§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what control is exercised by the Department of Education over the provision of advanced courses in the university and non-university sectors; and if he contemplates any changes in this regard;
(2) what is the current course approval system in operation in regard to the Ulster Polytechnic;
(3) if he will publish guidelines setting out the extent to which the Ulster Polytechnic is subject to his directions in regard to funding, course provision and academic standards, including entry requirements.
§ Mr. ScottDecisions on course provision in universities is a matter for the university authorities.
The Ulster Polytechnic has to seek specific Department of Education for Northern Ireland approval to the 198W introduction of courses requiring validation by the Council for National Academic Awards, the Technician Education Council or the Business Education Council.
Some advanced courses are provided in institutions of further education, but these must receive Department of Education approval.
When considering whether to approve a particular course, the Department assesses the need for the course, the resource implications and whether or not the provision would cause wasteful duplication. These arrangements will be reviewed as proposed in the Government's statement on the future structure of higher education in Northern Ireland published in March 1982.
The statutory responsibilities of the authorities of the Ulster Polytechnic and of the Department of Education for funding and course provision are set out in the Ulster College Act (Northern Ireland) 1968 and in the Ulster Polytechnic Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1978—SR and 0 1978, No. 279.