Academic Regulations for Taught Programmes

The Academic Regulations for Taught Programmes

Document control grid

1. Scope. 4
2. Awards of the University of Leeds. 4
3. Taught Programme Structures. 8
4. Specification and Approval of Modules and Programmes. 9
5. Admission of Students. 9
6. Registration and Enrolment. 11
7. Assessment. 12
8. Credit and Progression. 14
9. Classification and Award of Qualifications. 14
10. Progression, Classification and Award of Specific Award Types.. 15
11. Assessment Committees. 20
12. External Examiners. 20
13. Academic Appeals. 20
14. Exceptional Circumstances. 20

1. Scope

1.1 The Academic Regulations for Taught Programmes, referred to here as the Regulations, are underpinned by University policies and procedures that expand on the Regulations, providing more detail about how the Regulations work in practice.

1.2 The Regulations shall apply to all taught provision leading to credit or qualification of the University of Leeds, irrespective of the site of delivery.

1.3 The Regulations in force at the time of a student’s annual registration shall be those for that academic year, unless specified otherwise within the Regulations. When a student registers part way through an academic year, the student shall sign up for the Regulations for that academic year, which will remain in force throughout the student’s year of study. When a student resumes study after an interruption, the Regulations in force at the time of resumption will apply, unless agreed to the contrary.

1.4 For programmes subject to the requirements of Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies (PSRB), including Apprenticeship Standards and UK Visas and Immigration (UVKI), supplementary regulations may also apply. Where such regulations are defined in the relevant programme documentation, they shall take precedence over these Regulations, subject to prior agreement through processes approved by Senate.

1.5 The University reserves the right to make changes to the Regulations where those changes will assist the delivery of education. Changes to the Regulations may only be approved through processes approved by Senate. Changes will normally come into effect at the beginning of the next academic year and the University will only introduce changes during the academic year when it reasonably considers these to be in the best interests of students or where this is required by law. To the extent there are any changes to the Regulations during a student’s period of study, the University will look to ensure that students experience no detriment in the implementation of those changes.

1.6 The Exceptional Circumstances Procedures for Taught Students set out modifications to the approved Regulations and will be applied in circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control for a specific duration as determined by the Vice Chancellor and President (see Section 14).

2. Awards of the University of Leeds

2.1 Awards of the University must be approved by Senate before students can be registered on a programme of study leading to the award.

2.2 With the exception of aegrotat and posthumous awards (Section 9.5) qualifications may only be awarded to students who have followed and successfully completed a taught programme of study approved by the University.

2.3 The awards of the University are:

First Degrees

The Integrated Degrees of Master and Bachelor

Master of Engineering and Bachelor of Engineering (MEng, BEng)
Master of Engineering and Bachelor of Science (MEng, BSc)
Master of Mathematics and Bachelor of Science (MMath, BSc)
Master of Physics and Bachelor of Science (MPhys, BSc)
Master of Chemistry and Bachelor of Science (MChem, BSc)
Master of Geology and Bachelor of Science (MGeol, BSc)
Master of Geophysics and Bachelor of Science (MGeophys, BSc)
Master of Geography and Bachelor of Science (MGeog, BSc)
Master of Natural Sciences and Bachelor of Science (MNatSc, BSc)
Master of Environment and Bachelor of Arts (MEnv, BA)
Master of Environment and Bachelor of Science (MEnv, BSc)
Master of Geosciences and Bachelor of Science (MGeosci, BSc)
Master of Design and Bachelor of Design (MDes, BDes)
Master of Biology and Bachelor of Science (MBiol, BSc)
Master and Bachelor of Dental Surgery and Bachelor of Science (MChD/BChD, BSc)
Master of Psychology and Bachelor of Science in Advanced Psychology (MPsyc, BSc)
Master of Design and Bachelor of Science (MDes, BSc)
Master of Arts and Bachelor of Arts (MArts, BA)
Master of Science and Bachelor of Science (MSci, BSc)

The Degrees of Bachelor

Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB, ChB)
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)
Bachelor of Music (BMus)
Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA)
Bachelor of Design (BDes)

