Taught Doctorate Level (Level 8) Academic Regulations

Transcription

1 H Taught Doctorate Level (Level 8) Academic Regulations Section H of the Handbook is informed by the following sections of the QAA UK Quality Code for Higher Education: Chapter B2: Admissions Chapter B3: Learning and teaching Chapter B4: Enabling student development and achievement Chapter B6: Assessment of students and recognition of prior learning Chapter B11: Research Degree H1 The Admission of Students to Doctoral Level Programmes H1.1 Minimum Requirements H1.1.1 The minimum entry qualifications are specified in individual programme regulations but are generally: (a) An Honours degree from a British University, or a qualification deemed to be equivalent by the Programme Director and a Master s level qualification. (b) Such other qualifications or appropriate experience as the Programme Leader deems to be equivalent. (c) Where an applicant's first Language is not English, and where an applicant possesses qualifications other than those indicated above, evidence of level 6.5 attainment in the IELTS (International English Language Testing Scheme) and/or a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) score of at least 575 and/or a pass in the University's own English Language Proficiency Test. Note: Admissions criteria specific to the particular postgraduate programme are to be included in an appendix. H1.1.2 Programme admission regulations are listed in Programme Handbooks and set out: (a) The entry criteria and the means by which students will be judged for entry onto that programme, e.g. degree pass level, written tests, etc. (b) Any English language requirements, which will vary according to programme applied for. If required, the University minimum IELTS score is 6.5. (c) Any other exceptional entry routes onto programmes. Quality Handbook 2015/16 Page

2 (d) Recognition for prior learning (where admissible). (e) Any other requirements (such as specific professional requirements). H1.1.3 H1.1.4 All applicants are considered with due reference to the University Equal Opportunities Policy, and any current anti-discrimination legislation. The decision of the University will be final. H2 The Admission of Students to Doctoral Level Programmes with Advanced Standing H2.1 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) H2.1.1 Applicants may be admitted to a programme of study with advance standing providing that this is permissible within our accreditors validation regulations. In some cases, due to the nature and philosophy of the programme, especially in professional and/or practitioner doctorates, no RPL will be permitted. Where this is applicable, programme regulations state: (a) That prior learning will be mapped against the intended programme learning outcomes and that a record of recognised RPL will be stored with the applicant s record; (b) Up to what level of a programme applicants with advanced standing will be allowed to join; (c) Regent s University London s acceptance of credit from other institutions of higher education is subject to the following conditions: 1. The transcript is an official transcript from the initiating institution. (An official translation should be provided where relevant.) 2. The transferred module must be similar in scope, content and competency to a Regent s University London module. 3. The transferred credit must have a Pass grade (e.g. a C grade), or higher. 4. All transfer students must subsequently complete at least 50% of their programme at Regent s University London. 5. Credits are awarded at the point of an offer being made to a student. Transcripts presented later will not be considered for credit. 6. Academic credits which meet the above conditions are not an automatic entitlement, Quality Handbook 2015/16 Page

3 H3 Internal Programme Transfers but are at the discretion of Regent s University London s Programme Directors. 7. Any other requirements for RPL laid down by our accreditors validation regulations. H3.1.1 With the permission of both Programme Directors, students may be allowed to transfer from one postgraduate programme within Regent s University London to the same point on another, providing that the intended programme learning outcomes and the curriculum can be demonstrated to be equivalent. Where the intended programme learning outcomes and the curriculum are demonstrably different, then the regulations regarding RPL above will apply. Where professional bodies accredit programmes, transfer is unlikely to be permitted. This is the case for practitioner doctorates. H4 Registration for Doctoral Programme H4.1 Registration Requirements and Definitions H4.1.1 H4.1.2 H4.1.3 H4.1.4 Students entering degree programmes at Regent s University London are expected to complete their degrees within the time specified within programme regulations. Registration may be defined as the process through which students formally agree to be a student member of the University for the whole, or part of, the academic year. By registering, the student has agreed to abide by the University Regulations, and to become liable for fee payments. The University uses the registration period to check and update key personal information in the student record. H4.2 Registration requirements H4.2.1 All full and part-time students who are actively following a programme of study at Regent s University London must register at the commencement of their studies and every term thereafter. Students who are in a period of suspension cannot register. Students who have taken a break in their studies and return partway through the academic year must register before they can Quality Handbook 2015/16 Page

