Institutional Review of Setanta College – November 2012 Terms of Reference

HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING AWARDS COUNCIL,

Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna, Éire

Institutional Review of Providers of Higher Education and Training

TERMS OF REFERENCE Setanta College SET www.hetac.ie

Page 1 of 10 Institutional Review of Setanta College – November 2012 Terms of Reference

Higher Education and Training Awards Council TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW OF Setanta College in November 2012 STATUS: SET Section 1. Purpose The purpose of this document is to specify the Terms of Reference for the Institutional Review of Setanta College in November 2012. The HETAC Institutional Review policy applies to all Colleges providing HETAC accredited programmes, or programmes accredited under Delegated Authority. These Terms of Reference are set within the overarching policy for Institutional Review as approved in December 2007 and should be read in conjunction with same. These Terms of Reference do not replace or supersede the agreed policy for Institutional Review. The Terms of Reference once set may not be amended and any significant revision required to the Terms of Reference will result in a new Terms of Reference to be set by HETAC following consultation with the College. These Terms of Reference should be read in conjunction with the supplementary guidelines for Institutional Review.

The objectives of the Institutional Review process are 1. To enhance public confidence in the quality of education and training provided by the College and the standards of the awards made; 2. To contribute to coherent strategic planning and governance in the College; 3. To assess the effectiveness of the Quality Assurance arrangements operated by the College; 4. To confirm the extent that the College has implemented the National Framework of Qualifications and procedures for Access, Transfer and Progression; 5. To evaluate the operation and management of Delegated Authority where it has been granted; 6. To provide recommendations for the enhancement of the education and training provided by the College.

It is possible that, within the objectives outlined above, Colleges may have specific sub-objectives to which they will attach particular importance and wish to emphasise in their TOR. To maximise the benefits of the review process, Colleges may also consider including additional objectives relevant to its context.

The approach taken by HETAC to Institutional Review will: • Acknowledge that Colleges have ownership of and responsibility for their activity; • Be conducted in a spirit of partnership with Colleges, with a view to improvement and enhancement, whilst acknowledging statutory requirements for accountability; • Be conducted in a manner which adds value to the College, minimises overhead and assists in building Institutional capacity; • Be flexible, adaptable and scalable in order to meet the needs of diverse Colleges; • Be conducted in an open, consistent and transparent manner; • Be evidence-based in accordance with established criteria; • Promote learning and development for all involved; • Reward innovation and experimentation when it seeks to enhance our understanding of good practice; • Promote collaboration and sharing of good practice between Colleges; • Take cognisance of international best practice and contribute to European and international developments in this area.

Page 2 of 10 Institutional Review of Setanta College – November 2012 Terms of Reference Section 2. College Profile

Setanta College Ltd is a private ‘for-profit’ college which provides a range of programmes in Strength and Conditioning Sports Coaching Education at Levels 6 to 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). All programmes have a practical emphasis. As a private college it is reliant on programme fees to finance its day-to-day requirements. Currently, Setanta College does not receive any state funding.

The College is operating from two locations. The Management/Accounts office is located at Ballycahan, Kilcock, Co. Kildare. The College opened an Academic Office in , Co. Tipperary during May 2011. The Thurles office was opened to facilitate the launch of the new Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Sports Strength and Conditioning (full-time), a programme run by Institute of Technology (LIT) in partnership with Setanta College. This new BSc was launched by LIT with 30 students in September 2011 at the LIT Thurles Campus. This is an LIT degree awarded by LIT; Setanta College provides lecturers to deliver the Setanta-owned content at the LIT Thurles Campus.

According to the College, it is the only current provider of Sports Strength and Conditioning educational programmes to degree level in Ireland as the programme was the only Sports Strength and Conditioning programme available on the 2011 CAO application form1. Prior to its inception in 2007, the programmes now available through Setanta College were not available to sports coaches in Ireland. To date, over 250 students have completed or are in the process of completing their studies with Setanta College. The College has a close working relationship (education partners) with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), the International Rugby Board (IRB), the Irish Rugby Union Players Association (IRUPA) and the Gaelic Players Association (GPA). The College also has a close working relationship with the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), through their County Boards.

Programmes offered at Setanta College

Students can choose from an introductory online 4 week programme through a range of programmes up to degree level. The College caters for coaches who may be out of the coaching education system or are new to it. The College also caters for the on-going education of coaches up to and including degree level in strength and conditioning.

