APU Academic Regulations Fourth Edition October 2003

Transcription

1 APU Academic Regulations Fourth Edition October 2003 Senate

2 Contents Page No Preface 3 Awards 4 PART ONE General Regulations relating to taught Awards of the University 5 1. Entry and Duration of Study 6 2. Progression and Assessment 7 3. Work Placement 7 4. Awards Boards and External Assessors 7 5. Programme Management 9 6. Rights and Responsibilities of Students Academic Misconduct Academic Appeals Aegrotat Award Posthumous Award 12 PART TWO Specific Regulations relating to all taught Awards of the University 13 Access Certificate and Diploma of Credit Standard of the Awards Entry Requirements Duration of Study Assessment and Progression The Award Award Titles 16 Foundation Study/Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)/Diploma of Higher Education(DipHE)/Foundation Degree FdA, FdSc, FdEng/Degree/Degree with Honours with the following titles only: BA, BSc, BEd, BEng, BOptom, BTech, MEng, LLB Standard of the Award Entry Requirements Duration of Study Assessment and Progression The Award Award Titles 20 Postgraduate Certificate/Postgraduate Diploma/Master s Degree with The following awards only MA, MSc, MEd, LLM, MBA Standard of the Award Entry Requirements Duration of Study Assessment and Progression The Award Award Titles 25 Post-experience awards (excluding MBA and MEd) Standard of the Award Entry Requirements Duration of Study Assessment and Progression The Award Award Titles 31 Copyright APU Higher Education Corporation

3 PART THREE Other Awards 32 Research Degrees MPhil, PhD, DBA, EdD, PrD(HSC), PrD (BE), MPhil/PhD by Published Work Principles 34 Research Diploma Standard of the Award The Programme of Work Entry Requirements Length of Study Level of Award 36 Higher Doctorates Doctor of Letters, Doctor of Science, Doctor of Technology, Doctor of Laws Standard of the Award Entry Requirements Application Appraisal 39 Honorary Degrees and Fellowships The Award Candidates for Honorary Degrees Candidates for Honorary Fellowships Procedure for Nomination Criteria for the Nomination of an Honorary Degree or Fellowship Honorary Awards Committee 42 2

4 Preface These regulations, approved by the Senate of the University, govern the design of taught awards, the requirements for all other awards and the entry, progression, assessment and academic conduct of students. The regulations were initially approved by Senate in 1992 and amended in 1993; they were revised in 1999 so as to make terminology consistent and to incorporate changes which had been approved by Senate between 1993 and The Regulations for the Foundation Degree, BOptom and MPharm have now been incorporated. All awards of the University, awards validated by the University and awards validated by the University in the regional partner colleges are required to adhere to these Regulations. The University will, however, recognise some variation in terminology adopted by the regional partner colleges (relating for example to the naming of Awards Boards, Course Committees and courses etc.) provided that the detailed regulations and terms of reference are adhered to. No awards will be recognised as awards of the University unless approved by Senate and detailed in the regulations of the University which shall be reviewed from time to time. Subordinate regulations and notes of guidance relating to awards of the University must be consistent with these regulations and will be recognised by Senate only if approved through procedures laid down by Senate. All procedures for the management of programmes within the University must conform to the University s modular system as approved by Senate and to such other policy and regulatory statements as Senate shall approve from time to time. 3

5 The University grants the following awards: Awards of the University Access Certificate Diploma of Credit Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) Foundation Degree: FdA, FdSc, FdEng Degree/Degree with Honours with the following designations only: BA, BSc, BEd, BTech, BEng, BOptom, BTech, MEng, MPharm, LLB Postgraduate Certificate Postgraduate Diploma Masters with the following designations only: MA, MSc, MEd, LLM, MBA Initial Post professional Award (IPPA) Certificate in Professional Studies (CPS) Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) Graduate Certificate in Professional Studies (GCPS) Graduate Diploma in Professional studies (GDPS) Postgraduate Certificate in Management Studies (PGCiMS) Diploma in Management Studies (DMS) Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Certificate of Education in Post Compulsory Education (Cert Ed[PCE]) Professional Certificate for Licensed Teachers Research Degrees: Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Doctor of Education (EdD) Professional Doctorate in Health & Social Care (PrD(HSC)), Professional Doctorate in the Built Environment Master of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy by Published Work (MPhil or PhD) Research Diploma Higher Doctorates: Doctor of Letters (DLit) Doctor of Science (DSc) Doctor of Technology (DTech) Doctor of Laws (LLD) Honorary Degrees: Honorary Doctor of Letters (Hon DLit) Honorary Doctor of Science (Hon DSc) Honorary Doctor of Technology (Hon DTech) Honorary Doctor of Laws (Hon LLD) Honorary Doctor of Music (Hon DMus) Honorary Doctor of Philosophy (Hon PhD) Honorary Doctor of the University (Hon DUniv) Honorary Master of Arts (Hon MA) Honorary Master of Education (Hon MEd) Honorary Master of Philosophy (Hon MPhil) Honorary Master of Science (Hon MSc) Honorary Master of Laws (Hon LLM) Honorary Fellowship 4

