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Last updated: 23 May 2023
Appendix: List of Approved Regulations
1.1 The Academic Regulations for Taught Provision, referred to here as the regulations, shall apply in their entirety to all taught provision including taught elements of research degrees of the University of Gloucestershire, referred to here as the University, and to all students undertaking those programmes, whether delivered within the University or via a collaborative partnership unless otherwise approved as a variation.
1.2 Variations to these regulations are only considered in order to meet Professional or Statutory Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirements. Applications for variations are only considered in relation to regulations 2.1.7, 6.14, 7.13, 7.21, 7.28, 7.29. Variations to these regulations must be approved by, or on behalf of, Academic Board, and recorded as programme-specific regulations within the programme specification and within the ‘notes’ section of the course map.
1.3 These regulations apply to all students registered with the University during the academic year 2010-2011 and thereafter, subject to any subsequent amendments to the regulations over time. These regulations were approved by Academic Board in July 2010, and further approved with amendments in July 2011, July and December 2012, July and November 2013, February and July 2014 and July 2015.
1.4 For students who entered the University prior to the academic year 2010-2011, these regulations will replace any previous regulations that applied.
1.5 Except where indicated against a particular regulation herein, in the case of students who entered their current programme at the University prior to academic year 2010- 2011, where it is found that these regulations are less favourable than those that applied at the point of entry, Boards of Examiners will apply the previous regulations.
1.6 The regulations are determined by the Academic Board of the University. The Academic Board authorises committees, boards and panels to act on its behalf in applying the regulations.
1.7 The application of the regulations is underpinned by a set of University policies and procedures that form appendices to the regulations. Reference is made to these at appropriate points within the regulations. Key University policies and procedures include the following:
1.8 It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that they are familiar with, understand and abide by the University Academic Regulations for Taught Provision, and any other relevant published policies and procedures.
2.1 The following definitions are assumed within the regulations:
2.1.1 Award: the University provides for the achievement of, and confirms in its name, a range of taught awards in accordance with the UK National Qualifications Framework (NQF) that includes the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ). Awards are conferred on the basis of achievement of specified credit, and that credit is achieved through the successful completion of specified modules. Awards of the University are approved by Academic Board. The range of possible awards of the University, and their level within the FHEQ, are:
| Award Title | NQF/FHE Q Level | Minimum credit for award | Minimum credits by level |
| Certificate in Foundation Studies | 3 | 120 | 120 credits at Level 3 |
| Certificate in Professional Studies (CPS) | Defined individually | Defined individually | Defined individually |
| University Certificate | 4 | 60 | 60 at Level 4 |
| Higher National Certificate (HNC) | 4 | 120 | 90 at Level 4 and 60 at Level 5 |
| Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) | 4 | 150 | 120 at Level 4 |
| Foundation Degree (FdA; FdSc; FdEng) | 5 | 240 | 120 at Level 4 and 120 at Level 5 |
| University Diploma | 5 or 6 | 60 | 60 at Level 5 or 6 |
| Higher National Diploma (HND) | 5 | 240 | 120 at Level 4 and 120 at Level 5 |
| Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) | 5 | 240 | 120 at Level 4 and 120 at Level 5 |
| Graduate Diploma (named course) | 6 | 120 | 90 at Level 6 |
| BA; BSc; BEd; LLB; BEng; BFA | 6 | 300 | 120 at Level 4, 120 at Level 5 and 60 at Level 6 |
| BA; BSc; BEd; LLB; BEng; BFA | 6 | 420 | 120 at Level 4, 240 at Level 5 and 60 at Level 6 |
| BA with Foundation, BSc with Foundation; LLB with Foundation; BEng with Foundation | 6 | 420 (for awards with Level 3) | 120 at Level 3; 120 at Level 4, 120 at Level 5 and 60 at Level 6 |
| BA with Foundation, BSc with Foundation; LLB with Foundation; BEng with Foundation | 6 | 540 (for awards with Level 3 and year-long placement) | 120 at Level 3; 120 at Level 4, 240 at Level 5 and 60 at Level 6 |
| BA; BSc; BEd; LLB; BEng; BFA (with honours) | 6 | 360 | 120 at Level 4, 120 at Level 5 and 120 at Level 6 |
| BA; BSc; BEd; LLB; BEng; BFA (with honours) | 6 | 480 (for awards with year long placement) | 120 at Level 4, 240 at Level 5 and 120 at Level 6 |
| BA (with honours) with Foundation; LLB (with honours) with Foundation: BSc (with honours) with Foundation; BEng (with honours) with Foundation | 6 | 480 (for awards with Level 3) | 120 at Level 3; 120 at Level 4, 120 at Level 5 and 120 at Level 6 |
| BA (with honours) with Foundation; LLB (with honours) with Foundation: BSc (with honours) with Foundation; BEng (with honours) with Foundation | 6 | 600 (for awards with Level 3 and year-long placement) | 120 at Level 3; 120 at Level 4, 240 at Level 5 and 120 at Level 6 |
| Professional Graduate Certificate in Education | 6 | 60 | 60 at Level 6 (or 30 at Level 6 and 30 at Level 7) |
| Certificate in Management Studies (CMS) | 6 | 60 | 60 at Level 6 |
| Diploma in Management Studies (DMS) | 7 | 60 | 60 at Level 7 |
| Postgraduate Certificate in Education | 7 | 60 | 60 at Level 7 |
| Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) | 7 | 60 | 60 at Level 7 |
| Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) | 7 | 120 | 120 at Level 7 |
| MA; MSc; MEd; MBA; LLM; MEng | 7 | 180 | 180 at Level 7 |
| MRes | 7 | Not credit rated | Not credit rated |
| MA/MSc (by research) | 7 | Not credit rated | Not credit rated |
| MPhil | 7 | Not credit rated | Not credit rated |
| PhD | 8 | Not credit rated | Not credit rated |
| Advanced Postgraduate Certificate | 8 | 80 | 80 at Level 8 |
| Advanced Postgraduate Diploma | 8 | 160 | 160 at Level 8 |
| Professional Doctorates with taught components (EdD, DBA, DMC, DSE; DEng) | 8 | Not credit rated | Not credit rated |
2.1.2 Programme: a student follows a programme of studies by taking permitted modules and achieving credit, normally progressing towards the completion of a named award. All programmes are articulated through a programme specification.
