IAQC Approval Model for Academic Programmes
A structured, membership-based review pathway used by IAF committees and overseen by the International Automotive Quality Council (IAQC) to assess academic programme and curriculum alignment with agreed learning outcomes, delivery capability, and continuous improvement practices.
What the IAQC approval model is
The IAQC approval model is IAF’s internal framework for evaluating academic programmes submitted by member institutions under the Academic Programmes & Curriculum Approval service area. It provides a consistent way to review programme intent, curriculum structure, assessment methods, and evidence of delivery capability.
The model supports transparent decision-making by defining common review stages, required documentation, and committee responsibilities. Any recognition is available only after membership and is issued following committee review with IAQC oversight.
Core elements of the review pathway
The approval model is designed to be evidence-based and repeatable across different programme types, while allowing committees to consider context such as delivery mode, facilities, and industry engagement.
Defined scope and submission requirements
Establishes what is being reviewed (programme, pathway, or curriculum unit) and the minimum evidence set, such as module descriptors, learning outcomes mapping, assessment strategy, and delivery resources.
Documented evaluation criteria
Uses committee-agreed criteria to review alignment between intended outcomes, curriculum content, assessment methods, and evidence that students can achieve the stated competencies.
Findings, actions, and decision records
Captures review outcomes in a traceable format, including observations, required actions (where applicable), and the basis for committee recommendations under IAQC oversight.
Continuous improvement and re-review triggers
Supports periodic updates by defining when re-review may be requested, such as material curriculum changes, delivery model changes, or updated competency expectations agreed by the relevant committee.
How members typically use the model
Member institutions generally use the model to prepare a structured submission package and to identify evidence gaps before committee review. This may include curriculum mapping to learning outcomes, assessment moderation approaches, staffing profiles, facilities and labs, and mechanisms for industry input.
The model also supports internal quality planning by clarifying what committees look for during review and how follow-up actions are documented. IAF does not act as a regulator; outcomes reflect membership-based recognition following committee review and IAQC oversight.
Governance and oversight within IAF
Reviews are conducted through relevant IAF committees using documented criteria and recorded decisions. The IAQC provides oversight to support consistency, integrity of the process, and appropriate handling of recommendations and any conditions for recognition, which are available only to members.
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