Faculty of Arts. 5. Registration for course units and study progress supervision

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1 Faculty of Arts Teaching and Examination Regulations Research Master s degree programmes in History (CROHO 60139) and International Relations (CROHO 60820) Specialization Modern History and International Relations Content: 1. General provisions 2. Structure of the degree programme 3. Examinations and final assessment 4. Admission 5. Registration for course units and study progress supervision 6. Final provisions Teaching and Examination Regulations Research MA in Modern History and International Relations, page 1

2 Section 1 General provisions Article 1.1 Applicability These regulations apply to the teaching and examinations of the Research Master s degree programmes in History and International Relations, hereinafter referred to as the degree programmes, and the specialization in Modern History and International Relations, hereinafter referred to as the specialization. The degree programme is provided by the Faculty of Arts of the University of Groningen. Article 1.2 Definitions The following definitions are used in these regulations: a. Act: the Higher Education and Research Act (WHW; Wet op het Hoger Onderwijs en Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek) b. Student: a person registered at the University for the purpose of taking course units and/or examinations and a final assessment leading to the conferral of a university degree c. Course unit: a teaching unit of the degree programme within the meaning of the Act d. Practical: a practical exercise, as referred to in Art of the Act, in one of the following forms: - a thesis - a written assignment, paper or draft - a research assignment - participation in fieldwork or an excursion - completion of a placement - active participation in a tutorial or computer practical - participation in another educational activity designed to teach certain skills e. Research Master s degree programme: a Master s degree programme to which access is granted after a selection procedure on the basis of a specified Bachelor s degree programme f. Final assessment: the final assessment of the Master s degree programme g. Semester: part of the academic year, either starting on 1 September and ending on a date to be determined by the Board of the University on or around 31 January, or starting on the aforementioned date determined by the Board of the University and ending on 31 August. The other definitions shall have the meaning that the Act ascribes to them. Article 1.3 Aim of the degree programme The aim of the degree programme and the specialization is to provide students with an academic training in terms of specialized knowledge, understanding and skills in the discipline of modern history and international relations such that they are able to perform successfully in an academic position, particularly that of academic researcher in the above-mentioned discipline. Article 1.4 Type of degree programme The degree programme is full-time. Section 2 Structure of the degree programme Article 2.1 Student workload 1. The specialization has a student workload of 120 ECTS credit points, whereby one credit point is the equivalent of 28 hours of study. 2. The student workload is expressed in whole ECTS credit points. Teaching and Examination Regulations Research MA in Modern History and International Relations, page 2

3 Article 2.2 Academic training The degree programme followed by a student must contain sufficient elements relating to the academic training of the student. An overview of the learning outcomes of the Master s specialization in Modern History and International Relations within the Research Master s degree programmes in History and International Relations can be found in Appendix 1 to these Teaching and Examination Regulations: the Assessment Plan for the Research Master s specialization in MHIR. Article 2.3 Tracks The Master s specialization has the following tracks: No. Track 1. Modern History 2. International Relations Article 2.4 Course units for each track* Modern History track No. Course unit Student workload in ECTS 1 Theory of Modern History and International Relations 10 ECTS 2 Methodology of Modern History and International Relations 5 ECTS 3 Advanced Methodology of Modern History 5 ECTS 4 Research Seminar Themes, Trends and Topics 10 ECTS 5 Research Seminar I* 10 ECTS 6 Research Seminar II* 10 ECTS 7 Research Seminar III* 10 ECTS 8 MHIR: Specialization I 10 ECTS 9 MHIR: Specialization II 10 ECTS 10 MHIR: Specialization III 10 ECTS 11 MA Thesis* 30 ECTS *Students must choose a set of Research that fits their individual specialization in consultation with the Director of Studies. International Relations track No. Course unit** Student workload in ECTS 1 Theory of Modern History and International Relations 10 ECTS 2 Methodology of Modern History and International Relations 5 ECTS 3 Advanced Methodology of International Relations 5 ECTS 4 Research Seminar Themes, Trends and Topics 10 ECTS 5 Research Seminar I* 10 ECTS 6 Research Seminar II* 10 ECTS 7 Research Seminar III* 10 ECTS 8 MHIR: Specialization I 10 ECTS 9 MHIR: Specialization II 10 ECTS 10 MHIR: Specialization III 11 MA Thesis* 30 ECTS * Students must choose a set of Research that fits their individual specialization, in consultation with the Director of Studies ** Students must choose at least 10 ECTS worth of course units offered by a national research school. In case the courses on offer by the National Research Schools do not suffice or are not compatible Teaching and Examination Regulations Research MA in Modern History and International Relations, page 3