2.1.3 Course: a course is a coherent package of specified modules, approved via validation, constituting a named award or named awards. The course map specifies the modules which may count towards, and those that are required for, a specific named award.
2.1.4 Module: a module is a self-contained unit of study with its own learning outcomes, assessment and, where appropriate, prerequisites as approved at validation. A module shall be designated by level of study, and by credit rating. All modules are articulated through a module descriptor.
2.1.5 Level: each module is assigned to a level, which indicates the relative challenge, complexity, depth of study and learner autonomy required to meet the specified learning outcomes. The six levels for education awards offered by the University as specified in the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) are:
The distinguishing features of each level of study are outlined in Chapter A1 of the UK Quality Code for Higher Education and detailed in the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
2.1.6 Credit: credit is awarded to a learner in recognition of achievement of designated learning outcomes at a specified level. The volume of credit awarded is based on the estimated notional learning hours, where one credit represents ten notional hours of learning. Learning time includes both contact time and private study. Credit is expressed in Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) points, and a full-time undergraduate student would normally complete 120 CATS points (1200 hours of learning time) per academic year. For the purpose of comparison with the European Credit Accumulation and Transfer System, 120 CATS is equivalent to 60 ECTS.
2.1.7 Accredited Prior Learning: Procedures for claiming APL are documented in the Guide to Accreditation of Prior Learning. A student may be awarded credit for prior or concurrent learning (APL) up to the specified maximum against the requirements for an award of the University as follows:
| University Award | Total Credit for the Award (CATS) | Maximum APL Credit for Award (CATS)b | Maximum APL for Level of Awardb |
| Certificate in Foundation Studies | 120 | 0 | 0 |
| Certificate in Professional Studies (CPS) | Defined individually | 0 | 0 |
| University Certificate | 60 | 0 | 0 |
| Higher National Certificate (HNC) | 150 | 75 | 0 |
| Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) | 120 | 30 | 30 |
| Foundation Degree (FdA; FdSc; FdEng) | 240 | 150 | 30 |
| University Diploma | 60 | 0 | 0 |
| Higher National Diploma (HND) | 240 | 150 | 0 |
| Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) | 240 | 150 | 30 |
| Graduate Diploma (named course) | at least 120 | 0 | 0 |
| BA; BSc; BEd; LLB; BEng; BFA | 300 | 240 | 0 |
| BA; BSc; BEd; LLB; BEng; BFA | 420 | 360 | 0 |
| BA with Foundation; BSc with Foundation; LLB with Foundation BEng with Foundation | 420 | 360d | 0 |
| BA with Foundation; BSc with Foundation; LLB with Foundation BEng with Foundation | 540 | 480d | 0 |
| BA; BSc; BEd; LLB; BEng; BFA (with honours) | 360 | 240 | 30a |
| BA; BSc; BEd; LLB; BEng; BFA (with honours) | 480 | 360 | 30a |
| BA (with honours) with Foundation; BSc (with honours) with Foundation; LLB (with honours) with Foundation BEng (with honours) with Foundation | 480 | 360d | |
| BA (with honours) with Foundation; BSc (with honours) with Foundation; LLB (with honours) with Foundation BEng (with honours) with Foundation | 600 | 480d | 0 |
| BA; BSc (with honours) Level 6 (validated programme with entry at Level 6) | 120 | 0 | 0 |
Landscape Architecture Conversion course (Level 4 and Level 5) | 120 | 120 | N/A, this is an access course only for PGT courses in Landscape Architecture |
| Professional Graduate Certificate in Education | 60 | 0 | 0 |
| Certificate in Management Studies (CMS) | 60 | 0 | 0 |
| Diploma in Management Studies (DMS) | 60 | 0 | 0 |
| Postgraduate Certificate in Education | 60 | 0 | 0 |
| Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) | 60 | 30 | 30 |
| Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) | 120 | 60 | 60 |
| MA; MSc; MEd; MBA; LLM; MEngc | 180 | 120 | 120 |
| MRes | Not credit rated | 0 | 0 |
| MA/MSc (by research) | Not credit rated | 0 | 0 |
| MPhil | Not credit rated | 0 | 0 |
| PhD | Not credit rated | 0 | 0 |
| Advanced Postgraduate Certificate | 80 | 0 | 0 |
| Advanced Postgraduate Diploma | 160 | 0 | 0 |
| Professional Doctorate with taught component (EdD; DBA; DMC; DSE; DEng) | Adv PG Dip plus thesis | 160 | 160 |
a) except for students on formal University exchange programmes where this can be up to 45 CATS at level 6
b) professional or statutory regulatory body requirements may reduce the maximum. Such additional criteria are considered as a variation to the regulations, and must be approved at the point of validation and documented in the programme specification.
c) a student registered for a Masters stage only award must pass 60CATS from those modules identified as at the Masters stage.
d) no APL shall be awarded against L3 of an Honours degree with Foundation.
2.1.7.1 Only credit awarded through the University of Gloucestershire Accredited Prior Learning procedure may count towards a University award.
2.1.7.2 The minimum credit awarded must amount to one module of credit.
2.1.7.3 Certain specified modules may not be eligible for credit for prior learning. These modules are confirmed at validation and details are included on the relevant module descriptor.
2.1.7.4 Credit awarded through the University of Gloucestershire Accredited Prior Learning procedure will be awarded on a pass basis, and therefore may not be included in a calculation of an award classification.
2.1.7.5 The University of Gloucestershire Accredited Prior Learning procedure does not award credit for credit achieved through condonement by another institution.