6 PART ONE General Regulations Relating to Taught Awards of the University 5

7 1. ENTRY AND DURATION OF STUDY Entry Requirements 1.1 In considering individual applications evidence will be sought of personal, professional and educational experiences and competences, as appropriate, to provide indications of an ability to: meet the demands of the programme; benefit from the programme. 1.2 The University does not require this evidence to be in the form of standard educational qualifications but will judge such evidence against recognised national awards which will be seen as bench marks only. [Curriculum Regulations C1.1 and C1.2] 1.3 Candidates for admission to the University, other than nurse candidates, shall be at least 17 years of age on or before the date of commencement of their programme of study. Nurse candidates shall be at least 17.5 years of age on or before the date of commencement of their programme of study. [Curriculum Regulations C1.4] 1.4 Before admission an applicant must satisfy the requirements for entry prescribed by Senate and any particular award specific requirement. An applicant whose first language is not English may be required to produce evidence of their competence in the English language. [Curriculum Regulations C1.5] Admission with Credit 1.5 Students may be admitted with Credit on the basis of prior certificated learning and/or assessed experiential learning. Normally this will be no more than two thirds (measured in terms of credits) of the Award on which they are registered, except that students with Degrees or equivalent wishing to proceed to an Honours award may be admitted with a higher volume of credit. In exceptional circumstances, pathways may seek the approval of the Accreditation and Approvals Committee for a volume of credit beyond the two-thirds of that required for the award. [Curriculum Regulations C1.6 and C1.6.2] Duration of Study 1.6 The normal minimum period of study will calibrate directly with the credit rating of the award, on the basis that the normal minimum period will be one full-time academic year per 120 credits pro rata. An exception is the degree (300 credits) for which normally a minimum period of three full-time academic years is required The maximum period of registration is three times the minimum period of study. 1.8 In exceptional circumstances a student may be permitted to extend the period of registration thus permitting maximum flexibility for part-time and multi-mode students. 1.9 In order to facilitate maximum flexibility, regulations permit students to complete their Programmes of Study in multi-mode. [Curriculum Regulations B3.1 B3.4] 1 Unless Senate has approved an accelerated route. 6

8 2. PROGRESSION AND ASSESSMENT 2.1 Curriculum regulations must: specify the means by which students may progress through the programme of study, identifying compulsory and optional elements; specify attendance requirements where these are deemed to be essential to the satisfactory delivery of the programme; identify all the elements of study that will be assessed including assessed work experience; specify the means of assessment, its nature and timing; identify the elements, and their weighting, that must be passed in order to achieve the award; detail the provisions for reassessment, condonement and compensation including those elements for which condonement and compensation will not be permitted; specify the criteria governing the successful achievement of the award including any classification and distinctions that may be available. 2.2 Assessments should normally be submitted in the English language except in the case of appropriate assessments in modern foreign languages. [Curriculum Regulations A10.2.2] 2.3 No student shall receive an Award of the University if they have failed to fulfil their obligations to the University or regional partner colleges (for example if they are in debt to the University or College or in breach of any general regulations of the University or College), except with the agreement of the Vice-Chancellor of the University or regional partner colleges. 2.4 If a student is unable, through disability, to be assessed by the normal methods specified in the Assessment Regulations, the Assessment Panel or Awards Board may vary the methods as appropriate, bearing in mind the objectives of the programme and the need to assess the student on equal terms with other students. [Curriculum Regulations E10] 3. WORK PLACEMENT Students who through reason of lack of competence, poor conduct, behaviour, health, attendance or otherwise are (for due cause) removed, dismissed, banned or rejected from work experience or placement, in the absence of any other reasonable alternative shall have their course terminated and be required to withdraw from the University. [Rules, Regulations and Procedures for Students, Paragraph 4] 4. AWARDS BOARDS AND EXTERNAL ASSESSORS 4.1 There will be an Awards Board responsible for determining the progression of students to the next part, or the granting, of a University Award and its classification where appropriate. 4.2 The Awards Board shall report to the Senate of the University or any sub committee recognised by the Senate for that purpose. 4.3 The Awards Board is authorised to assess students in accordance with the programme assessment regulations and to recommend the conferment of an Award upon a student who, in the judgement of the Board has achieved the learning outcomes of the approved programme of study and achieved the standard required for the Award. 7

