How to register a new learning aim on the Learning Aims Reference Application

This page describes the process to add a new learning aim onto the FE Data Service's Learning Aim Reference Application (LARA). For guidance on updating HE learning aims already on the LARA, please see how to request changes to the LARA for HE learning aims.

Learning aim information such as qualification type and Learndirect code(s) enable colleges to determine whether a course is classed as recognised HE (see paragraph 4 Annex G of HEIFES10) and determine the price group assignment for a year of programme of study (see paragraph 3 Annex L of HEIFES10) when completing the HEIFES return. Therefore, it is essential that colleges ensure that learning aims are registered on the LARA with the appropriate information present in time for data returns.

Please note that the time taken to add an aim will depend on the volume of work going through the Data Service. So institutions should apply when they set up the course rather than when they first need to return data. As soon as an institution has set up the course, they should contact the Data Service via their service desk to indicate that they wish to register a new aim and request the official form for completion.

The form will ask for the following information:

learning aim title
awarding body
awarding body reference (if known)
the academic year for which the aim is to be added (the aim will then remain on the LARA for subsequent years).

Documentary evidence must also be submitted to demonstrate that the aim identified:

is a valid and current award as issued by a higher education institution
has been authorised by the higher education institution for delivery by the provider.

Page last updated 16 February 2012