University Programme Regulations
Chapter XVIII - Flexible Framework
Document Reference:
Identifier:
Version:
Flexible Framework
QH: B18
2 01
In force:
on approval
Approved By:
Originator:
Senate
University Quality Office
Responsibilities:
Heads of departments
Chairs of module and programme boards
Application to collaborative provision:
For Information
Contacts:
University Quality Office: 01482 466704
www.hull.ac.uk/quality
Applications for exemptions to:
Report Exemptions to:
Student Progress Committee
University
Learning,
Teaching
Assessment Committee
Date: Oct 10
and
Summary/ Description:
These Regulations set out the University’s Flexible Framework and are supplementary to the
Regulations governing each award. The Framework has been developed in order to provide a
broad-based and flexible curriculum framework that operates across faculties and is populated
with core, work-based and subject specific modules.
The decision whether a programme is eligible to be part of the Flexible Framework rests with
Programme Approvals Committee.
The main characteristics of the Framework are:

a broader range of credit values for modules (notably 10 credit modules, subject to limits)

the extension of the standard time limit for the completion of each stage of a programme from
three to four years

the extension of the standard shelf life for credits from nine to 12 years

the requirement for each stage to include between 10 and 60 credits of work related learning

a more extensive range of interim awards.
Version 2 00 (Oct 09) introduces the following changes with immediate effect:

Re-orders the Regulations to better reflect the student lifecycle, beginning with programme
and modules and moving from admissions through progression to notification of results

Clarity of language throughout and notes (which do not form part of the Regulations)

Removes references to the withdrawal of programmes and modules
Flexible Framework
University Quality Office
Version 2 01 – Oct 10
QH: B18:1
This document is available in alternative formats from
The University Quality Office
Table of Contents
1
2
3
4
5
6
Modules .......................................................................................................... 3
Programme stages .......................................................................................... 3
Permitted duration for the accumulation of credits ........................................... 3
Valid life of credits ........................................................................................... 3
Work related learning ...................................................................................... 3
Interim awards following withdrawal ................................................................ 4
Flexible Framework
University Quality Office
Version 2 01 – Oct 10
QH: B18:2
Preamble
The following Supplementary Regulations apply to awards of the University approved to
be delivered within the University’s Flexible Framework.
The Programme Approvals Committee is the final arbiter of whether a programme
satisfies the requirements for the Flexible Framework
Candidates for the award of a qualification of the University must satisfy both the
University Regulations and the Supplementary Regulations as embodied in the
published programmes of study.
The University Student Progress Committee shall be the final arbiter of matters
regarding the application and/or interpretation of the Regulations.
1
Modules
Modules within the Flexible Framework may be of 10, 20 or 40 credits.
Explanatory note (added Oct 09):

Previously reg. 1
2
Programme stages
Each stage of each programme governed by these Regulations may include a maximum
of six 10 credit modules and a maximum of one 40 credit module per stage.
Explanatory note (added Oct 09):

Previously part of reg. 1; amended for consistency
3
Permitted duration for the accumulation of credits
Where a candidate is permitted to extend his/her period of study through the grant of an
extension for good cause or intercalation or similar circumstances, such extension shall
be subject to the overriding requirement that each stage of the programme of study
must be completed within a period of four years.
Explanatory note (added Oct 09):


Previously reg. 2
This extends the standard limit from three to four years
4
Valid life of credits
Modules credited to a candidate may not be used towards an award after 12 years have
elapsed from the end of the candidate’s registration for the module.
Explanatory note (added Oct 09):

Previously reg. 3
This extends the standard limit from nine to 12 years
5
(a)
Work related learning
Programmes governed by these Regulations should include work related
learning within each stage of between a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 60
credits.
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University Quality Office
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(b)
Work related learning may form part of a module or comprise the whole of a
module.
Explanatory note (added Oct 09):


Previously reg. 4 (minor amendments)
Work related learning is an important feature of programmes deemed within the Framework
6
Interim awards following withdrawal
A programme governed by these Regulations may include interim awards at 60 credit
intervals provided that:
(a)
The programme specification specifies the learning outcomes in respect of each
interim award being made available within the programme, and
(b)
The interim award is made only where the candidate has achieved the minimum
number of credits at the appropriate level as specified in the table below
(c)
The candidate has achieved a minimum of 60 credits awarded by the University
of Hull in undertaking the programme of study in question.
Qualification
Relevant
FHEQ
qualificatio
n level
Minimum
overall
credits
Range
of
levels
/number of credits at
highest level
Maximum credits at
lowest level
University
Diploma
6
60 credits
Levels (3,4,5),6 min 40
credits at level 6
Max 20 credits at level
3
Ordinary degree
6
300 credits
Levels (3,4,5) 6 min 60
credits at level 6
Max 20 credits at level
3
Certificate in HE +
University Diploma*
4+5
180 credits
Levels (3,4) 5 min 40
credits at level 5
Max 20 credits at level
3
University Diploma
5
60 credits
Levels (3,4), 5 minimum
40 credits at level 5
Max 20 credits at level
3
University Certificate
4
60 credits
Levels (3),4 minimum 40
credits at level 4
Max 20 credits at level
3
University Foundation
Certificate
n/a
60 credits
Levels (2),3 minimum 40
credits at level 3
Max 20 credits at level
2
Advanced
Flexible Framework
University Quality Office
Version 2 01 – Oct 10
QH: B18:4
Explanatory note (added Oct 09):





Previously reg. 5 – revised for consistency; table revised to reflection the 2nd edition (2008) of the FHEQ
Eligibility for the interim award will be determined by the Regulations governing the original award for
which the candidate registered. Reg. 6 introduces greater flexibility in the use of interim awards by
allowing the combination of awards allowing ‘stepping off’ points for candidates at 60 credit intervals,
rather than the normal 120 credit interval for most undergraduate qualifications.
However, the explicit conditions in reg. 6 must be satisfied so that it can be demonstrated that the
candidate has met the learning outcomes for the interim award sought
Where a combination of (e.g.) the Certificate in HE and a University Diploma is sought, giving the
unusual combination of a stepping off point at 120 credits, the Programme Board must be satisfied that
the candidate satisfies the requirements for the Certificate (including 120 credits at level 4) and for the
University Diploma (60 credits at level 5). The specific Regulations for each qualification must be
consulted – QH Section B
A candidate must only be awarded such interim awards in the event of not completing the original
programme for which s/he registered
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University Quality Office
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