Stage 1
Need Identification
Research:
- Professional needs
- Industry developments
- Skills requirements
- Learner demand
- Employer expectations
- Existing provision
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Our Development Philosophy
Designed with Purpose. Built Around Outcomes.
Qualification development begins by establishing why a qualification should exist, who it is intended for and what successful learners should know, understand and be able to do.
- Purpose Driven
- Outcome Focused
- Evidence Informed
- Quality Assured
Development Process
The Qualification Development Journey
Twelve defined stages take every qualification from professional need to monitored delivery — each with clear inputs, decisions and outputs.
Stage 2
Qualification Proposal
Define:
- Qualification title
- Purpose
- Target learners
- Professional field
- Proposed level
- Credit size
- Progression opportunities
Stage 3
Subject Research & Consultation
Input may come from:
- Subject specialists
- Academics
- Industry professionals
- Employers
- Trainers
- Assessors
- Quality specialists
iConsultation is undertaken as appropriate for each qualification.
Stage 4
Qualification Design
Develop:
- Units / modules
- Credits
- TQT / GLH
- Learning outcomes
- Content expectations
- Assessment requirements
Stage 5
Level & Credit Review
Confirm that:
ComplexityLevel
Learning VolumeCredits / TQT
are appropriately aligned.
Stage 6
Assessment Strategy
Determine appropriate methods:
- Assignments
- Case studies
- Projects
- Presentations
- Practical assessments
- Portfolios
- Knowledge assessments
- Research projects
- Examinations
iMethods are selected based on the nature and level of the qualification.
Stage 7
Academic & Technical Review
Review:
- Academic standard
- Professional relevance
- Level appropriateness
- Learning outcomes
- Assessment validity
- Credit allocation
- Accessibility
- Consistency
Stage 8
Approval
- Qualification Development Team
- Technical / Subject Review
- Academic Standards Review
- Academic Council / Authorised Approval
- Approved for Publication
Stage 9
Qualification Specification
Once approved, a controlled specification is published containing:
- Qualification title / code
- Purpose
- Level
- Credits
- TQT / GLH
- Entry requirements
- Units
- Learning outcomes
- Assessment requirements
- Grading / achievement requirements
- QA requirements
- Centre requirements
- Certification information
Stage 10
Centre Approval & Delivery
Approved Centres receive the requirements necessary to deliver the qualification.
- Ashbourne Specification
- Approved Centre
- Trainer
- Learner
- Learner Evidence
- Assessment
- IQA
- EQA / External Oversight
- Awarding Decision
- Certification
Stage 11
Assessment & Quality Assurance
A rigorous process ensures assessments are valid, reliable, fair and consistent.
Valid
Reliable
Fair
Consistent
Internal quality assurance (IQA) and external quality assurance (EQA) oversee every assessment cycle.
Stage 12
Monitoring & Periodic Review
Qualifications Should Evolve
We continuously review our qualifications to ensure they remain relevant, rigorous and fit for purpose.
Evidence Reviewed
- Centre feedback
- Learner performance
- Assessment findings
- IQA / EQA findings
- Professional developments
- Stakeholder feedback
- Complaints / appeals trends
- Academic standards data
Possible Outcomes
- Continue
- Update
- Major Review
- Replace
- Withdraw
iReview cycles are supported by data and evidence to maintain quality and relevance.
One Continuous Process
Qualification Lifecycle
Every stage connects to the next, and the final review flows back into new research — so qualifications never stand still.
- 1
Research
Identify professional needs and opportunities
- 2
Design
Plan the qualification structure
- 3
Review
Consult, validate and refine the design
- 4
Approve
Gain approval through our formal governance
- 5
Publish
Publish the qualification specification
- 6
Deliver
Centres deliver with quality and fidelity to specification
- 7
Assess
Learners are assessed against requirements
- 8
Quality Assure
IQA and EQA ensure quality and standards
- 9
Award
Awarding decisions are made and recorded
- 10
Monitor
Monitor performance, feedback and outcomes
- 11
Review
Review and enhance to keep qualifications fit for the future
- 12
Monitoring & Periodic Review
Stage 12 feeds monitoring insight back into Stage 1 — the framework is reviewed and the lifecycle begins again.
- The Cycle Continues
Step 12 flows back into Step 1 — monitoring and review feed new research, keeping every qualification current.
Quality by Design — From Concept to Certification
A structured approach. Clear decisions. Trusted outcomes.