BRUNEL UNIVERSITY
REVISIONS TO SENATE REGULATION 3: AN INTRODUCTION FOR STAFF
The University Senate has adopted new regulations for all Masters students who enrol in
or after September 2006. These are intended to simplify and clarify the previous
regulations and to provide an assessment and classification mechanism that is
uniformly-applicable across the University.
At programme level a profile of grades replaces aggregate marks
Assessment decisions are made using grade descriptors (attached). Students are
awarded grades for modules and individual pieces of assessment. The grade
descriptors are in line with masters level definitions set out in the QAA Framework for
Higher Education Qualifications.
In order for a student to achieve a particular postgraduate award, a minimum grade
profile (i.e. a minimum proportion of credit at specified grades) needs to be achieved.
For a 180-credit (60 credit dissertation) Masters programme this is:
Award
Total
credit
volume
Minimum grade profile
required
(blocks of 30 credits)
Minimum dissertation
grade required
Masters degree with distinction
180
AAAABC
A
Masters degree with merit
180
BBBBCC
B
Masters degree
180
CCCCDD
C
Postgraduate Diploma
120
CCDD
Postgraduate Certificate
60
CD
Graduate Diploma
120
DDEE
Graduate Certificate
60
DE
For example, in order to be eligible for a Masters degree with distinction and a 60-credit
dissertation a minimum grade profile of AABC in the taught part plus an A in the
dissertation is required.
The Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate are now awarded for
achievement at Masters level. The new Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate are
introduced to recognise achievement at a lower level than Masters, commensurate with
achievement at the standard (at least) of an honours bachelors degree.
Where programmes are not comprised of modules in multiples of 30-credits, the
following table sets out the proportions of credit required at given grades to achieve an
award:
Award (total credits required)
Minimum
dissertation
grade required
Maximum taught module creditvolume permitted at given grades
A
B+C
C
D
E
F
Graduate Certificate (60 credits
Any
Any
Any
Any
30
0
Graduate Diploma (120 credits)
Any
Any
Any
Any
60
0
Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
Any
Any
Any
30
0
0
Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
Any
Any
Any
60
0
0
Masters degree (180 credits)
Any
Any
Any
60
0
0
Any
Any
60
0
0
0
Any
60
30
0
0
0
Masters degree with merit (180
credits)
Masters degree with distinction (180
credits)
Minimum of
grade C
Minimum of
grade B
Minimum of
grade A
At module level, the overall grade is determined by the grades awarded for each
element of assessment
At the module level, if a module has more than 1 element of assessment the overall
grade for the module is determined by calculating a particular weighted combination of
the individual assessment grades. E.g., if you had two pieces of coursework, the first of
which was weighted 60% and the second weighted 40% of the module, and you
received B in the first and A in the second, the overall module grade would be B. If any
individual element of assessment in a module receives grade F then the module is
always failed (but reassessment may be possible). SITS will calculate the grade
automatically for from the results entered. An Excel spreadsheet is available for
download from the University intranet site to determine the module grade for any set of
elements and weightings.
Re-assessment
A student who fails to achieve the taught part grade profile required for the award of a
Master’s degree (normally CCDD) may, as of right, retrieve up to a maximum of 40
credits of assessment and may, at the discretion of the Board of Examiners, be
permitted to retrieve a further 20 credits of assessment. A student who fails the
dissertation may be permitted to revise and resubmit the dissertation on one occasion
only. The principle of condonation is not recognised under the new SR3 – the minimum
grade profile for an award is an absolute requirement.
Variations to the regulations
Certain taught postgraduate programmes may have additional or slightly different
assessment frameworks, for instance a specified grade may be required in a certain
module in order to meet accreditation body requirements. All variations of this kind must
be approved individually by Learning and Teaching Committee.
Continuing students
Students who commenced studies before September 2006 will continue to study under
old Senate Regulations 3, unless individually approved by Learning and Teaching
Committee.
A note on the difference between old and new SR3
It can be tempting for staff and students to try to compare decisions and results under
old and new SR3, perhaps to try to determine which is the ‘easier’, and which ‘harder’.
Because the new SR3 incorporates a new way of recognising achievement at all levels
(element, module, award and classification) a simple comparison is neither possible nor
appropriate. It should also be noted that grades will now be assigned to elements of
assessment with reference to the new grade descriptors, rather than a percentage mark
achieved, with the result that the ‘new‘ grades in many subject areas will not be strictly
comparable with the grading scheme set out in old Senate Regulation 3.17.
References
Registry guidance for students on new SR3:
http://intranet.brunel.ac.uk/registry/QS/postgraduate_assessment_framework.shtml
New Regulations:
http://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/administration/rules/senateregs
Before the start of the academic year please contact Candy Stevens
(candy.stevens@brunel.ac.uk) in the Registry for a copy of the full Regulations.
Who to contact for further information
Susan Lapworth, Head of Registry
Derek Milligan, Director of Postgraduate Courses
Nick Holland, Assistant Registrar (Quality and Standards)
Generic Master's-Level Grade Descriptors
Masters with Distinction/A
Clearly demonstrates a sophisticated, critical and thorough understanding of the topic.
Provides evidence of originality of thought and clearly demonstrates the ability to
develop a highly systematic and logical or insightful argument. Demonstrates excellence
in the appropriate use of the relevant literature, theory, methodologies, practices, tools,
etc., to analyse and synthesise at an advanced level. Shows exceptional clarity, focus
and cogency in communication.
Masters with Merit/B
Clearly demonstrates a well-developed, critical and comprehensive understanding of the
topic. Clearly demonstrates the ability to develop a systematic and logical or insightful
argument. Demonstrates a high degree of competence in the appropriate use of the
relevant literature, theory, methodologies, practices, tools, etc., to analyse and
synthesise at an advanced level. Shows a high level of clarity, focus and cogency in
communication.
Masters Pass/C
Demonstrates a critical and substantial understanding of the topic. Demonstrates the
ability to develop a systematic and logical or insightful argument. Demonstrates a
significant degree of competence in the appropriate use of the relevant literature, theory,
methodologies, practices, tools, etc., to analyse and synthesise at an advanced level.
Provides evidence of clarity, focus and cogency in communication.
Graduate Level Pass/D
Provides evidence of some critical understanding of the topic. Demonstrates some ability
to develop a structured argument. Demonstrates a degree of competence in the
appropriate use of the relevant literature, theory, methodologies, practices, tools, etc., to
analyse and synthesise, but not at Masters level. Provides evidence of effective
communication.
Narrow Fail/E
Work that does not demonstrate achievement of some learning outcomes defined for a
Graduate Level Pass, but which provides strong evidence that Grade D is within the
reach of the student.