Only recognised institutions can be granted delegated authority to make awards. Recognised institutions are those established by or under section 3 of the Regional Technical Colleges Act 1992, which in effect means the current Institutes of Technology(13). The Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 1999, section 24(2), provides for the designation of other providers as recognised institutions, subject to certain conditions and the issuing of an order by the Minister. Recognised institutions with delegated authority can make awards in their own name. Delegated authority may apply to all the programmes provided by a recognised institution at the time of its evaluation by HETAC. Delegation however may be limited to certain award types.
For example, a recognised institution may provide programmes that lead to awards ranging from Higher Certificate to Doctoral Degree but may only receive delegated authority for its programmes that lead to awards up to and including Honours Degrees.