9 4.4 The approved Awards Board may establish sub committees to undertake such activities as may be identified from time to time by the Awards Board. 4.5 The approved Awards Board must be responsible for all assessments that contribute to the recommendation of an Award of the University. No other body has authority to recommend conferment of an Award, nor to amend the decision of an approved and properly constituted Awards Board acting within its terms of reference and in accordance with the regulations for the programme of study. 4.6 An Awards Board may, however, be required to review a decision or may have that decision annulled by the Senate of the University under circumstances detailed in the regulations governing Appeals. 4.7 The composition and terms of reference of Awards Boards and their sub committees will be set out in the Curriculum Regulations approved by Senate or by the Academic Board or other appropriate committee of regional partner colleges and other institutions whose programmes of study are validated by the University. 4.8 There shall be a Secretary (who shall not be a member of the Board). In the unavoidable absence of the Secretary, the Board shall nominate a secretary from amongst its members. 4.9 In no circumstances may external colleagues, students (who are also members of staff) or members of staff (with the exception of the personal tutor) who have not contributed to the teaching or assessment of the programme be permitted to attend meetings of Awards Boards or their sub committees except with the prior approval of the Chair, and then only as an observer or officer The Chair of Senate delegates authority to the Chairs of Awards Boards and approved sub-committees constituted and approved under the University s own Curriculum Regulations to ratify and sign the final lists of students results and the conferment of Awards In the case of Awards Boards constituted and approved by Senate or by the Academic Board or other appropriate committee of regional partner colleges and other institutions whose programmes of study are validated by the University, the Chair of the University s Senate delegates authority to the Chair of the institution s Academic Board or the Chair of the Awards Board to ratify and sign the final lists of students results and the conferment of Awards Minutes marked Confidential will be made available to all members of the Awards Board and its sub-committees and, where necessary, appropriate members of the University s staff, both academic and administrative, on a confidential basis. [Curriculum Regulations Part 6, 1.4.1] 4.13 Relevant extracts of minutes may be required as evidence (for or against) in the context of a confidential academic appeal or disciplinary hearing. This is permitted but with the prior presumption of respect by all parties for the confidentiality of the material. [Curriculum Regulations Part 6, 1.4.2] 4.14 Except as provided under the University Appeals Regulations no decision of a properly constituted Awards Board, operating within its terms of reference, may be modified by any authority within the University The decisions of the Awards Board shall be recorded in formal minutes External Assessors shall be appointed in accordance with the procedures of the Senate of the University as laid down in the University s Quality Assurance Handbook, partner institutions additional guidance and institutional curriculum regulations. 8

10 4.17 External Assessors are defined by the University as moderators and not second markers. They may not, in normal circumstances, alter any marks of individual students in a sample unless that student s work has been included by internal examiners for the purpose of adjudication by the External Assessor Where an External Assessor believes that the sample as a whole reflects that the standards that are being applied are inappropriate or inconsistent, action must be taken in relation to the cohort as a whole. 5. PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT 5.1 All programmes of study (equivalent to courses or course schemes) must make provision for a programme committee and a programme leader. Composition of Programme Committees 5.2 As a minimum, programme committees must include: a programme leader (Chair), Chairs (or nominees) of appropriate sub-committees, A member of staff from each major contributing element of the programme, A representative sample of students, External representatives and advisors (as appropriate), Administrative and academic managers or staff as appropriate. Terms of Reference of Programme Committees 5.3 The programme committee shall be responsible to the Senate of the University (through the Academic Board or other appropriate committee of regional partner colleges and other institutions whose programmes are validated by the University) for the smooth running of the programme, its academic quality and for the academic welfare of the students. Specifically, the committee shall be responsible for the following, the: achievement of programme outcomes, implementation of the aims and objectives of the programme and oversight of the continuing appropriateness of the content, oversight of the operation of any sub-committees reporting to it, implementation and review of programme policy, maintenance of academic standards including monitoring and evaluation of the programme, agreement of an annual report on the programme according to the requirements of the University s Senate, preparation of the information required for the renewal of approval or review of the programme or its constituent elements at appropriate intervals, making recommendations to the executive of the University, college or other institution whose programmes are validated by the University, on matters relating to the effective organisation and administration of the programme including resources. 9

11 Sub-committees of the Programme Committee 5.4 Composition and Terms of Reference of any sub-committees of the programme committee must be specified and agreed by the programme committee. Programme Leader Terms of Reference 5.5 The programme leader is the executive arm of the programme committee and in the execution of their responsibilities may call upon assistance from members of the programme committee which they will Chair. Where a programme is designed and run jointly with an external agency, a joint Leadership may be established. However, formal responsibility will reside with the member of the University or regional partner college and other institutions whose programmes are validated by the University, and not with the agency. 5.6 The programme leader is therefore responsible to the programme committee for the academic leadership of the programme and its day-to-day operation. 5.7 In particular, the programme leader will directly or indirectly through other designated officers of the committee: be responsible for the effective implementation and operation of the approved programme, ensure, through the programme committee, regular and formal exchanges of views between staff and students, monitor the progress of students and ensure that they receive adequate advice on programme related matters, identify and seek solutions to any operational difficulties affecting the programme, monitor the resource needs of the programme and liaise with appropriate resource providers, oversee the use of any resources allocated specifically for the programme, monitor the effectiveness of the staff allocated to teach on the programme and ensure adequate consultation between staff to achieve programme outcomes, prepare a draft programme report for consideration by the committee, ensure that arrangements are made for the proper conduct of the Awards Board and its sub-committees, draw to the attention of the programme committee any significant modifications to the approved programme which are thought desirable during the period of its approval. 6. RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS Duties 6.1 The student s right to be assessed or reassessed depends on fulfilment of these duties. 6.2 If a student fails to fulfil attendance requirements without good cause, the Chair of the Awards Board has authority to withhold the right to be assessed and to deem the student to have failed. The Senate, through the Awards Board, reserves the right not to permit reassessment in these circumstances. 10