4 recommence their programme. Some programmes, however, only admit students at the commencement of an academic session. H4.2.2 Students failing to provide Admissions Officers with original transcripts from their previous studies by the end of first registration period may be required to withdraw from their programme. H4.3 Registration Conditions for New Entrants H4.3.1 H4.3.2 H4.3.3 The Admissions Department provides new students with detailed instructions on how and when they may register. If there are any outstanding debts to the University as a result of previous study, the debt should be cleared. In exceptional circumstances, students should have agreed an appropriate repayment plan with the Finance Department, who will then remove the fees identifier from the student record. Any outstanding evidence needed to meet admissions conditions, as outlined within the regulations of the programme for which the student is registering, should be provided to allow the student to register with a Fully Registered status. H4.4 Registration Conditions for Continuing Students H4.4.1 H4.4.2 Programme Handbooks contain Academic Calendars that inform students when registration will commence. If there are any outstanding debts to the University as a result of previous study, the debt must be cleared. In exceptional circumstances, students may have agreed an appropriate repayment plan with the Finance Department, who will then remove the fees identifier from the student record. H4.5 Registration Conditions for Students returning from suspension or break in studies H4.5.1 H4.5.2 The suspension or break in studies process must be complete. If there are any outstanding debts to the University as a result of previous study, the debt must be cleared. In exceptional circumstances, students may have agreed an appropriate repayment plan with the Finance Quality Handbook 2015/16 Page

5 H4.6 Registration method Department, who will then remove the fees identifier from the student record. H4.6.1 Students must register via the SITS: E-vision portal. Timetables cannot be accessed unless this task has been completed. H5 Duration of Study H5.1 Minimum Period H5.1.1 The minimum duration of study for a programme leading to an award shall not be less than the minimum length specified for the programme in the programme handbook. The only exception to this regulation will be where a student has been recognised for prior learning (see section above). H5.2 Maximum Period H5.2.1 H5.2.2 H5.2.3 All students are expected to complete their postgraduate degrees within the prescribed time for their allotted programme. However, in documented cases of extenuating circumstances, the maximum duration of study for a student on a postgraduate programme may be extended to the maximum duration of study. There shall, however, be no guarantee about the length of time for which a programme or its component modules shall be available. Students are required to renew their registration on a programme every academic period, otherwise the registration will be deemed to have lapsed. Should this occur, then a student may be considered for readmission to the same programme, as long as the lapse in registration was not a consequence of academic failure. Students may apply to their Programme Director for a break in studies for a period of up to one academic year. Should the Programme Director agree to the request, considering that the reasons for the request are valid and taking into account the implications of the timing and duration of the break for the student s engagement with the programme and with assessment and reassessment opportunities, then the Programme Director may agree to a break in studies. The Programme Director will then report the matter to the next Progression and Finalist Board. Quality Handbook 2015/16 Page

6 H5.2.4 The maximum duration of study for a taught doctoral degree is stated in the Programme Handbook. H6 Documentary evidence of study H6.1.1 H6.1.2 Documentary evidence of study may be made available by the University in a variety of forms, for the convenience of students. They may be variously termed: (a) Certificates (or Records) of attendance; (b) Certificates (or Records) of credit; (c) Certificates (or Records) of achievement; (d) Transcripts (or lists) of modules taken, with the results of any assessments. Such documents are not in themselves awards, although they may accompany awards. H7 Completion of a Programme H7.1.1 H7.1.2 H7.1.3 H7.1.4 Successful completion of a programme requires the achievement of the specified learning outcomes set out in the Programme Specification. Credit points specified for each award define the minimum number and level of specific credit gained by following an approved programme required for an award. For any award, credit at a higher level can count in place of credit at a lower level. At least two thirds of the credits for doctorate level study will be at level 8 (Doctorate level). Therefore, up to one third of the credit for a taught doctorate programme may be at level 7. H8 The Teaching/Learning Year H8.1.1 The standard teaching/learning year for postgraduate programmes may consist of semesters, trimesters or terms. The standard teaching/learning year for postgraduate programmes consists of 1800 notional learning hours including assessment periods, and an additional period allotted for the writing up of a dissertation. Variations to standard patterns are permitted where specified within validated programme specific documentation. Quality Handbook 2015/16 Page

