Programme Director Toolkit

This page is intended to outline the principal areas of responsibility of Programme Directors and to signpost the resources and support available in carrying out this role.

Whilst this page should be viewed as a model for best practice, it is understood that the organisation of particular activities is often devolved within each School to other designated members of staff.

Role of the Programme Director

The role of a Programme Director in the Faculty of Humanities is to be responsible for the overall delivery and development of a programme, in line with the policies and strategic values of the University. As a representative of the programme, the Programme Director will act as a key contact for students and student representatives, also working closely with staff to continually enhance the programme and ensure the provision of excellent experiences for students.

For further detail on the role of the Programme Director, please see the Programme Director Role Description.

Key Events and Activities

As part of the role in supporting programmes, Programme Directors may be involved in various events activities throughout the academic year. An overview of activities to expect for programme support roles is available here:

Academic Timeline for Programme Support Roles

The Programme Director will also chair the Programme Committee and attend any relevant Teaching and Learning Committees and subgroups.

See the below web page links for further information on some of the academic events and activities Programme Directors are involved in:  

• Guidance on Examination Boards | Teaching and Learning Delivery | StaffNet | The University of Manchester
• Graduation at The University of Manchester
• Open days at The University of Manchester

Supporting Programme Directors

Whilst key contacts will vary across Schools, Programme Directors may wish to seek information, support and guidance and collaborate with a range of staff in order to carry out their role, including:

• School Teaching and Learning Manager
• School Teaching and Learning Officer (Curriculum and Programmes) – for information and guidance on programme developments, programme structures, course unit selection, timetabling etc.
• School Assessment and Progression team – for information and guidance on assessment, marking, moderation, exam boards, external examiners, appeals and misconduct.
• School Information, Advice and Guidance team – for general advising and communications with students, and involvement in induction, academic advising, employability and other events.
• School Support and Welfare team – for initial wellbeing support for students, mitigating circumstances, attendance and engagement and student support hubs.
• Students’ Union
• School TLSE Coordinator for Data Quality and Student Records

There are also a range of resources and links on teaching and support provided by the Faculty Teaching and Learning Office:

Teaching and support | Faculty of Humanities | StaffNet | The University of Manchester

Further resources

The following provides links to regulatory framework, policies and additional information which Programme Directors may find useful in their role:

• The regulatory framework for higher education in England - Office for Students
• About the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) - Office for Students
• University Teaching and Learning Support Office (TLSO)
• University eLearning strategy
• Policy and guidance | Teaching and Learning Delivery | StaffNet | The University of Manchester
• Policy on Advising Taught Students (The University of Manchester)
• Interruptions to taught programmes | Teaching and Learning Delivery | StaffNet | The University of Manchester
• Academic malpractice | Teaching and Learning Delivery | StaffNet | The University of Manchester
• CMA | Teaching and Learning Delivery | StaffNet | The University of Manchester