HETAC Programmes • HETAC Level 6 Special Purpose Award in Resistance Training and Weight Training for Sports- SL702 (30 credits) (3 Modules, each 12 weeks in length) • HETAC Level 6 Special Purpose Award in Physical Fitness and Conditioning - SL704 (60 credits) (6 Modules, each 12 weeks in length) • HETAC Level 6 Higher Certificate in Arts in Strength and Conditioning – SL020 (120 credits) (12 Modules, each 12 weeks in length) • HETAC Level 7 Bachelor of Arts in Strength and Conditioning – SL20 (180 credits) (18 Modules, each 12 weeks in length)

1 The higher education institutions in the Republic of Ireland delegated to the Central Applications Office (CAO) the task of processing centrally applications to their first year undergraduate courses. Students complete an application form detailing their choices of programmes.

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Non-HETAC Programmes include: • Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) Certified Conditioning Coaching Programme (26 weeks continuous learning). Following the completion of this programme IRFU affiliated coaches may select from the suite of Level 6 programmes offered by Setanta College (mainly SL702 or SL704). Progression to the Level 6 Higher Certificate and subsequent Level 7 Bachelor of Arts programme is also available. • Discussions are on-going with Enterprise Ireland2 on the international roll-out of the current suite of Sports Strength and Conditioning programmes. • International Rugby Board (IRB) Level 1 Strength and Conditioning (4 weeks). • Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) Teaching Games in the Primary School, Setanta Certificate (20 hours).

Setanta College describes Strength and Conditioning (S&C) as conditioning the individual, athlete or player to be in a position to participate regularly and efficiently at the level required by the demands of his or her sport or activity. According to the College, there is no recognised qualification for training teams and athletes in any given sport in the increasingly popular area of fitness, strength and conditioning. Setanta College recognises this deficiency. While the College provides a suite of Level 6 and Level 7 programmes to fill this deficiency, introductory courses, not yet validated by HETAC, are being developed for coaches from a variety of sports as a first entry point to continued professional development within Sports S&C. The business model behind this programme is to introduce Sports S&C at a basic level and demonstrate the need and potential for further study. The College can then provide an educational road map specific to the practising coach or would-be coach (see Appendix 1 for the progression routes/road map). Setanta College aims to develop this business model further with different sporting bodies through collaboration with Coaching Ireland3. Coaching Ireland has a national role in the development of technical coaching competencies on an all-island basis, highlighting the importance of coaching the sports skills of any given sport.

Preliminary meetings regarding the provision of Sports S&C courses have taken place (January 2012) with Coaching Ireland and also directly with sporting organisations.

According to the College, it has established a reputation as a leading provider of S&C education in Ireland in the last 4 years. Strength and Conditioning coaching is Setanta College’s main business, however the College also designs programmes for non-sporting groups as requested. These programmes may vary slightly from the Sports S&C theme, for example, the programme in “Teaching games in the Primary School” for the INTO (Irish National Teachers' Organisation) in 2011. Setanta College successfully delivered 2 online programmes for the INTO, as part of its summer programme in 2011:

• INTO Teaching Games in the Primary School, 20 hours, Setanta Certificate. • INTO Physical Activity and Movement Skill Development for the Primary School Pupil, 20 hours, Setanta Certificate.

2 Enterprise Ireland is the government organisation responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets. 3 Coaching Ireland does not offer Sports S&C courses to coaches. It focuses mainly on providing technical coaching support to sporting associations. The main objectives are to: raise the standard, status and profile of coaching in Ireland to provide performers and participants with the best quality coaching through their involvement in sport; lead the development of coaching in Ireland through the implementation of a quality coach and tutor education and support programme; and work in partnership with national governing bodies (NGBs) and the wider sporting sector on an all-island basis. Page 4 of 10 Institutional Review of Setanta College – November 2012 Terms of Reference

It is the College’s intention to further develop this area in 2012. These INTO programmes consist of 20 hours study. This programme exclusively targets physical education (PE) and physical activity of the child within the primary school.

Setanta College provide short programmes specific to its customers needs and has provided the International Rugby Board (IRB) with their Level 1 S&C • IRB/IRFU Strength and Conditioning Level 1 (4 weeks study) [currently not validated by HETAC]. This is an IRB/Setanta Certificate.