Graduate Diploma (GradDip)
Graduate Certificate (GradCert)
Foundation Degree (FD)
Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)
Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)
Diploma
Certificate

Taught Postgraduate Awards

The Degree of Master

Master of Architecture (MArch)
Master of Arts (MA)
Master of Laws (LLM)
Master of Education (MEd)
Master of Science (MSc)
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Master of Music (MMus)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Science (Engineering) (MSc (Eng))
Master of Psychotherapy (MPsychother)
Master of Research (MRes)
Master of Psychoanalytic Observational Studies (MPsychObs)
Master of Child Forensic Studies (MCFS)
Master of Business Studies (MBS)
Master of Fine Art (MFA)
Master in Teaching and Learning (MTL)
Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Other Taught Postgraduate Awards

Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)
Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)

Table A

3. Taught Programme Structures

3.1 Programmes are made up of modules; each module is designated at one of the levels of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) and is a self-contained block of learning with assessed learning outcomes. Synoptic assessment may be mapped against learning outcomes across more than one module.

3.2 The size of a module is measured in credits, where one credit is equivalent to 10 hours of learning time.

3.3 An undergraduate module at FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6 will be assigned a credit value of 20 credits, 40 credits or 60 credits. As exceptions, modules shared across multiple programmes may be 10 or 30 credits, to facilitate the integration of teaching from multiple schools.

3.4 Modules delivering the final year project of a Bachelors (Honours) programme will normally be assigned one of the following credit values: 40 or 60 credits.

3.5 All taught modules at FHEQ level 7 will normally be assigned one of the following credit values: 15 credits, 30 credits, 45 credits, 60 credits.

3.6 Where programmes at FHEQ level 7 include a final year research (capstone) project, these will be a minimum of 45 credits. Programmes in which there is an emphasis on research training and research such as those leading to the degree of Master of Research will include (a) significant research project(s) or their equivalent comprising at least 90 credits at FHEQ level 7.

3.7 The University's programmes of study are taught and assessed in the English Language except where the subject of the programme of study obviously necessitates all or part of the teaching and assessment being in another language.

3.8 Intermediate Concluding Qualifications

3.8.1 Undergraduate programmes may incorporate one or more intermediate progression points between FHEQ levels that may lead to an intermediate concluding qualification (ICQ). The ICQ shall have specified learning outcomes appropriate to the level of the qualification and may only be awarded where the learning outcomes, the volume of credit and any other requirements for the ICQ have been met (see also Section 5.3.2e).

3.8.2 Where a student has not met the credit requirements for a taught post graduate award on the completion of their programme their eligibility for an appropriate FHEQ level 7 ICQ will be considered by the designated Assessment Committee.

3.8.3 An ICQ will only be awarded where a student’s study for their registered qualification has been completed or terminated.

4. Specification and Approval of Modules and Programmes

4.1 The learning and assessment requirements for individual modules and programmes of study are set out in module and programme specifications.

4.2 A module/programme must be approved through processes approved by the Taught Student Education Board as delegated by Senate before it may be delivered. The process for the design, approval, amendment, review and withdrawal of module and programme specifications is set out in the Programme and Module Approval process.

4.3 Collaborative provision

4.3.1 The University may enter into arrangements with another institution or organisation to deliver a programme of study leading to a qualification or credit awarded by the University, in full or in part. These arrangements shall be conducted in accordance with the process set out in Collaborative Provision Approval process.

4.3.2 The following types of collaboration are approved by the University:

a. Progression arrangements (Entry arrangements, reverse articulations, articulation arrangements);

b. Off campus of joint delivery (Flying Faculty, Joint delivery with NHS, collaborative delivery with a partner without its own degree awarding powers);

c. Advanced arrangements (Dual Degree, Joint Degree, Joint School/College).

5. Admission of Students

5.1 Admissions Policy

5.1.1 In order to qualify for admission to a programme of study, applicants must demonstrate that they have qualifications and/or experience which suggest that they have the ability to succeed on the programme.

5.1.2 The recruitment and admission of students to University programmes and stand--alone modules is governed by the Admissions Policy.

