University of Southampton Calendar 2009/10


University Calendar 2011/12 Section XIII : Academic Regulations - Faculty of Social and Human Sciences

Academic Unit	Mathematics
Final Award	Master of Science (MSc) Exit awards Postgraduate Certificate Postgraduate Diploma of Higher Education
Programme(s)	Diploma/MSc in Operational Research Diploma/MSc in Operational Research and Finance Diploma/MSc in Statistics with Applications in Medicine Diploma/MSc in Actuarial Science
Last modified	July 2011

Reference should be made to the University's General Regulations found in Section IV and Section V (Higher Degree Regulations) of the University Calendar.

Except where an opt-out has been granted by the University (see below) the following academic regulations apply in addition to the General Regulations.

Admissions

1.1	The requirement for entry to the programmes is a good (normally First or Upper Second) honours degree in a numerate discipline such as Mathematics, Science, Engineering or Social Science. For Operational Research programmes, a postgraduate qualification involving substantial work with quantitative methods will be considered: for the Statistics programme a postgraduate statistics qualification will be considered; for Actuarial Science a degree at the relevant level in Economics or a subject involving a significant amount of quantitative work, or relevant work experience, will be considered.
1.2	Students with other qualifications may be approved by the Programme Board.
1.3	The Faculty is committed to a comprehensive policy of equal opportunities for students and staff, in line with the University’s Equal Opportunities Policy. Individuals are selected and treated on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities and are given equal opportunities within the University.

Structure of Programme(s)

2.1	The programmes will normally begin in late September and will include lectures, coursework, tutorial or problem classes, case studies, supervised project work and private study.
2.2	All modules are credit rated in accordance with the principles contained in the CATS Guide and Regulations. A statement of how the CATS arrangements apply to each programme is included in the relevant Programme Handbook.
2.3	The programmes can be taken over one year of full time study, or normally over two years for part-time study.
2.4	Students for programmes in Mathematics follow an approved pattern of study in accordance with the programme regulations in order to qualify for an award. The Programme Director for each Programme ensures, subject to the approval of the Programme Board, that a coherent pattern of study is chosen.
2.5	The structure of each MSc programme is detailed in the relevant Programme Handbook.
2.6	Each programme may prescribe certain modules which are core or compulsory.
2.7	Some modules will last for a whole semester while the length of others can vary and be shorter or longer. Details are in the relevant Programme Handbook.
2.8	The full time Postgraduate Diploma is taught over nine months divided into two semesters. Those who are successful in this element of the programme may be allowed to progress to the MSc project for which a dissertation is required.
2.9	The module requirements for the part-time Postgraduate Diploma are agreed with each student individually by the Programme Director to provide an overall profile in line with requirements for full time students.

Progression

3.1	Mathematics follows the University Progression Regulations (Section IV of the University Calendar) except that the Qualifying Mark for postgraduate programmes is zero (not 25%). As a result Mathematics has a different set of progression criteria: details, including progression hurdles specific to the individual programmes, are in the Programme Handbooks issued at the beginning of the academic year to all students.
3.2	Mathematics follows the University Progression Regulations (Section IV of the University Calendar) for the determination of awards and classification of degrees (including the level of Distinction).
3.2	Mathematics follows the Regulations referred to in 3.1 above in cases where students do not obtain a standard in the assessments which is deemed satisfactory to the Programme Board. The following is additional to those regulations: A student repeating at the normal time of the assessments held in the following year shall normally be required to take the papers set for that occasion regardless of any change in syllabus.

Assessment

4.1	Each module in Mathematics is normally examined at the end of the semester in which it is given; some modules may include coursework or other assessment which takes place during the session.
4.2	Modules given by other Faculties are assessed in line with the normal times for those Faculties.
4.3	Consideration of assessment marks is undertaken by relevant Examinations Boards, together with External Examiners, in line with the progression rules referred to in Section 3. above.
4.4	On successful completion of a Diploma programme, students deemed suitable by the Programme Board may be permitted to continue with work on a supervised project. Specific requirements for individual programmes are in the Programme Handbooks issued at the beginning of the academic year to all students. A dissertation on this project must be submitted by the following 30 September for full time students. For part-time students, and in special cases with the approval of the Programme Board, submission by a later specified date may be approved.

Award of Qualification(s)

5.1	The degree of MSc may be awarded with a Pass, Merit or Distinction (see 3.1 above).
5.2	Mathematics uses the Faculty regulations (see 3.1 above) to determine CATS points required for awards.
5.3	The exit or degree awards are made by the University Senate on the recommendation of the Examination Board to students who have satisfactorily completed the relevant study and assessment requirements. No award is made to a student who has an outstanding debt to the University.
5.4	Results are provided to students through formal statements of marks and their Personal Tutors or someone acting on their behalf. Other awards are notified to individuals as appropriate.
5.5	Regulations relating to complaints and appeals are in the University Calendar Section IV.

Placements/Study Abroad/Exchange/Fieldwork

6.1

Students progressing to the project dissertation for the MSc will carry out their projects either at the University or with a selected industrial/business institution. In special cases permission may be given by the Programme Board for the work to be done at a Research Institute or other recognised centre.

Other

7.1	These regulations may be revised during a student’s period of registration in accordance with procedures approved by Senate.
7.2	Students are required to satisfy the academic requirements of their programmes (see Programme Handbooks) and the attendance requirements (University Calendar, Section IV). Failure to do so may lead to termination of programme (University Calendar, section IV).