12 6.3 If a student fails to attend examinations or submit work for assessment without good cause, the Awards Board has authority to deem the student to have failed the assessments concerned. The Senate, through the Awards Board, reserves the right not to permit reassessment in these circumstances. 6.4 If a student is found to have cheated or attempted to gain an unfair advantage, the assessors have authority to deem the student to have failed all the assessments and the authority to withdraw any right to be reassessed. 6.5 If a student fails without good cause to provide the Chair of the Awards Board in writing, within five working days after the submission date for the assessment and/or the end of the examination period, in advance of the meeting of the Awards Board or its sub committee, details of circumstances that may have affected performance in assessments, the Senate or other relevant body authorised by it to consider requests for the review of an assessor s decision has authority to reject the request on those grounds. 6.6 If a student is found to have acted in breach of the disciplinary requirements of the University or institution in which study (or other programme related experience) is being undertaken, the University or college at which the student is enrolled has authority to ban the student from attendance and to deem the student to have failed to fulfil the requirement to attend classes and examinations, provided that this authority is exercised through the approved disciplinary procedures of the University or college. Rights 6.7 A student has the following rights. Students shall, be informed about the nature and methods of their assessment as set out in the Regulations for the Award on which they are registered; be provided with teaching and tutorial guidance in preparation for assessment of the award in accordance with its Regulations; be assessed in accordance with the Regulations; be reassessed in accordance with those Regulations; request a review of an assessor s decision if there is evidence of any irregularity in the conduct of assessments or if the student s performance was affected by personal circumstances which for valid reasons could not be notified to the assessors before the decision was taken, and to have that request formally considered by the body authorised to consider such requests (see appeals procedures); to provide the Awards Board, through the Chair and via the programme Director of Studies, in advance of the meeting, with any relevant information on personal circumstances which may have affected performance be consulted (but not necessarily individually) on any proposed changes to progression and assessment Regulations which will relate to students currently on pathways and which could directly affect the individual student; seek redress through the programme Committee or other appropriate channels, if the University or College, without valid cause, has failed to provide the teaching and tutorial guidance specified in the Regulations for the programme or has failed to provide reasonable alternative arrangements, or has failed to provide information on the nature and methods of assessment. 11

13 Responsibilities 6.8 A student has the following responsibilities: to attend the taught elements of the programme of study on which they are registered unless sickness or other valid circumstances pertain; to attend examinations and submit work for assessment in accordance with regulations, without cheating or otherwise seeking to gain unfair advantage; [Curriculum Regulations E11] 7. ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT 7.1 Senate has established procedures for dealing with allegations involving plagiarism or other forms of cheating. These are contained in separate regulations and published in Student Handbooks. 7.2 These procedures reflect the University s policy towards students registered directly with the University, or under franchise arrangements and through distance learning and other off-campus course delivery processes. Students registered at City College Norwich, Norwich School of Art & Design and Colchester Institute will be governed by procedures specified by the Academic Board of the institution at which they are enrolled. 8. ACADEMIC APPEALS 8.1 Senate has established procedures for dealing with appeals against decisions of an Awards Board. These are contained in separate regulations and published in Student Handbooks. 8.2 Senate has delegated to the Academic Boards of City College Norwich, Colchester Institute and Norwich School of Art & Design responsibility to hear appeals from students registered for University Awards at those institutions in accordance with procedures and criteria laid down by the Senate of the University. Students may appeal to the Senate of the University only on the ground of maladministration of the appeals procedure within those institutions. 9. AEGROTAT AWARDS At the discretion of the Awards Board a student may be awarded an Aegrotat Cert HE, Dip HE, Foundation Degree or Degree/Degree with Hons (unclassified) provided that there is evidence that the student could have demonstrated that he/she would have achieved the appropriate level of competence had it not been for illness or other valid cause. The student has the right to refuse an Aegrotat award and seek to be assessed. [Curriculum Regulations E8] 10. POSTHUMOUS AWARD In the event of a candidate s death the Senate may award, on the advice of an Awards Board, a degree, diploma or certicicate post obitum provided that it is satisfied that there is sufficient evidence that the student would have successfully completed the degree, diploma or certificate and that the student had successfully completed normally, at least, two-thirds of a programme of study. [Curriculum Regulations E9] 12

14 PART TWO Specific Regulations Relating to all Taught Awards of the University No awards will be recognised as awards of the University without the explicit approval of Senate and detailed in the Regulations of the University. 13

