Your details will be circulated to institutions or academic units for them to consider IMA programme approval during their audits. The university will make their selection and will contact academics directly.

How many visits are likely?

1-2 visits per year.

How long would a visit take?

Typically, it should be completed in one day.

How much advance notice would I be given?

Most institutions plan their programme assessment at least one year ahead. During 2003 and 2004 shorter timescales may apply as CMath FIMA are requested to join already arranged assessments.

Is there remuneration for my time?

The IMA does not charge Mathematics Institutes for Programme Approval therefore no remuneration will be forthcoming from the IMA.

What expenses are payable?

The IMA has asked the institutions to pay the expenses of the external academics. This should be clarified between the CMath FIMA and the institutions before the request is accepted.

What is expected on these visits?

The IMA representative will check that the IMA requirements for Programme Approval are met; in particular, it is important to identify whether certain combinations of optional modules result in the criteria not being satisfied.

How do I approve joint-degree programmes?

When approving a joint-degree programme, i.e. Mathematics and ., you must decide whether or not the second subject has enough mathematical content to take the overall mathematical content of the degree programme to the required 66%.

How would I go about doing that if it is not easy to tell?

Whilst at the university, we recommend that you use the programme specification and recommended texts for that degree programme to make your decision.

What documentation does the IMA expect?

Assessment forms (one per course) will be issued for auditors' formal recommendations. The completed documentation should then be returned to the IMA for consideration at the next HEdSA (Higher Education Department Services Area) meeting.

Is there any training available?

There is no formal IMA training but guidelines will be issued and posted on the IMA web site.

What if I need advice?

Two committee members of HEdSA have agreed to act as mentors for the external academics. Should you need advice about anything related to Programme Approval, please contact Vanessa Thorogood, Education Officer, who will then pass your query on and ask them to reply.

Would each CMath FIMA sit as a full member of the panel, invited by the university concerned, or as an additional observer on behalf of the IMA?

Both are possible and acceptable. The University will choose between these options.

My expertise is outside the Mathematics department, would my name still be added to the list of academics?

Where CMath FIMA expertise is no longer primarily mathematics, then the published list will highlight the declared specialism.