Undergraduate Degree Regulations
2014-2015
These regulations must be read in conjunction with the General Regulations for Students,
the Undergraduate Degree Classification Scheme and the Independent Study Project
(ISP) Guidelines.
There are separate regulations for LLB students admitted in or before the 2011/12
academic year.
Published by SOAS
October 2014
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CONTENTS
Section
Page
1.
Annual Course Requirement
1.1
General
1.2
Requirement to undertake all assessment elements
1.3
Requirement to follow the approved syllabus
1.4
Definition of courses
1.5
Introductory courses: availability to final year students
1.6
Repeat year students
1.7
Summer vacation courses
1.8
Completion of a programme of study by part-time mode (in exceptional
circumstances)
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6
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6
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2.
Attendance and Coursework Requirements
(Students admitted in or before the 2009/10 academic year)
2.1
Normal expectation of attendance and coursework submission
2.2
Attendance and coursework requirements
2.3
Attendance and requirements for students repeating a course
2.4
Attendance and requirements for courses taken at other colleges of the
University of London
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Progression Requirements
(Students admitted in or before the 2009/10 academic year)
3.1
Students who fail to meet the attendance and coursework requirements
3.2
Determination of good cause (Mitigating circumstances)
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Class Attendance Requirements
(Students admitted in or after the 2010/11 academic year)
4.1
Normal expectation of class attendance
4.2
Attendance requirements
4.3
Attendance and other requirements for students repeating a course
4.4
Attendance requirements for courses taken at other colleges of the
University of London
4.5
Students who fail to meet the attendance requirements
4.6
Determination of good cause (Mitigating circumstances)
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Annual Progression Requirement
5.1
Definition of completion of a course
5.2
General regulation governing annual progression
5.3
Annual progression of students
5.4
Annual progression of students who have taken an Erasmus year outside
SOAS
5.5
Degree progression for Year 1 BA Japanese and BA Japanese and
another subject
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3.
4.
5.
2
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6.
Assessment
6.1
Definition of assessment element
6.2
Failure and re-assessment attempts
6.3
Re-assessment not permitted if a course has been passed overall
6.4
Re-assessment not permitted in any assessment element with a mark of
40 or more
6.5
Repeating a course not permitted if the course has been passed overall
6.6
Choice of assessment elements to be re-assessed and the definition of an
entry for re-assessment
6.7
Non-repeatable assessment elements
6.8
Non-submission of coursework assessment elements
6.9
Coursework assessment elements with a mark of 39 or less because of
late submission
6.10 Assessment re-entry
6.11 Eligibility to be assessed
6.12 Timing and method of re-assessment
6.13 Late summer re-assessment period
6.14 Late summer submission of coursework
6.15 Capping of marks for courses passed following re-assessment
6.16 Re-assessment provisions for 80/20 courses
6.17 Crediting of marks for courses passed after re-assessment
6.18 Courses taken at other colleges of the University of London
6.19 Word count and marking of over-length coursework
6.20 Re-assessment requirements for students not re-attending the course
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12
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7.
Coursework Requirements
7.1
Coursework submission
7.2
Deadlines for submission of coursework
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8.
Written Examinations
8.1
Entry to a written examination and removal of permission to enter
8.2
Absence from written examinations
8.3
Deferral of written examinations
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20
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9.
Viva Voce Examination
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10.
Marking Scheme
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11.
Notification of Results
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12.
Degree Requirement
12.1 Two-year Senior Status LLB
12.2 Three-year degrees
12.3 Four-year degrees
12.4 Requirements for single-subject and two-subject degrees
12.5 Calculating the number of courses required for a degree
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12
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15
16
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17
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12.6
Time limit for completion of degree requirement
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13.
Degree Classification
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14.
Postponement of Degree Classification
14.1 All candidates who are eligible for an Honours degree will be classified
14.2 Classification for Honours on one occasion only
14.3 Procedure in respect of candidates who are eligible for a Pass degree
14.4 Procedure for postponement of consideration for Honours
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15.
Aegrotat Regulations
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16.
Appeals
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17.
Open Option Courses
17.1 Definition
17.2 Total maximum number of open option courses
17.3 Maximum number of open option courses per year
17.4 Year 1 students taking an open option course in a language
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18.
Intercollegiate Courses
18.1 Definition
18.2 General scope of the regulation
18.3 Degrees taught jointly at two Colleges
18.4 Maximum permitted number of intercollegiate courses
18.5 Limitations on taking Intercollegiate courses where SOAS equivalent
courses are available
18.6 Limitations for Year 1 students
18.7 Limitation on open option courses
18.8 Limitation on intercollegiate language courses
18.9 Approval procedure
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Suspension of Regulations
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19.
4
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1.
ANNUAL COURSE REQUIREMENT
1.1
General
The word course in this regulation means a course with a course unit and credit value and
not a student’s overall degree course (known as a programme of study). Courses
normally have a value of 1.0 course unit (30 credits) or 0.5 course units (15 credits).
1.2
1.1.1
Students must take courses valued at 4 course units (120 credits) in each
academic year.
1.1.2
Students registered for the Senior Status LLB must take courses valued at 4
course units (120 credits) in their first year and 5 course units (130 credits) in their
final year.
1.1.3
For some programmes of study it is possible to take two half course units in place
of one full course unit. This will be detailed in the approved syllabus for the
programme of study.
Requirement to undertake all assessment elements
(Students admitted in and after the 2010/11 academic year)
Students must undertake all assessment elements (see regulation 6.1 for definition)
prescribed for a course and submit sufficient work to enable them to be assessed, unless
prevented by accepted mitigating circumstances (see Code of Practice for Mitigating
Circumstances).
1.3
1.4
Requirement to follow the approved syllabus
1.3.1
Students must follow the approved current and published syllabus for the degree
for which they are registered. Syllabuses include core and compulsory courses
and may include optional, open option and intercollegiate courses as defined in
regulation 1.4. The requirement to follow the approved syllabus takes priority
when necessary over the minimum degree requirements set out in regulation 12.
1.3.2
Students who are admitted direct to years other than Year 1 of a degree (nonYear 1 entrants) may be exempted from specified parts of the syllabus by
permission of the appropriate Associate Dean of the relevant Faculty or Faculties
(see regulation 12 for degree requirements.) The Associate Dean(s) will report to
the Head of Registry any such exemptions granted.
Definition of courses
1.4.1
Core course: A core course must be passed before a student is permitted to
progress to the next year of their degree and be eligible for the award of a
degree (in addition to meeting the general conditions of eligibility for the award
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of a degree).
