51.— (1) The Authority may, for the purposes of making a joint award to an enrolled learner in respect of a programme of education and training, enter into a joint awarding arrangement (in this Act referred to as a “joint awarding arrangement”) with—

(a) an awarding body, and

(b) the provider of the programme of education and training where the programme of education and training leading to the joint award is not provided by the awarding body.

(2) A joint awarding arrangement under subsection (1) may be made only in respect of a programme of education and training which has been validated by the Authority under section 45.

(3) Where the Authority enters a joint awarding arrangement, the provider of the programme of education and training leading to the joint award may apply in respect of an enrolled learner of that programme to the Authority to make a joint award to the learner where the provider is satisfied that the learner has—

(a) completed the programme of education and training concerned, and

(b) acquired and where appropriate, demonstrated, the appropriate standard of knowledge, skill or competence as determined by the Authority under section 49(1).

(4) Where the Authority receives an application referred to in subsection (3), the Authority shall make a joint award with the awarding body with which it has entered into a joint awarding arrangement in respect of the programme concerned to the enrolled learner where the Authority is satisfied that the enrolled learner has—

(a) completed the programme of education and training concerned, and

(b) acquired, and where appropriate, demonstrated, the appropriate standard of knowledge, skill or competence as determined by the Authority under section 49(1).

(5) An application under subsection (3) shall be accompanied by such fee (if any) as may be determined by the Authority under section 80.