Academic Regulations: Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences
| School | Ocean and Earth Sciences |
| Final Award | Master of Science in Global Marine Resources Management (Double Award) With exit awards from the University of Southampton only of: Certificate of Higher Education Diploma of Higher Education |
| Programme(s) | Master of Science in Global Marine Resources Management |
| Last modified | April 2023 |
The Academic Regulations apply to and regulate the programme(s) listed above.
On occasion, programmes can be exempted from one or more of the clauses in the Regulations; one or more of the clauses can be varied; and programmes can impose additional requirements.
- Exemptions are characterised by the omission of the relevant clause.
- Variations are characterised by the replacement of the clause with alternative wording.
- Additions are characterised by requirements in addition to those detailed in the Academic regulations.
The programmes listed have approval from the Academic Quality and Standards Committee for the exemptions and/or variations and/or additions to the regulations noted below.
| 3. | Passing a Module | |
| 3.1 | Where a numerical mark is awarded, the Module Pass Mark for students on postgraduate master’s programmes is 50. Some Modules are marked only as Pass or Fail. | Variation: Where a numerical mark is awarded, the Module Pass Mark for students on postgraduate master’s programmes is 50. Some Modules are marked only as Pass or Fail. The Translation of Marks Scheme in Section 11 of these Programme Regulations will be used to translate marks from modules undertaken at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology into the 100-point Mark Scheme. |
| 3.2 | Where a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body requires a Pass Mark that is higher than the University standard Module Pass Mark, this will be stated in the Programme Regulations in the University Calendar. | Applies unchanged |
| 4. | Compensation | |
| 4.1 | A Pass by Compensation may be given in a non-Core Module when a student has: i. achieved or exceeded the Average Mark of 50 for the taught part of the programme; and ii. achieved the Qualifying Mark in that non-Core Module. | Variation: All modules of the programme are Core including any modules chosen from a list of options once the student has been enrolled on them. |
| 4.2 | The standard Qualifying Mark for Modules on postgraduate master’s programmes is 35. Where a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body requires a Qualifying Mark that is higher than the University standard Qualifying Mark, this will be stated in the Programme Regulations in the University Calendar. | Not applicable |
| 4.3 | A Pass by Compensation can only be given in a limited number of Credits as follows: i. A Pass by Compensation can be given in taught Modules totalling at most 15 ECTS (30 CATS) Credits for a Master’s programme or Postgraduate Diploma, and totalling at most 10 ECTS (20 CATS) Credits for a Postgraduate Certificate, except that: ii. In programmes with a minimum Module size of 10 ECTS (20 CATS) Credits, a Pass by Compensation can be given in taught Modules totalling at most 20 ECTS (40 CATS) Credits for a Master’s programme or Postgraduate Diploma, and totalling at most 10 ECTS (20 CATS) Credits for a Postgraduate Certificate. | Not applicable |
| 4.4 | The Compensation criteria apply at both the first and Referral attempts. | Not applicable |
| 4.5 | The compensated mark will not be raised to the Module Pass Mark, but full Credit will be awarded for the Module. The Module Mark awarded will be included in the student’s classification calculation, where applicable. | Not applicable |
| 4.6 | A student will not be required or permitted to Refer in a Module once the Board of Examiners awards a Pass by Compensation in that Module. | Not applicable |
| 4.7 | Where a student, whose Average Mark is above 50, fails more Modules than can be Passed by Compensation, the student can select which Modules to Refer, with the constraint that Core Modules and all Modules in which the mark obtained is less than the Qualifying Mark must be Referred. | Not applicable |
| 5. | Referral | Further Assessment |
| 5.1 | A student who fails a taught Module, after the application of Compensation, may take Referral assessments in failed taught Modules totalling at most 15 ECTS (30 CATS) Credits, subject to the following exemptions: i. For programmes with a minimal Module size of 10 ECTS (20 CATS) Credits, a student who fails a taught Module, after the application of Compensation, may take Referral assessments in failed taught Modules totalling at most 20 ECTS (40 CATS) Credits. ii. For programmes where all Modules are Core and where it is specified in the Programme Regulations in the University Calendar, the student may take Referral assessments in failed taught Modules totalling at most 30 ECTS (60 CATS) Credits. | Exemption |