This programme is available in over 100 countries, is currently available in 2 languages (English and Spanish) and over the coming years will be available in 9 languages. The programme is aimed at the affiliated rugby union coach who wishes to include S&C in their coaching portfolio. The College is currently in negotiations with the IRB to provide further Sports S&C programmes.

The College is also an education partner to the IRFU in delivering a Level 2 IRFU Certified Conditioning Coaching Programme. This programme will be reviewed with the IRFU in 2012. The study programme currently takes 26 weeks to complete and is aimed at the affiliated rugby union coach in Ireland. The programme has been delivered by Setanta College for the IRFU since 2007.

None of the above programmes have been formally accredited. It is the College’s intention to seek formal recognition for these and future programmes through HETAC/QQAI in the near future.

Accredited programmes provided by Setanta College directly are currently delivered at Level 6 and 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications; it is the College’s intention to expand this to Level 8 and Level 9.

Collaborative arrangements

As previously mentioned, Setanta College, in partnership with Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT), deliver the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Sports Strength and Conditioning at the LIT campus in Thurles. This is an LIT-accredited programme, however, Setanta College provides the lecturers to deliver the relevant Setanta College modular content. The Sports S&C element of the programme is delivered by Setanta College and accounts for approximately 60% of the total programme learning outcomes. LIT deliver the Business and Information Technology section (40% of the total programme learning outcomes). Setanta College is paid a licence fee for the use of this material by LIT. This is a full-time programme and students access the programme through the CAO process.

Programme delivery

The College’s short non-HETAC programmes are delivered mainly online. Assessment is through multiple choice questionnaires (MCQs) based on the lectures completed. Some further programmes include direct practical workshop delivery.

The HETAC accredited programmes run by the College are modular based and use the blended learning method of delivery. Students read lectures online every week and attend 2 workshops per 12 week module. These workshops are delivered in the LIT Thurles Campus and also in Maynooth, Co. Kildare. The workshops address key practical elements of the programmes. Each workshop lasts 8 hours. There is an assignment after 6 weeks study and a final project at the end of the module, in addition to bi-weekly multiple choice assessments. All of the above contribute to the overall results for each module.

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Through these learning methods, the College says it delivers modern and relevant content, techniques and developments in relation to fitness, strength and conditioning, coaching and management of teams and individuals in the area of sport. Setanta College tutors include many expert coaches who have been involved with athletes, players and teams across a wide range of sports. Setanta College is proud to have such expert coaches from both Ireland and abroad serving as tutors.

Student profile

The HETAC accredited programmes are completed by students from many different sporting backgrounds. The September 2011 student group included participants from the following sporting backgrounds: professional rugby players, coaches from the IRFU, GPA members, race walkers, Gaelic team managers, personal trainers and gym instructors.

In February 2012, the total number of students on HETAC validated programmes was 161, the breakdown is provided below:

Programme Number of Male Female students Bachelor of Arts in Strength and Conditioning 79 76 3 Higher Certificate in Arts in Strength and Conditioning 11 11 0 Special Purpose Award in Physical Fitness and Conditioning 63 61 2 Special Purpose Award in Resistance Training and Weight 8 6 2 Training for Sports Total 161 154 7

The Setanta College student cohort comes from sport club level right up to professional and elite sport level in a variety of sports codes and can also include:

• Athletes and players who have a keen interest in coaching, strength and conditioning. • Mature students with sports coaching certification. • Adults who have practical experience in sports coaching but who do not have valid university recognition and who have a sports association certification. • Adults who have progressed through sport association programmes and who wish to advance their qualifications in strength and conditioning.

REF 1: Table on progression route for students attached (Road Map- Appendix 1)

Staff Profile

Currently Setanta College has two directors; Dr. Liam Hennessy and Ms. Mary Hogan. Mr. Jim Kilty resigned from his position as a Director of Setanta College in July 2010 and no longer has any involvement with the College. Setanta College also employs 12 part-time content-expert tutors to deliver programmes and modules on behalf of the College.

• Dr. Liam Hennessy is also Director of programmes with the College. • Mr. Joe Gorey is Chief Executive Officer (CEO). • Mr. Keith Hennessy is a full-time Tutor delivering the LIT degree in Thurles. • Mr. Thomas Callanan is Head of Administration. • Ms. Mary Sweeney is Student Officer and also manages the student fees/payments. Page 6 of 10 Institutional Review of Setanta College – November 2012 Terms of Reference

• Mr. Jim Ryan is the College’s management accountant and works on a part-time basis. • Mr Mark O Leary manages the College’s Information Technology needs.