4 with the student s research orientation, comparable courses or activities may be opted for, always in consultation with and following agreement by the Director of Studies. Article 2.5 Practical exercises 1. The following course units contain one or more practical exercises in the form indicated: Modern History track No Course unit. 1 Theory of Modern History and International Relations 2 Methodology of Modern History and International Relations 3 Advanced Methodology of Modern History Type of practical exercise Presentation, written assignment(s) Presentation, written assignment(s) Portfolio (seminar, case studies and peer reviewing) Essay, written assignment(s) 4 Research Seminar: Themes, Trends and Topics 8 MHIR: Specialization I Written assignment resulting from a placement in a research environment, participation in one of the programmes of the national research schools, or an extra research seminar or methodology course unit presentation 9 MHIR: Specialization II Written assignment resulting from a placement in a research environment, participation in one of the programmes of the national research schools, or an extra research seminar or methodology course unit presentation 11 MHIR: Specialization III Written assignment resulting from a placement in a research environment, participation in one of the programmes of the national research schools, or an extra research seminar or methodology course unit, presentation Type of course unit, independent study, independent study, independent study 12 MA Thesis Thesis, thesis International Relations track No. Course unit Type of practical exercise 1 Theory of Modern History and International Presentation, written Relations assignment(s) 2 Methodology of Modern History and International Presentation, written Relations assignment(s) 3 Advanced Methodology of International Exercises, written assignment, Relations presentation 4 Research Seminar: Themes, Trends and Essay, written assignment(s) Topics 8 MHIR: Specialization I Written assignment resulting from a placement in a research environment, participation in one of the programmes of the national Type of course unit, independent study Teaching and Examination Regulations Research MA in Modern History and International Relations, page 4

5 research schools, or an extra research seminar or methodology course unit, presentation 9 MHIR: Specialization II Written assignment resulting from a placement in a research environment, participation in one of the programmes of the national research schools, or an extra research seminar or methodology course unit, presentation 11 MHIR: Specialization III Written assignment resulting from a placement in a research environment, participation in one of the programmes of the national research schools, or an extra research seminar or methodology, independent study, independent study course unit, presentation 12 MA Thesis Thesis, thesis 2. The examination for a course unit listed under Article may not be taken before the relevant practical exercises have been successfully followed. At the very least, this includes active participation in at least 80% of the seminars. 3. With regard to the following course units, successful participation in the practical exercises is considered to mean passing the relevant examination: Modern History track No Course unit. 1 Theory of Modern History and International Relations 2 Methodology of Modern History and International Relations 3 Advanced Methodology of Modern History 4 Research Seminar Themes, Trends and Topics 8 MHIR: Specialization I 9 MHIR: Specialization II 10 MHIR: Specialization III 11 MA Thesis International Relations track No Course unit. 1 Theory of Modern History and International Relations 2 Methodology of Modern History and International Relations 3 Advanced Methodology of International Relations 4 Research Seminar Themes, Trends and Topics 8 MHIR: Specialization I 9 MHIR: Specialization II 10 MHIR: Specialization III 11 MA Thesis 4. If no assessment mode is listed for a course unit in these Regulations because the course unit is not taught in the programme, then the relevant Teaching and Examination Regulations for that course unit will apply. Teaching and Examination Regulations Research MA in Modern History and International Relations, page 5