15 Access Certificate and Diploma of Credit 14

16 11. STANDARD OF THE AWARDS 11.1 The standard of the award of Access Certificate shall be that expected of a student with prior knowledge and skills equivalent to the normal entry requirements (detailed below) who has successfully completed a programme of study suitable for the fulfilment of the appropriate learning outcomes sufficient to provide entry to the course of study for which it was specifically designed The standard of the award of Diploma of Credit shall very according to the level of the combination of University modules of which it is composed. It shall be modular in nature and will be designed as a course of study based upon the University s credit accumulation and modular system. 12. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 12.1 The minimum bench mark level of attainment required for entry to the start of a programme of study leading to the award of: Access Certificate shall be determined by the expected level of exit from the programme and duration of the programme of study The minimum bench mark level of attainment required for entry to the start of a programme of study leading to the award of: Diploma of Credit shall be determined by the level of modules contained within the Diploma. 13. DURATION OF STUDY 13.1 Unless previously specified by the Senate of the University, these Award programmes will meet the following standard minimum duration requirements 2 Access Certificate Diploma of Credit 30 teaching/learning weeks 200 notional hours 14. ASSESSMENT AND PROGRESSION 14.1 The assessment of all programmes leading to Access Certificate and Diploma of Credit will be overseen by an Awards Board (and sub-committees as appropriate) and External Assessors appointed by the University No student may progress from one stage of a programme of study to the next until the Awards Board (or sub-committee) is satisfied that the student has met the requirements of that stage or in accordance with course specific regulations compensated the student for failed elements Students will normally have the right to be reassessed in failed elements of the course normally on one occasion only. This to be at a time to be determined by the Awards Board (or its sub-committee) The nature of the reassessment which need not be identical to the original assessment (but must seek to assess the same learning outcomes) shall be determined by the Awards Board (or its sub-committee). 2 Although awards are designed to be of these minimum lengths, individual students may, with appropriate credit exemptions, reduce the period of study. 15

17 15. THE AWARD 15.1 The University recognises the following pass categories. 3 For the Award of: Access Certificate Diploma of Credit Pass Pass Pass with Distinction 15.2 Discretion in awarding distinctions resides with the Awards Board which will be guided by the following. A distinction will be considered where there is evidence that a student has: Demonstrated a consistently high quality of performance, and Demonstrated exceptional performance across a number of elements 16. AWARD TITLES With the prior approval of the University s Senate (through an appropriate sub-committee) the Awards of Access Certificate and Diploma of Credit may be awarded with specific titles (such as History) provided that the title accurately reflects the content of the programme of study. 3 These will not be available in all course specific regulations (which are agreed at validation). 16

18 UNDERGRADUATE AWARDS Foundation Study Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) Foundation Degree (FdA, FdSc, FdEng) Degree (BA, BEd, BEng, BOptom, BSc, BTech, LLB, MEng) Degree with Honours (BA, BEd, BEng, BOptom, BSc, BTech, LLB, MEng, MPharm) 17

19 17. STANDARD OF THE AWARD 17.1 The standard of the award of Certificate of Higher Education shall be that expected of a student with prior knowledge and skills equivalent to the normal requirements (detailed below) who has successfully completed a programme of study suitable for the fulfilment of the appropriate learning outcomes equivalent in level to the first year of an Honours Degree The standard of the award of Diploma of Higher Education shall be that expected of a student with prior knowledge and skills equivalent to the normal entry requirements (detailed below) who has successfully completed a programme of study suitable for the fulfilment of the appropriate learning outcomes equivalent in level to the first two years of an Honours Degree The standard of the award of MPharm (Hons) and MEng shall be that expected of a student with prior knowledge and skills equivalent to the normal entry requirements (detailed below) for the degree with Honours who has successfully completed a programme of study suitable for the fulfilment of the appropriate learning outcomes The standard of the award of Foundation Degree shall be that expected of a student with prior knowledge and skills equivalent to the normal entry requirements (detailed below) who has successfully completed a programme of study suitable for the fulfilment of the appropriate learning outcomes equivalent to the first two years of an Honours Degree The standard of the award of Degree shall be that expected of a student with prior knowledge and skills equivalent to the normal entry requirements (detailed below) who has successfully completed a programme of study suitable for the fulfilment of the appropriate learning outcomes The standard of the award of Degree with Honours shall be that expected of a student with prior knowledge and skills equivalent to the normal entry requirements (detailed below) who has successfully completed a programme of study suitable for the fulfilment of the appropriate learning outcomes and who has demonstrated a capacity for sustained independent and high quality work. 18. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS The minimum bench mark level of attainment required for entry to the start of a programme of study leading to the awards of: 4 Certificate of Higher Education Diploma of Higher Education Foundation Degree (FdA, FdSc, FdEng) Degree (BA, BSc, BEd, BTech, BEng, BOptom, MEng, LLB) Degree with Honours (BA, BSc, BEd, BEng, BOptom, MEng, MPharm, LLB) 4 Where available students may enter onto a Foundation Year. The minimum bench mark level of attainment required for entry to a Foundation Year shall be as above but that the A level (or equivalent) shall be in an area of study not cognate with the proposed course of study. 18