Setanta College aims to hire two additional full-time lecturers in July 2012 and one full-time office administrator in August 2012. In 2013/2014 the College will require at least two more full-time lecturers per year (four in total) and it is expected that by 2014 the part-time lecturer numbers will reach 18.

Quality Assurance

Setanta College’s Quality Assurance document was submitted to HETAC in late 2006. This was prior to the inception of its Physical Fitness and Conditioning for Sport (PFCS) and Resistance Training and Weight Training for Sport (RTWTS) programmes which commenced in May 2007.

Currently, the College is revising its Quality Assurance document to include the newly accredited Bachelor of Arts in Strength and Conditioning, Higher Certificate in Arts in Strength and Conditioning and Special Purpose Award in Physical Fitness and Conditioning.

Section 3. College’s Team

• Dr. Liam Hennessy (Thurles), Director of Programmes, [email protected] (0504) 26723 • Mr. Joe Gorey (Kilcock), CEO, [email protected] (01) 6757007 • Mr. Thomas Callanan (Thurles), Administrator/Registrar, [email protected] (0504) 26723 • Mrs. Mary Sweeney (Kilcock), Student Officer, [email protected] (01) 6757007 • Mr. Keith Hennessy ( Thurles), Tutor (LIT), [email protected] • Mr. Jim Ryan (Kilcock), Accounts Manager, [email protected] (01) 6757007

Section 4. HETAC objectives for Institutional Review

There are six prescribed objectives for Institutional Review as outlined below. Colleges may wish to highlight any areas of specific importance to the Institution within each of the objectives.

Objective 1: To enhance public confidence in the quality of education and training provided by the College and the standards of the awards made This objective is to enhance public confidence in the quality of education and training provided by the College and the standards of the awards made. This is an overarching objective which covers all

Page 7 of 10 Institutional Review of Setanta College – November 2012 Terms of Reference areas of the College’s activity. The quality of the Institutional Review process itself is a critical part of this as is the internal self study, the publication of the Self Evaluation Report and Panel Report. The information provided by the College to the public falls within this objective.

Special considerations for Setanta College None

Objective 2: To contribute to coherent strategic planning and governance in the College This objective is to contribute to coherent strategic planning and governance in the College. The review may address the coherence of institutional mission, vision and values and overall institutional strategic planning. For recognised Institutions with Delegated Authority this objective also includes the Operation and Management criterion of the review of Delegated Authority (governance, management, administration, planning and evaluation) and the Objects of the Qualifications Act criterion relating to national contributions etc.

Special considerations for Setanta College None

Objective 3: To assess the effectiveness of the Quality Assurance arrangements operated by the College This objective is to assess the effectiveness of the Quality Assurance arrangements operated by the College. This will be based on Part One of the European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance. By including this in the Institutional Review process the statutory requirement for review of QA is met. How the College manages its QA for the “seven elements” of Part One of the European Standards and Guidelines should be explicitly addressed by the review process including: Policy and Procedures for Quality Assurance; Approval, Monitoring and Periodic Review of Programmes and Awards; Assessment of Students; Quality Assurance of Teaching Staff; Learning Resources and Support; Information Systems; Public Information.

Special considerations for Setanta College The Institutional Review should consider the quality assurance arrangements in place for all of the locations used for programme delivery. The Institutional Review should examine the system of blended learning in place in the College.

Objective 4: To confirm the extent that the College has implemented the National Framework of Qualifications and procedures for Access, Transfer and Progression This objective is to confirm the extent that the College has implemented the National Framework of Qualifications and procedures for Access, Transfer and Progression. The National Qualifications Authority has produced guidelines in relation to this. For example, this includes issues such as credit, transfer and progression routes between levels and award types, entry arrangements and information provision. As part of this objective, HEA-funded institutions should be mindful of the goals of the HEA’s National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education (2008-2013) and pay particular attention to the objectives relevant to Higher Education institutions.

Special considerations for Setanta College None

Objective 5: To evaluate the operation and management of Delegated Authority where it has been granted [Not Applicable]

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Objective 6: To provide recommendations for the enhancement of the education and training provided by the College This objective is to provide recommendations for the enhancement of the education and training provided by the College. This will include both the recommendations arising from the external peer review process and recommendations arising from the internal self study process.