5.1.3 The University’s approach to considering applications from applicants with criminal records is set out in its Applicants and Students with Criminal Records Policy and in the declaring criminal convictions If at any stage before completion of a programme of study an individual is convicted of a relevant and/or unspent criminal offence, then this must be disclosed to the University.

5.2 Entry Requirements

5.2.1 To be eligible for admission to a programme or stand-alone module, an applicant shall satisfy the University’s specific entry requirements for the particular programme or stand-alone module. Equivalent learning from other study or experience may also meet this requirement.

5.2.2 All applicants must demonstrate sufficient competency in English language to be able to study successfully for the proposed award. The minimum entry requirements are set out in Entry Requirements for International Students.

5.3 Import of credit

Accreditation of Prior Learning

5.3.1 Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) is the formal recognition of prior learning gained elsewhere which can enable a student to be admitted to a programme at entry level or with ‘advanced standing’ (ie where the credit may be counted towards the requirements for a University programme). APL is applied to a specific qualification and may be certificated or experiential.

5.3.2 As set out in the University’s APL Policy:

a. To claim exemption the applicant’s prior learning will have normally been awarded or undertaken within the previous 5 years.

b. Prior certificated learning leading to the award of credit must have been awarded by a recognised higher education institution.

c. The maximum allowance of credit to be imported or exempted will normally be one-third of the total minimum credit requirement for the programme (e.g., 120 credits for a 360 credit degree programme).

d. Candidates allowed to import credit must have pursued an approved course extending over at least the equivalent of one year of full-time registration.

e. If a student leaves the programme before completion, a University of Leeds ICQ can be conferred if the student has undertaken at least half of the award at the University of Leeds and has demonstrated achievement of the learning outcomes associated with the level of the ICQ as specified in the programme specification.

Entry with advanced standing

5.3.3 Credits or an award previously gained may be used to enter a programme with ‘advanced standing’ in the following situations:

a. Where a student has taken module(s) and then returns to complete a programme that includes the module(s) in the programme specification;

b. In the context of “top up” arrangements to meet the requirements of more than one academic award at a different academic level, for example top ups from a FD to a degree with honours and from a DipHE/Undergraduate Diploma to an honours degree, or from a previously awarded ICQ;

c. In the context of approved articulation agreements;

d. To facilitate intercalating medical students to achieve an honours degree on the basis of the achievement of 120 credits at FHEQ level 6.

5.3.4 In all cases where credit is imported, the currency of the credit in respect of the programme must be confirmed and will normally have been awarded or undertaken within the previous five years (see Sections 9.4).

6. Registration and Enrolment

6.1 Registration on Programmes

6.1.1 A student must register each academic year, and in doing so comply with all conditions for registration, before they shall be permitted to undertake or continue their studies.

6.1.2 A student may be permitted to register for more than one programme only where the combined workload is deemed reasonable by the University, and normally where the combined workload does not exceed that of a full-time programme.

6.1.3 Where students have been permitted to change between full-time and part-time modes of study their minimum period of study, as set out in Table A, will be determined in proportion to the minimum period of study applicable to the relevant programme year they are required to complete. Except with the special permission of delegated authority of the Senate, every candidate for a first degree/undergraduate award or a taught postgraduate award shall be required to have completed all study and assessment requirements, including any reassessments, by not later than 24 months after the expiry of the minimum period of study prescribed for their programme. The maximum period of registration shall include any interruption to study or any repeated study periods as a result of mitigating circumstances or academic performance.

6.1.4 In exceptional circumstances, a student who is unable to complete their programme within the maximum time limit allowed may seek an extension to that maximum time limit. Requests for extensions should be submitted to the Head of the Parent School who, if the request is supported by the school, will forward it to the relevant office for determination by the Committee on Applications.

6.2 Enrolment on Modules

6.2.1 A student shall enrol each academic year on a set of modules as defined in the relevant programme specification before being permitted to undertake the modules.

6.2.2 An individual candidate on an undergraduate programme may, in specific circumstances and with the permission of the parent school, undertake additional modules (i.e. beyond the credit volume of their programme) provided that the total is not in excess of 80 credits per semester for a full-time student and 40 credits for a part-time student. Such circumstances might include enabling a student to take a ‘discovery’ module where their own programme cannot accommodate it, or to facilitate entry via APL or a change of programme if specific learning is required.