7 H9 Assessment and Progression H9.1.1 Assessment is conducted at two levels: firstly, at module level and then secondly at programme level. Subject Boards determine marks for each module. Progression and Finalist Boards receive marks for approval from the Subject Boards and determine progression. H9.2 Regulations governing assessment at postgraduate level H9.2.1 H9.2.2 H9.2.3 The University requires that the quality of the marking at postgraduate level is underpinned by scrutiny of more than one person internally before external moderation and/or examination. This can take two forms: (a) internal moderation (b) second (double) blind marking. Either of these quality control mechanisms can be applied as an audit, sampling process, or as a full, universal process applied to all pieces of work. While Programme Specifications will make specific requirements, the University requires that all failing pieces of work at postgraduate level and all distinctions (where appropriate) are moderated or second marked. H9.3 Internal Moderation at postgraduate level H9.3.1 H9.3.2 H9.3.3 Moderation refers to the process by which the work of all students is reviewed by a second academic member of staff, to ensure both consistency of marking standards and fairness and equity of each student mark/grade. The moderator is able to see the comments made by the first marker as well as the grade awarded. Any assessed piece of work contributing to 20% or more towards the total mark for a module will be moderated. A University internal moderation form should be used. H9.4 Role of the first marker H9.4.1 H9.4.2 Throughout the work, the first marker writes short comments or detailed ticks and crosses where appropriate to indicate how the final mark was arrived at. In the case of work to be returned to students, the first marker will write substantive comments in clearly legible writing or preferably word-processed text about Quality Handbook 2015/16 Page

8 the work as a whole on the front of the module work coversheet, or a formal sheet that the module tutor is using in agreement with the Programme Director. If extra space is required, these comments must be indicated on a separate sheet. H9.4.3 On completion, the first marker will pass all the work including the detailed marking criteria and moderation form to the internal moderator who will construct the necessary sample. H9.5 Role of the moderator H9.5.1 H9.5.2 The moderator must consider: (a) whether the marking corresponds to the detailed marking criteria or marking scheme; (b) whether the resulting total mark seems appropriate for the level; (c) whether all the marks for the assessment are appropriate in their distribution and representative of the full band range; (d) Whether there are any anomalies across all the marks (for example, a significant proportion of fails or a significant proportion of first) and what are the reasons behind them; (e) whether the work covers the necessary objectives and learning descriptors; (f) whether the feedback (where appropriate) is helpful and sufficient for the individual student to know what was well done and what was poorly done. Moderators do not provide additional feedback to students. H9.6 Completing the process H9.6.1 H9.6.2 H9.6.3 Where the moderator disputes the first marker s grade then the first marker and moderator must confer and resolve such differences. Where agreement is reached between the first marker and moderator, the first marker must amend/adjust marks/grades on the affected scripts/pieces accordingly. If agreement is not reached, a third marker will be asked to resolve the issue. Following the process it is the responsibility of the module leader to ensure that accurate marks have been entered into the SITS system. Quality Handbook 2015/16 Page