20 shall be equivalent to passes in one of the following: 18.1 an accredited Access Certificate, 18.2 two subjects at A level, supported by passes at grade C or above in three subjects at GCSE, 18.3 recognised standards of the NCVQ a National Certificate or Diploma of BTEC. Entry to a HNC/D programme shall be equivalent to the above with one subject at A level, supported by passes at grade C or above in four other subjects at GCSE. 19. DURATION OF STUDY Unless previously specified by the Senate of the University Undergraduate Award programmes will meet the following standard minimum duration requirements 6 : Certificate of HE: Diploma of HE: Foundation Degree Degree: Degree with Honours: Master of Pharmacy with Honours Master of Engineering 30 teaching/learning weeks 60 teaching/learning weeks 60 teaching/learning weeks 90 teaching/learning weeks 90 teaching/learning weeks 120 teaching/learning weeks 120 teaching/learning weeks 20. ASSESSMENT AND PROGRESSION 20.1 The assessment of all undergraduate programmes will be overseen by an Awards Board (and sub-committees as appropriate) and External Assessors appointed by the University No student may progress form one stage of an undergraduate programme of study to the next until the Awards Board (or sub-committee) is satisfied that the student has met the requirements of that stage or in accordance with programme specific regulations compensated the student for failed elements Students will normally have the right to be reassessed in failed elements of the undergraduate programme of study. This to be at a time to be determined by the Awards Board (or its sub-committee) The nature of the reassessment in the undergraduate programme of study which need not be identical to the original assessment (but must seek to assess the same learning outcomes) shall be determined by the Awards Board (or its sub-committee). 5 The University will equate a 12 Unit GNVQ with two A levels or a BTEC National Diploma and an 18 Unit GNVQ or Advanced Diploma with three A levels. 6 Although awards are designed to be of these minimum lengths, individual students may, with appropriate credit exemptions, reduce the period of study. 19

21 21. THE AWARD 21.1 The University recognises the following pass categories 7. For the award of: Certificate of Higher Education Diploma of Higher Education Foundation Degree Degree Degree with Honours Pass Pass with Distinction Pass Pass with Distinction Pass Pass with Distinction Pass Pass with Distinction First Class Upper Second Class Lower Second Class Third Class 21.2 Discretion in awarding distinctions resides with the Awards Board which will be guided by the following. A distinction will be considered where there is evidence that a student has: demonstrated a consistently high quality of performance, and demonstrated exceptional performance across a number of elements Honours classification must reflect the profile of student attainment across the majority of the post foundation elements of the course. 22. AWARD TITLES 22.1 With the prior approval of the University s Senate (through an appropriate subcommittee), undergraduate awards may be awarded with specific titles (such as History) provided that the title accurately reflects the content of the programme of study The award of Foundation Degree shall be reserved for those programmes of study which are designed to meet criteria laid down by Senate, from time to time, and which include specific elements of work based study and assessment The Award of BEd (Hons) shall be reserved for teacher education programmes The Award of LLB(Hons) shall be reserved for programmes of study which are designed to meet the needs of those who wish to achieve specialised competences in Law The Award of BEng (Hons) and MEng shall be reserved for programmes of study which are designed to meet the needs of those who wish to achieve further competences in engineering with an emphasis on engineering applications The Award of BTech shall be reserved for programmes of study which are designed to meet the needs of those who wish to achieve specialised competences in high level technical applications. 7 These will not be available in all course specific regulations (which are agreed at validation). 8 This may include for example Nurse Tutor programmes. 20

22 22.7 The award of BOptom (Hons) shall be reserved for programmes of study designed to meet the needs of those who wish to achieve specialised competencies as optometrists The award of MPharm (Hons) shall be reserved for programmes of study designed to meet the needs of those who wish to achieve specialised competencies as pharmacists The MPharm (Hons) Intermediate award of CertHE, DipHE and BSc will have the title Pharmaceutical Studies and will not give recognition to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. 21

