for student midwives and nurses:

Student nurses: intakes from Sept. 1999 to August 2001.

and

Student midwives: intakes from Sept. 1999 to August 2002.

NB These regulations supersede all previous regulations for the above programmes from the above date, and apply to student intakes as indicated above.

These regulations apply to academic and practice assessment for programmes leading to entry to Parts 10, 12, 13, 14 or 15 of the Single Professional Register and the award of Advanced Diploma in Nursing (AdDipN), Diploma in Nursing (DipN) and Bachelor of Nursing/ Bachelor of Midwifery (Hons) (BN/BMid (Hons)) and should be read in conjunction with the University of Southampton Calendar. The programmes are conjointly validated and the professional and academic awards cannot be awarded independently.

1. Methods of Assessment
   
   The curriculum is based on student centred approaches with emphasis upon independent learning. Students are strongly encouraged towards and assisted in meeting particular learning needs, exploring specific interests in depth and developing skills of continuous lifelong learning.
   
   1.1 The assessments reflect the philosophy of the School and the curriculum. Assessments are designed to ensure that students meet the requirements of the UKCC (superseded by the NMC) outcomes specified in Rule 18A(2) (1983) or the UKCC Midwives Rules (1998) Rule 33 and EC Midwives Directive (80/155/EEC) and (89/594/ECC). Assessments are set in accordance with ENB (superseded by the NMC) guidelines and test the students’ knowledge, skills and attitudes throughout the programme.
   
   1.2 Students undertake a range of assignments and examinations throughout the programme in order that academic learning outcomes are achieved at the appropriate level. Assessments are intended to encourage students to integrate their practice experiences into academic work, foster the spirit of inquisitiveness which stems from enquiry based learning and reflect the complexity of nursing practice. Appropriate feedback is given to students in relation to other identified learning needs and progress. It is a fundamental part of the learning process. Assessment methods are subject to periodic review.
   
   1.3 The assessment profiles for the Diploma, Advanced Diploma, BN (Hons) and BMid (Hons) are specific to each programme.
   
   1.4 Students are required to undertake specified practice and academic assessments, to develop and present a portfolio and to undertake a range of course work.
   
   1.4.1 Continuous academic assessment includes essays, project work, nursing studies, seen and unseen examinations.
   
   1.4.2 Practice assessment contributes towards the student’s development and achievement of the UKCC Rule 18A(2) or the UKCC Midwives Rules and Code of Practice (1998) Rule 33 and EC Midwives Directives 80/155/EEC and 89/594/EEC.
   
   1.4.3 Students must meet the pass criteria in both academic and practice assessment in order to pass overall.
   
   1.4.4 The Portfolio
   
   For BMid (Hons) students the Portfolio is formally assessed. For Nursing programmes the Portfolio is not formally assessed, however its completion is a programme requirement. The principle aim of developing and maintaining a portfolio is to enable students to enhance and demonstrate their developing capabilities and competencies, ultimately demonstrating their readiness to enter the professional register. The processes involved in developing the portfolio are intended to help students learn in and from practice, whereas the completed portfolio provides a “portrait” of what has been achieved. The Portfolio is reviewed by the student and EBL Facilitator on a regular basis.
   
   1.4.5 Course Work
   
   Students are required to undertake a range of course work throughout the programme. Course work is not formally assessed, however its completion is a programme requirement. Coursework will be spaced appropriately to avoid overload.
   
   Each component will assist student’s academic and professional development by providing feedback, support and guidance, as well as giving preparation for various assessments.
   
   1.4.6 Self Assessment
   
   Students are encouraged to self assess their learning in and from practice and are enabled to do so via four main routes:-
   
   - identification of previous learning in respect of Core and Specific Practice Criteria.
   - setting and achieving learning contracts.
   - development of the portfolio.
   - exploration of enquiry based learning concepts in practice.
   
   
2. Assessment Components
   
   2.1. Each programme is divided into Parts, normally lasting an academic or calendar year.
   
   There are a specified number of theoretical assessments for each programme. These extend throughout the Parts of the programme and all must be undertaken.
   