Special considerations for Setanta College None

Section 5. College-specific objectives

In addition to the prescribed HETAC objectives and the special considerations noted in relation to them, there is an option to include additional objectives to maximise the benefits of the review process.

There are no special objectives for Setanta College

Page 9 of 10 Institutional Review of Setanta College – November 2012 Terms of Reference Section 6. Schedule for Setanta College

As outlined in the Institutional Review policy, the process consists of six phases 1. HETAC sets the Terms of Reference following consultation with College; 2. Self-study by the College; 3. Visit by expert panel appointed by HETAC and written panel report; 4. College response including implementation plan; 5. Panel report and response published; 6. Follow-up report submitted by the College. The major milestones in the timeframe for the Institutional Review of Setanta College are outlined below. This should be read in conjunction with the supplementary guidelines for Institutional Review.

Relative Actual Milestone timeframe Date At least 6 months June 2011 College indicates timeframe for Institutional Review as per before panel visit overall HETAC schedule of reviews

Approx. 6 months June 2012 Terms of Reference set following consultation with College before panel visit and post on HETAC website 3 to 6 months before May- College undertakes self study process and produces self panel visit August evaluation report 2012 Approx. 10 weeks 27 August Submission of Self Evaluation Report (SER) and other before site visit 2012 supporting documentation

1 week following 3 HETAC Desk based review of SER and feedback to College receipt of SER September 2012 Approx. 3 weeks To be set Advance Meeting between Chair, Secretary and College before site visit Panel Visit 12-14 Site visit by external peer review panel November (2-3 days approximately as determined by TOR) 2012 Preliminary (oral) feedback on findings

Approx. 12 weeks 25 February Draft report on findings of panel sent by HETAC to College after site visit 2013* for factual accuracy 4 days following this 1 March Final report on findings of panel sent by HETAC to College 2013 6 weeks following 22 April Response by College to HETAC including plan with receipt of final report 2013* timeframe for implementation of any changes

Next available May 2013 Consideration of report and College response by HETAC HETAC Academic (date not Academic Committee Committee meeting yet set) Publication of report, response and SER on website once adopted 12 months after May 2014 Follow up report by College to HETAC on implementation adoption of recommendations

* The setting of dates takes into account the Christmas and Easter breaks

Page 10 of 10 Appendix 1

Setanta College proposed Educational road map for National Governing Bodies (NGBs)

Stage 1* Stage 2* Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6 AWARD Level 1 Level 2 (10 Credits) RTWTS minor award (30 Credits) PFCS Certificate Level 6 (60 Credits) Higher Certificate Level 6 ( 120 Credits) BA in Strength & Conditioning Level 7 ( 180 Credits) 1 Workshop day? 1 week of work shops Function Screening Fitness and Conditioning Anatomy & Physiology Sports Nutrition Sport Specific Resistance Training Speed Development Growth movement & development Sports Psychology 4 weeks on line IAWLA Level1 Weight lifting. Endurance Development LTPAD Medical conditions & Sports injuries study 8 weeks online study Coaching Skills Sports specific studies + Coaching Philosophy, Methods & Ethics Coaching technology NGB Level 1 must be completed Fitness testing Programme management Exemption for 1 module completed Exemptions for 3 modules completed Exemptions for 6 modules completed for Exemptions for 12 modules completed 30 credits for Stage 2, 3, Stage 2,3,4 Stage 2,3,4,5 Duration of level 4 weeks 12 weeks 36 weeks 36 weeks 18 months 18 months Hetac Credits 30 credits 30 credits 60 credits 60 credits 9 months 9 months 18 months 18 months European (EQF) Level Level Level 5 Level 5 Level 5 Level 6 UK ( NQF) Level Level Level 4 Level 4/5 Level 4/5 Level 5 Ireland (NFQ) FETAC Level 5 ?????FETAC Level 6 ???????? HETAC Level 6 HETAC Level 6 HETAC Level 6 HETAC Level 7 Minor award HETAC Certificate Level 6 HETAC Higher Certificate Level 6BA in Strength & Conditioning Level 7

Minor award 9 months

Certificate completed in 18 months

Higher Certificate completed in 3 years

Bachelor of Arts completed in 4.5 years

* These levels can be tailored to suit the needs of the individual NGB