Part 1: The Office for Students Powers to grant degrees or convey "university" status
This Act introduces a range of reforms to the way in which providers obtain authorisations to grant taught awards or research awards. In these Explanatory Notes, these authorisations are referred to as "degree awarding powers".
	The provisions enable providers to make a case for obtaining degree awarding powers from the OfS. They enable eligible providers to secure degree awarding powers in a number of different ways and at different levels. The provisions do not require a track record evidenced by validation (or other arrangements) before degree awarding powers can be granted, and enable degree awarding powers to be granted on a time-limited or indefinite basis. The OfS also has the power to make any granting of degree awarding powers subject to extensive monitoring and to impose appropriate restrictions on scope. The provisions also enable more flexible degree awarding powers: i.e. up to bachelor-level only or in a limited range of subjects. For the first time, a role for an advisory body on degree awarding powers is enshrined in statute. The provisions also make changes to the process for conveying degree awarding powers and university status by transferring responsibility for granting them from the Privy Council to the OfS.
	This Act contains express powers to vary and revoke degree awarding powers and to revoke university title. Any variation or revocation must follow the procedures set out in this Act. Revocations must be on one of the grounds specified in this Act. Providers can appeal against a variation or revocation to the First-tier Tribunal.