| 1. |
Introduction |
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1.1 |
The following regulations apply to all Undergraduate and Integrated Masters taught programmes at levels 6 and 7 (see Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CATS) Regulations), except in so far as exemption for particular programmes has been allowed under 1.3 below. |
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1.2 |
Where there are exceptional circumstances resulting in a student’s performance being worthy of special consideration, as defined in Section IV paragraph 3 of the Regulations and Definitions Applying to Progression for All Credit Bearing Programmes, a Board of Examiners has the authority to set aside aspects of these regulations and seek alternative evidence, or offer alternative methods or times for re-assessment, to show that required learning outcomes have been achieved. Detailed guidance is given in the Quality Handbook. |
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1.3 |
With the approval of the Chair of the University Programme Committee, faculties may with good cause operate variations on the following progression scheme. Where Faculties operate approved variations on the scheme, students will be provided with specific information by the Faculty. |
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| 2. |
Programme Structure |
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2.1 |
A programme of study is divided into one or more Parts. A Part will predominantly be at one academic level with successive Parts at successively higher levels. However, some study may be at other levels as permitted by the Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CATS) Regulations. |
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2.2 |
The assessment for each Part will consist of assessments for a number of modules. The total credit rating for the modules will be as specified in the CATS regulations. |
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2.3 |
If programme regulations allow a candidate to take assessments in more modules than the minimum required, progression decisions will be based on that combination of modules which gives the best mark profile and which is consistent with programme regulations (for example, in relation to core and compulsory modules). |
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2.4 |
Each Part must be successfully completed before the next Part is commenced. The criteria for successful completion are specified in paragraph 3below. |
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2.5 |
For classified awards, the classification will be determined by the average mark and the profile of module marks in the final Part and other Parts, as specified in paragraph 5 below. |
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| 3. |
Criteria for Progression |
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3.1 |
In order to progress to the next Part of a programme or to an award, as appropriate, all modules must be passed at the specified module pass mark except as allowed in paragraph 3.3 below. |
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3.2 |
Some Parts of some programmes may in addition require an average mark greater than 40%. This is particularly the case for programmes subject to professional accreditation. Details will be given in individual programme regulations. |
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3.3 |
Compensation: A candidate achieving the required overall average and passing all core modules, but failing to achieve the required pass mark in non-core modules totalling not more than 30 credit points (15 ECTS), may be permitted to progress provided no module mark is less than the Qualifying Mark. Compensation can only be applied when a student has completed all required elements of assessment of the failed module. |
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3.4 |
Referral: |
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3.4.1 |
A candidate failing to progress under paragraphs 3.1 to 3.3 may take Referral assessments in (a) all failed core modules and modules in which the mark achieved is less than the Qualifying Mark, and (b) such other failed modules as the candidate, following academic counselling from the Faculty, shall choose. Referral assessments are normally undertaken in the Supplementary Examination period (August/September). |
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3.4.2 |
The marks achieved at referral are inserted into the previous marks profile (where higher than the previous marks) and paragraphs 3.1 to 3.3 applied again to determine progression. However, the referral marks will be capped at the module pass mark to calculate the average mark carried forward to determine a final degree classification. |
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3.4.3 |
A candidate is not permitted to refer a module which has already been passed in order to improve the mark, except in situations where the referral is necessary to achieve an average pass mark which is above 40% as in paragraph 3.2 above. In this case the candidate may, following academic counselling from the Faculty, take referrals in any modules in which the mark achieved was less than the required average mark. If the referral is successful, the required average mark shall be carried forward. If the candidate subsequently elects to transfer to a programme not requiring the higher average, that part of the referral not required for the new programme shall be set aside and the average mark recalculated on that basis. |
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3.5 |
Repeat: A candidate failing to progress after referral may repeat the appropriate Part of the programme internally or externally, as chosen by the candidate, following academic counselling from the Faculty. Normally the Repeat will include all modules and marks from any previous attempts will be set aside. |
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3.6 |
The progression criteria for a Repeating candidate are the same as for the first attempt excluding the right of referral. The mark to be carried forward to determine a final degree classification shall be calculated in the same way as for the first attempt, except in cases covered by paragraph 3.7 below. Any Part may be repeated only once. The programme of a candidate failing at a Repeat shall be terminated. |
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3.7 |
If a candidate repeats solely in order to achieve an average pass mark which is above 40% as in paragraph 3.2 above, but subsequently transfers to a programme not requiring the higher average, the repeat marks shall be set aside and the original module and average marks used. |
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| 4. |
Awards |
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4.1 |
A candidate successfully completing Part I of a programme according to the criteria in paragraph 3 above, but for any reason not proceeding to complete Part II, may be awarded the Certificate of Higher Education. |
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4.2 |
A candidate successfully completing Part II of a programme according to the criteria in paragraph 3 above, but for any reason not proceeding to complete Part III, may be awarded the Diploma of Higher Education. |
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4.3 |
If permitted by programme regulations, a candidate on an Integrated Masters programme successfully completing Part III of the programme according to the criteria in paragraph 3 above, but for any reason not proceeding to complete Part IV, may be awarded a Bachelors Degree. |
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4.4 |
If permitted by programme regulations, an Ordinary Degree may be available to a candidate who has not met the requirements to progress or graduate on an Honours Degree programme. |
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| 5. |
Classified Awards |
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5.1 |
Mark Scheme |
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The degree classification shall be based on the 100-point mark scheme for the final degree average, ie:
| 70% and over |
First Class (I) |
| 60% - 69% |
Second Class, Upper Division (IIi) |
| 50% - 59% |
Second Class, Lower Division (IIii) |
| 40% - 49% |
Third Class (III) |
| Less than 40% |
Fail |
These boundaries refer to the final average mark rounded to the nearest integer. In programmes subject to professional accreditation, the programme specification may define a required aggregate pass mark greater than 40%. |
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5.2 |
Weighting of Parts |
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Part I work shall be excluded from the final degree classification. A weighting of 0:1:2 shall be used for the three Parts of an Honours degree programme, and a weighting of 0:1:2:2 for the four Parts of an integrated Masters programme. This is in addition to weighting by credit points (for example, where Parts III and IV do not contain the same number of credit points). |
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5.3 |
Classification Algorithm |
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The class awarded shall be that within which the average falls or the next higher class if the unrounded average is within 2% of the higher class and at least 50% of the credit points, weighted by Part, is derived from unit marks in the higher class or above. |
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5.4 |
Variations within Faculties |
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With the approval of the Chair of the University Programme Committee, Faculties may with good cause operate variations on the above classification scheme. The following Faculties have been granted such approval:
| Business and Law (programmes in Law) |
| Medicine (undergraduate programmes) |
Where Faculties operate approved variations on this scheme, students will be provided with specific information by the Faculty. |
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