   2.2 Students will gain academic credit for each Part of the programme which is successfully completed.
   
   2.3 Classification
   
   2.3.1 In the 4 year Honours programme, all academic assessments from the beginning of year 2 contribute towards the degree classification. (Appendix 1 & 2). In the 3 year BMid (Hons) programme all academic assessments from, year 1, semester 2 contribute towards the degree classification (Appendix 3)
   
   2.4 Requirements for Submission
   
   2.4.1 Normally, all course work and assessments should be submitted in typed or word processed format.
   
   2.4.2 Students must retain all Assessment materials and must submit the relevant components at the end of each Part or whenever requested.
   
   Two copies of the dissertation ((BN/BMid (Hons) only) must be submitted.
   
   Students are strongly recommended to retain photocopies of all submitted materials.
   
   2.4.3 Declaration of own work
   
   Students are required to complete and sign a Declaration for all written non invigilated assessments. This must be attached to the assessment and confirms that the contents of the assessment are the student’s own work.
   
   2.5 Criteria For Academic Achievement
   
   Students are required to demonstrate achievement of academic criteria in all assessed work. The Learning Outcomes for Academic Achievement will help students to develop and demonstrate their abilities to derive academic work from experiences gained in practice, and, achieve the required standard specified in the academic criteria. The Learning Outcomes for Academic Achievement are based upon:-
   

• Assignment Outlines
  
• Level Descriptors for Pre and Post Registration Programmes
  
• Guiding principles for Assessment
  
• Criteria for the Classification of Honours Degree (where appropriate)
  

For each assessment the word limits are identified on the specific assignment outlines.

2.6 Any additional time needed to meet the requirements for academic assessment or to resit/resubmit any assessments must be undertaken by the student during time allocated for course work, annual leave or in the student's own time.

2.7 Pass/Refer/Fail criteria

2.7.1 The Pass Mark for all Assessments is 40%.

2.7.2 Assessments will be graded as Pass/Refer/Fail as follows:

1st Attempt - Pass or Refer
2nd Attempt - Pass or Fail

2.7.3 Assignments should meet the specific word limit indicated in the assessment guidelines plus or minus 10%. A word count should be undertaken, noted and signed as accurate by the student on the declaration form which must accompany every assignment.

If an assignment is below the word limit it will be marked and feedback given. However, work which is limited in length may be compromised in terms of demonstrating the depth and breadth required to secure a pass mark.

When students submit an assignment which exceeds the word limit the assignment will be marked in its entirety, feedback given and a penalty of 10% of the awardable marks imposed. Thus if an assignment was marked out of 100, 10 marks will be deducted.

2.7.4 Students are permitted two attempts at all academic assessments in all parts of the course, the second normally to be undertaken at least one month after the first attempt.

2.7.9 Non-submission of the assessments by the due date will normally result in Refer or Fail. In exceptional circumstances students may negotiate late submission with the

Assignment Leader or Lead for Academic Affairs.

2.8 Referral at the first attempt

In the event of referral at the first attempt in an assessment, students will normally be expected to reattempt the assessment at the next identified opportunity, normally not less than four weeks after the publication of the results. Any student who elects not to make a second attempt will forfeit any further attempt in that assessment. The Cohort Co-ordinator must be informed in writing by the student of the intention not to resubmit/resit.

2.9 Second/Further attempts

2.9.1 The maximum score which can be recorded for a second attempt is 40%. However, in such cases the actual score awarded will be stated and written comments provided to enable feedback to students.

2.9.2 Students are required to submit previously referred assessments and marking sheets with all second/further attempts.

2.9.3 In exceptional circumstances a third attempt may be allowed at the discretion of the Assessment Board

3. Scrutiny and Confidentiality
   
   Topics for unseen, invigilated examination papers will be set and retained confidentially. All results are subject to ratification by the Assessment Board. Following ratification of results, outcomes are confidential until the pre determined date on which results are published.
   
   
4. Progression
   
   Students are normally required to pass each part of the course before progressing to the next part.
   
   Diploma students who achieve an average of 60% in all theoretical assessments up to and including the end of semester 1, year 2, and pass all clinical assessments are eligible for transfer to the Advanced Diploma in Nursing programme.
   
   Students wishing to apply for transfer from Diploma to Advanced Diploma programme will need to access the Guidelines for Transfer from the Pre-Registration Office or via the School Web.
   
   
5. Assessment of Practice
   
   The purpose of practice assessment is to ascertain the student's progress towards and achievement of the UKCC Outcomes (Rule 18A(2)) or the requirements of the UKCC Midwives Rules and Code of Practice (1998) Rule 33 and EC Midwives Directives 80/155/EEC and 89/594/EEC .
   