9 H9.7 Second (double) Marking H9.7.1 In full second marking (or double marking), the first marker does not record marks or comments on the work and the second marker sees the student work without seeing the comments made or the grade awarded by the first marker. This allows for a blind judgement to be made. Where there is a reconciliation required, a third marker, the Programme Director, will adjudicate. External examiners should not be required to adjudicate. H9.8 Return of Marked Coursework/Assessments H9.8.1 The University will always aim to return marked coursework/assessment to students in a timely manner. As a guide, students should receive marked coursework / assessment within two weeks and no longer than four weeks. H9.9 External Moderation H9.9.1 H9.9.2 H9.9.3 The module leader in consultation with the Student Registry constructs a sample of moderated work to be made available for external moderation. The sample of moderated work should include a range across the classification bandings, all borderlines, all fails and all firsts/distinctions. External examiners have the right to view all assessments in modules/programmes for which they are responsible. H9.10 Reassessment of Modules H The following regulations shall apply to the reassessment of modules unless programme specific regulations state otherwise. H9.11 Resit and Retake Opportunities H H This section sets out the arrangements approved by Senate for students who fail individual modules or part(s) of modules to re-submit assignments, resit examinations and retake modules. It does not define pass marks, which will differ between undergraduate and postgraduate programmes (and may in principle differ between programmes at the same Quality Handbook 2015/16 Page

10 level). Nor does it specify weightings between coursework and examination or whether each component has the same pass mark. H Details of regulations as they apply to individual programmes (e.g. the number of modules/credits that can be re-sat, examination schedules etc.) are contained within the individual programme handbooks. Information on the assessment procedures, weighting of individual assessments etc. are contained in the module outlines. H9.12 General Principles H H H H H H Students who fail certain components of the assessment of a module will be allowed to resit. Marks for components that are resat are capped at 50%. Unauthorised absence from an examination or failure to submit coursework by the due date will constitute failure in that element of assessment. Under exceptional circumstances a student may be allowed to defer an examination or the submission of coursework. Where such exceptional circumstances become apparent after the examination or the submission date, the Subject Board may grant a deferral retrospectively. Notification of the exceptional circumstances must be made within a specified time of the examination/submission date. Subject Boards consider all modules failed by students and determine whether the required action will be a retake of the module or a resubmission of a component or components. Where a student has already resubmitted a component, the board will not recommend a further resubmission of that component. Where a student has failed to achieve 30% in all of the module components, the module will have to be retaken in its entirety. Where a Subject Board has granted a resit of a component(s) within a module, then the student will automatically be given a resit on the failed components of the module (below 50%). If a student subsequently does not take that resit or achieves a lower mark on the resit, the highest mark for that component will be used to calculate the TMM. Where a student has been withdrawn from a module and therefore failed that module due to a breach of the attendance regulations, the student will be required to Quality Handbook 2015/16 Page

11 retake the module in accordance with the Attendance and Lateness regulations contained in Section D of this handbook. The maximum number of retakes permitted per module is one. H9.13 Resits H H H H H H The maximum mark obtainable for any resit is a minimum pass for that element. If a student resubmits coursework and resits an examination the maximum mark obtainable for that module is a minimum pass. Students who are suspended due to absences do not have the right to resit any failed component(s) and will be required to retake the module(s). The maximum number of retakes permitted per module is one. When required to resit an examination a student must do so at the next available opportunity i.e. on the next occasion at which the examination is offered. When required to resit coursework a student must do so by the deadline given. Students who fail a module after a resit will be required to retake the module. If this is an elective, students would be required to take alternative module(s) to the required credit value. The maximum number of retakes permitted per module is one. Students who fail an examination or coursework for the same module on a second occasion may, at the discretion of the Subject Board, be permitted to retake the module. H9.14 Deferrals H H Where the Subject Board has granted a deferral based on extenuating circumstances, the mark achieved will not be subject to a penalty or a cap. Once a student commences an examination or submits an assignment, they have deemed themselves fit to take the examination or complete the assignment and the regulation found in section D5.1.1 of this handbook would apply for any extenuating circumstances claims submitted. Quality Handbook 2015/16 Page