6 Section 3 Examinations and final assessment Article 3.1 General An examination is evaluated as either a pass or a fail. The equivalent marks are 6 or more for a pass, and 5 or less for a fail. Article 3.2 Compulsory registration and order of the examinations Compulsory registration for the examinations Students who want to participate in an exam must register online via ProgRESS WWW. The registration period is set each year and published in the lecture timetable. If a student is unable to register in time due to force majeure, a limited post-registration possibility is available. The details of this regulation will be published annually in good time Compulsory order of examinations The examinations for the course units listed below may not be taken before the examinations for the associated course units have been passed: Modern History track No. Course unit No. After passing course unit 1 MHIR: Specializations I, II and III Research Seminar Themes, Trends and Topics, Theory of Modern History and International Relations, Advanced Methodology of Modern History, Methodology of Modern History and International Relations 3 MA Thesis Research I to III, Research Seminar Themes, Trends and Topics, Theory of Modern History and International Relations, Advanced Methodology of International Relations, Methodology of Modern History and International Relations International Relations specialization No. Course unit No. After passing course unit 1 MHIR: Specializations I, II and III Research Seminar Themes, Trends and Topics Theory of Modern History and International Relations, Advanced Methodology of International Relations, Methodology of Modern History and International Relations 3 MA Thesis Research I to III, Research Seminar Themes, Trends and Topics, Theory of Modern History and International Relations, Advanced Methodology of International Relations, Methodology of Modern History and International Relations Teaching and Examination Regulations Research MA in Modern History and International Relations, page 6

7 Article 3.3 Examination frequency and periods 1. There will be an opportunity to sit the examinations for the course units listed in Article 2.4 twice per academic year. 2. If the number of times per academic year an examination may be taken is not listed for a course unit in these Regulations because the course unit is not taught in the programme, then the relevant Teaching and Examination Regulations for that course unit will apply. Article 3.4 Assessment mode 1. The assessment mode for each course unit is set out in the syllabus. The guiding principle is the assessment plan included as an appendix to these Regulations. This appendix forms an integral part of these Regulations. 2. At a student s written request, the Board of Examiners may allow an examination to be taken in a form different from that stated in Article The Board of Examiners may also grant exemption from participation in practical exercises. In such cases, the Board of Examiners will require the practical exercise to be performed in a different way that it will determine. 3. Students with a performance disability will be given the opportunity to take examinations in a form that will compensate as far as possible for their individual disability. If necessary, the Board of Examiners will seek expert advice on this matter. 4. If no assessment mode is listed for a course unit in these Regulations because the course unit is not taught in the programme, then the relevant Teaching and Examination Regulations for that course unit will apply. Article 3.5 Oral examinations 1. Unless the Board of Examiners decides otherwise, an oral examination may only be taken by one student at a time. 2. Oral examinations are public, unless the Board of Examiners or the examiner stipulates otherwise or the student objects to the public nature of the examination. 3. An oral examination will be recorded in written, analogue or digital form. The presence of a second examiner is required if the recording is in written form. Article 3.6 Partial examinations If a course unit is divided into several sub-units, each of which is worth at least 5 ECTS credit points, the final mark will be the weighted average of the marks gained in the partial examinations. All partial examinations must be passed. Article 3.7 Placement A research-based placement plan comprising a list of the aims, the content of the placement and a plan of activities must be drawn up before the placement begins. This plan must be approved by the supervisors. The assessment of the research-based placement will be by a supervisor from the degree programme and a supervisor from the host institution, who will have been appointed as examiners by the Board of Examiners. At the end of the research-based placement, the student must submit three tutorials which will be assessed by the supervisors and copies of which will be sent to the Director of Studies of the degree programme. Article 3.8 Master s thesis 1. The thesis will be assessed by two examiners appointed by the Board of Examiners. The main supervisor will be a member of staff of the University of Groningen; the second supervisor may be from a different university on condition that he or she is a member of a recognized research school/institute. Teaching and Examination Regulations Research MA in Modern History and International Relations, page 7