1.5
1.4.2
Compulsory course: A compulsory course is a course for which the
attendance and course requirements of these regulations must be satisfied but
which need not necessarily be passed before a student is permitted to progress
to the next year of their degree or be awarded a degree (provided that the other
regulations governing annual progression and award have been satisfied).
1.4.3
Optional courses: An optional course is selected from a range of options
specified for a named degree award. The attendance and course requirements
of these regulations must be satisfied but the optional course need not
necessarily be passed before a student is permitted to progress to the next year
of their degree or be awarded a degree (provided that the other regulations
governing annual progression and award have been satisfied).
1.4.4
Open option courses: See regulation 17.
1.4.5
Intercollegiate courses: See regulation 18.
Introductory Courses: availability to final-year students
Final-year students who wish to take a course designated as introductory may do so only
with the prior permission of the appropriate Associate Dean of the relevant Faculty. The
Associate Dean will report to the Head of Registry any such permission granted.
1.6
1.7
Repeat year students
1.6.1
Students will only be granted permission to repeat a year of study if they have
passed courses to the value of one or more units in the academic year
immediately preceding the repeat year. Repeat year students are required to
attend all courses as if taking them for the first time.
1.6.2
During the repeat year of study students are required to take a minimum of three
and a maximum of four units in the repeat year, subject to their satisfying the core
and compulsory course requirements for that year.
1.6.3
Students may not repeat courses they have already passed. (See regulation 2.3
for students admitted in and before the 2009/10 academic year and regulation
4.3. for students admitted in and after the 2010/11 academic year.)
Summer vacation courses
Courses such as extended essays and Independent Study Projects (ISPs) that may be
started or completed during the summer vacation will count towards the annual course
requirement as stipulated in regulation 1 for the year immediately following the summer
vacation in which the course is completed, and not the year preceding it.
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1.8
Completion of a Programme of Study by part-time mode (in exceptional
circumstances)
Although undergraduate programmes of study at the School are intended for study on a fulltime basis, in exceptional circumstances permission may be given for an existing student to
complete their studies by part-time mode if it appears that by doing so this will significantly
enhance their chances of successfully completing the programme. Such permission may be
given by application to the Associate Dean of the relevant Faculty. Permission may be given
in respect of the second, the third, or, where applicable, the fourth year of the programme of
study, but will only be given for one year of study at any given time. Any decision to approve
study on a part-time basis will also be subject to visa requirements.
Certain exceptions to these Undergraduate Degree Regulations will be implied in respect of
any students for which permission to study by part-time mode has been given, as follows:
(a)
In regulation 1.1, such students must normally take courses valued at two courses in
any given academic year.
(b)
In regulation 5, students must meet the usual progression requirements after
completing the courses which would be taken by a full-time student in a single
academic year, i.e. after two years.
(c)
In regulation 12.6, the time limit for the completion for the award will be extended by
one year in respect of every year where part-time study is permitted.
2.
ATTENDANCE AND COURSEWORK REQUIREMENTS
(Students admitted in or before the 2009/10 academic year)
2.1
Normal expectation of attendance and coursework submission
In order to benefit fully from their courses, students are expected to attend all relevant
and/or required classes, which include, as appropriate to the course, lectures, tutorials,
seminars, language classes, and practical sessions. They are also expected to submit
fully and promptly all required coursework.
2.2
Attendance and coursework requirements
To satisfy the requirements of regulation 1, a student, unless absent due to accepted
mitigating circumstances (see regulation 3.2), must satisfy the attendance and
coursework requirements specified for each course, which will be published.
2.3
Attendance and course requirements for students repeating a course
Students who have applied for and have been given permission to repeat (= re-attend) a
course must meet the normal class attendance requirements for the course, and must
submit fully and promptly all required coursework, and must undertake all assessment
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elements for the course, as if taking the course for the first time. This includes undertaking
assessment elements even if the mark previously obtained in that assessment element
was 40% or more. (See regulations 6.4 and 6.5.)
2.4
Attendance and course requirements for courses taken at other colleges of the
University of London
Students taking courses at other Colleges of the University of London must comply with
the attendance and course requirements of the course and College concerned.
3.
PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS
(Students admitted in or before the 2009/10 academic year)
3.1
Students who fail to meet the attendance and coursework requirements
Heads of Departments will inform the Head of Registry of the names of students who fail to
meet the attendance and coursework requirements of regulation 2.2. The appropriate
Associate Dean of the relevant Faculty or Faculties will review each case, and will decide
what further action should be taken. On the recommendation of the appropriate Associate
Dean, the Head of Registry may withdraw permission to take the final assessment or
terminate the degree programme of any student who persistently fails to meet the
attendance and coursework requirements.
3.2
Determination of good cause (Mitigating Circumstances)
For the purpose of regulations 2 and 3, the appropriate Head of Department will determine
whether a student's failure to meet the attendance and coursework requirements of
regulation 2.2 was for good cause. Certification will be required in line with the School’s
Code of Practice for Mitigating Circumstances.
4.
CLASS ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS
(Students admitted in or after the 2010/11 academic year)
4.1
Normal expectation of class attendance
In order to benefit fully from their courses, students are expected to attend all relevant
and/or required classes, which include, as appropriate to the course, lectures, tutorials,
seminars, language classes, and practical sessions.
4.2
Attendance requirements
To satisfy the requirements of regulation 4.1, a student, unless absent due to accepted
mitigating circumstances (see regulation 4.6), must satisfy the published class attendance
requirements specified for each course in the Course Outline.
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4.3
Attendance and other requirements for students repeating a course
Students who are repeating (= re-attending) a course must meet the normal class
attendance requirements for the course, and must submit fully and promptly all required
coursework, and must undertake all forms of assessment for the course, as if taking the
course for the first time. This includes undertaking assessment elements even if the mark
previously obtained in that assessment element was 40% or more.
4.4
Attendance requirements for courses taken at other Colleges of the University of
London
Students taking courses at other Colleges of the University of London must comply with
the attendance requirements of the course and College concerned.
4.5
Students who fail to meet the attendance requirements
Heads of Departments will inform the Head of Registry of the names of students who,
after reasonable warning, fail to meet the attendance requirements of regulation 4.2. The
appropriate Associate Dean of the relevant Faculty or Faculties will review each case, and
will decide what further action should be taken. On the recommendation of the appropriate
Associate Dean, the Head of Registry may withdraw permission to take the final assessment
or terminate the degree programme of any student who persistently fails to meet the
attendance and coursework requirements.
4.6
Determination of good cause (Mitigating Circumstances)
The appropriate Head of Department will determine whether a student’s failure to meet the
class attendance requirements of regulation 4.2 was for good cause. Certification will be
required in line with the School’s Code of Practice for Mitigating Circumstances.
