Frequently Asked Questions
When do EAB visits take place?
How many members of the visiting panel should I expect on an EAB visit?
How long after an EAB visit will I find out the Institutions’ decisions regarding accreditation?
How do I find the ECUK reference for my programmes, as required on the Initial Data Form?
How do I search for a particular programme on the ECUK Accredited Courses Database?
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How can I find out the detailed requirements and specifications that must be met for the accreditation of an undergraduate or postgraduate engineering degree to be awarded?
Under UK-SPEC, the decision to accredit a programme is made on the basis that it delivers a series of specified learning outcomes. The ECUK publication The Accreditation of HE Programmes gives details of the generic output standards for accredited programmes required by UK-SPEC. The EAB Submission for Accreditation (Form ACC2) shows all the information that is required on an accreditation visit. The Form’s Appendices A, B and C detail the various learning outcomes that must be met for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to be accredited.
I am interested in getting the programmes at my University accredited by more than one Professional Engineering Institution – what are my options for arranging the visit(s)?
You have three options. Firstly, you can apply for an EAB visit, which allows you to invite several Institutions on a joint visit. You have a single point of contact through the EAB secretariat and complete one set of submission documentation. For further information on EAB visits, click here. Secondly, you can contact the Institutions directly to request a joint visit. Normally one of the Institutions would take the lead in arranging such a visit. Or thirdly, you can contact the Institutions to arrange separate visits to look at your programmes. Contact details for the Institutions can be found here.
I am interested in applying for an EAB visit, but the accreditation of the various programmes at my University runs out at different times – how should I proceed?
You can still apply for an EAB visit, but you should contact the Institution(s) whose accreditation runs out before the planned visit to seek advice on the best way forward. It might be possible for the Institution(s) to extend accreditation for a short period (sometimes following a paper review) or for the Institution(s) to look at backdating the accreditation at a subsequent visit.
When do EAB visits take place?
Most EAB visits take place between October and May. Visits are normally two days in length and take place mid-week. Visits should be scheduled during term time because the visiting panel will need to meet with students on the programmes being looked at.
How many members of the visiting panel should I expect on an EAB visit?
Each Institution on an EAB visit will normally send two or three panel representatives and there will also be one or two staff members in attendance.
How long after an EAB visit will I find out the Institutions’ decisions regarding accreditation?
A visit report and action plan will be produced after the visit (normally within 6 weeks). You will be asked to check the factual accuracy of the visit report and complete the action plan (usually within 3 weeks). Your response will be sent to the Institutions for consideration by their committees. A final decision letter will be issued once all of the Institutions have made a decision on accreditation. Due to the varied times at which their committees meet, this could take several months. However, wherever possible, the EAB secretariat will provide informal feedback on any decisions made in the interim.
How do I find the ECUK reference for my programmes, as required on the Initial Data Form?
If the programme has previously been accredited (even if the accreditation has lapsed) then you can find the ECUK reference by searching the Accredited Courses Database. The ECUK reference is the 3 or 4 digit number given underneath the programme title. If the programme has not previously been accredited, then it should be described as ‘New’ on the Form.
How do I search for a particular programme on the ECUK Accredited Courses Database?
You can search the database at: http://www.engc.org.uk/registration/acad/search.aspx. Enter the programme title in the Keywords field. The system will automatically search for full time programmes in the UK so you may need to alter the Location and Type fields as appropriate. When you click Search, a list of all the universities with programmes that match your search criteria will be displayed. You can view the records (and find the ECUK reference) by clicking on the appropriate university name.