23 POSTGRADUATE AWARDS Postgraduate Certificate Postgraduate Diploma Master s Degree (MA, MSc, MEd, LLM, MBA) 22

24 23. STANDARD OF THE AWARD 23.1 The standard of the award of the Postgraduate Certificate shall be that expected of a graduate with prior knowledge and skills equivalent to the normal entry requirements (detailed below) who has successfully completed a programme of study at a level demanding more advanced study than a first degree suitable for the fulfilment of the appropriate learning outcomes equivalent in level to the first stage of a Postgraduate Diploma The standard of the award of Postgraduate Diploma shall be that expected of a graduate with prior knowledge and skills equivalent to the normal entry requirements (detailed below) who has successfully completed a programme of study at a level demanding more advanced study than a first degree suitable for the fulfilment of the appropriate learning outcomes equivalent in level to the first stage of a Master s Degree The standard of the award of conversion Postgraduate Diploma shall be that expected of a graduate without prior knowledge and skills equivalent to the normal entry requirements to a Postgraduate Diploma (detailed below) and who has successfully completed a programme of study at a level demanding more advanced study than a first degree (but containing elements equivalent to first degree studies), suitable for the fulfilment of the appropriate learning outcomes equivalent in level to the first stage of a Master s Degree The standard of the award of Master s Degree shall be that expected of a graduate with prior knowledge and skills equivalent to the normal entry requirements (detailed below) who has successfully completed a programme of study at a level demanding more advanced and intensive study than a first degree suitable for the fulfilment of the appropriate learning outcomes and which includes a compulsory element of advanced independent work. 24. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 24.1 The minimum bench mark level of attainment required for entry to the start of a programme of study leading to the awards of: Postgraduate Certificate Postgraduate Diploma Master s Degree (MA, MSc, MEd, LLM, MBA.) shall be equivalent to an Honours degree In the case of a standard length postgraduate programme of study, this will normally be in a cognate subject area. Where conversion postgraduate programmes are concerned, the degree may be in a non-cognate area of study The University does not specify the class of degree required but would expect the candidate to demonstrate an ability to: meet the demands of the programme, benefit from the programme. 23

25 25. DURATION OF STUDY Unless previously specified by the Senate of the University Postgraduate Award programmes will meet the following standard minimum duration requirements 9 : Postgraduate Certificate Postgraduate Diploma 10 Master s Degree 15 teaching/learning weeks 30 teaching/learning weeks 48 teaching/learning weeks 26. ASSESSMENT AND PROGRESSION 26.1 Programmes of study leading to the Award of a Master s degree must culminate in a dissertation or other similar demonstration of independent learning activity The assessment of all Postgraduate programmes will be overseen by an Awards Board (and sub-committees as appropriate) and External Assessors appointed by the University No student may progress from one stage of a Postgraduate programme of study to the next until the Awards Board (or sub-committee) is satisfied that the student has met the requirements of that stage or in accordance with course specifications compensated the student for failed elements There will be no compensation for a failed dissertation or similar demonstration of independent learning Students will normally have the right to be reassessed in failed elements of the course normally on one occasion only. This to be at a time to be determined by the Awards Board (or its sub-committee) The nature of the reassessment which need not be identical to the original assessment (but must seek to assess the same learning outcomes) shall be determined by the Awards Board (or its sub-committee). 27. THE AWARD 27.1 The University recognises pass categories. For the Award of: Postgraduate Certificate Postgraduate Diploma Master s Degree Pass Pass with Distinction 11 Pass Pass with Distinction Pass Pass with Distinction 9 Although awards are designed to be of these minimum lengths, individual students may, with appropriate credit exemptions, reduce the period of study. 10 Programmes designed as conversion courses with graduate entry in non cognate areas are expected to be longer than this minimum. 11 These will not be available in all curriculum specific regulations (which are agreed at validation). 24

26 27.2 Discretion in awarding distinctions resides with the Awards Board which will be guided by the following. A distinction will be considered where there is evidence that a student has: demonstrated a consistently high quality of performance, and demonstrated exceptional performance across a number of elements including in the Dissertation or equivalent demonstration of independent study. 28. AWARD TITLES 28.1 With the prior approval of the University s Senate (through an appropriate subcommittee), Postgraduate awards may be awarded with specific titles (such as History) provided that the title accurately reflects the content of the programme of study The Award of LLM shall be reserved for programmes of study which are designed to meet the needs of those who wish to achieve further competences in Law which extend beyond the level and length of programmes leading to BA(Hons)/BSc(Hons) or LLB(Hons) The Award of MBA shall be reserved for programmes of study which are designed to meet the needs of those who wish to achieve further competences in the general principles and functions of management and which extend beyond the level and length of programmes leading to DMS The Award of MEd shall be reserved for programmes of study which are designed to meet the needs of those who wish to achieve further competences in the practice of Education. 25

27 Post-experience awards (excluding MBA and MEd) Initial Post Professional Award (IPPA) Certificate in Professional Studies (CPS) Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) Graduate Certificate in Professional Studies (GCPS) Graduate Diploma in Professional Studies (GDPS) Postgraduate Certificate in Management Studies (PGCiMS) Diploma in Management Studies (DMS) Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Certificate of Education in Post Compulsory Education (Cert Ed [PCE]) Professional Certificate for Licensed Teachers (PLCT) 26