5.
ANNUAL PROGRESSION REQUIREMENT
5.1
Definition of completion of a course
5.2
(a)
Students admitted in or before the 2009/10 academic year. To complete a course a
student must satisfy the attendance and coursework requirements as set out in
regulation 2.2 and must pass the course.
(b)
Students admitted in or after the 2010/11 academic year. To complete a course a
student must meet the requirements of regulations 1.2 and 4.2 and must pass the
course.)
General regulation governing annual progression
5.2.1
Students must complete courses to a minimum value of three course units (90
credits) in each year of their degree in order to be eligible to proceed to the next
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normal year of their degree course.
5.3
5.2.2
Students who are repeating the year of study and are following courses to the
value of three or three and a half course units under regulation 1.6 must complete
courses to the minimum value of three course units overall to be eligible to
proceed to the next year of their degree.
5.2.3
Students must complete all core courses prescribed for the year of study before
being permitted to proceed to the next year of their degree.
Annual progression of students
5.3.1
Students who have satisfied regulation 5.2 may proceed to the next year of their
degree course.
5.3.2
Students who do not satisfy regulation 5.2 may apply for re-assessment under the
assessment regulations.
5.3.3
Students who do not satisfy regulation 5.2 and do not wish or are not eligible to
apply for re-assessment must apply by the due date for one of the following
options. Applications are considered on their merits and are not granted
automatically:
(a) Leave of absence for the academic year, undertaking re-assessment without
repeating any courses.
(b) Repeat year of study for the degree (full-time study only) if they have passed
courses to the value of one or more units.
(c) Leave of absence from degree registration and admission as an intermitting
degree student to repeat the failed course(s) and re-assessment in the
course(s) on a part-time study basis (subject to visa requirements). New
courses taken while registered as an intermitting degree student do not count
towards either the degree requirement or classification for Honours.
5.3.4
5.4
The degree registration of a student will be terminated if they have not taken the
necessary action by the relevant due date in connection with any of the options in
regulation 5.3.3, or if they have no further right of entry for re-assessment.
Annual progression of students who have taken an Erasmus year outside SOAS
5.4.1
Students who have taken an Erasmus year outside SOAS must have passed
courses taken at the Erasmus institution to the equivalent of a minimum of three
courses to be permitted to proceed to the next year of their degree course. The
equivalence between courses at the Erasmus institution and SOAS courses will
be determined by the Head(s) of the student's Department(s) at the School in
consultation with the Head of Registry.
5.4.2
Students who do not satisfy the progress requirement in regulation 5.4.1 may be
required to undertake re-assessment (if possible) at the Erasmus institution
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before being allowed to proceed, or may be required to register as an intermitting
degree student at SOAS to undertake alternative courses in place of courses
failed at the Erasmus institution, or may be required to satisfy the progress
requirement in another manner approved by the student's Head(s) of
Department(s) in consultation with the Head of Registry.
5.5
Degree progression for Year 1 BA Japanese and BA Japanese and another subject
(Students admitted in or after the 2009/10 academic year)
5.5.1
Students in Year 1 of BA Japanese or BA Japanese and another subject must
meet all three of the following conditions to be eligible to progress to Year 2 of
their degree:
(a) They must pass all core courses prescribed for Year 1 of their degree.
(b) They must pass courses to the minimum value of three course units.
(c) A minimum mark of 50% must be achieved at the first examination in the
core course (155901195 J1 Elementary Japanese or 155901196 J1
Accelerated Elementary Japanese).
5.5.2
Students who obtain 20% to 39% in the core course (J1) following the May/June
examination may enter to take a September resit examination. Students who
obtain a mark of 50% or more in the core course (J1) following a September
resit examination will not meet the progression requirements and may only
apply to transfer to another degree (see 5.5.3).
5.5.3
Students who meet regulation 5.5.1 (a) and (b) and either pass the core course
(J1) with a mark of 40% to 49% following the May/June examination or who
pass the core course (J1) with any mark from 40% upwards following a
September resit examination may apply to transfer to another degree (such as
Year 2 of BA Japanese Studies).
5.5.4
These progression requirements do not apply to BA Japanese Studies or to BA
Japanese Studies and another subject.
6.
ASSESSMENT
6.1
Definition of assessment element
A course may be assessed by one or more means, each contributing a defined
percentage to the overall mark for the course. Each means of assessment with a defined
percentage is called an assessment element. An assessment element may be: a written
examination; coursework in the form of essays or reports; an oral examination; a practical
examination; a seminar presentation; a set of periodic class tests; or other specified
methods. Where used without modification, the word examination refers to a written
examination.
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Examples of assessment elements:
The following course has 3 assessment elements
 One written examination counting for 60%
 Two essays together counting for 30%
 A set of five weekly in-class tests counting together for 10%
The following course has 4 assessment elements
 One written examination counting for 60%
 One essay counting for 15%
 One essay counting for 15%
 A set of five weekly in-class tests counting together for 10%
6.2
Failure and re-assessment attempts
A student who has failed a course overall may enter to be re-assessed for that course on
two occasions only. The definition of failure is obtaining a mark of 0 to 39 for the course
overall. The opportunity for re-assessment is subject to a student remaining within their
time limit for completion of the degree (see regulation 12.6).
6.3
Re-assessment not permitted if a course has been passed overall
Students may not enter to be re-assessed in any assessment element (whatever its mark)
if they have passed a course overall i.e. obtained a mark of 40 or more for the course
overall.
6.4
Re-assessment not permitted in any assessment element with a mark of 40 or more
Students may not enter to be re-assessed in any assessment element for which the mark
is 40 or more. There are two exceptions to this provision:
(a)
(b)
6.5
The written examination in an 80%/20% course (see regulation 6.16)
Students repeating a course (see regulation 2.3 and 4.3).
Repeating a course not permitted if that course has been passed overall
Students may not repeat a course if they have passed the course overall, nor may follow a
course (either at SOAS or in another Higher Education Provider) which overlaps
significantly with the course which has been passed.
6.6
Choice of assessment elements to be re-assessed and the definition of an entry for
re-assessment
6.6.1
Students may choose the assessment elements with a mark of 39 or less in
which they wish to undertake re-assessment (see the exception for 80/20
courses regulation 6.16). They may enter to be re-assessed in any or all of
those assessment elements with a mark of 39 or less (unless they are non-
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repeatable – see regulation 6.7, also see the exception for 80/20 courses
regulation 6.16). They do not have to enter for re-assessment in all assessment
elements on one occasion.