8 2. A thesis may only be written in a language other than English if the Board of Examiners has given permission to do so. Article 3.9 Cheating and plagiarism 1. Cheating is an act or omission by an examinee designed to partly or wholly hinder the forming of a correct assessment of his or her knowledge, understanding and skills. 2. Plagiarism is defined as: a. the use of the ideas and phrases of others without reference to the source b. the inclusion in the argument of a translation or paraphrase of texts written by someone else c. the submission of the same or similar written assignments for different course units 3. In the event of cheating during an examination, the examiner may ban the examinee from further participation in the examination. 4. In the event of fraud with an examination, the Board of Examiners may decide to ban the examinee from participating in that examination for a period it will determine. This period will be no more than one year. 5. In the event of plagiarism in a practical exercise, the Board of Examiners may decide to ban the examinee from participating in the practical exercise for a period it will determine. This period will be no more than one year. 6. In some cases of plagiarism, the Board of Examiners may decide to pass the decision on to the Faculty Plagiarism Committee. 7. The Board of Examiners will make a decision concerning a ban based on the written report by the invigilator of the cheating discovered by him or her, and after hearing the examinee s side of the story. 8. The Board of Examiners/Faculty Plagiarism Committee will make a decision concerning a ban based on the written report by the examiner about the cheating or plagiarism discovered by him/her, and after hearing the examinee s side of the story. 9. A ban means that no result will be awarded for the examination or practical exercise in question. 10. The Board of Examiners/Faculty Plagiarism Committee will inform the Faculty Board of all instances of cheating and/or plagiarism. Article 3.10 Marking of examinations and publication of marks 1. The normal maximum time permitted for marking examinations is 10 working days after the day of the examination or the day a written assignment is handed in. This may be extended to 15 working days for examinations consisting of essay questions that were taken by more than 50 students. 2. If the time remaining between an examination/written assignment and modification of the study planning is less than 10 or 15 working days respectively, the examination or written assignment must be marked at least one day before the planning module in ProgRESS WWW closes. 3. Contrary to the provisions of Article , an examiner will decide the mark of an oral examination immediately on completion of the examination, and will provide the student with the relevant written confirmation. 4. The written confirmation of the results of an examination will inform students of their right of inspection, as stipulated in Article , as well as of the possibility of an appeal to the Board of Appeal for Examinations. 5. A course unit or an examination that has been passed may not be taken again. 6. If an examination is taken in a form other than oral or written, the Board of Examiners will determine in advance how and when students will receive written confirmation of the result. Article 3.11 Validity 1. Completed course units remain valid indefinitely. 2. Contrary to the provisions of Article , the Board of Examiners may decide to require a student to take a supplementary or substitute examination for a course unit taken more than six years previously before allowing that student to progress to the final assessment. Teaching and Examination Regulations Research MA in Modern History and International Relations, page 8

9 Article 3.12 Right of inspection 1. On request, students have the right to inspect their marked work during a period of six weeks after the results of a written examination have been made known. Also on request, they will be provided with a copy of the work at cost price. 2. Within the timeframe stipulated in Article , any person may request that they be allowed to peruse the examination paper and the assessment criteria. 3. The Board of Examiners can determine that inspection or perusal of examination papers will take place at a certain place and at two set times. If the person concerned can show that they were prevented by force majeure from attending at the indicated places and times, they will be offered another opportunity, if possible within the period stated in Article Article 3.13 Exemptions 1. At the student s written request, the Board of Examiners, having discussed the matter with the examiner in question, may grant exemption from an examination on condition that the student: a. has completed part of a university or higher vocational degree that is equivalent in content and level, or b. can demonstrate by work experience that he/she has sufficient knowledge and skills with respect to the course unit in question. Article 3.14 Final assessment 1. Students who have passed all the examinations for a degree programme, or have satisfied the requirements for all parts of the programme approved by the Board of Examiners, must apply for the certificate no later than four weeks after doing so. The examination date entered on the certificate by the Board of Examiners is the date on which the student is deemed by the Board to have satisfied the final assessment requirements. 2. If the student applies for the certificate after the period specified in Article , the examination date entered on the certificate shall be the date on which the student is deemed by the Board of Examiners to have satisfied all the final assessment requirements, even if the date on which the Board takes this decision is in a subsequent academic year and the student is required to register for that year. 3. There will be 10 opportunities a year for a final assessment. 4. If a student has followed two degree programmes, then in order to be awarded a certificate for each programme he or she must have earned at least 50% of the credit points in separate course units (see also Article 3.8). Article 3.15 Degree 1. Students who have satisfied all the requirements of the final assessment shall be awarded the degree of Master of Arts. 2. The degree awarded shall be registered on the degree certificate. Article 3.16 Honours ( Judicium ) 1. The Board of Examiners shall determine whether or not the Master s degree certificate will be awarded an honours predicate. 2. The following conditions apply: a) The mark for the thesis must satisfy the following minimum conditions: Cum laude : the mark for the thesis must be at least 8.0 Summa cum laude : the mark for the thesis must be at least 9.0 b) The weighted average (not rounded off) for all course units, excluding the thesis, within the examination programme approved by the Board of Examiners is greater than or equal to 8.0 for Cum laude greater than or equal to 9.0 for Summa cum laude. Teaching and Examination Regulations Research MA in Modern History and International Relations, page 9

