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Last updated: 31 January 2024
University of Applied Sciences (FHM) – Fachochschule des Mittlestands, Germany and University of Gloucestershire
Dual degree programme: BSc Psychology (Clinical & Psychotherapy)
1.1 These academic regulations govern dual degree awards in BSc Psychology (Clinical & Psychotherapy) that have been approved to run as part of the University of Applied Sciences (FHM) – University of Gloucestershire (referred to here as the University) collaboration.
1.2 Variations to these regulations must be approved by, or on behalf of, the University’s Academic Board, and recorded as programme-specific regulations within the programme specification and within the ‘notes’ section of the course map.
1.3 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. Where these regulations refer to the BSc examination regulations of FHM (appendix 1), the governance of those regulations remain the jurisdiction of FHM. Any changes to which must be notified to the University before any new cohort is enrolled on the named programme.
1.4 The application of the regulations is underpinned by a set of University policies and procedures. Reference is made to these at appropriate points within these regulations.
1.5 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.
1.6 In the case of students who enrolled on their current programme at the University prior to the current academic year, 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, unless otherwise stated.
The following definitions are assumed within the regulations:
2.1 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 covered within these regulations are limited to the BSc Psychology (Clinical & Psychotherapy) double award with FHM.
2.2 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.
2.3 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.
2.4 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.
2.5 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. FHM does not operate within the same level framework but instead operate within years of study. The mapping below describes how year of study will be converted to level of study, where individual modules sit in the framework will be recorded in the programme specification:
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.
2.6 Credit: credit is awarded to a learner in recognition of achievement of designated learning outcomes at a specified level. As long as course requirements are met, it is permitted to count credit at a higher level towards award requirements at a lower level within the same award. 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.
2.7 Accredited Prior Learning: Procedures for claiming APL are documented in the FHM BSc examination regulations. Claims made on application against University delivered modules must be approved by the University.
2.8 Credit awarded through the University of Gloucestershire Accredited Prior Learning procedure will be on a pass basis, and therefore may not be included in a calculation of an award classification.
2.9 The University of Gloucestershire Accredited Prior Learning procedure does not award credit for credit achieved through ‘condonement’ by another institution – ie only modules recorded as a ‘pass’ may be considered for APL.
2.10 Definitive Documentation: All named awards are supported by a set of definitive documentation, comprising a programme specification, a course map, and module descriptors.
2.11 Transcripts: All students will be eligible to receive a transcript indicating credit earned as a result of their studies.
3.1 The language of instruction and requirements for assessment will be in German with the exception of the modules delivered by the University where the language of instruction and assessment will be English.
3.2 The maximum period of registration with the University of Gloucestershire is eight years. Students who have not completed the University of Gloucestershire elements of the dual degree within eight years will be withdrawn from the University of Gloucestershire award. This may not apply to the FHM award and students should refer to the FHM BSc examination regulations.
3.3 All other study requirements are managed by FHM and where appropriate detailed in the FHM BSc examination regulations.
4.1 Admissions, enrolment and registration for students on this dual degree is managed and administrated by FHM in accordance with FHM BSc examination regulations.
4.2 FHM will provide the University of Gloucestershire with details of admitted and enrolled students within 14 days of commencing studies for registration on the University student records system.
4.3 All students will be required to be enrolled with the University of Gloucestershire on an annual basis during their period of registration on the dual award.
5.1 All modules shall have a designated credit rating expressed in CATS points for entry into the University of Gloucestershire student record system and calculation of degree classification. Modules delivered by FHM will have a designated credit rating using ECTS. The rating of ECTS to CATS is 1:2.
5.2 Modules will be graded in accordance with the assessment regulations of the institution teaching and assessing the modules.
5.3 Mapping of modules from year of study to the University of Gloucestershire level of study is recorded in the programme specification.
6.1 Assessment regulations recorded here (6.1 – 6.30) apply to those modules designated, taught and assessed as University of Gloucestershire modules. Assessment regulations for modules/units delivered by FHM are in accordance with FHM BSc examination regulations.
6.2 It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that they obtain the information they require in order to present themselves for assessment. The form of assessment and submission date shall be communicated to students via the module guide.
6.3 Assessment tasks are designated as Examination or Coursework.
6.4 Students are required to submit themselves to formal assessment as specified by the appropriate University authority. Absence or non-submission will result in failure as determined by the relevant Board of Examiners.