6.6.2
6.7
6.8
Entry to be assessed for any one or more such assessment elements on one
occasion constitutes an assessment entry as a whole, and thus uses up one of
the two rights of assessment re-entry (see regulation 6.2). Students must
confirm to the Examinations and Assessments section of Registry which the
assessment elements which they wish to be re-assessed in.
Non-repeatable assessment elements
6.7.1
Faculties may determine assessment elements in some courses to be nonrepeatable. Students may not enter for re-assessment in these non-repeatable
assessment elements unless they have also applied for and have been granted
permission to repeat the relevant course. Details of non-repeatable assessment
elements will be in the course outline available at the start of the course.
6.7.2
Students who are absent from a non-repeatable assessment element due to
accepted mitigating circumstances cannot re-enter for that assessment element
without re-attending the course.
Non-submission of coursework assessment elements
6.8.1
Students cannot be re-assessed in coursework assessment elements which
were not submitted without good cause.
6.8.2
The provisions of 6.8.1 do not apply to coursework which has not been
submitted due to accepted mitigating circumstances. Non-submission due to
accepted mitigating circumstances does not use up one of the two rights of
assessment re-entry. The deadline for submission of coursework which has not
been submitted due to accepted mitigating circumstances is either the late
summer resubmission date immediately following (for non-finalist students only)
or the normal deadline(s) for the course in the next academic year (for finalist
students).
6.8.3
The provisions of 6.8.1 do not apply during the repeat year of study for students
who are repeating the course. Repeat students will submit coursework as
normally required during the repeat year of study. The provisions of 6.8.1 will
apply again if the coursework is not submitted without good reason.
6.8.4
The provisions of 6.8.1 do not apply to courses assessed solely by one essay
such as Independent Study Projects (ISPs) and extended essays. Students who
do not submit the assessment for such courses by the School deadline may enter
to submit the assessment by the relevant course deadline in the following
academic year. The mark for such courses will be capped at the minimum pass
mark. Non-submission due to accepted mitigating circumstances is covered by
6.8.2.
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6.9
6.10
Coursework assessment elements with a mark of 39 or less because of late
submission
6.9.1
This regulation applies to coursework assessment elements which, had they
been submitted on time, would have obtained a pass mark of 40 or more, but
obtained a mark of 39 or less because of deduction of marks for late
submission of coursework. Students may include in an entry for re-assessment
an application to be re-assessed for coursework that obtained a mark of 39 or
less because of the deduction of marks for late submission (see the exception
for 80/20 courses regulation 6.16). However, the coursework submitted for reassessment must be on a new and different topic from that chosen for the
original submission. The new topic will be specified by the course convenor.
6.9.2
The provisions of 6.9.1 do not apply to courses assessed solely by one essay
such as Independent Study Projects (ISPs) and extended essays. Students who
obtain a mark of 39 or less for such courses because of the deduction of marks
for late submission may enter to submit an essay on the same topic (either the
same essay or a revised essay) by the last day of Term 2 in the following
academic year.
Assessment re-entry
Students must confirm to the Examinations and Assessments section of the Registry by
the due date the re-assessments which they wish to undertake.
6.11
6.12
Eligibility to be assessed
(a)
For students admitted in or before the 2009/10 academic year. To be eligible to be
assessed or re-assessed in a course, students must have satisfied the attendance
requirements for the course to be assessed, as stipulated in regulation 2.
(b)
For students admitted in or after the academic year 2010/11. To be eligible to be
assessed or re-assessed in a course, students must have satisfied the
requirements of regulations 1.2, 4, 7 and 8.)
Timing and method of re-assessment
6.12.1
The re-assessment period for non-finalist students will take place in the late
summer (see 6.13). Finalist students and students going on a year abroad
cannot take re-assessment in the late summer assessment period and are
required to take the assessment at the same time of year in the following year
(e.g. re-assessment for a written examination in May/June will be in May/June
of the following year).
6.12.2
Re-assessment will be by the same method as the original assessment. The
topics for coursework will normally be the same as for the coursework as
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previously submitted. Students may submit revised versions of essays
previously submitted or they can choose to submit new coursework, or a
combination of the two. The exception is where coursework has received a
mark of 39 or less because of the deduction of marks for late submission (see
6.9.1).
6.12.3
6.13
Students who repeat (= re-attend) a course must complete coursework on the
topics for the course as they are re-attending it. Coursework for the course as
previously attended may not be relevant. Students must complete the
requirements for the course as if taking the course for the first time (see 2.3).
Late summer re-assessment period
6.13.1
Non-finalist students who have obtained an overall mark of 20 to 39 for a course
may enter to be re-assessed for the failed course in the late summer
assessment period immediately following, unless 6.13.4 or 6.13.5 is applicable.
Non-finalist students who obtain an overall mark of 0 to 19 for a course may
enter to be re-assessed for that course during the following academic year, not
in the late summer assessment period immediately following.
6.13.2
If the failed course has a written examination and if the mark for that
examination was 39 or less, non-finalist students may apply to re-enter for that
examination in the late summer assessment immediately following (see the
exception for 80/20 courses regulation 6.16). Non-finalist students may also
apply to enter for an examination in the late summer assessment period if they
were absent from the corresponding May/June examination due to accepted
mitigating circumstances. Students who were absent without accepted mitigating
circumstances are not eligible to enter to take the late summer examination, but
may apply to enter to take it in the May/June examination period in the following
year.
6.13.3
If the failed course has a coursework assessment element or elements and if
the coursework was submitted and if the mark for the coursework assessment
element was 39 or less and the work is deemed repeatable, non-finalist
students may apply to resubmit that coursework by the late summer submission
date immediately following, unless 6.9 applies. (See the exception for 80/20
courses regulation 6.16).
6.13.4
Courses taken at other Colleges of the University of London are subject to the
regulations of the relevant College, and late summer re-assessment may not be
permitted (see 6.18).
6.13.5
(a) Students who spend Year 2 of their degree as a compulsory language year
abroad are not eligible to enter for late summer re-assessment of their
Year 1 courses. They may enter to be re-assessed during the following
academic year (if possible) or the academic year following that. If they are
ineligible to proceed to Year 2 of their degree course, they must apply for
one of the options available under 5.3.3.
15
(b) Students who spend Year 3 of their degree as a compulsory language year
abroad are not eligible to enter for late summer re-assessment of their
Year 2 courses. They may enter to be re-assessed during the following
academic year (if possible) or the academic year following that. If they are
ineligible to proceed to Year 3 of their degree course, they must apply for
one of the options available under 5.3.3.
6.14
Late summer submission of coursework
No marks will be awarded for any coursework submitted after the first day of the late
summer examination period, unless there are accepted mitigating circumstances. No
extension for submission may be granted beyond the last day of the late summer
assessment period at the School.