   Students will undertake a minimum of 2300 hours of assessed practice in both institutional and non-institutional settings.
   
   Assessment of Practice is based upon a scheme of assessment of clinical competence which ensures that on completion of the programme the student has achieved the programme outcomes and met the statutory requirements.
   
   5.1 The student's attainment of core and specific practice learning outcomes is judged against the practice Assessment Criteria which specify the performance required in each Part of the programme.
   
   5.2 Practice assessments are based upon either an allocation, or a practice assessment period. Each allocation or practice assessment period is individually assessed and is based upon a Semester or a Summer Period. Learning Disabilities students may gain practice experience through client attachment rather than through allocation to a specific practice setting.
   
   5.3 All students must achieve a range of Core and Specific practice learning outcomes.
   
   5.4 Students in Adult and Child Health fields must achieve all compulsory learning outcomes and drug administration learning outcomes where applicable, and a minimum of 50% of the specific practice learning outcomes.
   
   5.5 Students undertaking the Mental Health programme must achieve the Specific Criteria identified within each of the six themes identified in the Mental Health Nursing Practice Assessment Document.
   
   5.6 Students undertaking the Learning Disabilities programme must achieve the Specific Criteria identified within each of the six themes identified in the Learning Disabilities Nursing Practice Assessment Document. This assessment requires the achievement of learning contracts, one for each assessment practice period, to include aspects of care for all clients for whom the student has responsibility.
   
   5.7 Pass/Refer/Fail Criteria
   
   5.7.1 Students will normally pass all practice assessments within each Assessment Part of the programme before progressing to the next Part.
   
   5.7.2 Referral at the first attempt
   
   5.7.2.1 A student who does not achieve the required Core and Specific Practice Learning Outcomes at the level specified in the Practice Assessment Criteria will be referred at the first attempt.
   
   5.7.2.2 In the event of referral at the first attempt students may undertake a second attempt. The student will be expected to pass the unachieved Core and Specific Practice Learning Outcomes at the same level specified in the original Practice Assessment Criteria for that Part. The student must continue to demonstrate achievement of previously achieved learning outcomes. Failure to do so could result in refer/fail.
   
   The student will not normally be able to progress to the next level of specified practice in the assessment criteria until the outstanding level has been met.
   
   The second attempt must take place in a comparable practice setting.
   
   The length of time necessary for a second attempt would be individually determined by the assessor and academic tutor in discussion with the student.
   
   Any additional time needed to meet the required practice hours or the unmet Practice Assessment criteria in either the referred or subsequent placements/practice periods will normally be undertaken by the student during time allocated for course work, annual leave or in the student's own time. The procedures for providing students with second or additional attempts is individually arranged.
   
   Should the student be due to progress into the next Part of the programme a decision about progress will be made on an individual basis.
   
   5.7.3 Failure at the second attempt
   
   5.7.3.1 Failure at the second attempt will result in failure in the Part which will normally lead to discontinuation.
   
   5.7.3.2 Subsequent referrals
   
   If on any future occasion the student is referred in Practice assessment at the first attempt, they will normally be deemed to have FAILED.
   
   
6. Assessment Boards
   
   Assessment Boards exist and function in accordance with the Regulations of both the University of Southampton and the NMC. The Assessment Board is responsible for all matters relating to the assessment of students undertaking studies leading to the award of the Diploma in Nursing, Advanced Diploma in Nursing and Bachelor of Nursing /Bachelor of Midwifery (Hons) and reports to the appropriate Pre Registration Course Management Committee.
   
   6.1 Membership of the Assessment Board
   
   Chair: Associate Director of Pre-Registration Studies
   Lead for Academic Affairs
   Academic Administrator
   Year Co-ordinators
   Teachers/Lecturers representatives
   Clinical representatives
   Faculty representatives
   External Examiners
   The Dean of Faculty, Head of School and a representative of the NMC have the right to attend any meeting.
   A quorum is one third of membership and should include appropriate representation for ratification of results of specific programmes.
   