2.1.7.6 Where a student exits with an intermediate award rather than the intended award, the maximum Accredited Prior Learning for the intermediate award and each level of the intermediate award will apply.
2.1.7.7 The maximum study period (see 3.3) will be applied on a pro rata basis to students admitted with transferred credit.
2.1.7.8 Students may not re-use credit to collect several similar awards at the same or a lower level, and credit from a postgraduate programme cannot be counted towards an undergraduate award.
2.1.8 Mode of Study: Study for an award may be on a fast-track, full-time, part-time or associate student basis, and permitted modes of study are specified for each programme within the programme specification.
2.1.9 Definitive Documentation: All named awards are supported by a set of definitive documentation, comprising a programme specification, a course map, and module descriptors. The course maps and module descriptors are published on the University web site. The programme specification is published to students in the course handbook.
2.1.10 Transcripts: All students will be eligible to receive a transcript indicating credit earned as a result of their studies, unless as otherwise noted in Regulation 4.18.
3.1 All provision shall be taught and assessed in English, except where a foreign language is the subject of study.
3.2 The minimum study load to be considered full time is 90 CATS per academic year for an undergraduate student and 120 CATS per academic year for a postgraduate student.
3.2.1 The minimum study load for a student on a Graduate Diploma programme to be considered full time is 91 CATS per academic year.
3.3 The maximum period of registration on a programme is specified in the table below. Where a PSRB specifies a shorter period, such an additional requirement will be outlined in the programme specification of the course in question.
| Award title | Minimum credit for award | Maximum period of registration (‘Year’ is academic year unless otherwise stated) |
| Certificate in Foundation Studies | 120 | 2 |
| Certificate in Professional Studies (CPS) | Defined individually | 2 years |
| University Certificate | 60 | 2 years |
| Higher National Certificate (HNC) | 150 | 4 years |
| Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) | 120 | 3 years |
| Foundation Degree (FdA; FdSc; FdEng) | 240 | 5 years |
| University Diploma* | 60 | 2 years |
| Higher National Diploma (HND) | 240 | 5 years |
| Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) | 240 | 5 years |
| Graduate Diploma (named course) | 120 | Full time: 2 years Part Time: 4 years |
| BA; BSc; BEd; LLB; BEng; BFA | 300 | 7 years |
| BA; BSc; BEd; LLB; BEng; BFA | 420 | 8 years |
| BA with Foundation; BSc with Foundation; LLB with Foundation BEng with Foundation | 420 | 8 years |
| BA with Foundation; BSc with Foundation; LLB with Foundation BEng with Foundation | 540 | 9 years |
| BA; BSc; BEd; LLB; BEng; BFA (with honours) | 360 | 8 years |
| BA; BSc; BEd; LLB; BEng; BFA (with honours) | 480 | 9 years |
| BA (with honours) with Foundation; BSc (with honours) with Foundation; LLB (with honours) with Foundation BEng (with honours) with Foundation | 480 | 9 years |
| BA (with honours) with Foundation; BSc (with honours) with Foundation; LLB (with honours) with Foundation BEng (with honours) with Foundation | 600 | 10 years |
| BA, BSc, BEd, LLB; BEng (with honours), taken in Fast-track mode | 360 | not applicable |
| BA, BSc (with honours) Top up (validated programme with entry at Level 6) | 120 | 3 years |
| Professional Graduate Certificate in Education | 60 | 2 years |
| Certificate in Management Studies (CMS) | 60 | 2 years |
| Diploma in Management Studies (DMS) | 60 | 2 years |
| Postgraduate Certificate in Education | 60 | 2 years |
| Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) | 60 | Full Time: 8 months Part Time: 2 calendar years |
| Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) | 120 | Full Time: 1 calendar year Part Time: 3 calendar years |
| MA; MSc; MEd; MBA; LLM; MEng | 180 | Full Time: 2 calendar years Part Time: 4 calendar years |
| MA, MSc, MBA, LLM: MEng Masters stage (validated programme with entry at Master’s stage) | 60 | Full Time: 6 months Part Time: 12 months |
| MSc Masters stage (validated programme with entry for Master’s stage) | 75 | Full Time: 9 months Part Time: 18 months |
| MSc Master stage (validated programme with entry for Master’s stage) | 90 | Full Time: 1 calendar year Part Time: 2 calendar years |
| MRes | Not credit rated | Full Time: 24 months Part Time: 36 months |
| MA/MSc (by research) | Not credit rated | Full Time: 24 months Part Time: 36 months |
| MPhil | Not credit rated | Full Time: 36 months Part Time: 60 months |
| PhD | Not credit rated | Full Time: 48 months Part Time: 84 months |
| Advanced Postgraduate Certificate | 80 | 3 years |
| Advanced Postgraduate Diploma | 160 | 4 years |
| Professional Doctorate with taught component (EdD; DBA; DMC; DSE; DEng) | Not credit rated | Full Time: 48 months Part Time: 84 months |
Notes:
a. The maximum period of registration will be applied on a pro rata basis to students admitted with Accreditation of Prior Learning or who change mode of study.
b. Where a student has not completed their intended award at the expiry of their maximum completion time, they will be required to withdraw. They will be made the highest award to which they are entitled.
c. Where a student, on reaching the maximum time for completion of their intended award, has outstanding reassessment work, or work with a Late grade granted for mitigating circumstances, they will be allowed to complete that assessment. However, a student will not be allowed to retake a module in the case of failure.
d. Approved periods of suspension of studies (‘deferral’) count against the maximum registration period, and therefore do not change the end date for the registration period (see s4.15).
* In the case of a University Diploma of 90 CATS the maximum registration period will be 3 years.
3.4 Subject to programme specification, students enrolled on a single honours degree award are able to take modules up to a maximum of 60 CATS from another course.
3.5 Subject to programme specification, students enrolled on a joint honours degree award must pass at least 135 CATS on each course, and 30 at each level, except for those enrolled before 2009 who must pass at least 120 CATS on each course, and 30 at each level. They are able to take up to 60 CATS from another course.