| 5.2 | A student who has failed taught Modules totalling more than the permitted number of Credits for Referral as stated in 5.1 above, is not eligible to Refer in any Module and is required to Repeat. | Exemption |
| 5.3 | The mark obtained at Referral will be Capped at the Module Pass Mark. | Exemption |
| 5.4 | The Capped Mark achieved at Referral will be used for calculating the Final Average Mark and determining award eligibility and final classification, where applicable. | Exemption |
| 5.5 | Where a student is undertaking their programme through part time study, it may be in the student's best interests to take Referrals at the earliest opportunity, which may be outside the normal assessment periods. For such students, Referrals may be permitted while they are still completing their other taught Modules. The arrangements will be communicated via the Programme Handbook. | Not applicable |
| 6. | Repeat | |
| 6.1 | A student who has not passed at the first attempt or is not eligible to Refer, or who has Referred and not passed, may Repeat the taught part of the programme Internally or Externally as chosen by the student following academic advice from within the School. | Variation A student who has not passed at the first attempt may repeat the taught part of the programme Internally within the permissible credit limit as stated in 6.4. |
| 6.2 | Students choosing an External Repeat should ensure they are aware of the constraints related to dissertation completion as specified in Section 7 of these Regulations. | Not applicable |
| 6.3 | Paragraph 3 of the Regulations and Definitions Applying to Progression for all Credit-Bearing Programmes should be consulted regarding the right to Repeat for students sponsored by the University to enter the UK under the points-based visa system. | Applies unchanged |
| 6.4 | Internal Repeat: An Internal Repeat will consist of all taught Modules, including those passed at the first attempt. Marks for Modules in which the Pass Mark was not obtained at the first attempt will be Capped at the Pass Mark; for all other Modules the actual mark obtained at Repeat will be used to calculate the Final Average Mark. | Variation An Internal Repeat will be permitted up to a maximum of 15 ECTS. The new mark obtained at Internal Repeat will be used to calculate the Final Average Mark and will be recorded as the final mark for the module. |
| 6.5 | External Repeat: An External Repeat will include only those taught Modules in which the Pass Mark was not obtained at the first attempt or at Referral. Existing Module Marks for Modules not Repeated will be used to calculate the Final Average Mark. Marks for Modules taken at External Repeat will be Capped at the Pass Mark to calculate the Final Average Mark. | Exemption |
| 6.6 | The Pass criteria for a student Repeating are the same as for the first attempt excluding the right of the Referral. The taught part of a programme may be Repeated only once. Should a student Fail the Repeated Modules, their registration with the University will end. The student will be provided with a record of any Modules passed and an exit award if eligible. | Variation: The pass criteria for a student Repeating are the same as for the first attempt. The taught part of the programme may be repeated only once. Should a student Fail the Repeated Modules their registration with the University will end. The student will be provided with a record of any Modules passed and a University of Southampton exit award if eligible. |
| 6.7 | Where a student is undertaking their programme through part time study, it may be in the student's best interests to Repeat Modules at the earliest opportunity, which may be outside of the normal assessment periods. For such students, Repeats may be permitted while they are still completing their other taught Modules and Referrals. The arrangements will be communicated via the Programme Handbook. | Not applicable |
| 7. | Dissertation | |
| 7.1 | The dissertation is not considered to be a taught Module and Compensation, Referral and Repeat are not applicable. | Applies unchanged |
| 7.2 | The Pass Mark for the dissertation is 50. | Applies unchanged |
| 7.3 | A student failing to achieve the Pass Mark may submit a revised dissertation on the same subject on one occasion only. | Exemption |
| 7.4 | A student revising their dissertation will be given three months from the date the outcome of the Board of Examiners is published, to revise and resubmit their dissertation. If deemed appropriate by the Board of Examiners, a student revising their dissertation may be allowed access to facilities and/or resources for practical work during this time. | Exemption |
| 7.5 | A student revising their dissertation will have access to two instances of supervision: i. The student will receive detailed written feedback on the failed dissertation and the improvements required. The student should also have the opportunity to meet with their supervisor to discuss the improvements required. ii. Before submission of the revised dissertation, the student will receive feedback on the revisions made. | Exemption |