6.5 Late submission of coursework (including reassessment) for University if Gloucestershire modules without documented and approved extenuating circumstances is penalised in accordance with the following criteria:
6.5 In the case of students with disability needs, such arrangements for an alternative assessment or reasonable adjustment as necessary and appropriate may be approved in accordance with appropriate University of Gloucestershire procedures.
6.6 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 to one decimal place.
6.7 A student shall be entitled to a single opportunity for reassessment if the overall mark for the module is in the range 0.1-39.9% or a UR/QF.
6.8 A student who has achieved the specified pass mark for the module at the first attempt will not be able to retake the module to gain a higher mark.
6.9 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.
6.9.1 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.
6.10 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.
6.11 When one or more elements of assessment are submitted as a reassessment opportunity, the maximum attainable module mark is 40%.
6.12 The definition of ‘module attempt’ is a student’s first ‘sit’ and any reassessment (of any component of assessment) within a module.
6.12.1 A student whose reassessed work fails shall be entitled to retake the failed module once more in full (i.e. a second attempt) at the next available opportunity, unless the opportunity for retake was explicitly precluded at validation due and documented in the programme specification. Retaking modules necessitates attendance and requires completion of all assessments. Any assessment marks from the previous attempt at the module cannot be carried forward. The full range of marks will be available for modules that are retaken.
6.12.2 Students who fail a compulsory module following the second full attempt will be deemed unable to meet the course requirements and withdrawn from the course at the next Exam Board.
6.13 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.
6.14 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.
6.15 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.
6.16 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’.
6.17 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.
6.18 Assessment offences shall be investigated by an Academic Conduct Officer who will also decide the outcome. In the event of complex cases, the Academic Conduct Officer may refer the case to the Assessment Offences Review Panel which will then become the designated decision making body. All outcomes will reported to the relevant Module Board of Examiners.
6.18.1 Assessment Offences include (but are not limited to): plagiarism, unauthorised collusion, re-presentation, fabrication, impersonation, breaching the rules of examinations or passing off another person’s work as the student’s own including any use of essay mills (treated as procedural dishonesty). The definition of Assessment Offences and procedures for an investigation are documented in the Assessment offences guide for staff / guidance for students. *The misuse of generative AI to complete an assessment could constitute a number of forms of academic offence. For example, it could be plagiarism, passing off another person’s work as your own or fabrication..
6.19 Where the Academic Conduct Officer or the Assessment Offences Review Panel determines that a Breach of the University of Gloucestershire 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 (or procedural dishonesty), 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.
6.20 The Academic Conduct Officer or the Assessment Offences Review Panel will determine the category applicable to each student, and will implement the appropriate penalty. Decisions will be notified to the student, to the Module Board of Examiners and to FHM.
6.21 Where an Academic Conduct Officer or an Assessment Offences Review Panel determines that falsified or fabricated evidence or other information has been submitted in support of any summative assessment activity, including requests for extenuating 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 6.19. In the case of a student on a course leading to a license to practise, the university of Gloucestershire 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 6.18 or procedures pursuant to that regulation.
6.22 The only basis for an appeal against a decision of the Academic Conduct Officer or the Assessment Offences Review Panel 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.
6.23 Extenuating 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 extenuating circumstances that may affect their ability to undertake assessment.
6.24 Normally, where a claim for extenuating circumstances affecting Coursework has been approved, the student will be offered an extension for completion of their work.
6.25 Normally, where a claim for extenuating 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 extenuating circumstances, and attend the Examination.
6.26 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 extenuating circumstances, for assessment already undertaken.
6.27 Performance for each element of assessment within a module is graded as follows:
| Percentage | Result for element of assessment | Grades |
|---|---|---|
| 70-100 | Pass | A |
| 60-69.9 | Pass | B |
| 50-59.9 | Pass | C |
| 40-49.9 | Pass | D |
| 1-39.9 | 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 |
6.28 Overall module performance is graded as follows:
| Percentage | Module Result | Grades |
|---|---|---|
| 70-100 | Pass | A |
| 60-69.9 | Pass | B |
| 50-59.9 | Pass | C |
| 40-49.9 | Pass | D |
| 40-100 | Qualified fail; specified non-compensatory element failed – entitled to reassessment | QF |
| 1-39.9 | Fail but with entitlement to reassessment | R |
| 0 | Fail without entitlement to reassessment | F |
| 0 – 39.9 | Fail following reassessment | F |
or as follows:
| Module Result | Grades |
|---|---|
| Satisfactory | S |
| Unsatisfactory but with entitlement to reassessment | UR |
| Unsatisfactory without entitlement to reassessment due to non-submission | UF |