3.6 Attendance will be required in line with course requirements and attendance may be required during evenings, weekends and outside standard term time.
3.7 Students are expected to attend all scheduled learning opportunities. Any course specific attendance requirements must be approved and documented in the module descriptors.
4.1 A student shall be admitted to study either as a candidate for a specific award within a specific course or as an associate student.
4.2 To be eligible for admission, an applicant shall satisfy the minimum entry requirement of the University, the general entry requirement for their intended award, and any specific entry requirements published for the particular course.
4.3 An applicant whose first language is not English shall satisfy the English language entry requirement specified for their level of entry and course.
4.4 General entry requirements are published in the Admissions Policy and course specific entry requirements are published on the course web page.
4.5 An applicant must have sufficient years of experience of education to ensure preparedness to study in higher education.
4.6 Legislative requirements (e.g., immigration requirements) may apply in addition to the requirements of these regulations. In particular, a student shall declare any relevant unspent convictions before admission to, and whilst registered as a student of, the University. Where required, students must undergo Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced disclosure procedures and be cleared to undertake their studies.
4.7 Students may not normally enrol for more than one University award simultaneously.
4.8 A student may be permitted to enter a programme of studies with advanced standing, and be awarded credit for prior learning. Procedures are published in the Guide to Accreditation of Prior Learning.
4.9 A student shall only be eligible for the award for which they have been accepted at entry, unless an application to change award has been approved, or the intended award changed as the result of a decision by a Board of Examiners.
4.10 A student must formally enrol with the University at the start of their programme of studies, and subsequently for each period in which they will be registering for modules. Normally, this will be the start of the academic year (i.e., September). Where, for whatever reason, assessment for a module has been carried forward into the next academic year, a student must also re-enrol at the start of that academic year.
4.11 A student who fails to enrol with the University by the published deadline will be deemed to be no longer a student and will be withdrawn.
4.12 A student’s enrolment shall be considered as provisional by the University until full payment of the tuition fees due for the relevant period have been made. If a student does not pay, or does not make satisfactory arrangements to pay their tuition fees, then the student’s enrolment for the period in question will be cancelled and their work will not be assessed.
4.13 If a student is in debt for tuition fees for the previous period of study, the student shall not be permitted to re-enrol.
4.14 A student shall register each academic year on a valid set of modules for their intended award before they shall be permitted to undertake the modules.
4.15 A student may apply to suspend their studies for a period (‘defer’) but the maximum period of registration will not be extended.
4.16 A student may be required to suspend their studies as the result of the application of the University’s Supported Study Procedures.
4.17 A student may be required to withdraw from their studies as the result of the application of the University’s Fitness to Practise Procedures.
4.18 Any student found to have submitted false or incorrect information to gain entry to or claim credit against a programme of study, or found to have misrepresented their achievements at the university to an external body, will be required to leave the university. The university will notify the appropriate authorities of this action and the nature of the offence. Students required to withdraw under these circumstances will be eligible to receive a transcript indicating credit legitimately earned.
4.19 A module normally may not be added or deleted more than 14 days after its first scheduled timetabled occurrence.
4.20 A student may normally change their course in any year up to two weeks after the first timetabled occurrence of a module for which they are registered in the receiving course.
5.1 All modules shall have a designated level as indicated by the first number in the module code. A module starting with the number ‘3’ (e.g., SP3001) is at level 3, a module starting with the number ‘4’ (e.g., SP4001) is at level 4, a module starting with the number ‘5’ (e.g., SP5001) is at level 5, a module starting with the number ‘6’ (e.g., SP6001) is at level 6, as a transitional measure while existing courses phase out a module starting with the number ‘4’ or ‘7’ (e.g., SPX401/SP7001) is at level 7.
5.2 All modules shall have a designated credit rating expressed in CATS points. The following credit ratings are permitted:
Undergraduate:
15 CATS
30 CATS
Postgraduate:
15 CATS
30 CATS
40 CATS (Level 8 taught modules only)
60 CATS (Dissertation or research project only)
5.3 In exceptional circumstances proposals for alternative module sizes will be considered at the point of application for programme approval.
5.4 Modules may run over differing durations, although the module duration shall be specified as the study period and documented on the course map.
5.5 A course map specifies the status of modules which count towards a named award, as follows:
Compulsory – the module must be successfully completed (i.e., a pass grade attained) in order to gain the intended award and cannot be condoned.
Core – the module is one of a group of modules where a specified number of modules from the group must be successfully completed in order to gain the intended award and may be condoned only when the course requirements have been otherwise met.
Option – the module is optional, but counts towards the specified number of modules that must be taken from the course map in order to gain the intended award and may be condoned.
5.6 A restriction may be placed on a module to specify that the module may not count as credit towards the intended award if taken with another module. Restrictions shall be documented in the module descriptor.
5.7 A restriction may be placed on a module to specify that the module may not be taken unless a specified module at a lower level has been passed (pre-requisite) or unless a module at the same level is taken concurrently (co-requisite). Pre-requisites and corequisites shall be documented in the module descriptor.
5.7.1 A condoned module does not count against pre-requisite requirements.
6.1 The University will publicise, and provide reasonable notice of, assessment requirements. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that they obtain the information they require in order to present themselves for assessment.
6.2 The form of assessment and submission date shall be communicated to students via the module guide. The assessment brief, assessment schedule and assessment criteria shall be approved by a standing panel of the Board of Examiners prior to the start of each module. During the course of the module, students will receive the assessment brief specifying the task to be completed and any additional details about the requirements for assessment.
6.3 Assessment tasks are designated as Examination or Coursework.
6.4 Students are required to submit themselves to formal examination at times specified by the Board of Examiners or other appropriate University authority. Absence or non-submission of scripts may result in failure as determined by the Board of Examiners.