| 7.6 | The mark for a revised dissertation will be Capped at the Pass Mark. | Exemption |
| 7.7 | No Internal or External Repeat of the dissertation Module is allowed. | Applies unchanged |
| 7.8 | The dissertation Module can only be undertaken as an internal student. If a student has not passed sufficient taught Modules at the first attempt such that they will need to Repeat the taught part of their programme to achieve the award , they can choose one of the following options following academic advice from within the School: i. The student can choose to undertake and submit the dissertation and then Repeat the taught part of their programme Internally or Externally. If the student fails the dissertation submission, the student will be allowed to submit a revised dissertation on the same subject on one occasion only as described under paragraphs 7.3 to 7.6. No Repeat of the dissertation allowed. ii. The student can choose to stop undertaking any work on the dissertation and Repeat the taught part of the programme Internally. Following successful completion of the taught Modules, the student can then complete and submit the dissertation. If the student fails the dissertation, the student will be allowed to submit a revised dissertation on the same subject on one occasion only as described under paragraphs 7.3 to 7.6. No Repeat of the dissertation allowed. | Variation: The dissertation Module can only be undertaken as an internal student. If a student has not passed sufficient taught Modules at the first attempt such that they will need to Repeat the taught part of their programme to achieve the award , they can choose one of the following options following academic advice from within the School: i. The student can choose to undertake and submit the dissertation and then Repeat the taught part of their programme Internally. No Repeat of the dissertation allowed. ii. The student can choose to stop undertaking any work on the dissertation and Repeat the taught part of the programme Internally. Following successful completion of the taught Modules, the student can then complete and submit the dissertation. No Repeat of the dissertation allowed. |
| 8. | Award Requirements | |
| 8.1 | When students have accumulated sufficient Credits, as described under paragraphs 8.2 to 8.4, they become eligible for an award of the University. | Applies unchanged |
| 8.2 | Master’s Degree (See list of awards in 1.1) To be considered for a Master’s degree a student must pass a minimum of 90 ECTS (180 CATS) Credits and achieve a Final Average Mark of 50 or above. | Variation: To be considered for a University of Southampton Master’s degree a student must pass a minimum of 90 ECTS (180 CATS) Credits and achieve a Final Average Mark of 50 or above. Students who meet the requirements for award of the University of Southampton programme will not be eligible for the award of a degree unless and until they also meet the requirements for award of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. |
| 8.3 | Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) To be considered for a Postgraduate Diploma a student must pass a minimum of 60 ECTS (120 CATS) Credits and achieve a Final Average Mark of 50 or above. | Variation: To be considered for a University of Southampton Postgraduate Diploma a student must pass a minimum of 60 ECTS (120 CATS) Credits and achieve a Final Average Mark of 50 or above. The Postgraduate Diploma will be a University of Southampton Award only. |
| 8.4 | Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert/PGCE) To be considered for a Postgraduate Certificate a student must pass a minimum of 30 ECTS (60 CATS) Credits and achieve a Final Average Mark of 50 or above. | Variation: To be considered for a University of Southampton Postgraduate Certificate a student must pass a minimum of 30 ECTS (60 CATS) Credits and achieve a Final Average Mark of 50 or above. The Postgraduate Certificate will be a University of Southampton Award only. |
| 8.5 | If a student is unable to achieve their intended award having taken all permissible reassessment opportunities, the University will make an exit award, if permitted by the Programme Specification, based on the Credits the student has achieved. | Variation: If a student is unable to achieve their intended award having taken all permissible reassessment opportunities, the University of Southampton will make an exit award, if permitted by the Programme Specification, based on the Credits the student has achieved. Hong Kong University of Science and Technology does not make exit awards. |
| 9. | Classification of Awards | |||||||||||
| 9.1 | Some awards are classified. The classification bands for Master’s and Postgraduate Diploma awards are set out in the table below. These boundaries refer to the Final Average Mark rounded to the nearest integer.
