Recognition, Validation and Certification
CIOL’s Recognition, Validation and Certification (RVC) accreditation is designed to offer universities and other organisations who deliver language education, learning or assessments for linguists a formal means to achieve recognition, accreditation and validation of their programmes and activities through alignment with the UK’s Chartered body for linguists.
Granted its Royal Charter by HM Queen Elizabeth II, CIOL’s work with language communities around the world and in the UK, promotes collaboration and partnership with universities other like societies and associations, government departments, public services and businesses with whom we share an understanding of the value, importance and benefits of advanced language use and language learning.
Our Royal Charter supports us and you in this endeavour, in particular by committing CIOL to:
- Contributing towards international goodwill by encouraging the effective study and practice of languages;
- Providing means of recognising linguists
- Providing assistance to others in the use, teaching or study of languages.
RVC accreditation is not available for programmes (or programs as they are known in some countries) specifically related to the preparation of candidates for CIOL Qualifications exams.
About RVC Accreditation
Who is RVC for?
CIOL RVC accreditation is open to universities or organisations in the field of languages (learning, assessment or training) that meet the criteria required for each level.
- The scheme is suitable for general language learning programmes at CEFR (Common European Framework) for adults at level B1/B2 and above, foundation and pre-sessional programmes, degrees and master’s delivered with English as the medium of instruction, as well as courses for working professionals and learning or development programmes for specialist linguists e.g. interpreters, translators.
- Applicant organisations will receive a detailed and confidential report with free-to-use, non-confidential summary statement for public use.
- Successful applicants will benefit from recognition and accreditation from the UK’s Chartered body for language professionals of their programme’s structure, content, linguistic level, delivery and target learner outcomes.
Why be part of CIOL RVC
CIOL RVC accreditation is a cost effective and straightforward means of proving the quality of your language or vocational programme for linguists internally and externally:
- RVC can help with national and international recruitment of students and staff to your programme
- RVC enables you to be part of a wider network and community of universities and organisations delivering high quality language and vocational programmes
- RVC can raise the international profile of your university and its key departments and programmes
- RVC can give your students more confidence and an extra edge when entering or progressing in the jobs market
What are the options?
There are three levels of recognition and accreditation. Each level requires prior achievement and compliance with earlier levels i.e. to have a programme certified, it must already be recognised and validated.
How does it work?
The checks and inspection report for the Recognise and Validate levels are based on information about the organisation, their programme(s) and their pedagogy, content or assessment approach:
The Certify level is based on assessment against the CIOL RVC Maturity Model.
RVC Benefits for Students
Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL), CIOL RVC Accreditation assesses programmes to help students choose the best education in support of their careers as a linguist. Accredited programmes meet the standards and quality thresholds as determined by the UK lead for languages and Chartered professional body, and as confirmed by its externally appointed Quality Panel.
RVC accreditation gives language students confidence that the programmes of study they take will advance their language skills to internationally recognised standards, and that the courses are well-designed and for the outcomes that they promise. RVC also facilitates access to the UK’s Royal Charter professional body for career development and transition to the world of work.
Validated Programmes
The Chartered Institute of Linguists, is pleased to confer Validated Programme status on the University of Bristol’s MA in Translation.
CIOL is satisfied, based on the evidence provided, that the University is providing a programme embedded in both academic and professional contexts that delivers an excellent preparation for linguists seeking a career in translation. Drawing on current practice, emerging trends and future language specialisms, the programme anticipates developments in the translation industry which will affect the working lives of aspiring translators. The policy, quality, content and assessment documentation seen by CIOL is comprehensive and is evidence of excellent programme management. Students embarking on the programme can be confident that they will emerge equipped with the professional skills and knowledge they need to be work-ready to enter the translation industry.
CIOL, the Chartered Institute of Linguists, is pleased to confer Validated Programme status on the University of Essex's MA in Translation, Interpreting and Subtitling. The programme offers future translators and interpreters an innovative course with a significant focus on the development of applied skills that will enable students, on graduation, to access jobs and careers across a range of professional fields. Quality assurance is embedded in all aspects of the programme and ensures that standards are maintained and learning outcomes are achieved. Students are active learners and respected stakeholders and student satisfaction is high. CIOL is satisfied, based on the information provided, that the MA fulfils all the criteria to be recognised as a CIOL Validated Programme.
The Chartered Institute of Linguists is pleased to confer Validated Programme status on the University of Kent's BA (Hons) Modern Languages programme.
CIOL recognises the university’s focus on ambition and its aim to promote the acquisition of both academic and vocational competences. The BA programme provides a highly flexible approach to the study of languages encouraging students to explore and engage with broader cultural, political and linguistic issues. Different routes through the programme provide for specialisation and student choice enabling study to be matched to personal aspirations. The programme complies with a high standard of quality assurance and CIOL, based on the information provided, is reassured that the programme provides an excellent education in languages and cultures that will help students, on graduation, to find their place in a global professional workplace.