10 3. No honours are awarded if the student workload of the exemptions in ECTS credit points is more than half the total number of ECTS for the degree programme. 4. Honours may only be awarded if the examinations for the course units were taken only once. 5. Honours may only be awarded if no single course unit was awarded a mark less than In certain circumstances, the Board of Examiners may depart from the provisions set out in Articles Section 4 Admission Article 4.1 Language of instruction 1. In accordance with Article 7.2 of the Higher Education and Research Act, course units are taught and examinations set in Dutch. Notwithstanding the provisions of the previous sentence, a different language may be employed if: a. it is a degree programme concerning that language b. it concerns teaching provided within the framework of a visiting lectureship or by a lecturer who does not speak Dutch c. the specific nature, design or quality of the degree programme or the origins of the students necessitate this, in accordance with the code of behaviour drawn up by the board of the institution. Provision c applies to all Research Master s programmes. Article 4.2 Entry requirements 1. Students with a Dutch or foreign certificate of higher education that indicates that they have the following knowledge, understanding and skills shall be admitted to the degree programme and the specialization: a) knowledge of modern history and/or international relations at university Bachelor's level, in addition to satisfying the following entry requirements: b) sufficient knowledge of English to be able to follow the degree programme successfully 1 c) sufficient knowledge, understanding and skills in the academic disciplines relevant to the degree programme 2 d) sufficient ability to follow the programme. 2. Admission within the meaning of Article entitles students to register for the degree programme. Article 4.3 Admissions Board 1. Admission to the degree programme is at the discretion of the Admissions Board. This Board consists of: - a member, also the chairperson, selected from the professors or associate professors who will teach the degree programme - two members selected from the academic staff who will teach the degree programme. 2. The Admissions Board will nominate a secretary from among its members. 3. The nomination will be confirmed by the departmental board, which will also set out the admissions procedure, in consultation with the Board of Examiners. Article 4.4 Registering for the admissions procedure 1 This requirement shall be met by: a. - passing a language proficiency examination with a TOEFL score of at least 620/260/105, or IELTS 7 or above b. - a mark of 6 or above in university-entrance level English (VWO level). 2 Sufficient knowledge, understanding and skills means that in the opinion of the Admissions Board, the student will be able to follow the programme without credit points having to be reserved to make up a shortfall in subject mix. Teaching and Examination Regulations Research MA in Modern History and International Relations, page 10