| Variation: Only the University of Southampton award will be classified as set out in Regulation 9.2 and 9.3. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology award will not be classified. | ||||||||||
| 9.2 | Master’s Degree 9.2.1 A student will be awarded a Master’s degree with distinction if: i. a minimum of 90 ECTS (180 CATS) Credits has been achieved and the Final Average Mark is 69.5 or above, OR ii. a minimum of 90 ECTS (180 CATS) Credits has been achieved and the Final Average Mark is between 68 and 69.4, and at least 50% of the Credits are at 70 or above. 9.2.2 A student will be awarded a Master’s degree with merit if: i. a minimum of 90 ECTS (180 CATS) Credits has been achieved and the Final Average Mark is between 59.5 and 69.4, OR ii. a minimum of 90 ECTS (180 CATS) Credits has been achieved and the Final Average Mark is between 58 and 59.4, and at least 50% of the Credits are at 60 or above. 9.2.3 A student will be awarded a Master’s degree if a minimum of 90 ECTS (180 CATS) Credits has been achieved and the Final Average Mark is 50 or above, but the requirements for distinction or merit are not met. | Applies unchanged | ||||||||||
| 9.3 | Postgraduate Diploma 9.3.1 A student will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma with distinction if: i. a minimum of 60 ECTS (120 CATS) Credits has been achieved and the Final Average Mark of the best 60 ECTS (120 CATS) Credits is 69.5 or above, OR ii. a minimum of 60 ECTS (120 CATS) Credits has been achieved and the Final Average Mark of the best 60 ECTS (120 CATS) Credits is between 68 and 69.4, and at least 50% of the Credits are at 70 or above. 9.3.2 A student will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma with merit if: i. a minimum of 60 ECTS (120 CATS) Credits has been achieved and the Final Average Mark of the best 60 ECTS (120 CATS) Credits is between 59.5 and 69.4, OR ii. a minimum of 60 ECTS (120 CATS) Credits has been achieved and the Final Average Mark of the best 60 ECTS (120 CATS) Credits is between 58 or 59.4, and at least 50% of the Credits are at 60 or above. 9.3.3 A student will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma if a minimum of 60 ECTS (120 CATS) Credits has been achieved and the Final Average Mark of the best 60 ECTS (120 CATS) Credits is between 50 or above, but the requirements for distinction or merit are not met. | Applies unchanged | ||||||||||
| 9.4 | Postgraduate Certificate There is no classification for a Postgraduate Certificate regardless of whether it is a standalone award or an exit award. | Applies unchanged | ||||||||||
| 9.5 | Study Abroad/Exchange Students For programmes involving a period of study outside the UK, unless the programme has an approved translation of marks scheme, a student’s classification will be calculated solely on marks obtained in Modules studied at the University of Southampton. Please refer to the Quality Handbook for the Translation of Marks/Transfer of Credit Policy. | Not applicable | ||||||||||
| 10. | Variations and Exemptions | |
| 10.1 | Some programmes may require variations to the Regulations, for example to meet Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body requirements or the requirements of legislation in another country for a programme delivered under the University's collaborative provision policy. Approved variations to the Regulations will be stated in the relevant Programme Regulations in the University Calendar. In order to maintain oversight, Academic Quality and Standards Committee will review all variations on an annual basis for compliance with the criteria. | Applies unchanged |
| 10.2 | With the approval of Academic Quality and Standards Committee, some programmes may operate an exemption from the Regulations. Approved exemptions will be stated in the relevant Programme Regulations in the University Calendar. | Applies unchanged |
| Additions | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 11. | Translation of Marks Policy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Translation of marks policy – MSc GMRM. The MSc in Global Marine Resources Management is a double award MSc offered by the University of Southampton and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). Students spend semester 1 at the University of Southampton, taking Southampton taught provision, and then spend semesters 2 and 3 at HKUST, undertaking taught modules and a MSc research project. This document describes the translation of marks policy used for semester 2 HKUST modules in order to translate GPA scores to %, in order to enable classification for pass, merit or distinction at UoS. The research project module is co-supervised and co-marked, allowing a % grade to be agreed and presented to examination board for the project module. The policy below follows the University of Southampton Translation of Marks/Transfer of Credit Policy, and is required in order that the significant proportion of programme credit taken under the double award at the overseas HEI, consisting of modules that address some of the core programme learning outcomes, can be used to robustly classify the Southampton award as pass, merit or distinction. Policy: 1. The pass mark at the non-UK HEI will be accepted as the pass mark at the University of Southampton. 2. The GPA award for each HKUST module will be translated to % as follows:
3. Procedures for referrals and repeats are given in the Programme Regulations. The Programme External Examiner will be offered the opportunity to view all scripts and coursework related to the programme under their responsibility and this includes a sample of work from HKUST modules that contribute to the UoS award. Full details of External Examiner appointment, sampling and reporting are given in the Programme Operations Manual. This policy is subject to annual monitoring and confirmation by the MSc GMRM Joint Management Committee. | |||||||||||||||||||||
Disclaimer
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.