   6.2 Terms of Reference for Assessment Board
   
   The Boards will meet as required and will:
   ensure that Assessment Regulations are met.
   implement and monitor approved schemes of assessment.
   ensure that the standard is maintained and equates to the appropriate level.
   ensure that the entire assessment scheme is in keeping with the course philosophy.
   publish results and submit copies to the School Board and Faculty Board termly.
   make recommendations, regarding assessment issues related to policy and curriculum as appropriate, to the Pre Registration Course Management Committee.
   produce an Annual report and submit to the Pre registration Course Management Committee, School Board, Faculty Board and the NMC.
   
   6.3 Timing of Assessment Boards
   
   The outcomes of practice and academic assessments will be ratified by the Assessment Board.
   
   
7. Internal and External Examiners
   
   7.1 Internal Marking
   
   School and University academic staff associated with the Units of Learning or with related curricular aspects, are normally expected to be internal markers. Regular monitoring of standards and ongoing preparation and support is provided by experienced academic staff.
   
   Assignments and examinations will be marked by appropriate academic staff in order to provide a broad, fair assessment of the student's abilities, and to provide each student with a variety of tutorial feedback about their work.
   
   Double marking of all BN/BMid (Hons) dissertations will be undertaken.
   
   7.2 Internal Quality Assurance
   
   All referred assessments and at least 10% of all other assessments will be scrutinised as part of the internal quality monitoring process. The conduct and effectiveness of academic assessment will be further monitored through the following methods:-
   

• Reports from External Examiners and Assessment Board
  
• Academic staff and student programme evaluations
  
• Random sampling
  

7.3 External Examiners

The individuals appointed as External Examiners will meet the requirements specified by the NMC and the University of Southampton. Each External Examiner will be appointed for a specific field of practice, but will also work within a team to scrutinise students' work across fields of practice and between cohorts.

External Examiners have a principal responsibility for monitoring the entire assessment scheme, leading to the award of the Diploma in Nursing, Advanced Diploma in Nursing and BN/BMid (Hons), and are to satisfy themselves that the required standard is met. External Examiners' Roles and Responsibilities are fully described in the relevant University documents.

8. Failure to Attend for Invigilated Assessments or to Complete Seen Assessments
   
   8.1 A student will be referred if they fail to attend an invigilated examination and are unable to give an adequate explanation to the appropriate Cohort Co-ordinator or deputy.
   
   8.2 If a satisfactory explanation is provided for non-attendance at the invigilated examination the student will be allowed to undertake that attempt at a later date.
   
   8.3 Non-submission of a seen assessment by the due date will result in a referral/failure, except when prior negotiation with the appropriate Academic Tutor or, if relevant, Cohort Co-ordinator has resulted in an extension supported by the relevant documentation.
   
   
9. Policies Regarding Referral/Discontinuation
   
   9.1 Students are required to reach the stated Criteria for Achievement in all Parts of the Course.
   
   9.2 Students will normally be required to achieve a satisfactory standard in all theoretical and practical assessments in a Part before they are permitted to progress into the subsequent Part.
   
   9.3 A student who is referred at the first attempt will normally be required to obtain a Pass at the second attempt.
   
   9.4 Failure at the second attempt will normally lead to discontinuation.
   
   
10. Conduct of Assessments
    
    10.1 Invigilation will be in accordance with current University policies.
    
    10.2 Unacceptable Behaviour
    
    In all academic assessments, evidence of disruptive behaviour, cheating, copying and/or collusion may result in all students involved in the incident being referred/failed. Any such incident will be reported to the Assessment Board which will make a decision regarding possible discontinuation from the course.
    
    Clause 10 of Section IV, General Regulations, Regulations for students, of the University of Southampton Calendar, applies:
    
    "A student who is found to have cheated or plagiarised in any element of work presented for assessment will incur a penalty which will be at least a mark of zero for the element or elements of assessment concerned and may, depending on the seriousness of the case, extend to a reduction of class of degree, deprivation of a University qualification, or termination of course. For the purposes of this regulation plagiarism is defined as "the verbatim or near-verbatim copying or paraphrasing, without acknowledgement, from published or unpublished material attributable to or which is the intellectual property of another, including the work of other students".
    
    
11. Reviews and Appeals
    
    11.1 The Regulations governing Reviews and Appeals by Undergraduate and Postgraduate Instructional Students are available from Registry Reception, Level 3, Nightingale Building, via the School web or In Section IV of the University Calendar Regulations.
    
    11.2 In relation to 'appeals', the term 'degree' includes any degree, advanced diploma or diploma awarded by this School of Nursing and Midwifery, undergraduate or postgraduate.