Regulation 1B: Certificates

Contents

1) Definitions
2) Admission
3) Course Regulations
4) Modules
5) Structure of University Certificate
6) Programme of Study
7) Time-Limit
8) Assessment
9) Appropriate Engagement with Studies
10) Student Health
11) Determination of Results
12) Action to be Taken in Respect of Academic Failure by Students
13) Structure and Content of Re-Assessment

1. Definitions

The following terms are defined in University Regulation 1A:

 

AwardMarking Criteria
Co-requisites Module
Core Module Module Assessment
Course Module Catalogue
Course Regulations Option Module
Credit  Programme of Study
End Qualification Precursor
Examination  Pre-requisite
Examination Period Semester
In-course Assessment Session
Level  
 

The following definition shall apply in respect of these regulations:

Credit Accumulation: The acquisition of credits, which may be in a sequence specified in course regulations, in order to acquire a sufficient total to be eligible for a Certificate award.

Any reference in these regulations to Senate shall be deemed to include a reference to any committee of Senate designated by Senate for the purpose.

Any reference in these regulations to the Director of Planning and Academic Administration, Head of School, or other named officer of the University shall be deemed to include a reference to any person designated by that officer for the purpose.

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2. Admission

2.1 Any student offered admission under these regulations shall be required to, as a minimum:

i) meet such general entrance requirements as may be specified by Senate from time to time;

ii) meet any particular requirements for the course applied for, as specified in the relevant course regulations;

iii) enrol in each session with the University by a date to be determined by the Head of Records and Examinations; and

iv) comply with the requirements under the provisions of Regulations 11 & 12 to provide a valid UK contact address at all times whilst enrolled as a student; and

v) in the case of international students, provide a valid passport and visa for inspection upon enrolment and at any other time requested by the University for which they will be given notice.

Please note that students who do not abide by points i-v will be withdrawn from the University

2.2 The Head of Governance and Quality Assurance, in consultation with the relevant Head(s) of School, is authorised to offer applicants admission with advanced standing who already hold up to 240 credits at level I (FHEQ Level 4) or above, provided always that no exemption shall be accorded for level III (FHEQ Level 6) modules.

 

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3. Course Regulations

3.1 There shall be course regulations in a form approved by Senate.

3.2 In course regulations, any proposed deviation from, or modification to, Regulation 1B in respect of any course shall require the approval of Senate.

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4. Modules

4.1 The credit value for any module shall be determined by reference to a common currency whereby one unit of credit represents the typical outcome of 10 hours of study. All modules shall have a credit value which is a multiple of 5, and no module shall have a value of less than 10.

4.2 Where a module is available for more than one course, its status as a core or option may vary between courses.

4.3 Precursors, prerequisites and/or co-requisites may be defined for any module.

4.4 Any fieldwork requirements shall form part or all of one or more specified modules subject to any timetabling or other constraints. Any fieldwork may be scheduled either within the approved semester dates or at other times.

4.5 In respect of periods of professional/industrial training or periods of study/work experience, modules shall be allocated to the appropriate level.

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5. Structure of University Awards

5.1 A programme of study leading to a University Certificate shall consist of modules to the value of at least 60 credits at any approved level.

5.2 The programme of study may lead to a named or general Certificate.

5.3 All Certificates shall be structured on the basis of credit accumulation.

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6. Programme of Study

6.1 All students shall be required to register for their programmes of study for the coming academic session by such a date as shall be determined by the Head of Records and Examinations.

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7. Time-Limit

7.1 Unless otherwise stated in the course regulations, the time-limit for a student to complete his/her programme of study shall be 10 years.

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8. Assessment

(Guidance Notes)

8.1 All modules shall be assessed in accordance with the University’s agreed marking criteria, either by:

       8.1.1 in-course assessment conducted during the semester(s) in which the module(s) is/are completed; or

       8.1.2 examination during an examination period; or

       8.1.3 a combination of both 8.1.1 and 8.1.2.

8.2 The method of assessment for each module, including the weighting for each element of the assessment, shall be notified to students.

8.3 The minimum mark for a pass in each module shall be 40%. Where a student satisfies the examiners in a module, he/she shall be awarded the appropriate credits at the specified level.

8.4 A student who passes a module in which he/she has previously failed, shall be credited with the minimum mark for a pass irrespective of the actual mark achieved, unless the Board of Examiners has deemed the reassessment to be a first attempt following an appeal.

8.5 Where an assessment contributes to the calculation of the module result, the assessment shall be a University assessment.

8.6 Where an assessment does not contribute to the calculation of the module result, the assessment shall be a departmental assessment.

8.7 Where a programme of study includes one or more periods of industrial/professional training or periods of study/work experience, the student’s performance may also be assessed in these periods and may contribute to the final assessment.

8.8 A student who has been awarded credit in a module shall not be permitted to be reassessed in that module with a view to improving his/her mark with the exception of students on the stand-alone Foundation Year Programmes.

