Appendix 4: Twinning arrangements – additional requirements

For twinning arrangements, assessment of the program will focus on the following factors:

• approval
• equivalence of curriculum
• quality of instruction
• reliability of assessment
• adequate and accessible facilities.

Approval

• Approval of each program by the higher education provider's academic board (or equivalent body)
• Approval by the relevant government authorities (if required)

Equivalence of curriculum

• Advanced standing provisions that are aligned with the AQF Qualification Pathways Policy or equivalent NZQF policy
• Identical programs and teaching materials to those of the award granting higher education provider's program, including minimum duration of program and equivalent teaching hours

Quality of instruction

• Well-qualified local lecturing and tutorial staff with at least a recognised bachelor's degree in a field relevant to their teaching responsibilities
• Adequate and timely feedback to students on defined tasks
• Sufficient, appropriate and ongoing contributions by academic staff from the award granting higher education provider
• Demonstrated evidence of learning outcomes

Reliability of assessment

• Identical (or equivalent) exams and assignments are set by the award-granting higher education provider and its staff
• Control over assessment procedures (e.g. stringent security for exam papers) are monitored by the award-granting higher education provider
• A sample of all assessments marked by local staff are moderated by staff from the award-granting higher education provider

Adequate and accessible facilities

• Adequate teaching and staff facilities (classrooms and staff accommodation)
• Adequate library facilities, including relevant journal holdings, either onsite or online (e.g. via the award-granting higher education provider)
• Adequate learning resources, including access to computer facilities to support the program
• If a program is delivered totally offshore, flexible learning support material must be provided (including adequate reading and reference material)
• Online support from academic staff from the award granting higher education provider's academic staff must also be available to local academic staff and students
• Where a twinning arrangement is in a remote location that the Professional Bodies are unlikely to visit, the onus is on the primary provider to present sufficient documentation to confirm they've visited the partner's delivery site and are comfortable that the level of resources, facilities and staffing arrangements meet the professional accreditation standards.