6.2.3 With the approval of the parent school, candidates on a four-year programme may be permitted to register for 110 credits in either of year 3 or year 4 provided they register for 130 credits in the other year.

6.2.4 Where the overall learning outcomes of a prescribed programme remain unaffected and with the permission of the parent school individual candidates may be permitted to substitute other modules of equal credit and level value for a minority of the modules specified for the programme concerned.

6.3 Interruption of Study

6.3.1 A student may apply for an interruption in their programme of study.

6.3.2 At the time a student interrupts study the status of their registration shall change and they may not have the same entitlements as a fully registered student.

6.3.3 Interruption of study procedures are set out in the Temporary and Exceptional Leave Guidance.

6.4 Attendance and Engagement

6.4.1 Students are required to attend all scheduled activities/events, including timetabled classes, and engage in learning activities as prescribed.

6.4.2 Minimum attendance, and engagement expectations and requirements, may be specified at programme level and a student must satisfy these in order to remain registered on the programme.

6.4.3 Students who do not submit work required for assessment or fulfill minimum attendance and engagement expectations without mitigation, may be deemed to have withdrawn from the University.

6.4.4 Student attendance and engagement is governed by the Attendance and Engagement Policy.

7. Assessment

7.1 Assessment procedures

7.1.1 Procedures relating to the assessment of, and feedback on, student achievement in coursework and examinations, and to the conduct of University examinations, are set out in the Assessment Policy and Procedures.

7.2 Late submission

7.2.1. Where assessed work is submitted after the deadline, penalties will be applied in accordance with the Assessment Policy and Procedures.

7.3 Mitigating circumstances

7.3.1 Mitigating circumstances are normally defined by the University as exceptional, short term, unforeseen and unpreventable events that may have a significantly disruptive effect on a student’s ability to take assessments. Where a student’s ability to undertake or submit an assessment is seriously affected in this way the student may submit a request that their mitigating circumstances be considered.

7.3.2 Module marks must reflect academic performance under agreed assessment arrangements. Marks will not be changed because of mitigating circumstances, or circumstances taken into consideration when marking work.

7.3.3 The Mitigating Circumstances Guidance shall set out the principles and requirements governing the submission of mitigating circumstances requests and how such circumstances are considered.

7.3.4 Medical and mitigating circumstances may be taken into account in arriving at a degree classification which is more favourable than the normal classification rules may otherwise yield. Where compensation has already been applied at the module level the designated Assessment Committee must be satisfied, on the recommendation of the School Special Circumstances Committee, that the circumstances warrant additional consideration beyond that already applied.

7.4 Academic misconduct

7.4.1 Any attempt by a student to gain an unfair advantage in assessment shall be deemed academic misconduct.

7.4.2 Cases of suspected academic misconduct shall be investigated in accordance with the Academic Misconduct Procedure, which also sets out the penalties for proven cases.

7.5 Module mark/grade

7.5.1 Module marks are returned on a 0-100 scale (other than the MBChB programme which may use grades A-F) or given a non-numeric grade of Pass (P) or Fail (F) as a summary of performance on that module.

7.5.2 The pass mark for undergraduate (FHEQ level 4, 5 and 6) modules is 40.

7.5.3 The pass mark for postgraduate taught modules (FHEQ level 7) is 50.

7.6 Anonymous marking

7.6.1 All summative assessment will be marked anonymously except for those situations where this is not practicable, for example:

a. Where the assessment takes the form of a practical demonstration performed in the presence of or otherwise viewed by examiners (such as orals, scientific practicals, lab books, clinical examinations, or performances);

b. Where the assessment takes place over a period of time with support from a designated supervisor, tutor or supervisory team who is also assessing the work.

7.7 Module attempts and reassessment

7.7.1 A student shall be permitted two attempts to pass a module; the first attempt plus one reassessment. Attempts must be taken at the next available opportunity. Candidates will normally only be admitted to reassessments where they have presented for and failed the corresponding preceding assessment.

7.7.2 In the case of repeated or serious examination failure a student may be considered under the Referred Student Procedure for the determination of their outcome.