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9. Appropriate Engagement With Studies

 (Guidance Notes)

9.1 Any student failing to engage appropriately with their studies within two weeks of a final academic warning being issued may be required by the Senate to withdraw from the University at any stage in the programme.

9.2 Failure to engage appropriately with studies shall include non-attendance at compulsory learning and teaching events, non-attendance at examinations and/or failure to submit assessments without prior consent.

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10. Student Health and Wellbeing

(Guidance Notes)

10a. Student Health 

10a.1.    All students are advised to register with a General Practitioner.  Students resident on campus have the ability to register with the General Practitioner on campus.  Off-campus students are advised to register immediately with a General Practitioner who covers their residential address. 

10a.2.    Students must be in an adequate state of physical and mental health to enable them to continue with their studies. If there is sufficient evidence, as deemed appropriate by the Director of Planning and Academic Administration, that ill health may prevent a student from satisfactorily completing his/her studies, The University may at any time require a student to undertake a full medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner of the University’s choice, and, if appropriate, and on the recommendation of the medical practitioner, require a student to take a compulsory leave of absence. A student on compulsory leave of absence shall be permitted to resume his/her studies at a time deemed appropriate by the University, and only on a recommendation by a qualified medical practitioner, that he/she is fit to continue with his/her studies.

10.1 Students must be in an adequate state of physical and mental health to enable them to continue with their studies. Information on Leave of Absence, which may be an option for those needing a break from their studies to support their health and wellbeing, is included in Regulation 10, Student Health and Leave of Absence.

10b. Leave of Absence 

10b.1.   Definition of Leave of Absence 

10b.1.1.   A Leave of Absence is defined as an approved absence from the University of greater than 15 days’ duration but normally no more than 12 months’ duration, during which time a student is not undertaking any study.

10b.1.2  For students experiencing difficulties but wishing to continue their studies, they should refer to the University’s Extenuating Circumstances Policy.

10b.2.   Requests for Leave of Absence 

10b.2.1.   A student may be permitted to take a leave of absence from the Universityonly with the prior agreement of the relevant Head(s) of School/School Director or Research Institute Director, for a specified period, normally a semester or one academic year.

10b.2.2.   A student can request a leave of absence for the following reasons:

     i.    Medical reasons, as recommended by the Campus GP and/or medical practitioner

     ii.   Maternity/paternity/adoption leave

     iii.  Bereavement

     iv.  Other valid personal reasons

     v.   Personal Financial Hardship

     vi.  To change course

     vii. To undertake work experience not included as a formal  course-based work placement

10b.2.3.   The University will request documentary evidence to support a leave of absence request. 

10b.2.4.   Any student who requests a leave of absence must do so through the University’s established procedures, which are outlined in the Leave of Absence Policy and Procedure.

10b.2.5.   A case conference may be convened to assist the University in managing emerging concerns related to a student’s physical and mental health, and to identify appropriate measures to support the student.  The process for the convening of a case conference is outlined in the Student Health and Leave of Absence Policy at Section 5. 

10b.2.6.   Any student who takes a leave of absence should be aware that the programme of study on which he/she is registered may change or cease to be offered during the period of leave of absence and that the student upon return to the University may be required to undertake a different or amended programme of study.

10b.2.7.   Students are requested to respond to any communications received from the University regarding re-registration at the conclusion of their leave of absence. These communications will normally be received no later than one month before the leave of absence is due to complete. 

10b.2.8.   If a student fails to respond to communications within the timeframe outlined at 2.6 above, he/she shall be withdrawn.  

10b.2.9.   Due to the University’s responsibilities as a Highly Trusted Sponsor (HTS), International students who apply for, and are granted, a leave of absence will have their Visa curtailed and will need to return to their home country for the duration of the leave of absence.  Any student who chooses to take a leave of absence should be aware that the University’s sponsorship may be removed and that they may not be able to return to study following a leave of absence.

10b.2.10. Where in respect of 2.1 above there is disagreement between Heads of School/School Directors or nominee for students on dual honours programmes, the Head of Records and Examinations shall make the final decision.

10b.3.   Leave of Absence for Periods in Excess of One Academic Year 

10b.3.1.   Only in exceptional circumstances will applications for a leave of absence in excess of one academic year be considered.  Any such applications should be made in writing to the Head of Records and Examinations, who shall, informed by specialist advice (if necessary) determine what conditions, if any, shall apply to the permission. Consideration will also be given to whether the period of maximum registration shall be extended, within the terms set out in Ordinance IV, Section 4.

10b.4.    Compulsory Leave Of Absence 

10b.4.1.   In certain circumstances the University may recognise that a student’s state of health is such that it is in their interest and that of the University for a leave of absence to be taken, even if it has not been applied for. The University may, based on expert advice: 

        a) Require the student to discontinue the programme of study via a leave of absence until the University is satisfied that the student may resume;

        b) or, in exceptional circumstances, be withdrawn from the University.

10b.5. Student Redress Against Decisions To Require Leave Of Absence 

10b.5.1.   A student may seek to challenge the finding of the University to require leave of absence or withdrawal. 