| Unsatisfactory following reassessment | UF |
6.29 The grading approach shall be specified in the assessment brief.
6.30 Other grades may be applied as follows:
SB – suspected Assessment Offence as defined by University Academic Regulations for Taught Provision
6.30.1 by a Module Board of Examiners:
L – assessment incomplete due to approved extenuating circumstances
X – no mark reported by the module tutor
N – non-completion of one or more elements of assessment
BR – confirmed Assessment Offence as defined by University Academic Regulations for Taught Provision
W – It is an administrative grade used to identify results which should not appear on student transcripts and neither will they be used in calculating progression or award outcomes due to approved Extenuating circumstances.
EX – will be applied automatically when students complete certain processes (e.g. Course Changes or Interruption of Studies). It is an administrative grade used to identify results which should not appear on student transcripts and neither will they be used in calculating progression or award outcomes
6.30.2 BR – confirmed Assessment Offence as defined by University Academic Regulations for Taught Provision
6.30.3 by a Progression and Awards Board of Examiners
W – student withdrawn from assessment in accordance with Enrolment and Registration Policy. Result should not be considered for progression and award calculations.
7.1 Awards and progression decisions are confirmed by an Award and Progression Panel on behalf of Boards of Examiners . The membership and terms of reference of the Boards of Examiners are determined by Academic Board. The remit of External Examiners, and procedures for their appointment, are documented in the Quality Handbook.
7.2 The two tiers of Boards of Examiners are:
7.3 Students registered for the dual degree who successfully complete the requirements of their programme of study will be eligible to receive an award from both the University of Gloucestershire and FHM as set out in the approved programme specification.
7.4 Performance within modules delivered by FHM are graded on the FHM grading scale. These grades are mapped to the University of Gloucestershire scale as detailed in the table below. A University of Gloucestershire grade will be recorded for each module studied and used to calculate the degree classification.
| FHM Grade | Descriptor | UoG % scale | UoG Grade awarded- % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0-1.4 | Very Good | 70-100 | 75 |
| 1.5-2.4 | Good | 60-69 | 65 |
| 2.5 – 3.4 | Satisfactory | 50-59 | 55 |
| 3.5-4.0 | Sufficient | 40-49 | 45 |
| 4.1+ | Not sufficient | 1-39 | 0 |
7.5 The Progression and Awards 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. Averages at each level for the award are rounded to two decimal places before any weightings are applied. Following the application of any weighting, award marks are rounded to two decimal places. 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%).
7.6 Once the Board of Examiners has confirmed the award, a student may not continue in programme to improve their result.
7.7 The University of Gloucestershire 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.
7.8 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 of Gloucestershire and/or FHM, 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.
Award classification
7.11 In determining the class of honours for an undergraduate degree (including Integrated Masters) 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% |
7.12 In calculating the classification band in which a student falls, the Award and Progression Panel will use the following method where there has been study at two or more levels:
The average (not rounded) of the best grades at the level one below that of the award amounting to at least 90 CATS, weighted at 33%, plus the average (not rounded) of the best grades at the level of the award amounting to at least 90 CATS, weighted at 67%, rounded to the nearest whole number. Only graded credit will be used in the calculation.
7.12.1 In calculating the classification band in which a student falls, the Award and Progression Panel will use the following method where there has been study at only the level of the award:
The average of the best grades at the level of the award amounting to 90 CATS, rounded to the nearest whole number. Only graded credit will be used in the calculation.
Progression provisions
7.13 Progression is managed in accordance with FHM BSc examination regulations. The University of Gloucestershire will record grades in its student records system following confirmation by FHM board of Examiners.
7.14 On completion of studies, a student will be given access to a transcript showing grades for each module and the conferred award.
8.1 The appeals process documented here applies to the modules taught and assessed and the award conferred by the University of Gloucestershire. For all other matters a student should follow the appeals process as determined by FHM.
8.2 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.
8.3 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.
8.4 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.
8.5 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.
8.6 The University of Gloucestershire 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.
8.7 Procedures for submitting and hearing an academic appeal are documented in the assessment procedures.
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