7.7.3 The maximum mark on the reassessment attempt for undergraduate (FHEQ level 4, 5 and 6) modules is 40.

7.7.4 The maximum mark on the reassessment attempt for postgraduate taught modules (FHEQ level 7) is 50.

7.7.5 A candidate who undertakes a second attempt and achieves a mark lower than the mark received for the first attempt will be given the higher of the two marks when calculating classification. [Note: in the case of Engineering Council accredited programmes which allow a third attempt, a candidate who undertakes a reassessment and achieves a mark lower than the mark received for previous attempts(s) will be given the highest mark attained when calculating the classification average. This does not apply to reassessment taken on a first attempt basis.]

7.7.6 Students on integrated foundation years are permitted a reassessment where they have passed modules but have not achieved the progression requirements of their designated programme of study. The mark achieved on reassessment will not be capped at 40.

7.7.7 Students on programmes with progression and award rules compliant with the expectations of the Engineering Council may be permitted one further attempt if at the current level of study they have passed a minimum of 100 credits for undergraduate programmes or 150 credits for taught postgraduate programmes. The programme specification will define the full criteria that apply to this concession.

8. Credit and Progression

8.1 The minimum programme duration, study and credit requirements for awards are set out in Table A.

8.2 Students can only progress to the next programme year (stage of their studies) or to the award of a degree, diploma or certificate when they have achieved sufficient credits at the required level, passed all modules indicated as ‘pass for progression/award’ for the relevant year/award and met any other requirements set out in the programme specification.

8.3 In addition to any specific regulations governing their programme of study a student on an undergraduate programme must have been awarded at least 100 credits in the previous programme year in order to progress.

8.4 A candidate who fails at the final opportunity an assessment which is required to be passed before progression to the next programme year or to award will be required to withdraw from the programme of study concerned.

8.5 Periods of Study Abroad/Industrial Placement [see also Sections 10.2.8 and 10.4.6]

8.5.1 Where programmes include a period of study abroad/industrial placement there are two alternative assessment schemes (weighted, or not weighted) and the programme specification will make clear which scheme applies.

8.5.2 Where a period of study abroad/industrial placement is not weighted the relevant modules will be zero-weighted in the classification average. Such periods of study may nevertheless be compulsory and required for progression/award.

8.5.3 Where there is sufficient confidence in the comparability of the student experience and recorded standards of achievement during periods of study abroad/industrial placement, assessment may count towards classification. Where a full year is spent studying abroad a mark translation scheme must be approved.

8.6 Failure of a year abroad/year in industry

8.6.1 Students who fail a year abroad/year in industry will be given the opportunity of continuing on the non-year abroad or non-industrial placement variant of the programme or any intermediate award as if they were progressing normally from the lower programme year.

9. Classification and Award of Qualifications

9.1 To be eligible for award, in addition to meeting the requirements set out in the programme specification, students must have achieved a classification average which is equal to or greater than the prescribed minimum (see Section 10 for details of the weighting of programme years and the prescribed minimum classification average for different awards).

9.2 The 0.0-100.0 classification average scale is used for averages of module marks. Classification averages are always expressed to one decimal place and rounded accordingly. The 0-100 scale is used for the publication of marks in the University’s academic transcript.

9.3 Where any supernumerary modules (i.e. over 120 credits in any undergraduate programme year or over 180 in any taught postgraduate programme year) are required to meet the learning outcomes of a specific programme, the rule as to whether these credits count for classification must be stated in the programme specification and made clear in corresponding material for students. Where students take supernumerary modules outside of the programme specification, these do not count towards classification.

9.4 Credit imported as part of APL contributes towards the credit requirements for the award but does not contribute to the classification average. Where, however, the student is re-entering a University of Leeds programme under the provisions of Section 5.3.3a, their marks as well as their credit will be imported and will contribute to the classification where applicable.

9.5 An aegrotat or posthumous award may be given under Ordinance XVI.

9.6 The Senate has the power to revoke degrees and other awards following cases of cheating, plagiarism, fabricated or fraudulent coursework and other forms of academic fraud referred to in accordance with the University's regulations on plagiarism and cheating under Ordinance XIII.