10b.5.2.   Applications can be made only on one or both of the following grounds: 

        i.    Procedural irregularity in the conduct of the case;

        ii.   There is new evidence that can be substantiated, including extenuating circumstances, which was not known at the time, and may have affected the outcome had it been known to the Committee and that there is a valid reason for not making it known at the time.

10b.5.3.   Applications shall be submitted in writing to the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience within 10 working days of the date of the letter sent to the student informing them of the decision. 

10b.5.4. The Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience will then consult with the Chair of the Leave of Absence Review Committee or a designated representative. If they are of the view that no prima facie case exists, the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience will so advise the student within 10 working days, stating the reasons. In such circumstances it will be open to the student to follow the provisions of the University Grievance Procedure (see 7 below).

10b.6. Leave Of Absence Review Panel 

10b.6.1.   In cases where a decision regarding compulsory leave of absence is challenged and it is agreed by the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and the Student Experience that the evidence admitted should be considered, a Leave of Absence Review Panel would be convened. The Leave of Absence Review Panel shall be constituted as follows: 

        i.   The Chair shall be a Dean from a different Faculty to that of the student; The Director of Human Resources and Student Services or their representative; and a Head of School from a different Faculty to that of the student.

        ii. The panel shall be quorate only if all members are in attendance.

10b.6.2  The Panel shall have the power to co-opt additional members as required. 

10b.6.3  No member of a case conference team who has previously considered the case shall be eligible to be a member of the Leave of Absence Review Panel. 

10b.6.4  The Committee will be attended by a Secretary from Planning and Academic    Administration, who is not a member but who will be present throughout the proceedings.

10b.6.5.   Powers of the Leave of Absence Review Panel 

        i.    Save as provided for under (ii) below, the Leave of Absence Review Panel shall have no power to overrule the judgement of a case conference team but is empowered to refer a case back to the case conference team for reconsideration in the light of the new evidence and the Panel's findings. In such circumstances, the case conference team shall consider the case afresh.

        ii.   Where the appeal derives from a proven procedural irregularity in the conduct of the Case Conference proceedings, the Case Conference shall be empowered to grant whatever remedy it considers reasonable and practicable in the circumstances.

10b.7.   Grievance 

10b.7.1.   Following exhaustion of the Leave of Absence review procedures, a dissatisfied student may submit a grievance to the University Council under the terms provided by Statute 21 (23). Grievances must be submitted within 28 days of the letter informing the student of the outcome of the appeal and must be made in writing to the Secretary to Council. Grievances can only be made on one or both of the following grounds:

        a) Procedural irregularity in the conduct of the case;

        b) There is new evidence that can be substantiated, including extenuating circumstances, which was not known at the time of the review, and may have affected the outcome had it been known to the Committee and that there is a valid reason for not making it known at the time. 

10.1 Students must be in an adequate state of physical and mental health to enable them to continue with their studies. Information on Leave of Absence, which may be an option for those needing a break from their studies to support their health and wellbeing, is included in Regulation 10, Student Health and Leave of Absence. 

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11. Determination of Results

11.1 The relevant Board of Examiners shall determine:

       i) the students mark for each module; and

       ii) whether the student has passed the module and should therefore be allocated the appropriate credit; and

       iii) whether the student has accrued sufficient credits in accordance with the relevant course regulations to be recommended for the award of the Certificate.

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12. Action to be Taken in Respect of Academic Failure by Students

12.1 The relevant Board of Examiners shall determine whether a student who is not required to withdraw be required to:

       i) be re-assessed in the failed module(s) at the next opportunity; or

       ii) be re-assessed in the failed module(s) with attendance on the module(s);

       iii) pursue an alternative module which shall not be subject to the limitation imposed by 8.4 above.

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13. Structure and Content of Re-Assessments

13.1 Where a student is required to be re-assessed for one or more modules prior to the start of the following academic year, the re-assessment shall, unless the relevant Board of Examiners decides that this is not practical, be of the same structure and be based upon the same syllabus as the assessment at the time of the initial failure, but need not include those elements of assessment in which the student has already satisfied the examiners.

13.2 Where a student is permitted to be re-assessed in one or more failed modules without attendance on the module(s), the following arrangements shall apply:

       i) for re-assessment within one year of the initial failure, the re-assessment shall, unless the relevant Board of Examiners decides that this is not practical, be of the same structure and be based upon the same syllabus as the assessment at the time of the initial failure;

       ii) for re-assessment within one year of the initial failure, the re-assessment shall, unless the relevant Board of Examiners decides that this is not practical, be of the same structure and be based upon the same syllabus as the assessment at the time of the initial failure;

       iii) for re-assessment beyond one year of the initial failure, where the structure of the assessment is different from that at the time of the initial failure and/or the re-assessment is to be based upon a different syllabus, the Head of School concerned shall make arrangements for the student to be:

            (a) informed of changes in the structure of the assessment and the syllabus content; and

            (b) offered, at an appropriate charge, the opportunity of attending relevant classes.

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