Our Academic Framework Modular
Regulations
The Academic Year
• Two semesters
– September to January
– February to June
– (The summer period)
BUT
• Three terms
– September to Christmas
– Christmas to Easter
– Easter to June
Credit based modular framework
• Modular regulations govern all taught
postgraduate and undergraduate
programmes
• Modular
– Programmes made up of modules – chunks of
teaching and assessment
– Each module has a level (degree of difficulty)
– Each module has a credit value (one credit
equals 10 student study hours)
Credit based modular framework
• Purpose of the framework - to provide a
framework that is
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Simple
Transparent
Equitable
Homogenous
Student friendly
Consistent with QAA and FHEQ
• It is a non-discretionary, total compliance
framework
– (absence of the word ‘normally’)
Undergraduate Programmes
(mainly bachelor degrees)
• Level 1 = 6 modules each 20 credits
• Level 2 = 6 modules each 20 credits
• Level 3 = 6 modules each 20 credits
= 360 credits
Semester A
Mod 1
Mod 2
Mod 3
assessment
assessment assessment
Semester B
Mod 4
Mod 5
Mod 6
assessment assessment assessment
September reassessment for all modules
Postgraduate Programmes
(mainly masters degrees)
Level M = 4 modules of 30 credits + 1 module of 60 credits=
180 credits
Semester A
Mod 1
assessment
Mod 2
assessment
Semester B
Mod 3
assessment
Mod 4
assessment
Summer Period
The dissertation module (=60 credits)
September reassessment of Sem A and Sem B modules
October award board for Masters degrees
Modules
• Each module comprises 1, 2 or 3 assessed
components (pro rata double modules)
• Components have weights (adding up to 100%)
– (Component weights are recorded on DELTA)
• Components have marks (0-100%)
– (Component marks are recorded on DELTA)
Assessment and Reassessment
• Undergraduate modules
– Pass mark = 40% (component threshold 30%)
– Study->Assess->Reassess-> Study->Assess->Reassess
– Capped at 40% for further assessment
• Postgraduate modules
– Pass mark = 50%(component threshold 40%)
– Study->Assess->Reassess-> Study->Assess->Reassess
– Capped at 50% for further assessment
Reassessment and Repeat
• Reassessment if not passed on assessment
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all components <40 reassessed
all components ≥40 marks carried through
reassessment in September
module capped at 40%
achieved mark shown on transcript as well
• If not passed on reassessment
• repeat module (‘with attendance’)
– capped at 40%
– no prior marks carried through
• do alternative module (option modules only)
– rules for first time study apply
• No further assessment or reassessment is allowed on a
repeated module after reassessment
Reassessment – a note
• Coursework/exams
• should be a new piece of work
• should be of the same standard and address the
same learning outcomes
• should enable students to demonstrate ability
across the range (not just pass/fail)
• Projects/dissertations
• reassessment – the same title improved
• repeat – a new project dissertation
Boards
• Field Board (one per Field)
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approves standards for all Field modules
confirms module marks for students
awards credit
awards A(E)L credit
• Award Boards (one per School)
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awards compensation (and credit)
confers award and classification
formally implements Extenuation decisions
notes A(E)L credit
• There are no ‘progression’ boards
Classification
• Postgraduate Masters
– Merit 60%-69%, Distinction 70%+
• Undergraduate
Arithmetic mean of the
best 100 credits at level 3
X
2/3
+
Arithmetic mean of the
next best 100 credits at
levels 2 and/or 3
70% - 100%
First Class Honours
60% - 69%
Second Class Honours, First Division
50% - 59%
Second Class Honours, Second Division
40% - 49%
Third Class Honours
0% - 39%
Not passed
X
1/3