28 29. STANDARD OF THE AWARD 29.1 The standard of the Initial Post Professional Award shall be that expected of a student with prior knowledge and skills equivalent to the normal entry requirements (detailed below) who has successfully completed a programme of study suitable for the fulfilment of the appropriate learning outcomes equivalent in level to give entry to the Certificate in Professional Studies The standard of the award of Certificate in Professional Studies shall be that expected of a student with prior knowledge and skills equivalent to the normal entry requirements (detailed below) who has successfully completed a programme of study suitable for the fulfilment of the appropriate learning outcomes equivalent in level to the Certificate in Higher Education and first half of a Diploma of Professional Studies The standard of the award of Diploma in Professional Studies shall be that expected of a student with prior knowledge and skills equivalent to the norm entry requirements (detailed below) who has successfully completed a programme of study suitable for the fulfilment of the appropriate learning outcomes equivalent in level to the Diploma in Higher Education and the first two thirds of a Graduate Diploma The standard of the award of Graduate Certificate shall be that expected of a student with prior knowledge and skills equivalent to the normal entry requirements (detailed below) who has successfully completed a programme of study suitable for the fulfilment of the appropriate learning outcomes equivalent in level to a Degree The standard of the award of Graduate Diploma shall be that expected of a student with prior knowledge and skills equivalent to the normal entry requirements (detailed below) who has successfully completed a programme of study suitable for the fulfilment of the appropriate learning outcomes equivalent in level to a Degree with Honours and who has demonstrated a capacity for sustained independent and high quality work The standard of the award of Postgraduate Certificate in Management Studies shall be that expected of a student with prior knowledge and skills equivalent to the normal entry requirements (detailed below) who has successfully completed a programme of study suitable for the fulfilment of the appropriate learning outcomes equivalent in level to the first half of a Diploma in Management Studies The standard of the award of Diploma in Management Studies shall be that expected of a student with prior knowledge and skills equivalent to the normal entry requirements (detailed below) who has successfully completed a programme of study suitable for the fulfilment of the appropriate learning outcomes equivalent in level to the Postgraduate Diploma The standard of the award of Postgraduate Certificate in Education shall be that expected of a graduate who has successfully completed the study of the theory and practice of teaching on a programme of study suitable for the fulfilment of the appropriate learning outcomes including competence of teaching The standard of the award of Certificate in Education (Post Compulsory Education) shall be that expected of a student with prior knowledge and skills equivalent to the normal entry requirements (detailed below) who has successfully completed a programme of study suitable for the fulfilment of the appropriate learning outcomes equivalent in level to at least the first year of an Honours degree and has demonstrated practical competence in teaching The standard of the award of Professional Certificate for Licensed Teachers shall be that expected of a student with prior knowledge and skills equivalent to the normal entry requirements (detailed below) who has successfully completed a programme of study suitable for the fulfilment of the appropriate learning outcomes equivalent in level to a PGCE and has demonstrated practical competence in teaching. 27

29 30. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 30.1 The minimum bench mark level of attainment required for entry to the start of a programme of study leading to the award of: Initial Post Professional Award (IPPA) shall be equivalent to the basic minimum qualification for entry into the profession The minimum bench mark level of attainment required for entry to the start of a programme of study leading to the awards of: Certificate in Professional Studies (CPS) Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) Graduate Certificate in Professional Studies (GCPS) Graduate Diploma in Professional Studies (GDPS) shall be equivalent to the following: the basic minimum qualification for entry into the profession; and the Initial Post Professional Award of the University, or a minimum of fifteen weeks experience in the profession The minimum bench mark level of attainment required for entry to the start of a programme of study leading to the awards of: Postgraduate Certificate in Management Studies (PGCiMS) Diploma in Management Studies (DMS) shall be equivalent to the following: at least two years experience in management degree level equivalent competences normally demonstrated by the possession of a degree or Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma of the University The minimum bench mark level of attainment required for entry to the start of a programme of study leading to the award of: Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) shall be equivalent to: a first degree and passes at Grade C or above in GCSE Mathematics and English 28

30 30.5 The minimum bench mark level of attainment required for entry to the start of a programme of study leading to the award of: Certificate of Education in Post Compulsory Education (Cert Ed [PCE]) shall be equivalent to passes in one of the following: a degree two subjects at A level supported by passes at grade C or above in three other subjects at GCSE recognised standards of the NCVQ a Higher National Certificate or Higher National Diploma of BTEC 30.6 The minimum bench mark level of attainment required for entry to the start of a programme of study leading to the award of: Professional Certificate for Licensed Teachers shall be equivalent to passes in one of the following: a degree a Dip HE a Higher National Certificate or Diploma and passes at Grade C or above in GCSE Mathematics and English 31. DURATION OF STUDY Unless previously specified by the Senate of the University post-experience Award programmes will meet the following standard minimum duration requirements 12 : Initial Post Professional Award Certificate of Professional Studies Diploma in Professional Studies Graduate Certificate in Professional Studies Graduate Diploma in Professional Studies Postgraduate Certificate in Management Studies Diploma in Management Studies Postgraduate Certificate in Education Certificate of Education in Post Compulsory Education Professional Certificate for Licensed Teachers 15 teaching/learning weeks 30 teaching/learning weeks 60 teaching/learning weeks 75 teaching/learning weeks 90 teaching/learning weeks 15 teaching/learning weeks 30 teaching/learning weeks 36 teaching/learning weeks 30 teaching/learning weeks 30 teaching/learning weeks 12 Although awards are designed to be of these minimum lengths, individual students may, with appropriate credit exemptions, reduce the period of study. 29