ACADEMIC Programme Accreditation
Accreditation of education programmes is a mark of assurance that the programmes meet the standards set by the relevant profession. The Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) is licensed by the Engineering Council to accredit programmes of learning within the set requirements of AHEP4, whilst applying its own stipulations appropriate for the naval sector. The accreditation process specifically assesses whether educational programmes provide some, or all, of the underpinning knowledge and understanding for eventual professional registration as either Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Incorporated Engineer (IEng).
Once a programme is accredited, it usually retains accreditation for up to five years.
Benefits of having academic programmes accredited by RINA
Accredited programmes offer significant advantages for individuals, institutions, employers, and society. For individuals, accreditation provides international recognition and assurance that their degree meets the standards expected by the engineering profession. It supports informed decision-making when choosing a course and can offer a competitive edge in the job market, as many employers prefer or require graduation from an accredited programme. Additionally, it facilitates the path to professional registration, such as IEng or CEng.
Higher Education Institutions benefit from a structured, developmental accreditation process that helps them assess and improve programme quality. Accreditation enhances the global appeal of programmes, making them more attractive to prospective students and improving graduate employability, which can positively influence institutional rankings. Accreditation also assures employers that graduates possess the underpinning knowledge and understanding required by the industry, with professionally registered graduates providing a competitive advantage by demonstrating credibility and competence to clients and regulators.
Stages of the accreditation process
The overarching process for seeking accreditation of naval architecture degree courses, delivered both in the UK as well as overseas is as follows:
Stage 1 – Initial Submission
When an institution feels it is ready to proceed with its application for accreditation, it must first submit an Initial Submission Form (ACC1). This captures all required information for RINA to assess the type of accreditation being sought, the extent and level of programmes being submitted and the type of institution making the submission.
Once RINA is satisfied that the programme is likely to meet the fundamental accreditation requirements, an accreditation team will be appointed and a visit to the HEI will be arranged. If a second PEI is involved, a mutually convenient date will be set, along with an agreement on which institution will act as the lead accreditor.
Stage 2 – Main Submission
Once a date for the visit is confirmed, the HEI will start preparing its main submission for review. This will consist of completion of the Full Submission Form (ACC2), as well as all required appendices (ACC2/A – D), and collation of all supporting documentation.
This will need to be uploaded to a mutually accessible file share platform at least 12 weeks prior to the visit taking place.
Stage 3 – Visit
Visits from members of the accreditation panel tend to take place over a two-day period and will consist further review of provided documentation; meetings with relevant staff and students as well as tours of relevant facilities. These will normally be held during term time so that the visiting accreditation team can be assured that they meet with staff, students and visit supporting facilities and laboratories.
If the HEI have franchised degree programmes, degrees delivered through collaborative partnerships and/or degrees delivered at different campuses, arrangements would need to be made to visit all campuses involved in delivering programmes they are invited to accredit.
Fees
The fee for accreditation of UK degrees is £9000 for undergraduate/MEng programmes and a suite of postgraduate programmes. Individual masters courses are charged at £3000. However, RINA corporate partners are charged a slightly discounted fee.
For further information or guidance, please feel free to email the Membership Director at Membership@rina.org.uk before making a submission.
Guidance documents and application forms
Academic Course Accreditation Submission
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