12 H9.15 Retakes H H H No student who has passed a module or who has received a condoned pass in respect of that module may retake it in order to achieve a higher mark. No student on a higher degree (master s and doctorate) may retake any module on more than one occasion Where a module is not available for whatever reason, a student required to retake said module may be required to substitute an alternative module of the same level in order to meet the requirements of the degree programme. H9.16 Alternative Assessment H It is sometimes necessary to assess a student by means of an alternative method. This may be due to an issue of accessibility or it may be due to practical or logistical circumstances, such as the availability of other students and/or facilities. In all cases, the Course Leader/Programme Director will set an alternative assessment designed to evaluate the extent to which the student has achieved the learning outcomes attached to the particular assessment. The proposed alternative assessment will be approved by the external examiner. In cases where accessibility requires an alternative assessment, the Disability Officer will be consulted. H10 Discontinuation of Study H There are constraints on the total period of registration for each programme of study. There may also be specific requirements in respect of the rate of progression, or restrictions on the total number of modules which an individual student can resit or retake during the period of their registration. Typically this will take the form of a minimum number of modules successfully passed within a defined period of time. Details of any such restrictions are given in the individual programme specification. H11 Programme Assessment H11.1 Responsibilities of Assessment Boards H The appropriate assessment boards will consider each student's overall performance at the completion of all modules relating to a level of study. The relevant Quality Handbook 2015/16 Page

13 assessment board will receive marks awarded, and make decisions regarding progression and awards. H H H H The relevant assessment board will produce a statement of the marks awarded and credits gained at each level for each student and will confirm the programme status of each student. Where a student has satisfied the requirements for an intermediate award (below that of Doctorate Degree), this will also be stated. Should a set of validated regulations for a programme allow condonement, then the exact conditions for granting condonement within the validated regulations will take precedence and the regulations as stated in the Programme Handbook must be consulted. The mark achieved for the module(s) condoned will stand, and the credits for the module will be awarded. Where a module has a specific pre-requisite module, the pre-requisite module must be passed before a student proceeds to that module. A condoned failure is counted as a pass (50%) for these purposes, but the mark is not altered. The responsibility of each assessment board is to make judgements on student performance within its own approved regulations. H11.2 The Assessment of Modules H H H Students will be assessed by the appropriate Subject Board in all modules studied. All modules shall be assessed in accordance with the module's published assessment methods. Arrangements for students with a disability/specific learning difficulty requiring reasonable adjustments for examinations and specific guidelines for staff and students may be found on the Academic Registry pages of the University intranet. Marks for each module will be assigned by the appropriate Subject Board. H12 Awards H Specifically validated Doctoral level awards may include exit points for master s degrees, postgraduate certificates and diplomas. Criteria for the awards are specified in each doctoral programme handbook. Quality Handbook 2015/16 Page

14 H12.2 Award of a Postgraduate Certificate H H To qualify for the award of a Postgraduate Certificate, a student must have accumulated at least 60 level 7 credits, and should have achieved at least 50% in each module defined in the schedule of assessment. A student may elect to receive the Postgraduate Certificate or to continue studying for a higher award. H12.3 Award of a Postgraduate Diploma H H To qualify for the award of a Postgraduate Diploma, a student must have accumulated at least 120 level 7 credits and have achieved at least 50% in each module defined in the schedule of assessment. A student may elect to receive the Postgraduate Diploma or to continue studying for a Master s award. H12.4 Award of a Master s Degree H H To qualify for the award of a Master s degree a student must have accumulated at least 180 level 7 (or higher) credits and have achieved at least 50% in each module defined in the schedule of assessment. A student achieving less than 50% in the project/dissertation may, on the recommendation of the Final Subject Board, be permitted to resubmit a referred project or dissertation for reassessment within one calendar year of the submission of the original project/dissertation. Only one resubmission of the original project or, in exceptional circumstances, the resubmission of a new project/dissertation, will be allowed. H12.5 Exit awards H H H A student may only receive one award in respect of any programme of study. Unless programme specific regulations indicate otherwise the following regulations will apply. If a Progression and Finalist Board decides that a student should be excluded from their programme of study as a result of a disciplinary or academic misconduct investigation; or if a student withdraws from their programme of study (for any reason), the Board will Quality Handbook 2015/16 Page