6.5 Students shall submit coursework as determined by the programme assessment schedule. Non-submission may result in failure as determined by the Board of Examiners.
6.6 Late submission of coursework without documented and approved mitigating circumstances is penalised in accordance with the following criteria:
6.7 In the case of students with disability needs, such arrangements for assessment as are necessary and appropriate may be approved in accordance with appropriate University procedures (see Assessment Procedures).
6.8 The overall pass mark for a module is 40%. Where a module includes two or more elements of assessment, the final module mark is expressed as a whole number. The weighted average of the elements of assessment is rounded up when the decimal places are 0.5 or higher (e.g., 65.50 is rounded up to 66%, but 65.49 is rounded down to 65%).
6.9 A student shall be entitled to a single opportunity for reassessment if the overall mark for the module is in the range 30-39%.
6.10 A student who has achieved the specified pass mark for the module at the first attempt will not be able to re-take the module to gain a higher mark.
6.11 Where a module requires assessment in two or more elements, compensation between elements is permitted unless otherwise approved at the point of validation and documented in the module descriptor.
6.11.1 Where a module has more than one assessment point and at least one of those is assessed on a pass/fail basis, compensation shall not be permitted.
6.12 Where compensation is not allowed between assessment elements within a module, and a student fails to pass all elements of assessment at the first attempt, the overall module result will be recorded as a qualified fail and a student may be provided with an opportunity for reassessment. In cases where a student passes the reassessed element, the overall module result shall be capped at 40D. In cases where a student fails to pass the reassessed element, the overall module result shall be recorded as 39F.
6.13 When one or more elements of assessment are submitted as a reassessment opportunity, the maximum attainable module mark is 40%.
6.14 A student shall be entitled to retake any module which has been failed, unless the opportunity for re-take was explicitly precluded at validation due to PSRB requirements, documented in the programme specification and recorded as a variation in the appendix to these regulations.
6.15 Academic judgement will be exercised on matters of student assessment, guided by published learning outcomes and assessment criteria. In exercising their judgement, Examiners may penalise any work where the standard of English, numeracy or presentation adversely affects the quality of the work, or where the work submitted exceeds the published size or time limits, or where the work fails to follow normal academic conventions for acknowledging sources. These criteria may be applied in addition to the published assessment criteria specific to any particular assessment task, and should be considered during second marking and moderation.
6.16 Where an assignment exceeds the set word (or other) limit, a penalty of 5 marks will be deducted from the initial assignment mark for every 10% in excess of the word (or other) limit. Unless specified otherwise in a particular assessment brief, the word count of an assessment includes all material such as quotations and quantitative or qualitative data presented within the main body of the text, but does not include references/bibliography or supplementary material presented in the form of an appendix.
6.17 Any work which breaches the University’s Research Ethics: Principles and Procedures (see University’s Research Ethics: Principles and Procedures) will not knowingly be assessed.
6.18 A student’s work submitted for assessment is expected to be their own. Examiners may penalise any work that does not follow normal academic conventions for acknowledging sources. Where the work of the student is deemed not to be their own the work will be considered within the category of ‘errors of attribution’ or ‘assessment offences’.
6.19 Errors of Attribution are minor irregularities of a technical nature which infringe academic conventions, but which would not normally mislead a reader as to the source of the material being presented. Since they are minor irregularities of a technical nature, they do not come under the category of Assessment Offences. Errors of Attribution diminish the quality of the assessed work and will therefore result in the award of a lower mark.
6.20 Assessment offences shall be investigated by an Academic Conduct Officer and the outcome of the investigation will be reported to an Assessment Offences Board of Examiners.
6.20.1 An Assessment Offence shall be classified as one or more of: plagiarism, unauthorised collusion, re-presentation, fabrication, impersonation, or cheating in examinations. The definition of Assessment Offences, procedures for an investigation and the remit for the assessment offences board is documented in the Assessment Procedures.
6.21 Where the Assessment Offences Board of Examiners determines that a Breach of the University Academic Regulations for Taught Provision has occurred, the penalties shall be:
First Offence, logged on the student’s record as a formal Caution only, the work marked according to the published assessment criteria, and the material deemed to have been presented in breach of the University Academic Regulations for Taught Provision will not be considered when arriving at the mark;
Second Offence, logged on the student’s record, with a loss of all marks for the module, a grade of BR recorded, and the module deemed to have been failed;
Third Offence, with a loss of all marks for the module and a requirement to withdraw from the programme and from the University and a grade of BR recorded.
6.22 The Assessment Offences Board of Examiners will determine the category applicable to each student, and will implement the appropriate penalty. Decisions will be notified to the student, and to the Module Assessment Board of Examiners.
6.23 Where an Assessment Offences Board of Examiners determines that falsified or fabricated evidence or other information has been submitted in support of any summative assessment activity, including requests for mitigating circumstances, this finding will be logged on the student’s record as a case of procedural dishonesty with the loss of all marks for the module or modules concerned, the module(s) deemed to have been failed with a grade of 0BR recorded. This will count as an offence under regulation 6.21. In the case of a student on a course leading to a license to practise, the university will notify the appropriate authorities of this action and the nature of the offence. This provision does not apply to any assessable material covered by regulation 6.20 or procedures pursuant to that regulation.
6.24 The only basis for an appeal against a decision of the Assessment Offences Board of Examiners is: that there has been an administrative error or procedural irregularity during the conduct of the relevant investigation of such a significant nature as to have materially affected the decision of the Board.
6.25 Mitigating circumstances are unforeseen factors which affect a student’s ability to complete the assessment to the normal schedule. It is the responsibility of the student to submit evidence, following the published procedures and to the specified deadlines, in support of any claim for mitigating circumstances that may affect their ability to undertake assessment.
6.26 Normally, where a claim for mitigating circumstances affecting Coursework has been approved, the student will be offered an extension for completion of their work.
