposals already submitted or nearing submission to HETAC include a higher diploma in drama education; an alternative (60 ECTS) MA in journalism and media communication; an extended (30 ECTS) postgraduate award in education and training; an undergraduate degree in digital media; an MA in design; and an MA in documentary film making. Other related developments include the placement of the GC / Irish Institute of Legal Executives (IILEX) professional certificate and diploma programmes on the national framework of qualifications as special purpose awards and the extension of the College's graduate business programme provision to Sarajevo.

Programme Integrity

In the development, validation and delivery of their academic programmes, faculties are also greatly assisted by their colleagues in other departments within GC, both academic and non-academic.   For example, during the programme design phase, faculty members benefit from the direct input of colleagues from other academic departments, for example the library; the lecturer development and support unit (LDSU); and quality assurance.

Once programmes become operational, the examinations office plays a pivotal role in ensuring the absolute integrity of the learner assessment processes, and in so doing, safeguards the reputation of the particular programme and by extension all other academic programmes and awards. 

The overall quality of educational provision is primarily advanced by the experience, commitment, enthusiasm and ongoing development of the lecturers.  In delivering their programmes, lecturers are in turn supported by GC's LDSU and IT Services department, for example in relation to the use of technology-enabled learning.  Overall academic integrity is also advanced by GC's admissions and registration practices and the general application of agreed college-wide quality assurance procedures to all aspects of programme provision.

Specific language support is provided to international learners by GC's English for academic purposes department.  The pastoral support for learners given within the faculties is further supported by the students' union and international office.

Importantly, all learning within GC is assisted, informed and enhanced by the support of GC's other non-academic departments and individuals.

Current External Activity

At present the College is actively pursuing a number of potential academic programme related developments with external partners, both within and outside Ireland.  It fully expects this external activity to increase in line with the Irish government's support for (and in many cases insistence on) higher education programmes being recognised on the national framework of qualifications (NFQ).  This trend is expected to be further replicated shortly by a similar European requirement in respect of the emerging European qualifications framework (EQF).

In order to explore and successfully exploit these development opportunities while seeking to provide some continuing availability and support to faculties in relation to their own academic developments, GC wishes to make an additional appointment of a head of academic programmes.  A 12 month period has been chosen to allow sufficient time for the College to adequately evaluate certain specific proposals.  It also recognises that any longer term decision in relation to the most appropriate structure to adopt will depend on the outcome and experience gained from the specific proposals being advanced.

Note on terminology:

The regular use of the term GC is deliberate in order to highlight that the areas of responsibility include GCD, GCC, GCL, GBCM and any other location or medium (such as online) where the College's academic programmes might be delivered. 

Notice:

The College reserves the option to circulate the position more widely, either in advance of or after the closing date for internal applicants.