15 recommend to the Progression and Finalist Board that the student is awarded the highest award for which the student is eligible. H H Where a student has been excluded from a programme as a result of a disciplinary or academic misconduct investigation; or a student withdraws from their programme of study (for any reason), the student s profile will be reviewed by a Progression and Finalist Board. The Progression and Finalist Board will offer the highest award for which the student is eligible. If a student accepts a lower award they may not return to the original programme of study nor apply to transfer those credits to another Regent s University London programme. H13 Defined criteria for merit/distinction regulations on postgraduate programmes and exit awards below Doctorate level H H H In each module that has been successfully completed a student will receive a numerical mark. From these is derived a single classification which, at postgraduate level, can be a distinction, merit, pass or fail, except in programmes for which such grading classification are not appropriate, in cases of professional, threshold qualifications where a pass or fail is indicated for fitness to practice The method for determining final classification is based on a credit based average method of the Total Module Marks (TMM). The credit based average calculation will be determined as follows: (a) All modules are split into 10 credit modules, therefore a 40 credit module is split into four 10 credit modules and the mark will be counted four separate times; (b) The average of all the 10 credit modules is calculated to give the final classification of the degree. H Where a programme contains a Study Period Abroad term, and/or a Work Placement term and/or the student has RPL credits, where in each case only credits are brought into the programme, the following calculation method must be used: Quality Handbook 2015/16 Page

16 (a) All modules are split into 10 credit modules, therefore a 40 credit module is split into four 10 credit modules and the mark will be counted four separate times; (b) Using only the modules which have marks available the average of those 10 credit modules is calculated to give the final classification of the degree. H H Variation to the University framework outlined above must be only for exceptional circumstances to meet professional, statutory and/or regulatory body requirements as specified in the programme handbook. Where the programme is validated by an external validating body, validated programme regulations may stipulate different criteria requirement for calculating final degree classification. H13.2 Pass Award H A classification of Pass is awarded for the programme as a whole if the student has passed each module, including the dissertation, i.e. has achieved 180 credits at level 7. (A classification of Fail will be given for the programme as a whole if the student has failed one or more of the modules or dissertation.) H13.3 Merit Award H A student obtaining a credit weighted average mark of at least 60% will be considered for a Master s award with Merit. H13.4 Distinction Award H A student obtaining a credit weighted average mark of at least 70% will be considered for a Master s award with Distinction. H13.5 Borderline (marginal) cases H After the final degree classification has been calculated, any student achieving an overall credit weighted average minimum of 49, 59 or 69 will be classified as a borderline student. In determining the average there will be no rounding up, i.e does not become 69. Students in the borderline category will be awarded the higher classification if they meet the following criteria: (a) Master s Award: A total of 100 credits out of 180 credits must be at the higher level classification. No more than 20 credits out of the 180 credits can be at Quality Handbook 2015/16 Page

17 the lower level classification i.e. lower than the current calculated classification. H13.6 Percentages and Degree Classification (awards below Doctorate Level) H Tariff Distinction = 70%-100% Merit = 60%-69% Pass = 50%-59% Fail = 0%-49% *University of Wales validated programmes: D = 40-49%; F = 0-39% H H H H For programmes with no merit/distinction classifications, the following will apply: Pass = 50%-100% Fail = 0%-49% A student who, by completion of Programme requirements, has received, or is eligible to receive, an award, may not submit additional work for assessment for the purpose of improving an award classification. Credits gained for a module may be counted towards only one named degree award and the interim awards which constitute the programme culminating in that final named degree award or other such study as is deemed by a Progression and Finalist Board to be equivalent to an interim award of that programme. In order to determine the appropriate award in each individual case, the Progression and Finalist Board will exercise discretion and will take into account, for example: (a) the requirements of professional and/or accrediting bodies; (b) the extent to which programmes are designed for students with certificated or assessed prior learning which merits admission with advanced standing. H13.7 The Award of the Doctorate H Assessment of the thesis Quality Handbook 2015/16 Page

