University of Southampton Calendar 2015/16


University Calendar 2015/16 Section IX : Academic Regulations - Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences

Academic Unit	Centre for Biological Sciences
Final Award	Master of Research (MRes) with exit awards of Postgraduate Certificate Postgraduate Diploma
Programme(s)	These regulations apply to all postgraduate MRes programmes in Biological Sciences
Last modified	April 2015

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

Admissions

1.1	In addition to the information given in the University's General Regulations, the normal entry requirements for MRes programmes is a BSc (Hons) degree (class 2.1 or above) or its equivalent, in an appropriate discipline (please refer to individual programme specifications).
1.2	Candidates who do not meet the normal entry requirements but have relevant professional experience in an appropriate field, may also apply and will be considered on an individual basis. Applications from international candidates are welcome and will be considered on an individual basis.
1.3	All individuals are selected and treated on their relative merits and abilities in line with the University's Equal Opportunities Policy. Disabled applicants will be treated according to the same procedures as any other applicant with the added involvement of Enabling Services to assess their needs. Such applicants are therefore encouraged to make contact early and discuss their needs. The Faculty will make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities (eg. hearing impairment, visual impairment, mobility difficulties, dyslexia), particularly the practical laboratory sessions, and we will attempt to accommodate students wherever possible.
1.4	Short-listed applicants will normally be required to attend an interview.

Structure of Programme(s)

2.1	All MRes programmes are offered on a full-time basis.
2.2	The duration of the full-time programme is one year. Students undertake the taught component between October and May. The research component is undertaken throughout the whole year and normally completed with the submission of the dissertation during September.
2.3	The MRes programmes consist of a number of core, compulsory and optional modules. Some modules have pre-requisites and some modules are mutually exclusive. Detailed information can be found in the appendices of the programme specifications and in individual module descriptors. These can be found on the CfBSwebsite.
2.4	Where programmes allow a choice of option modules, students must select their option choices for each semester of study before the start of the semester on or before the option choices deadline as notified by the Faculty Student Office.
2.5	It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that the combination of modules they have selected is valid and meets the requirements of their programme of study.
2.6	Students have until the end of week two of the semester in which to change their selections. Students changing their selection after the deadline are responsible for checking that there are no timetable clashes.

Progression

3.1	The Programmes follow the University Regulations for Progression, Determination and Classification of Results: Standalone Masters Programmes specified in Section IV of the University Calendar.
3.2	Candidates are required to achieve the module pass mark (50%) or more on each module (including the project).

Assessment

4.1	The Programmes follow the University Regulations for Progression, Determination and Classification of Results: Standalone Masters Programmes specified in Section IV of the University Calendar.
4.2	The performance of candidates shall be assessed by the Board of Examiners in accordance with the University's regulations governing examinations for the relevant programme(s) of study. Details of the assessment for individual modules are given in module specifications (synopses) held on the CfBS website.
4.3	Students who do not achieve the appropriate level of performance will be required to successfully undertake additional study and/or re-examination during either the summer vacation or the following academic year before proceeding.

Award of Qualification(s)

5.1	The final award is determined in accordance with the University Regulations for Progression, Determination and Classification of Results: Standalone Masters Programmes as specified in Section IV of the University Calendar.
5.2	The MRes degreee may be awarded at either a Pass, Merit or Distinction level.
5.3	Exit Awards: Are available in accordance with University Regulations for Progression, Determination and Classification of Results: Standalone Masters Programmes as specified in Section IV of the University Calendar.
5.4	The final award is awarded by Senate on the recommendation of the Faculty Programmes Committee to candidates who have satisfactorily completed an approved course of study and have satisfied the assessment requirements.

Placements/Study Abroad/Exchange/Fieldwork

6.1	Students will be required to complete a risk assessment before undertaking as part of their studies any activity that is judged to involve health and safety risks.
6.2	Where fieldwork takes place overseas, students must ensure they have a valid passport/visa.

Other

7.1	Any other specific requirements for individual programmes are included in programme specifications.
7.2	Candidates are required to satisfy the academic and attendance requirements of the programme as laid out in the Programme Specification and the Student Handbook for the programme. Those failing to do so may have their course terminated.
7.3	Attendance at tutorials, lectures and practical classes is essential and may be monitored. Persistent absentees will receive a warning from the Faculty.
7.4	As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our programmes to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. As a result, these regulations may be revised during a student’s period of registration, however, any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Please read our Disclaimer to see why, when and how changes may be made to a student’s programme.