6.15
6.16
Capping of marks for courses passed following re-assessment
6.15.1
The overall mark for a course passed following re-assessment will be capped at
40. This regulation applies to all courses, including 80/20 courses. The
assessment elements are marked as normal and capping is applied to the overall
mark for the course as a whole, after the marks for the assessment elements
have been totalled.
6.15.2
This capping will not apply to the overall mark for a course taken by a student who
has repeated that course and has passed that course in the assessment in the
academic year in which the course is repeated (or in that assessment when
taken, if permission is given to defer that assessment). The mark will be capped if
that repeated course is passed in a later re-assessment (including a September
re-assessment).
6.15.3
This capping will not apply if the overall fail was a result of accepted mitigating
circumstances which prevented the student from submitting coursework on time
and/or taking the examination.
Re-assessment provisions for 80/20 courses
This regulation sets out the re-assessment provisions for courses in which a written
examination (or examinations) constitutes 80% or more of the total marks available, and in
which coursework consequently constitutes 20% or less of the total marks available. Such
courses are referred to as 80/20 courses.
6.16.1
Students who obtain an overall mark of 40 or more for an 80/20 course are not
eligible to enter to be re-assessed in any assessment element of that course.
6.16.2
Students who obtain an overall mark of 0 to 39 for an 80/20 course may enter to
be re-assessed in the written examination for that course, whatever the original
mark for the examination (even if it was 40 or more).
16
6.17
6.16.3
Non-finalist students who obtain an overall mark of 20 to 39 for an 80/20 course
may enter to be re-assessed in the written examination for that course in the
late summer immediately following, whatever the original mark for the
examination (even if it was 40 or more).
6.16.4
Non-finalist students who obtain an overall mark of 0 to 19 for an 80/20 course
may enter to be re-assessed in the written examination for that course in the
May/June of the following year, whatever the original mark for the examination
(even if it was 40 or more).
6.16.5
Students who obtain an overall mark of 0 to 39 for an 80/20 course are not
eligible to resubmit coursework, whatever its mark (whether over or less than
40). The original mark obtained for the coursework is carried forward and is
added to the mark for the repeated written examination (see 6.16.7).
6.16.6
Coursework which has not been submitted by the School deadline may not be
submitted at all (see 6.16.7).
6.16.7
The provision of regulations 6.16.5 and 6.16.6 do not apply where coursework
has not been submitted due to accepted mitigating circumstances. Nonsubmission due to accepted mitigating circumstances does not use up one of the
two rights of assessment re-entry. The deadline for submission of coursework
which has not been submitted due to accepted mitigating circumstances is the
late September assessment period immediately following or the normal
deadline(s) for the course in the next academic year for non-repeatable
coursework.
6.16.8
Students who are repeating the year of study will submit coursework as normally
required and will take the examination at the end of the course during the repeat
year of study. The provision of regulations 6.16.1 to 6.16.7 will apply again if the
assessment of the course in respect of the repeat year of study results in a mark
of 39 or less.
Crediting of marks for courses passed after re-assessment
Marks for courses passed after re-assessment will be credited to the year of study in which
the course was followed and not the year in which the re-assessment was undertaken. The
exception is where the student has undertaken re-assessment in conjunction with repeating
the course, in which case the mark will be credited to the year in which the course was
repeated.
6.18
Courses taken at other colleges of the University of London
Courses taken at other Colleges of the University of London are subject to the regulations of
the relevant College. The provisions for assessment and re-assessment may differ from
those applicable to SOAS courses. Late summer re-assessment may not be permitted. It is
the responsibility of students undertaking intercollegiate courses to make themselves
familiar with the regulations relating to those courses.
17
6.19
Word count and marking of over-length coursework
Students must refer to the regulations and policy outlined in the General Regulations for
Students, regulation 20.
6.20
Re-assessment and course content for students not re-attending the course
Students who retake a failed assessment element without re-attending the course, or who
have been given permission to defer an assessment element without re-attending the
course, will take an examination or assessment based on the course as they attended it.
However, LLB students should be aware that questions may also be set on recent
legislation, case law, or current proposals for law reform within the scope of the syllabus.
(For students who re-attend a course, see regulations 2.3, 6.11, 6.15, and 6.17.)
7.
COURSEWORK REQUIREMENTS
7.1
Coursework submission
For students admitted before the 2010/11 academic year. In order to benefit fully from their
courses, students are expected to submit on time all coursework required of them. (See also
regulation 2.) Some coursework counts towards the overall mark for a course. Failure to
submit such coursework in whole or in part will result in a proportionate reduction of the
mark awarded for the course. There are penalties for the late submission of coursework, set
out below.
For students admitted in and after the 2010/11 academic year. Students must take all
assessment elements for a course, including submitting all coursework prescribed for the
course (see regulation 1.2). There are penalties for the late submission of coursework, set
out below.
7.2
Deadlines for submission of coursework
7.2.1
The School deadline for the submission of hardcopy coursework is16.00 on the
Friday immediately before the beginning of the May/June examination period of
the academic year in which the course is taken. For on-line submission of
courses the School deadline is 23.59 on the same Friday. No marks will be
awarded for any coursework submitted after this deadline. Late reduction of
marks will not apply if there are accepted mitigating circumstances.
7.2.2
Individual deadlines for coursework submission may vary and may be earlier
than the School deadline but may not be later. It is the responsibility of Heads
of Departments to approve the policy for submission dates of coursework for
courses within their Department, and the policy governing late submission.
Members of staff should have regard to this policy when drawing up course
proposals.
18
7.2.3
Heads of Departments will ensure that students are informed in writing at the
beginning of the academic year of the deadlines for the submission of
coursework for courses within their Department and of the policy governing late
submission.
7.2.4
Heads of Departments may approve a policy governing late submission using
either the provisions of the best n marks or 2 percentage points a day penalty.
7.2.5
When coursework consists of multiple and consecutive exercises or essays, no
coursework will be accepted for assessment after the deadline, provided that:
(a) Assessment is based not on the average mark for all pieces of coursework
set, but on the average of the best n marks, where the value of n is
determined and is made known to students at the start of the course; and
(b) Where non submission of a particular piece of coursework is determined to
have been for good cause, then assessment will be based on the average
of the best n-1 marks etc.
7.2.6
Coursework which is submitted after departmental coursework deadlines (but
not after the School deadline) will be marked, but the mark will be reduced by 2
percentage points each and every day or part thereof that the work is late. This
reduction of marks will not apply if there are accepted mitigating circumstances:
(a) Hard-copy submission by 16:00, deductions will be made for each working
day or part thereof that the work is submitted late, i.e. submitted after 16.00
on the day in question [Note: ‘Working day’ is any day Monday to Friday
that the Faculty Office is open, including such days in the vacations].