18 (a) The examination of the thesis shall be by viva voce examination conducted by at least two examiners, one of whom shall be external to the University. (b) The purpose of this examination will be designed to test the thesis against the criteria stated in the relevant Programme Handbook. H Award: In order to qualify for admission to the doctoral degree, a candidate must satisfy the examiners: (a) that he/she has attained a satisfactory standard in the taught element of the degree; (b) that the thesis forms a distinct contribution to the knowledge of the field of study and affords evidence of originality and a capacity for autonomous research; and (c) that he/she possesses a conceptual understanding of the integration of all elements of his/her studies. H13.8 Requirements of the thesis H To qualify for admission to the doctoral degree, the thesis must: (a) consist of the candidate s own account of his/her investigations; (b) form a distinct contribution to the knowledge of the field of study; (c) afford evidence of originality and a capacity for autonomous research; (d) demonstrate understanding of the research techniques and concepts appropriate to the discipline; (e) demonstrate the candidate s understanding of professionalism and his/her own professional role; (f) show awareness of the contribution of the thesis to his/her professional development; (g) give a critical assessment of the relevant literature; (h) describe the method of research and its findings including a discussion on those findings, and indicate in what respects they appear to the candidate to advance the study of the subject; (i) embody the results of a practice-based research programme which may reasonably be expected of a student, taking into account the required length of the thesis and minimum period of registration for the programme; Quality Handbook 2015/16 Page

19 (j) be written in English and be satisfactory in its literary and/or technical presentation and structure with a full bibliography and references; (k) make clear the sources from which information has been derived, the extent to which the work of others has been used, and the areas which are claimed as original; (l) be of a standard to merit publication in whole or in part or in a revised form (for example, as a monograph or as a number of articles in learned journals). H H H H H H H Appendices should only include material which examiners are not required to read in order to examine the thesis, but to which they may refer if they wish. A candidate must include in each copy of his/her thesis a signed declaration that the work presented in the thesis is his/her own work. A candidate is required to include a declaration of accurate word length in his/her thesis. The greater proportion of the work submitted in a thesis must have been carried out after the registration of the student for the degree, except that in the case of a student accepted with RPL there shall be allowance for the fact that the student commenced his/her registration at another institution. A candidate will not be permitted to submit as his/her thesis one which has been submitted for a degree or comparable award of this or any other university or institution. However a candidate shall not be precluded from incorporating in a thesis covering a wider field of work which he/she has already submitted for a degree or comparable award of this or any other university provided that he/she shall indicate on his/her entry form and also on his/her thesis any work which has been so incorporated. A candidate may submit the results of work done in conjunction with his/her supervisor, and/or with fellow research workers provided that the candidate states clearly his/her own personal contributions to the investigation and that the statement is certified by the co-researchers. Work already published including that published in joint names may be included only if it forms an integral part of the thesis and thereby makes a relevant contribution to Quality Handbook 2015/16 Page

20 the main theme of the thesis. A series of publications alone is not acceptable as a thesis. H Work undertaken during registration for the degree as part of other elements of the degree may be included in the thesis provided the student indicates on the entry form and also on the thesis any work which has been so incorporated. H A thesis must be presented for examination in a final form in accordance with the instructions issued by the Academic Registrar of the University. H The title of the candidate s thesis must be approved by the candidate s supervisor. H After the examination has been completed and before the degree is awarded, successful candidates are required to submit to the Academic Registrar, for lodging in the Institute library, the required number of copies of the thesis in the format specified in the instructions issued by the Academic Registrar, if the copies of the thesis submitted for examination did not conform with this specification. H13.9 Entry to Examination for the Thesis H H H H H H A candidate shall be examined in accordance with the regulations in force at the time of his/her entry or reentry. The decision to submit a thesis in any particular form rests with the candidate alone. A student may submit a thesis for examination only after the minimum registration period has passed. The student s supervisor shall report that he/she has completed the course in accordance with the regulations before a candidate is admitted to the examination for the degree. The student must submit the entry form at least three months before the submission of the thesis; this will initiate the procedure for the appointment of examiners. To assist in the appointment of suitable examiners, the student is required to submit with his/her entry form a short description of the content of the thesis in about 300 words to assist in the appointment of suitable examiners. Quality Handbook 2015/16 Page