6.27 Normally, where a claim for mitigating circumstances affecting an Examination has been approved, the opportunity to sit the Examination will be postponed to the next time it is offered. Note that this may fall outside the normal period during which a student undertakes modules. A student may not both submit a claim for mitigating circumstances, and attend the Examination.
6.28 Once Coursework is submitted or an Examination is taken the mark for that assessment will stand. A Board of Examiners does not have the discretion to adjust marks, in the light of mitigating circumstances, for assessment already undertaken.
6.29 Performance for each element of assessment within a module is graded as follows:
| Percentage | Result for element of assessment | Grades |
| 70-100 | Pass | A |
| 60-69 | Pass | B |
| 50-59 | Pass | C |
| 40-49 | Pass | D |
| 0-39 | Fail | F |
| 0 | Non completion | N |
or as follows:
| Result for element of assessment | Grades |
| Satisfactory | S |
| Unsatisfactory | UF |
| Unsatisfactory due to non completion | UN |
6.30 Overall module performance is graded as follows:
| Percentage | Result for element of assessment | Grades |
| 70-100 | Pass | A |
| 60-69 | Pass | B |
| 50-59 | Pass | C |
| 40-49 | Pass | D |
| 40-100 | Qualified fail; specified non-compulsory element failed – entitled to reassessment | QF |
| 30-39 | Fail but with entitlement to reassessment | R |
| 0-29 | Fail without entitlement to reassessment | F |
or as follows:
| Module Result | Grades |
| Satisfactory | S |
| Unsatisfactory but with entitlement to reassessment | UR |
| Unsatisfactory without entitlement to reassessment | UF |
6.31 The grading approach shall be specified in the assessment brief.
6.32 Other grades may be applied as follows:
SB – suspected Assessment Offence as defined by University Academic Regulations for Taught Provision
6.32.1 by a Module Board of Examiners:
L – assessment incomplete due to approved mitigating circumstances
X – no mark reported by the module tutor
N – non-completion of one or more elements of assessment
6.32.2 by an Assessment Offences Board of Examiners
BR – confirmed Assessment Offence as defined by University Academic Regulations or Taught Provision
6.32.3 by a Progression and Awards Board of Examiners
CM – condoned module
W – extenuating circumstances apply, module should not be considered for progression and award calculations
7.1 Awards and progression decisions are confirmed by a Board of Examiners on behalf of Academic Board. The membership and terms of reference of the Boards of Examiners are determined by Academic Board and specified in the Assessment Procedures. The remit of External Examiners, and procedures for their appointment, are documented in the Academic Quality and Partnerships Handbook.
7.2 The two tiers of Boards of Examiners are:
7.3 The Academic Board authorises Boards of Examiners to act on its behalf in all matters related to student assessment, progression and awards.
7.4 The Board of Examiners will confirm an award at the point where a student has achieved the minimum credit requirement and met the specific requirements for their intended award. In all calculations for awards, averages are calculated to two decimal places before rounding to a whole number. The value is rounded up when the decimal places are 0.50 or greater (e.g., 68.50 rounds up to 69%, but 68.49 rounds down to 68%).
7.5 Once the Board of Examiners has confirmed the award, a student may not continue in programme to improve their result.
7.6 The University reserves the right to amend or withdraw an award made to a student if, in the judgement of Academic Board, there are appropriate grounds for it to do so.
7.7 A student who has left their programme and been awarded the Degree may not be permitted to return and enrol for the Honours Degree.
7.8 Where the Board of Examiners judges that for the most exceptional reasons (such as severe illness) the student will be unable to present themselves for assessment at a later point, but is nevertheless satisfied that the student would have qualified for the award for which he or she was a candidate had it not been for a valid cause, an aegrotat award (without classification) may be offered.
7.9 In the case of a student who has died, a Board of Examiners may make a recommendation for a posthumous award. In making such a recommendation, the Board of Examiners will take into account the normal requirements for awards. Aegrotat regulations apply when the student has not completed the normal requirements for the award.
7.10 A student no longer in good standing within the University, as a result of a disciplinary offence, or failure to pay fees, or breach of codes of conduct, or other fault, may be required by a Board of Examiners or other authority to withdraw from their programme of study, losing eligibility for their intended award. The requirements of PSRBs may require a student to withdraw from their programme of study regardless of whether a student remains in good standing with the University, and where appropriate such information is included in the programme specification.
Condoned modules
7.11 Where permitted, module fails will be condoned by the Board of Examiners. Module fails will only be condoned for the awards of: HNC; HND; Cert HE; Dip HE; Foundation Degree; Honours Degree. A condoned module will appear with the grade CM, and credit for the module will be awarded. Condonement is only permitted if the student attempted all elements of assessment in the module during the first attempt of the module, and a minimum module mark of 30% must have been achieved. The module must not be Compulsory nor a Core required for the student’s intended named award. Regulation 1.5 does not apply to this regulation.
7.12 The amount of condoned credit permitted is dependent on the total credit required for the award as follows:
| Intended award | Amount of credit* that can be condoned |
| Honours degree | 30 CATS at Level 4 30 CATS at Level 5 (Students entering Level 5 in September 2009 or later) 30 CATS at Levels 5 + 6 (Students entering Level 5 prior to September 2009) |
| Degree | 30 CATS at Level 4 30 CATS at Level 5 |
| Foundation degree | 30 CATS at Level 4 15 CATS at Level 5 |
| Diploma of Higher Education | 30 CATS at Level 4 15 CATS at Level 5 |
| Certificate of Higher Education | 30 CATS at Level 4 |
| HND | 30 CATS at Level 4 15 CATS at Level 5 |
| HNC | 30 CATS at Level 4 |
*Note: Read number of CATS as ‘modules amounting to that number of CATS’
7.13 Variations to the number of condoned modules permitted will only be approved due to PSRB requirements, and will be recorded as a programme specific regulation in the programme specification.
Award classification
7.14 A foundation degree is awarded with distinction when a student achieves an average mark of 70% or above in the best 90 CATS points at level 5. A foundation degree is awarded with merit when a student achieves an average mark of 60-69% in the best 90 CATS points at level 5.