(b) On-line submission by 23.59 - deductions will be made for each and every
day or part thereof that the work is submitted.
7.2.7
Submission is normally on-line. Upon submission of course work an email
receipt is sent to the student confirming receipt. Hardcopy submission of
coursework is defined as delivery of two hard copies to the relevant Faculty
Office by the School deadline and the issuing of a receipt, or, in respect of work
that requires the candidate’s presence, attendance at a date, time and place
determined by the course convenor.
8.
WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS
8.1
Entry to a written examination and removal of permission to enter
8.1.1
For students admitted in or before the 2009/10 academic year. To be eligible to
enter for and take a written examination for a course, students must have satisfied
the attendance and coursework requirements of regulation 2. Students who fail to
meet the requirements of regulation 2 may have their permission to enter for the
19
examination withdrawn under the provisions of regulation 3.
8.1.2
8.2
For students admitted in or after the 2010/11 academic year. To be eligible to
enter for and take a written examination for a course, students must have satisfied
the attendance requirements of regulation 4. Students who fail to meet the
attendance requirements of regulation 4 may have their permission to enter for
the examination withdrawn. Students must also have undertaken each
assessment element and submitted all coursework prescribed for the course,
and must have submitted sufficient work to enable them to be assessed (see
regulation 1.2).
Absence from written examinations
An examination result of ‘Absent without good cause - fail’ will be recorded for a candidate
who has entered for an examination but is absent from the relevant examination, and the
candidate will use up one right of entry for re-assessment. This provision will not apply if the
candidate has been granted approved deferral under 8.3, or if the student was unable to
take the examination due to accepted mitigating circumstances. A result of ‘Absent with
good cause’ does not use up a right of entry for assessment or re-assessment.
8.3
Deferral of written examinations
8.3.1
Deferral of written examinations other than late summer resits
(a) Candidates who wish to apply for deferral of a written examination must do
so no later than 16.00 on day 1 of Term 3 of the year in which the
examination is due to be taken, by submission of the appropriate form to the
Registry. Permission will be granted only in special circumstances and with
the approval of the appropriate Associate Dean.
(b) If approved, deferral will be granted and the examination will be held in the
late summer reassessment period.
8.3.2
Deferral of a late summer written resit examination
(a) Candidates who wish to apply for deferral of a late summer written resit
examination must do so no later than 15 August of the year in which the
examination is due to be taken, by submission of the appropriate form to the
Registry.
(b) If approved, deferral will normally be granted until May/June of the year
immediately following, unless the Sub Board of Examiners determines that
deferral will be granted until late summer of the year immediately following.
(c) Candidates who are granted deferral of a late summer written resit
examination must satisfy the relevant requirements of regulation 5 in order
to progress to the next year of their degree course.
20
9.
VIVA VOCE EXAMINATION
9.1
The examiners may test any candidate by means of an oral examination, which may cover
the candidate's entire field of study. This is known as a viva voce examination.
9.2
The viva voce examination is in addition to any other prescribed form(s) of assessment, or
oral examinations which form an assessment element for some courses.
10.
MARKING SCHEME
10.1
The marks awarded for courses are as follows
Mark (%)
70 to 100
60 to 69
50 to 59
40 to 49
0 to 39
Degree equivalent
First Class
Second Class (Upper Division)
Second Class (Lower Division)
Third Class
Fail
Pass/Fail
Pass
Pass
Pass
Pass
Fail
11.
NOTIFICATION OF RESULTS
11.1
Students will be notified of the results by the Examinations and Assessments Section of the
Registry after the end of each academic year. The actual dates will be published on the
Examinations and Assessments Section of the Registry web page.
11.2
All results received during the year are provisional until official notification is sent out by the
Examinations and Assessments Section of the Registry.
12.
DEGREE REQUIREMENT
12.1
Two-year Senior Status LLB degree
This section refers only to the Senior Status LLB degree. It does not apply to students
admitted direct to Year 2 of the three-year LLB, for which see section 12.4.4.)
12.1.1
To be eligible for the award of the Senior Status LLB Honours degree, a student
must have completed courses at SOAS from the Senior Status LLB syllabus to
the value of nine course units (four in the first year of study and five in the final
year of study).
12.1.2
Students for this degree who have completed courses at SOAS to a value lower
than nine course units will not be eligible for the award of the Senior Status LLB
degree nor will they be eligible for a Pass degree or the degree of BA Law.
21
12.2
Three-year degrees
12.2.1
BA/BSc degrees
(a) To be eligible for the award of a BA/BSc Honours degree, a student must
have completed courses from the approved syllabus to the minimum value of
eleven course units.
(b) To be eligible for the award of a BA/BSc Pass degree, a student must have
completed courses from the approved syllabus to the minimum value of ten
course units.
12.2.2
LLB degree
(a) To be eligible for the award of an LLB Honours degree, a student must have
completed courses from the approved syllabus valued at twelve course units.
(b) SOAS does not award an LLB Pass degree. Students who have completed
courses from the approved syllabus to the value of 10 to 11.5 course units
may be eligible for the award of the degree of BA Law.
12.3
12.4
Four-year degrees
(a)
To be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, a student must have completed
courses to the minimum value of fourteen course units.
(b)
To be eligible for the award of a Pass degree, a student must have completed
courses to a minimum value of thirteen course units.
Requirements for single-subject and two-subject degrees
12.4.1
To be eligible for the award of a degree with a single-subject or two-subject
degree title, a student must have satisfied the relevant regulations including the
annual course requirement in regulation 1 and the general degree requirement in
12.2 or 12.3 as appropriate. The requirement of regulation 1.3 to follow the
approved syllabus takes priority when necessary over the minimum course
requirements set out in the remainder of this regulation. A student must also have
satisfied the requirements outlined in 12.4.2 to 12.4.10 as appropriate.
12.4.2
Single-subject degree (Year 1 entry)
BA/BSc students must complete courses to the minimum value of nine course
units (twelve in a four-year degree). LLB students must complete courses from
the LLB syllabus valued at ten course units.
12.4.3
Single-subject degree (Year 2 direct entry to a 3-year degree)
BA/BSc students must complete SOAS courses to the minimum value of six
course units. LLB students must complete SOAS LLB courses valued at eight
22
course units. This section does not apply to the Senior Status LLB, for which see
section 12.1.
12.5
12.4.4
Single-subject degree (Year 2 direct entry to a 4-year degree)
Students must complete SOAS courses to the minimum value of nine course
units.
12.4.5
Single-subject degree (Year 3 direct entry to a 4-year degree)
Students must complete SOAS courses to the minimum value of six course units.
