The COVARM project sets out to contribute a computer-based description comprising services, specifications and a proof of concept prototype for developing one of the components of the JISC eLearning Framework programme. Our description has a specific focus on the course validation processes required to support eLearning based foundation degrees. Course validation is a resource intensive activity and can require considerable inter and intra institution collaboration. The dissemination of the results of this project and adoption of the candidate reference model may be a significant contribution to reducing the resources required to support course validation.