10. Progression, Classification and Award of Specific Award Types

10.1 Taught Postgraduate Awards

10.1.1 The minimum classification average required for the award of a Taught Postgraduate Award is 50.0.

10.1.2 Taught Postgraduate Awards are awarded with Merit for classification averages between 60.0 and 69.9, inclusive, and with Distinction for classification averages of 70.0 or above.

10.1.3 Candidates on programmes with progression and award rules compliant with the expectations of the Engineering Council must also accumulate no more than 20 marginally failed credits across their programme of study. A marginal fail is a module mark between 30 and 39 for modules at FHEQ levels 4, 5, and 6, and between 40 and 49 for modules at FHEQ level 7). All credit-bearing modules that contribute to the accreditation learning outcomes for the programme may be counted towards this total.

10.2 Integrated Degrees of Master and Bachelor

10.2.1 In years 1, 2 and 3 (FHEQ levels 4, 5, and 6), candidates will be governed by the regulations for the corresponding degree of Bachelor. Those progressing to FHEQ level 7 will be governed by the regulations for the degree of Integrated Masters.

10.2.2 Integrated Degrees of Master and Bachelor are awarded and classified according to the general rules.

10.2.3 Candidates on programmes with progression and award rules compliant with the expectations of the Engineering Council must also accumulate no more than 30 marginally failed credits across their programme of study. A marginal fail is a module mark between 30 and 39 for modules at FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6, and between 40 and 49 for modules at FHEQ level 7. All credit-bearing modules that contribute to the accreditation learning outcomes for the programme may be counted towards this total.

10.2.4 Candidates must achieve a classification average, calculated over the 120 FHEQ level 7 credits included in their programme, of at least 50.0.

10.2.5 To be eligible for the Integrated Degrees of Master and Bachelor candidates are required to pass the module(s) designated as comprising the final year project of the programme of study on which they are registered.

10.2.6 Where not restricted by accreditation requirements and where not designed as 2+2 programmes, the classification average for Integrated Masters and Bachelors awards is determined by weighting years of study according to 1:2:2 between programme years 2, 3 and 4.

10.2.7 For full-year periods of study abroad/industrial placement, where the assessments are defined in the relevant programme specification as counting toward the classification average, the additional or replacement year will be single-weighted for the purpose of calculating the classification average.

10.2.8 Where not restricted by accreditation requirements and where designed (in the approved programme specification) as 2+2 programmes, the classification average for Integrated Masters and Bachelors awards is determined by weighting years of study according to 0:1:2 between programme years 2, 3 and 4, subject to Section 10.2.7.

10.2.9 The classification thresholds are the same as for Bachelors Degrees with Classified Honours.

10.3 Integrated Degree of Master and Bachelor of Dental Surgery and Bachelor of Science

10.3.1 The Integrated Degree of Master and Bachelor of Dental Surgery and Bachelor of Science is awarded and classified according to the general rules.

10.3.2 Candidates must pass all modules in the programme specification; achieving a pass mark of at least 40 in FHEQ level 4, 5 and 6 modules and a pass mark of at least 50 in FHEQ level 7 modules.

a. The classification average for the Integrated Master and Bachelor of Dental Surgery and Bachelor of Science award is determined by weighting years of study according to 1:1:2:2 between programme years 2, 3, 4 and 5.

b. Classification thresholds are the same as for Taught Postgraduate Awards and can be awarded with Merit and Distinction. For the purpose of classification, all marks in FHEQ levels 5 and 6 modules will be translated to the 50 pass scale.

10.4 Bachelors Degrees with Classified Honours

10.4.1 Bachelors Degrees with Classified Honours are awarded and classified according to the general rules.

10.4.2 Candidates must pass a minimum of 100 credits at each of FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6. If excess credits beyond those needed are obtained at a higher level, it is possible for these to ‘back count’ against a shortage of credits at a lower level.

10.4.3 Candidates on programmes with progression and award rules compliant with the expectations of the Engineering Council must also accumulate no more than 30 marginally failed credits across their programme of study. A marginal fail is a module mark between 30 and 39. All credit-bearing modules that contribute to the accreditation learning outcomes for the programme may be counted towards this total.