12.4.6
Two-subject degree (Year 1 entry to a 3-year degree)
Students must complete SOAS courses to the minimum value of five course units
in the subject to be named first in the degree title and four course units in the
subject to be named second.
12.4.7
Two-subject degree (Year 2 direct entry to a 3-year degree)
Students must complete SOAS courses to the minimum value of six course
units overall in the two subjects of the degree title, including courses to the
value of at least three course units in each subject in the degree title.
12.4.8
Two-subject degree (Year 1 entry to a 4-year degree)
Students must complete courses to the minimum value of thirteen course units
overall in the two subjects of the degree title, including courses to the value of
at least eight course units in the subject/language to be named first in the
degree title, and courses to the value of at least five course units in the
subject/language to be named second in the degree title.
12.4.9
Two-subject degree (Year 2 direct entry to a 4-year degree)
Students must complete SOAS courses to the minimum value of ten course
units overall in the two subjects of the degree title, including courses to the
value of at least five course units in the subject/language to be named first in
the degree title, and courses to the value of at least three course units in the
subject/language to be named second in the degree title.
12.4.10
Two-subject degree (Year 3 direct entry to a 4-year degree)
Students must complete SOAS courses to the minimum value of six course
units overall in the two subjects of the degree title, including courses to the
value of at least three course units in the subject/language to be named first in
the degree title, and courses to the value of at least three course units in the
subject/language to be named second in the degree title.
Calculating the number of courses required for a degree
12.5.1
In calculating the number of courses required for regulation 12.4, courses taken
in all years of degree registration are counted, including courses taken in Year 1
and those taken during a compulsory language year abroad. Courses not
counted are:
23




12.5.2
12.6
Those taken before the start of a student’s SOAS degree
New courses taken after the end of a student’s SOAS degree
Courses taken during periods of leave of absence
New courses taken while registered as an intermitting degree student.
‘Other subject’ in 12.4.8 to 12.4.10 includes the second language in a four-year
two-subject degree in which the second subject is another language.
Time limit for completion of degree requirement
(Students admitted in or after the 2006/7 academic year)
12.6.1
Students must complete their degree requirement within a set period from the
date of their first registration for an undergraduate degree. Students who fail to
complete their degree requirement within the relevant time limit will be ineligible
for the award of their degree. The maximum periods of enrolment are as
follows:






12.6.2
Senior Status LLB: 4 academic years
three-year degree (Year 1 entry): 5 academic years
three-year degree (Year 2 entry): 4 academic years
four-year degree (Year 1 entry): 6 academic years
four-year degree (Year 2 entry): 5 academic years
four-year degree (Year 3 entry): 5 academic years
The overall period of registration for 12.6.1 includes periods of leave of
absence, repeat periods of study, deferral of assessments (including deferral of
final year assessments) and postponement of degree classification. It also
includes internal transfers to a different degree: in other words, the time limit is
from the start of the original degree course, not the start of the degree course
to which the student has transferred. The requirement to complete within the
specified time limit takes precedence over the opportunities for re-assessment
and re-examination (see regulation 6.2).
13.
DEGREE CLASSIFICATION
13.1
The Board of Examiners at SOAS will meet on one occasion each year to determine the
degree classification of students, and will have regard to the Undergraduate Degree
Classification Scheme.
14.
POSTPONEMENT OF DEGREE CLASSIFICATION
14.1
All candidates who are eligible for an Honours degree will be classified
Candidates who meet the criteria of eligibility under regulation 12 for the award of an
24
Honours degree will have their degrees classified by the Board of Examiners and will have
their degrees awarded in the year in which they complete their degree course, unless they
have made an application for postponement for consideration for Honours as provided for
under regulation 14.4.
14.2
Classification for Honours on one occasion only
No student who has been awarded a degree may be reconsidered for the award of Honours
in respect of the same period of study.
14.3
14.4
Procedure in respect of candidates who are eligible for a Pass degree
14.3.1
The Examinations and Assessments Manager will write to the candidate
informing them that Board of Examiners has determined they have met the
degree requirements of regulation 12 and are eligible for the award of a Pass
degree. The candidate will be given the choice of either accepting the Pass
degree or requesting reconsideration for an Honours degree in the following year
provided they have re-entry opportunities remaining.
14.3.2
A candidate who applies for the award of a Pass degree will be informed that the
Pass degree has been awarded, and will not be eligible to enter for reassessment in courses for an Honours degree except by registering anew for a
degree under the School’s Regulations.
14.4.3
A candidate who wishes to apply for reconsideration for an Honours degree must
enter for re-assessment to be undertaken in the academic year immediately
following, with a view to completing the requirements for an Honours degree.
14.4.4
Candidates may not take new courses after the end of their degree registration to
count towards their degree.
Procedure for postponement of consideration for Honours
14.4.1
Candidates entering for assessments by means of which they will, if successful,
complete their degree requirements may apply to the Examinations and
Assessments Manager for postponement for consideration for the award of
Honours. Applications must be made not later than the first day of the relevant
examination period.
14.4.2
Candidates who have been granted postponement of consideration for Honours
must enter to undertake assessment or re-assessment during the academic year
immediately following, after which they will be classified for Honours. Candidates
may not take new courses after the end of their degree registration to count
towards their degree.
14.4.3
Candidates who have postponed consideration for Honours and who have
satisfied the requirements for the degree and who do not pursue their intention of
undertaking assessment or re-assessment may cancel their postponement and
25
apply to be classified for Honours on the basis of the results achieved when they
satisfied the requirements for the award of the degree. Such classification will be
made and the degree awarded at the next normal occasion when classification
for Honours is undertaken.
15.
AEGROTAT REGULATIONS
15.1
If a candidate has completed their full period of study and (a) is unable to undertake
assessments during their final year due to accepted mitigating circumstances or other
causes judged sufficient by the Board of Examiners, such as death of a near relation, or (b)
has undertaken assessments but considers that their performance has been adversely
affected by any of the above reasons, the candidate may make an application to the
Examinations and Assessments Manager for their case to be considered under the aegrotat
regulation. The application must be accompanied by a statement of the grounds on which it
is made along with documentary evidence as outlined in the mitigating circumstances policy
and must be submitted as soon as possible and within six weeks from the last day of the
relevant examination period.
15.2
If a candidate has satisfied the requirements for the award of a degree, the Board of
Examiners will award a degree with a Pass or Honours classification, and will not consider
the candidate for the award of an aegrotat degree. The Board of Examiners will not award a
class of degree higher than the overall level that the candidate has achieved in the work
actually completed.