CIOL, the Chartered Institute of Linguists, is pleased to confer Validated Programme status on the Applied Languages BA at the University of Portsmouth. The degree offers a highly flexible programme of study with options for students to customise to their individual motivations and interests. The applied and practical nature of both study and assessment is highly valuable for employability and ensures that students are best prepared with skills and experience to meet the changing demands of an international workplace and global community. CIOL is assured, based on the information provided, that the programme delivers an excellent language education and student experience.
CIOL, the Chartered Institute of Linguists, is pleased to confer Validated Programme status on the Language Studies BA at the University of Portsmouth. The degree offers a highly flexible programme of study with options for students to customise to their individual motivations and interests. The applied and practical nature of both study and assessment is highly valuable for employability and ensures that students are best prepared with skills and experience to meet the changing demands of an international workplace and global community. CIOL is assured, based on the information provided, that the programme delivers an excellent language education and student experience.
CIOL, the Chartered Institute of Linguists, is pleased to confer Validated Programme status on the Modern Languages BA at the University of Portsmouth. The degree offers a highly flexible programme of study with options for students to customise to their individual motivations and interests. The applied and practical nature of both study and assessment is highly valuable for employability and ensures that students are best prepared with skills and experience to meet the changing demands of an international workplace and global community. CIOL is assured, based on the information provided, that the programme delivers an excellent language education and student experience.
The Chartered Institute of Linguists, is pleased to confer Validated Programme status on the BA programme for English Language and Literature delivered by the Applied Science University (ASU). CIOL commends ASU for the rigour of its governance and academic expertise in creating programmes that provide high-quality training and development for language teachers and translators of the future. Programmes are aligned with national and international standards and offer a wide-ranging, stimulating and attractive academic programme for students. Based on the information provided, CIOL is satisfied that the structure and content of programmes play an important role in learners achieving their aspirations and goals.
The Chartered Institute of Linguists, is pleased to confer Validated Programme status on the BA programme for English Language and Translation delivered by the Applied Science University (ASU). CIOL commends ASU for the rigour of its governance and academic expertise in creating programmes that provide high-quality training and development for language teachers and translators of the future. Programmes are aligned with national and international standards and offer a wide-ranging, stimulating and attractive academic programme for students. Based on the information provided, CIOL is satisfied that the structure and content of programmes play an important role in learners achieving their aspirations and goals.
the Chartered Institute of Linguists, is pleased to confer Validated Programme status on the Masters in Audiovisual and Mass Media Translation delivered by the Applied Science University (ASU). CIOL commends ASU for the rigour of its governance and academic expertise in creating programmes that provide high-quality, advanced training and development for translators working in these emerging fields of translation. Programmes are aligned with national and international standards and offer a wide-ranging, stimulating and attractive academic programme for students. Based on the information provided, CIOL is satisfied that the structure and content of programmes play an important role in learners achieving their aspirations and goals.
The Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL), is pleased to confer Validated Programme status on the University of Nottingham Ningbo China’s Preliminary Year Programme delivered by the Centre for English Language Development.
CIOL recognises the important role the programme has in recruiting students and enabling access to undergraduate study in a British university setting and in the provision of English language and academic skills aligned to international standards (CEFR). CIOL is satisfied with the evidence provided by the University of Nottingham Ningbo China that the programme has established and comprehensive policies and processes to support students, teaching and learning in order that international expectations of quality standards are met and maintained. Students on the programme benefit from specialist teaching and valuable learning opportunities that can ultimately lead to enhanced employability, international careers and added value within a global world of work.
CIOL, the Chartered Institute of Linguists, is pleased to confer Validated Programme status on the University of Nottingham Ningbo China’s MFL Stage 3 and Stage 4 MFL programme delivered by the Language Centre. The programme gives access to language learning in a range of European and East Asian languages to students from many disciplines across the university. Students’ achievements are aligned with the international standard, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which equips them with international recognition of their levels of attainment. The learning of linguistic and cultural skills increases students’ employability and their value in an increasingly global graduate marketplace. CIOL is satisfied, based on evidence provided, that the Language Centre has rigorous quality and educational standards in place such that alignment with CEFR levels and target student attainment can confidently be achieved.
The Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) is pleased to confer Validated Programme status on the University of Nottingham Ningbo China’s Post-graduate Pre-sessional Programme delivered by the Centre for English Language Development.
CIOL is satisfied, based on the evidence provided, that the University is providing a high-quality programme that encourages participation in post-graduate study and supports and develops successful applicants to achieve the academic language and study skills required to be successful in British-style higher education. Rigorous quality management is in place at all levels of the programme and teaching and assessment is focussed on the achievement of international language standards (CEFR). The programme offers post-graduates a robust preparation for the rigours of study in English at this level, a supportive student experience and a clear pathway ultimately to transition into a global world of work.
CIOL is pleased to confer Validated Programme status on Path Examinations English Language Assessments for adults at the B1 level of CEFR and above.CIOL recognises the ambition and intentions of Path Examinations to provide practical, applied language assessments focussed on language needs for every day contexts and real-life situations. The assessments are aligned to CEFR language levels and assured by a level a rigour applied to their provision offering reassurance and confidence to those taking the assessments. Path's Director General and Academic Director talk about the scheme in this case study.
The Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) is pleased to confer Validated Programme status on the Sino-British College’s EAP programme. CIOL is satisfied, based on the evidence provided, that the College is providing teaching and learning at a high standard that will attract and encourage student engagement and provides an international gateway to Chinese-British education. Students benefit from an excellent preparation in English in advance of moving from China to the UK to continue their studies. The policies, quality and governance of the programme are consistent with Chinese and UK educational standards and students embarking on the programme can be confident that they will graduate with a skillset that reflects the dual cultural context of their study.
The Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL), is pleased to confer Validated Programme status on Xi’an Jiaotong Liverpool University's Pre-sessional English Programme delivered by the English Language Centre.
The Centre provides excellent preparation for students in advance of starting their master’s degrees. The programme develops higher level English language skills as well as the discipline-specific language skills required for academic success at postgraduate level. CIOL is satisfied, based on the information provided, that the programme targets relevant English language levels for master’s level study and welcomes the focus the Centre places on preparing students for their chosen subject-specific discipline. There are wide-ranging university structures, policies, guidance and effective quality management in place to ensure that standards are achieved and maintained and that students are well supported through their academic journey as a postgraduate student.
The Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL), is pleased to confer Validated Programme status on Xi’an Jiaotong Liverpool University's Undergraduate English for Academic Purposes programme delivered by the English Language Centre.
The Centre provides excellent support for students during the first two years of their degree whilst they are transitioning to study within English-medium higher education. The programme develops English language skills as well as delivering the specific English skills required for academic success. CIOL is satisfied, based on the information provided, that the programme targets relevant English language levels for degree study and welcomes the focus the Centre places on preparing students for their chosen subject-specific discipline. There are wide-ranging university structures, policies, guidance and effective quality management in place to ensure that standards are achieved and maintained and that students are well supported through their academic journey as an undergraduate student.
The Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL), is pleased to confer Validated Programme status on Xi’an Jiaotong Liverpool University’s (XJTLU) Modern Language modules delivered by the Modern Languages Centre.
CIOL recognises the contribution these modules bring to the linguistic and cultural development of students and the important role they play in preparing students for transnational careers in business and international relations in particular. It values the focus on student-centred learning and integrated use of technology in delivering their programmes. CIOL is satisfied, based on the information provided that the modules target the relevant international language standards such as the CEFR. There are wide-ranging university structures, policies, guidance and effective quality management in place to ensure that students receive the highest standards of teaching and learning.
CIOL, the Chartered Institute of Linguists, is pleased to confer Validated Programme status on the BA English Language and Literature programme at Zarqa University. CIOL recognises that this programme offers a challenging, motivating and relevant course of study in line with the University’s ambition to promote research and prepare learners for work in local, regional and international markets. Based on the information provided, CIOL is satisfied that the BA English Language, has good governance and quality assurance processes in place and provides a well-structured, and academically rewarding pathway of study in which students can develop, thrive and achieve.
CIOL, the Chartered Institute of Linguists, is pleased to confer Validated Programme status on the BA in Translation programme at Zarqa University. CIOL recognises that this programme offer a challenging, motivating and relevant course of study in line with the University’s ambition to promote research and prepare learners for work in local, regional and international markets. Based on the information provided, CIOL is satisfied that the BA in Translation, has good governance and quality assurance processes in place and provides a well-structured, and academically rewarding pathway of study in which students can develop, thrive and achieve.
Recognised Programmes
CIOL, the Chartered Institute of Linguists, is pleased to confer Recognised Programme status on the BA (Hons) English Language at Majan University College. The degree programme offers students the opportunity to follow a wide-ranging and stimulating programme to develop their practical skills in English, their understanding of how the language works and its use in social and literary contexts. In collaboration with its validating institution, the University of Bedfordshire, MUC programmes are delivered to high quality standards. CIOL is satisfied, based on the information provided, that the BA (Hons) English Language fulfils all the criteria to become a CIOL Recognised Programme.
CIOL, the Chartered Institute of Linguists, is pleased to confer Recognised Programme status on the NEXT English Institute adult programmes at B1 level of CEFR and above.
CIOL recognises the aim of the NEXT English Programme is to provide a learner-centred environment which develops learners’ awareness and skills and gives them both confidence and ability to operate effectively in a second language in the global marketplace. NEXT’s courses and assessments are aligned to relevant CEFR language levels and quality assurance measures are in place to provide confidence in learners’ achievements at each level.
CIOL, the Chartered Institute of Linguists, is pleased to confer Recognised Programme status on the English Major Programme in the School of Foreign Languages at Hainan Normal University. The programme offers a flexible study pathway for undergraduates seeking to become English teachers, to further their knowledge of English language and culture, or to use their English in professional settings. The programme is well designed, appropriately resourced, with relevant assessment and outcomes. Based on the information available to CIOL, it is satisfied that the English Major Programme delivers a good quality, interesting academic programme to help students prepare for their professional futures.
Find out what universities and other organisations with accredited programmes have to say about RVC on our YouTube channel.
For more details, application forms or to discuss whether your language or vocational programme/program is suitable for RVC please contact Dom Hebblethwaite, dom.hebblethwaite@ciol.org.uk , CIOL Head of Membership & Ventures.
