Quality Assurance and Enhancement System

The Quality Assurance and Enhancement System (QAES) chapters include information related to how NCI works and governance structures in place.

NCI successfully completed the QQI Re-Engagement process in June 2019, wherein our Quality Assurance and Enhancement System (QAES) and Handbook were formally approved as demonstrating alignment with national (QQI) and European standards and guidelines.

The QAES chapters confirm how NCI works, our roles and responsibilities for quality as well as our governance systems and structures.

QAES Review

The QAES is under review at present and necessary updates to committee structures and academic policies and procedures will be completed during 2025/26 academic year.  

Chapters 2 and 3 are under Priority Review in the 2024/25 academic year.

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 1: Introduction

  • Context
  • NCI Principles of Quality Assurance & Enhancement
  • Responsibility for Quality Assurance
  • Governing Body Statement of Quality Service Standards
  • The Quality Assurance Handbook

Approved 2019

Chapter 2: Quality Assurance and Enhancement System

Chapter 2: Quality Assurance and Enhancement System

  • External Quality Assurance
  • Process for Updating Quality Assurance System
  • Corporate Governance
  • Standing Committees of NCI
  • Academic Governance
  • Key Roles Supporting Quality Assurance & Enhancement
  • Other Committee Structures
  • Role of Quality and Statistical Services Office
  • The Creation, Implementation and Maintenance of College Policies
  • Project Authorisation and Management Process
  • Service and Support Function Quality System

Approved 2019 - under Priority Review (2025)

Chapter 3: Programme Development, Validation and Evaluation

Chapter 3: Programme Development, Validation and Evaluation

  • Policy on Programme Development, Delivery & Evaluation
  • Policy & Procedures for the Development & Validation of Programmes Leading to QQI Higher Education Awards
  • Policy for the Development of Programmes Leading to QQI FE Awards
  • External Validation Process where the Arrangement of the Independent Evaluation Report has been Devolved
  • Guidelines on the Structure of Programmes and Modules
  • Policy and Procedures for the Design, Approval and Quality Management of Collaborative Provision & Transnational Education Programmes
  • Policy for tendering to third parties for development and/or delivery of educational services
  • Programme Review & Revalidation
  • Policy on Annual Programme and Module Change
  • Differential Validation
  • Off-Campus Provision
  • Policy on Accreditation
  • Policy on the Delivery of Professional Programmes
  • Policy on Non-Award Programmes

Approved 2019 - under Priority Review (2025)

Appendix: Procedures for Devolution of Responsibility for Arrangement of Independent Evaluation Report

  • Context
  • Validation Process
  • Disputes and Failure of the Validation Process
  • Fees & Expenses
  • Freedom of Information & Data Protection
  • Evolution of the Process

Approved 2021 - under Priority Review (2025)

Chapter 4: Assessment

Chapter 4: Assessment

  • Principles of Assessment
  • Security of the Assessment Process
  • Conduct of Assessment
  • Programme and Module Assessment Strategy & Structure
  • Policy on Assessment Submission
  • Management of Assessment Taken Under Examination Conditions
  • Special Circumstances Relating to Examinations and Assessment
  • Correction of Assessment
  • Results Approval Process
  • Communication of Results
  • Assessment Feedback
  • Stage Progression
  • Progression Eligibility
  • Marking Guidelines
  • Awards
  • Criteria for QQI Higher Education Awards
  • Grade Bands for Other Awarding Bodies
  • Repeat for Honours
  • Borderline Cases
  • Academic Impropriety
  • Assessment of Apprenticeships and Work-Based Learning
  • Blended Learning

Approved 2019

Chapter 5: Learning and Teaching Environment

Chapter 5: Learning and Teaching Environment

  • Learning and Teaching Strategy
  • Blended Learning
  • Work-Based Learning
  • Continuing Professional Development
  • Guidelines for Programme Delivery
  • Policy on Student Attendance and Engagement
  • Student Engagement and Quality Enhancement
  • Prevention and Resolution of Bullying and Harassment (Students)
  • Student Complaints Procedure
  • Disciplinary Policy & Procedures
  • Drugs and Alcohol Policy

Approved 2019

Chapter 6: Admission, Registration and Curriculum Policies

Chapter 6: Admission, Registration and Curriculum Policies

  • Admissions and Transfers
  • Recognition of Prior Learning
  • General Application Process
  • Deferred Entry
  • Admissions under Advanced Standing
  • Programme Transfer
  • Group Elective or Elective Transfer
  • Enrolment on Multiple Programmes
  • Withdrawals
  • Policy on Learner Attendance and Engagement
  • Policy on Learners with Criminal Charges and Convictions

Approved 2019

Chapter 7: Support Services for Learners

Chapter 7: Support Services for Learners

  • Learning & Disability Support Service
  • Learning Support Service
  • Medical Service
  • Counselling Service
  • Student Assistance Fund
  • Assistive Technology Support Service
  • Mathematics Development and Support Service
  • Computing Support Service
  • Library and Information Services
  • Career Development and Employability Centre
  • International Office
  • Student Experience
  • Recreation Service
  • Students' Union
  • Learner Representatives
  • Learner Feedback

Approved 2019

Chapter 8: Staff Recruitment and Development

Chapter 8: Staff Recruitment and Development

  • Recruitment Policy
  • Induction Programme
  • Promotion and Progression
  • Career and Employment Development Plan
  • Educational Assistance Policy
  • Leave for Conferences and External Training Events
  • Teaching Fellowship Scheme
  • President's Awards for Outstanding Contribution to the Mission of NCI

Approved 2019

Chapter 9: Information Governance and Compliance

Chapter 9: Information Governance and Compliance

  • Policy on Information Systems & Governance
  • Data
  • Training
  • Key Performance Indicators
  • Records Management Policy
  • Data Protection Policy
  • Personal Data Breach Handling

Approved 2019

Chapter 10: Public Information

Chapter 10: Public Information

  • Overarching Principles
  • Role of the Marketing Department in Development and Publication of Marketing Materials and Other Public Information
  • Role of Programme Directors and Vice Deans/Deans
  • Brand Guidelines
  • Programme Information
  • School Liaison
  • Photography and Videography
  • Public Relations & Events
  • Media and Social Media Policy for NCI Employees

Approved 2019

Chapter 11: Research

Chapter 11: Research

  • Context
  • Quality Assurance System for Research
  • Postgraduate Research Programmes
  • Code of Conduct for Researchers

Approved 2019

Chapter 12: Apprenticeship Programmes

Chapter 12: Apprenticeship Programmes

  • Quality Assurance Framework for Apprenticeships
  • Consortium Formation, Development and Expansion
  • Apprenticeship Partnerships
  • Programme Proposal, Development and Approval
  • Responsibilities for Managing Apprenticeship Programmes
  • Recruitment, Transfer & Progression
  • Learning & Teaching Environment
  • Assessment
  • Extending Operations to other Educational Providers

Approved 2020

Chapter 13: Technology Mediated Learning

Chapter 13: Technology Mediated Learning

  • Policy, Procedures and Guidelines for Programmes using Technology Mediated Learning
  • NCI's Standards for Blended Learning
  • Roles and Responsibilities
  • Validation of Blended Learning and Online Programmes
  • Learning and Teaching Strategies for Online Delivery
  • Assessment in Blended Learning & Online Programmes
  • Protocol for the Use of Remote Proctoring
  • Admission and Registration of Learners to Blended Learning & Online Programmes
  • Policy on Learning Resources and Delivery Mechanisms

Approved 2022