11 Students register for the admissions procedure by submitting the following documents: - a completed registration form - a curriculum vitae - an overview of the results achieved so far within the Bachelor s degree programme and/or other university degree programmes - a letter outlining the prospective student s motivation for selecting the programme, including his or her expectations and interests - if possible, written results of previous research, such as academic articles or a Bachelor s thesis - two personal recommendations from relevant experts 3 - other documents, if required, which in the opinion of prospective students will highlight their eligibility for the programme. Article 4.5 Admissions procedure for the degree programme 1. Bearing in mind the admissions procedure for the degree programme and the specialization within the meaning of Article 4.2.1, the Admissions Board will assess the knowledge and skills of the candidate. The Admissions Board will assess the written documentation and determine whether the prospective student can be admitted directly to the programme and the specialization. In the event of doubt, the student will be invited to an admissions interview. The interview will be based on the submitted written documentation and may comprise an approx. 15-minute presentation on an academic subject related to the chosen programme. 2. If, on the basis of the submitted documentation, the Board is of the opinion that the student does not qualify for admission and that there is therefore no need for an interview, the student will be notified accordingly before 15 June. This is a provisional decision only. Prospective students may still request an interview, provided they do so within 15 working days. If prospective students do not avail themselves of this option, the provisional decision will become definitive. In the case of prospective students who are granted an interview, a formal decision will not be made until after the interview has taken place. Rejections will in all cases be substantiated in writing. Students who have been interviewed will be notified by 15 July whether or not they have been accepted Students who have not yet obtained their Bachelor s degree at the time of the selection procedure but who would normally do so before the degree programme begins may be granted provisional admission. This is based on the assumption that they a) obtain their Bachelor s degree in time, b) have written a Bachelor s thesis with the required level to follow the Research Master. 4. Students who already have a relevant university Master s degree may also apply for admission to the degree programme and the specialization. The procedure as set out above will also apply to them. If they are admitted, the Board of Examiners will decide whether they can be granted exemptions on the basis of that Master s degree (up to a maximum of 60 ECTS credit points). Article 4.6 Entrance examination: times 1. The entrance examination will be held once a year as the degree programme commences in the first semester. 2. Requests for admission to the degree programme and the specialization must be submitted to the Admissions Board before 1 March (non-eu students) or 1 May (EU and Dutch students). 3. In exceptional cases, the Admissions Board may decide to consider a request at a time other than that referred to in Article The Admissions Board will decide before 15 June. Admission will be on condition that the candidate has satisfied the requirements set out in Article 4.4 concerning knowledge and skills by the starting date of the degree programme at the latest, supported by certificates from the degree programmes followed. The written admission statement will include information for the student about the possibility of an appeal to the Board of Appeal for Examinations. 3 These are written reports from people recognized as experts by the Admissions Board who present a useful and reliable picture of the student s eligibility for the degree programme. 4 Proof of admission is discussed in Article 7.30b of the Higher Education and Research Act. Teaching and Examination Regulations Research MA in Modern History and International Relations, page 11

12 Section 5 Registration for course units and study progress supervision Article 5.1 Registration for course units 1. All registered students must specify the course units they wish to follow in ProgRESS WWW after mid-july if they wish to start the programme in the first semester, or after mid-december if they wish to start in the second semester. They will be able to make changes to their planning after the registration period via the study advisor. 2. The registration must contain all course units and all examinations and resits. An examination or resit is an examination or written assignment that forms part of the assessment of a course unit and which is taken during the annual examination periods. 3. The registrations of new students for a transfer or follow-on Master s programme, of non-arts students or students with other qualifications must be sent in writing to the Office for Student Affairs before 1 September for students starting in the first semester or before 1 February to start in the second semester. The Office for Student Affairs will enter the plans into ProgRESS WWW. Article 5.2 Study progress administration 1. The Faculty Board is responsible for registering the individual results of students. 2. Students can view their results online via ProgRESS WWW. 3. Certified copies of their results overview are available from the Office for Student Affairs. Article 5.3 Study progress supervision 1. Within the framework of the admissions procedure, the Faculty Board is responsible for making an appointment with each student to discuss the individual specialization to be followed. 2. The Faculty Board is responsible for providing students with an introductory programme at the start of their degree programme. 3. The Faculty Board will ensure that students have sufficient supervision during their degree programme, and will pay particular attention to possible changes deemed necessary to ensure the programmes are compatible with conducting academic research or exercising a profession outside the University. Section 6 Final provisions Article 6.1 Amendments 1. Any amendments to these Regulations will, after due consultation with the degree programme advisory committee and the Faculty Council, be confirmed by the Faculty Board in a separate decree. 2. An amendment to these Regulations shall not apply to the current academic year, unless it may reasonably be assumed that the amendment will not harm the interests of students. 3. In addition, an amendment may not influence the following to the detriment of students: - the degree programme defined in Article any other decision taken within the meaning of these Regulations concerning a student. Article 6.2 Publication 1. The Faculty Board shall duly publish these Regulations, any rules and guidelines formulated by the Board of Examiners, and any amendments to these documents. 2. Copies of the documents referred to in Article are available from the Faculty Office. Teaching and Examination Regulations Research MA in Modern History and International Relations, page 12

13 Article 6.3 Date of commencement These Regulations shall take retroactive effect on 1 September As decreed by the Faculty Board on 26 August Teaching and Examination Regulations Research MA in Modern History and International Relations, page 13