21 H H H If the candidate has not submitted his/her thesis for examination within 12 months from the submission of the entry form for the examination, the entry will be cancelled unless for special reasons the candidate s supervisor and the Programme Director requests otherwise. Prior to the oral examination, the candidate will be required to submit an electronic copy and two paper copies of his/her thesis printed and bound in accordance with instructions obtainable from the Academic Registrar. A candidate may be required to provide a third copy of his/her thesis if a third examiner is appointed at any stage in the examination process. A candidate is required to bring to the oral examination a printed copy of his/her thesis paginated in the same way as the copies submitted to the examiners, and a copy of the statement to which reference is made above. H A student must submit his or her thesis for examination within one year of completion of his or her course of study at the Institute. A student wishing to submit the thesis at a later date may do so only with the approval of the Programme Director. H13.10 Availability of the thesis H It is a requirement for the award of the degree that one hard bound copy of a successful thesis is placed in the University library and one electronic copy to be made available for public reference. H At the time of entry to the examination candidates for the degree will be required to sign a declaration confirming that the work presented is their own, is fit for examination and that a copy may be made available for public reference. H A candidate may apply to the Progression and Finalist Board for restriction of access to his or her thesis and/or the abstract for a period of up to two years on the grounds, for example, of commercial exploitation or patenting or in other very exceptional circumstances. In all other circumstances, a thesis will be placed in the public domain following the award of the degree. H13.11 The Outcome of the Viva Voce H Both examiners conduct the viva voce and each examiner is required to write a preliminary report on their views about the thesis prior to the viva voce Quality Handbook 2015/16 Page

22 examination. Then after the viva voce the examiners write on the same report whether their initial thoughts about the thesis/candidate remain the same and, if not, why not. H The supervisor(s) may be present at the viva voce with the permission of the externals, such permission being sought prior to the day of the viva voce. H The recommendation for the final viva voce report shall be one of the following: (a) The candidate be awarded the degree; (b) The candidate be awarded the degree subject to minor amendments for example, correcting spellings and typographical errors; such amendments being undertaken within two months of the viva voce examination and prior to the examiners submitting their report to the Research Degrees Committee; (c) The candidate be permitted to represent the thesis in a revised format within a period of twelve months, or sooner, and be reassessed with or without a viva voce as determined by the examiners; (d) The candidate should be awarded an MPhil or other appropriate Master s degree without further work/revisions; (e) The candidate should be asked to revise his/her work and be re-examined again, with or without a viva voce examination for the award of an appropriate Master s degree; (f) The performance of the candidate is insufficient to merit the award of a Master s degree but may be considered for an Advanced Postgraduate Diploma; (g) No qualification is awarded of any type. H Following the submission of a thesis no candidate for a research/professional doctoral degree may be assessed on more than two occasions. The first formal assessment shall include the examination of the thesis and its defence by viva voce (if required). H14 Aegrotat Awards and Posthumous Awards H14.1 Consideration H Before an Aegrotat or Posthumous Award is granted, consideration should be made as to whether the award will cause offence or undue stress to the incapacitated student, the relatives of the deceased or others within the school. Quality Handbook 2015/16 Page

23 H14.2 Aegrotat Awards H H H When an assessment Board decides that there is insufficient evidence of a student s performance to award a Master s Degree with pass classification, but is satisfied that the student would have achieved the required standard but for certified illness/absence/valid reason then an Aegrotat Award may be awarded. The award will be dependent upon the student s level, as follows: (a) Postgraduate Certificate (b) Postgraduate Diploma (c) Master s Degree Aegrotat awards are unclassified. Should an Aegrotat award be awarded posthumously then the following condition will not apply. Before such an award is made the student must indicate that they are willing to accept the award and understand that this implies waiving the right to be reassessed. H14.3 Posthumous Awards H Any award listed in Programme Handbooks may be conferred posthumously by a Progression and Finalist Board and accepted on the student s behalf by an appropriate individual. For classified awards, all conditions for the award must be satisfied. Where all conditions are not met to make a classified award, then the Progression and Finalist Board will decide whether to award an Aegrotat Award (as outlined above). The certificate will not refer to the award being conferred posthumously. Quality Handbook 2015/16 Page