7.15 A Certificate of Higher Education validated as an intended award is awarded with distinction when a student achieves an average mark of 70% or above in the best 90 CATS points at level 4. A Certificate of Higher Education validated as an intended award is awarded with merit when a student achieves an average mark of 60-69% in the best 90 CATS points at level 4.
7.16 A Diploma of Higher Education validated as an intended award is awarded with distinction when a student achieves an average mark of 70% or above in the best 90 CATS points at level 5. A Diploma of Higher Education validated as an intended award is awarded with merit when a student achieves an average mark of 60-69% in the best 90 CATS points at level 5.
7.17 A University Diploma validated as an intended award is awarded with distinction when a student achieves an average mark of 70% or above in the best 60 CATS points at level 5 and 6. A University Diploma validated as an intended award is awarded with merit when a student achieves an average mark of 60-69% in the best 60 CATS points at level 5 and 6.
7.18 A Graduate Diploma is awarded with distinction when a student achieves an average mark of 70% or above in the best 90 CATS points at level 5 and 6. A Graduate Diploma is awarded with merit when a student achieves an average mark of 60-69% in the best 90 CATS points at level 5 and 6.
7.19 In determining the class of honours for an undergraduate degree the Board of Examiners will use the following schedule:
| Classification | Classification band |
| First class | 70% and above |
| Upper second class(2i) | 60-69% |
| Lower second class (2ii) | 50-59% |
| Third class | 40-49% |
7.20 In calculating the classification band in which a student falls, the Progression and Awards Board of Examiners will use two methods. The method giving the higher result will be used to determine the classification.
Method 1
This is based on the average of the best grades at the level of the award amounting to 90 CATS, rounded to the nearest whole number. If the rounded average is within 1% of a classification threshold (50, 60 or 70%), the student will be upgraded to the higher class if both of the following criteria are met:
a. there are marks for at least 60 CATS (e.g., 4 single modules) at the level of the award in the higher class;
b. there are marks for no more than 30 CATS (e.g., 2 single modules) at the level of the award in the mark range of the class below that of the rounded average.
In the case of a student with ungraded credit at the level of the award, method 1 may be used provided there are grades for modules worth 75 CATS points.
Method 2
This is based on the average (not rounded) of the best grades at the level one below that of the award amounting to 90 CATS, weighted at 40%, plus the average (not rounded) of the best grades at the level of the award amounting to 90 CATS, weighted at 60%, rounded to the nearest whole number. If the rounded average is within 1% of
a classification threshold (50, 60 or 70%), the student will be upgraded to the higher class if both of the following criteria are met:
a. there are marks for at least 120 CATS at both levels in the higher class;
b. there are marks for no more than 60 CATS at both levels in the mark range of the class below that of the rounded average.
In the case of a student with ungraded credit at the level one below that of the award, method 2 may be used provided there are grades for modules worth 60 CATS points.
7.21 The master’s degree, named postgraduate diploma and named postgraduate certificate may be awarded with merit or with distinction. Unless approved as a variation to the regulations due to PSRB requirements, and documented in the programme specification, the following criteria will apply:
7.22 A postgraduate certificate is awarded with merit when a student achieves an average mark of 60% or above calculated on the basis of all modules taken and passed and counting toward the award of the postgraduate certificate (taking into account the weighting of the modules).
7.23 A postgraduate certificate is awarded with distinction when a student achieves an average mark of 70% or above calculated on the basis of all modules taken and passed and counting toward the award of the postgraduate certificate (taking into account the weighting of the modules).
7.24 A postgraduate diploma is awarded with merit when a student achieves an average mark of 60% or above calculated on the basis of all modules taken and passed and counting toward the award of the postgraduate diploma (taking into account the weighting of the modules).
7.25 A postgraduate diploma is awarded with distinction when a student achieves an average mark of 70% or above calculated on the basis of all modules taken and passed and counting toward the award of the postgraduate diploma (taking into account the weighting of the modules).
7.26 A master’s degree is awarded with merit when a student achieves an average mark of 60% or above calculated on the basis of all modules taken and passed at the master’s stage plus the best 60 CATS points’ worth of the other modules taken and passed (taking into account the weighting of the modules).
7.27 A master’s degree is awarded with distinction when a student achieves an average mark of 70% or above calculated on the basis of all modules taken and passed at the master’s stage plus the best 60 CATS points’ worth of the other modules taken and passed (taking into account the weighting of the modules).
Progression provisions
7.28 A student shall not normally progress from one stage of a programme to the next until the Board of Examiners is satisfied that the student is eligible so to proceed. To be eligible to proceed, students must pass pre-requisite modules, and in some cases, due to PRSB requirements, students must meet additional criteria. Such additional criteria are considered and recorded as a variation to the regulations, and must be approved at the point of validation and documented in the programme specification. In the case of changes to PSRB requirements for existing courses, variations to progression provisions must be approved in line with ARTP s1.2.
7.29 Progression whilst trailing failed modules is permitted. Where variations are needed to satisfy PSRB requirements, variations are approved at the point of validation and documented in the programme specification.
7.30 A student enrolled on an Honours Degree programme will lose eligibility for the Honours Degree if they obtain a fail grade on modules totalling more than 60 CATS in Levels 5 plus 6. Where one module has been taken and failed twice, both attempts will count towards this limit. A condoned module will count as a fail grade in this context.
7.31 A student enrolled on a postgraduate course will be required to withdraw if they have taken and failed modules equivalent in value to 60 CATS points. Where one module has been taken and failed twice, both attempts will count towards this limit.
7.32 A student enrolled on a postgraduate course will lose eligibility for the Master’s award if they have taken and failed 45CATS points. Where one module has been taken and failed twice, both attempts will count towards this limit.
7.33 A student will be required to withdraw from their programme of studies if they fail modules at Level 4 amounting to 61 CATS points or more. Where one module has been taken and failed twice, only the first attempt will count towards this limit. A condoned module will count as a fail grade in this context.