10.4.4 To be eligible for the Bachelors degree with Classified Honours candidates are required to pass the module(s) designated as comprising the final year project of the programme of study on which they are registered.

10.4.5 The degree class for a Bachelors degree with Classified Honours is determined by weighting years of study according to 1:2 between programme years 2 and 3. Any FHEQ level 4 Skills Discovery Modules not taken in year 1 are weighted as year 2 modules for the purpose of classification.

10.4.6 For full-year periods of study abroad/industrial placement, where the assessments are defined in the relevant programme specification as counting toward the classification average, the additional or replacement year will be single-weighted for the purpose of calculating the classification average.

10.4.7 The minimum classification average for the award of a Bachelors Degrees with Classified Honours is 40.0.

10.4.8 The classification thresholds at class boundaries are:

10.5 Joint Honours Programmes

10.5.1 Where a programme is designated as a joint honours programme, the following additional eligibility rule applies. To be eligible for a joint honours award, students must pass at least 40 credits at FHEQ level 5 and 40 credits at FHEQ level 6 in each of the named subjects (if excess credits beyond those needed are obtained at a higher level, it is possible for these to ‘back count’ against a shortage of credits in that subject at a lower level).

10.6 Intercalating Students or Students admitted into year 3 with Advanced Standing

10.6.1 Students taking an intercalated programme or who have been admitted into year 3 with Advanced Standing according to a school’s agreed criteria will be classified on their year 3 achievements only. Such students will normally be required to pass at least 100 out of the 120 year 3 credits at FHEQ level 6.

10.7 Ordinary Bachelors Degrees

10.7.1 To be eligible for the award of the Ordinary Degree candidates must have:

a. Passed a minimum of 240 credits, of which at least 60 must be at FHEQ level 6 and 160 at FHEQ levels 5 and 6 combined; and

b. Achieved a classification average of at least 40.0 across at least 200 credits taken in programme years 2 and 3 with this classification average determined by weighting years of study according to 1:2 between programme years 2 and 3 (i.e. in a manner analogous to Bachelors Degrees with Classified Honours). Any FHEQ level 4 Skills Discovery Modules not taken in year 1 are weighted as year 2 modules for the purpose of classification. The calculation of the classification average must include any compulsory modules for the programme and any pass for progression or award modules.

10.7.2 Candidates who achieve a classification average of 60.0 or above receive the Ordinary Degree with Merit.

10.7.3 Students taking an intercalated programme or who have been admitted into programme year 3 with advanced standing according to a school's agreed criteria should be considered for the award of the Ordinary degree on year 3 achievements only. Such students should be required to pass at least 80 credits in programme year 3, including at least 60 at FHEQ level 6, and to achieve a classification average of at least 40.0 across at least 100 of the credits comprising programme year 3.

10.7.4 Where a programme is designated as a joint honours programme, the following additional eligibility rule applies: To be eligible for a joint Ordinary award, students must pass at least 40 credits at FHEQ level 5 and 20 credits at FHEQ level 6 in each of the named subjects (if excess credits beyond those needed are obtained at a higher level, it is possible for these to ‘back count’ against a shortage of credits in that subject at a lower level).

10.8 Bachelors Degrees awarded with or without Unclassified Honours (Medicine and Dentistry)

10.8.1 The degrees of MBChB and MChD/BChD are awarded in line with the requirements of national and professional practice. They are assessed and marked in accordance with the provisions in the relevant programme specification and the Assessment Policy and Procedure.

10.8.2 Candidates who have satisfactorily completed the first two or three years of a prescribed programme of study for the degree of MBChB may be permitted to intercalate a period, normally of one year's full-time duration, into their studies to follow a prescribed programme of study for the intercalated degree of Master or the third and final year of a prescribed programme of study for the intercalated degree of Bachelor in accordance with the arrangements approved by the relevant committee. Candidates completing such intercalated programmes of study become eligible for the award of the degree of Master (or Master with Merit or with Distinction) or the classified or unclassified Honours degree of Bachelor when they have satisfied any supplementary regulations governing the programme and have normally (a) been awarded credits and (b) achieved a classification average, equal to or greater than the minimum prescribed for the award.