15.3
A candidate who has applied under 15.1 will be considered for the award of an aegrotat
degree only if the Board of Examiners has been unable to recommend the award of a
degree with a Pass or Honours classification under 15.2. In such a case the Board of
Examiners having considered: the results in assessments which the student has completed,
if any; records of the candidate's performance during the course; and assessment provided
by the candidate's teachers, will determine whether evidence has been shown to their
satisfaction that, had the candidate completed assessments in normal circumstances, the
candidate would clearly have reached a standard (and completed the necessary courses)
which would have qualified them for the award of a degree. Where the Board of Examiners
are so satisfied, the candidate will be informed that they are eligible to apply for the award of
an aegrotat degree, and if so, that they may either:
(a)
(b)
Apply for the award of the aegrotat degree; or
Not apply but enter to undertake assessment or re-assessment in the academic year
immediately following, with a view to completing the requirements for the award of a
degree. Candidates may not take new courses after the end of their degree
registration to count towards their degree.
15.4
If an eligible candidate applies for an aegrotat degree they will be informed that the degree
has been conferred.
15.5
A candidate who has applied for the award of an aegrotat degree will not be eligible
thereafter to enter to undertake assessment or re-assessment for a classified degree.
26
15.6
On re-entry for the classified degree a candidate who has been informed that they are
eligible to apply for the award of an aegrotat degree ceases to be eligible so to apply.
15.7
Aegrotat degrees will be awarded without distinction or class.
15.8
Holders of aegrotat degrees may not subsequently be considered for Honours, except that
they may apply to register anew for a degree under the School’s Regulations.
16.
APPEALS
16.1
A student who wishes to make an appeal in respect of their assessment results should
follow the Appeal Procedure for Taught Degrees available on the Registry web page.
17.
OPEN OPTION COURSES
17.1
Definition
An open option course is a course in a subject or a language other than the subject(s) or
language(s) named in a student's degree title, or other than prescribed in the syllabus of the
degree for which a student is registered. An open option course may not be taken at another
College.
17.2
Total maximum number of open option courses
If the syllabus of the degree for which a student is registered permits, a student may take
open option courses to the following maximum values:




17.3
Single-subject 3-year degree: three course units (90 credits)
Single-subject 4-year degree: three course units (90 credits)
Two-subject 3-year degree: two course units (60 credits)
Two-subject 4-year degree: three course units (90 credits)
Maximum number of open option courses per year
Students may not normally take open option courses to the value of more than one course
unit (30 credits) in any one academic year.
17.4
Year 1 students taking an open option course in a language
A Year 1 student taking an open option course of one course unit value in a language may
be permitted to discontinue that course from the end of Term 1 and substitute from the start
of Term 2 a specified non-language ‘studies’ course (e.g. Arabic studies, Swahili studies)
valued at one course unit and relevant to the discontinued language course. Such
substitution will be by permission of the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Languages and
27
Cultures, who will require a statement from the teacher of the language course that the
student has attended a minimum of 80% of language classes in Term 1 but is, in the opinion
of the teacher, likely to fail the examination. The Associate Dean will report to the Head of
Registry any change of course approved under this regulation.
18.
INTERCOLLEGIATE COURSES
18.1
Definition
An intercollegiate course is a course taught at another College of the University of London
or at New York University in London. This regulation does not apply to courses taken at
universities outside the University of London, either under an Erasmus scheme or as a
period of language study abroad.
18.2
General scope of the regulation
The regulation set outs the conditions under which a student may apply to take an
intercollegiate course that does not form part of the published syllabus for their degree.
18.3
Degrees taught jointly at two Colleges
The provisions of this regulation do not apply to students taking a course at another
College if that course forms part of the published syllabus for a degree jointly taught by
two Colleges. The provisions do, however, apply to students taking a jointly taught degree
if the intercollegiate course they wish to take does not form part of the published syllabus,
or if the intercollegiate course is to be taken at a College other than the named partner
college specified for the degree.
Examples of jointly taught degrees (partner College in brackets) are:









18.4
BA African Studies (NYUL)
BA Ancient Near Eastern Studies (UCL)
BA French and an Asian or African language (UCL)
BA Geography and another subject (KCL)
BA Hebrew and Israeli Studies/BA Hebrew and another subject (UCL)
BA History of Art (Asia, Africa, Europe) (UCL)
BA Management and an Asian or African language (Birkbeck)
BA Music (KCL)
BA Turkish and Modern Greek Studies (KCL)
Maximum permitted number of intercollegiate courses
No student may take intercollegiate courses totalling more than two courses (60 credits)
overall and no more than one course (30 credits) or equivalent in any one academic year,
unless the intercollegiate courses form part of the published syllabus for their degree.
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18.5
Limitations on taking Intercollegiate courses where SOAS equivalent courses are
available
No student may take an intercollegiate course if a satisfactory equivalent course is
available at SOAS. No student may take an intercollegiate course if the content overlaps
significantly with a course the student has already taken or with a course which is
required by the syllabus to be taken in a later year of the degree.
18.6
Limitations for Year 1 students
No student may take an intercollegiate course in Year 1 unless it forms a part of the
published syllabus for their degree.
18.7
Limitation on open option courses
No student may take an open option course at another College (except for courses at
New York University in London). An open option course is a course in a subject other than
those listed in a student’s degree title. Thus, the only intercollegiate courses that may be
taken are in the subject or subjects of a student’s degree title. Thus, a student of BA Law
and Study of Religions may apply to take a course at another College in either Law or
Study of Religions, but not in any other subject.
18.8
Limitation on intercollegiate language courses
No student may take a language course at another College, without having received
approval in advance, based on a statement setting out the academic rationale for wishing
to take the course, demonstrating the relevance of the language to the degree subject(s).
This case must be supported by the relevant SOAS Undergraduate Tutor and must be
approved by the relevant Associate Dean. An acceptable example would be a BA History
student who wishes to take a course in French in preparation for an ISP on Francophone
Africa. The provisions of 18.8 do not apply to students on jointly taught language degrees
(see 18.3).
18.9
Approval procedure
Each application to take an intercollegiate course must be approved on the appropriate
SOAS intercollegiate course approval form before the start of the course. Unapproved
intercollegiate courses will not count towards a degree. The provisions of 18.9 do not
apply to students on jointly taught degrees taking courses that form part of the published
syllabus for their degree (see 18.3).
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SUSPENSION OF REGULATIONS
19.1
Suspension of these regulations can only be approved by the relevant Associate Dean. If
suspension is approved, the case will be reported in anonymous form to the next meeting of
the relevant Faculty Learning and Teaching Committee and reported to the Registry.
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