7.34 On completion of studies, a student will be given access to a transcript showing grades for each module and the conferred award.
8. Appeals
8.1 A student shall have the right to appeal once against a decision of a Board of Examiners. Students will not suffer any disadvantage or recrimination as a result of making an appeal in good faith.
8.2 Before considering whether or not there are grounds for appeal, it is essential that the student consults with the Chair of the appropriate Board of Examiners, or a delegated representative, to see if any informal resolution of the matter can be achieved.
8.3 The basis for an academic appeal shall be either:
a) that, at the time of the assessment, there existed circumstances which adversely affected the student’s performance and which the student was unable to communicate to the Board of Examiners before it reached its decision. In making such a case, the student shall provide valid documentary evidence where appropriate. Retrospective medical certification will not be accepted as valid;
b) that there has been an administrative error or procedural irregularity during the conduct of the relevant assessment of such a significant nature as to have materially affected the approved grade or mark awarded.
8.4 Disagreement with the academic judgement of a Board of Examiners in assessing the merits of an individual piece of work or in reaching any assessment decision based on the marks, grades or other information relating to a student’s performance, cannot in itself constitute grounds for an academic appeal.
8.5 The University has established procedures for complaint and redress which may arise during a programme of study and expects these to be resolved as and when they occur. In this context, alleged inadequacy of tuition or any other arrangements during the programme of study will not constitute grounds for an academic appeal.
8.6 Procedures for submitting and hearing an academic appeal are documented in the assessment procedures.
Regulation 2.1.7
Awards: BSc Child Care Practice
BSc Social Work with Adults
| Regulation No. | Regulation (text) | Variation (text) |
| 2.1.7 | Accredited Prior Learning: Procedures for claiming APL are documented in the Guide to Accreditation of Prior Learning. A student may be awarded credit for prior or concurrent learning (APL) up to the specified maximum against the requirements for an award of the University as follows: BA; BSc; BEd; LLB (with honours) – Maximum APL for Level of Award – 30 CATs points | Accredited Prior Learning: Procedures for claiming APL are documented in the Guide to Accreditation of Prior Learning. A student may be awarded credit for prior or concurrent learning (APL) up to the specified maximum against the requirements for an award of the University as follows: BA; BSc; BEd; LLB (with honours) – Maximum APL for Level of Award – 45 CATs points |
Award: BA Youth Work
| Regulation No. | Regulation (text) | Variation (text) |
| 2.1.7 | Accredited Prior Learning: Procedures for claiming APL are documented in the Guide to Accreditation of Prior Learning. A student may be awarded credit for prior or concurrent learning (APL) up to the specified maximum against the requirements for an award of the University as follows: | Accredited Prior Learning: Procedures for claiming APL are documented in the Guide to Accreditation of Prior Learning. A student may be awarded credit for prior certificated learning (APCL) up to the specified maximum against the requirements for an award of the University as follows: |
Award: PG Dip Human Resource Management
Award: MSc Human Resource Management (Strategic)
Award: MSc Human Resource Management (International)
| Regulation No. | Regulation (text) | Variation (text) |
| 2.1.7 | Accredited Prior Learning: Procedures for claiming APL are documented in the Guide to Accreditation of Prior Learning. A student may be awarded credit for prior or concurrent learning (APL) up to the specified maximum against the requirements for an award of the University as follows: | Accredited Prior Learning: Procedures for claiming APL are documented in the Guide to Accreditation of Prior Learning. A student may be awarded credit for prior certificated learning (APCL) up to the specified maximum against the requirements for an award of the University as follows: |
Award: MA in Applied Theology (Youth and Community Work) (Moorlands College)
| Regulation No. | Regulation (text) | Variation (text) |
| 2.1.7 | Accredited Prior Learning: Procedures for claiming APL are documented in the Guide to Accreditation of Prior Learning. A student may be awarded credit for prior or concurrent learning (APL) up to the specified maximum against the requirements for an award of the University as follows: | Accredited Prior Experience or Learning is not allowed for advanced standing in the programme. |
Award: MA in Youth and Community Work and Practical Theology / PGDip in Youth and Community Work and Practical Theology
Award: BA (Hons) in Youth and Community Work and Practical Theology
| Regulation No. | Regulation (text) | Variation (text) |
| 2.1.7 | Accredited Prior Learning: Procedures for claiming APL are documented in the Guide to Accreditation of Prior Learning. A student may be awarded credit for prior or concurrent learning (APL) up to the specified maximum against the requirements for an award of the University as follows: | Accredited Prior Experiential Learning is not allowed for advanced standing in the programme and there are restrictions on certificated learning. |
Award: BEd Primary Education
Award: PGCE Primary Education
Award: PGCE Secondary Education
| Regulation No. | Regulation (text) | Variation (text) |
| 6.14 | A student shall be entitled to retake any module which has been failed, unless the opportunity for re‐take was explicitly precluded at validation due to PSRB requirements and documented in the programme specification. | A student shall be entitled to retake any module which has been failed, unless the Board of Examiners confirm that the opportunity for retake would put at risk the achievement or safety of pupils. |
Award: BEd Primary Education
Award: PGCE Primary Education
Award: PGCE Secondary Education
Award: BSc Sports Therapy
| Regulation No. | Regulation (text) | Variation (text) |
| 7.13 | Variations to the number of condoned modules permitted will only be approved due to PSRB requirements, and will be recorded as a programme specific regulation in the programme specification. | No modules may be condoned for this award. |
Award: BEd Primary Education
| Regulation No. | Regulation (text) | Variation (text) |
| 7.29 | Progression whilst trailing failed modules is permitted. Where variations are needed to satisfy PSRB requirements, variations are approved at the point of validation and documented in the programme specification. | Progression whilst trailing failed modules may only be permitted on a part time basis and as determined by the Board of Examiners. |
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