10.8.3 Candidates for the Integrated degrees of Master and Bachelor of Dental Surgery and Bachelor of Science, the degree of MBChB, or for any degree of undergraduate award which is recognized by the relevant PSRB for inclusion in the relevant professional register are required to satisfy the relevant committee that in respect of health and conduct they are fit to be registered as medical, dental or healthcare practitioners on graduation. Any such candidates for whom fitness to practise is called into question on non-academic grounds will be considered under the provisions of the University's Code of Practice on Student Health and Conduct.

10.8.4 Distinctions may be awarded in individual subjects in the examinations for the degrees of BA or MBChB in conformity with the arrangements as laid down for the programme by the relevant committee.

10.8.5 Except with the special permission of the Senate, a candidate for the degrees of MBChB who has not passed any assessment at their first attempt, or whose progress has at any time been deemed by the relevant committee to be unsatisfactory, shall not be eligible for the award of the degrees with Honours.

10.9 Foundation Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Graduate Diplomas and Certificates

10.9.1 Foundation Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Graduate Diplomas and Certificates are awarded and ‘classified’ according to the general rules.

10.9.2 Where the programme specification for an individual Undergraduate Diploma, Graduate Diploma or Certificate requires fewer than 120 credits to be passed a classification average of 40.0 is required across all credits taken up to the level of the award.

10.9.3 Foundation Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Graduate Diplomas and Certificates are awarded with Merit for classification averages between 60.0 and 69.9, inclusive, and with Distinction for classification averages of 70.0 or above.

10.9.4 The DipHE and the FD are awarded on the basis of a classification average across all its 240 credits with award 'class' being determined by weighting years of study according to 1:2 between programme years 1 and 2.

11. Assessment Committees

11.1 The results of assessments shall be considered by the designated Assessment Committee to which authority to determine and publish the results of assessments has been delegated by the Senate.

11.2 The University Special Cases Committee is empowered to consider referred cases and to make decisions which are exceptional to the regulations, in line with its terms of reference.

12. External Examiners

12.1 For every programme leading to a qualification of the University there shall be at least one external examiner whose role shall be:

a. to verify that academic standards are appropriate for the qualification, or part thereof, which they have been appointed to examine;

b. to confirm national comparability of academic standards;

c. to ensure that the assessment process is rigorous, fair and fairly operated, in line with the University’s policies and Regulations.

12.2 The principles and requirements governing the functions of an external examiner, their nomination, induction and appointment, the submission of external examiner reports and the University’s consideration of those reports is set out in the External Examiner Handbook.

13. Academic Appeals

13.1 Appeals may be made against:

a. the decision to terminate a candidate’s study/require them to withdraw from their candidature;

b. the outcome of an examination, assessment, or placement;

c. the decision not to award a degree;

d. the award or, for taught students, the class of the degree received.

a. the principles and rules governing the submission by students of academic appeals against a decision of a designated Assessment Committee;

b. the procedures and timelines for considering academic appeals and determining whether these are upheld or rejected;

c. the status of a student during an academic appeal;

d. responsibility for communicating to the appellant the outcome of an academic appeal.

14. Exceptional Circumstances

14.1 Senate is responsible for the approval of Exceptional Circumstances Procedures for Taught Students to expedite the conferment of final awards and progression of continuing students where factors beyond the University’s control may impact upon assessment processes and where the University is unable to apply the Regulations in full.

14.2 In discharging its responsibilities the Senate will ensure that the academic standards of its programmes and the integrity of its awards are maintained and its reputation safeguarded. It may determine the following action:

a. allow modification to be made to previously approved arrangements for the setting, marking and check marking of assessments;

b. allow recommendations to be made for the progression of students and the award of qualifications based upon less than complete profile of marks/grades;

c. delay recommendations until further information is available;

d. allow other evidence of equivalency of standards to be accepted in the absence of the external examiner.

14.3 The Vice Chancellor and President will be responsible for invoking the provisions set out in the application of the Exceptional Circumstances Procedures for Taught Students when deemed necessary.

Supplementary Notes and changes arising from the review of Academic Regulations.