THE UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON
GRADUATE SCHOOL
Postgraduate taught programmes - Academic Regulations 2002-03
Background
1. The University of Wolverhampton context
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The University of Wolverhampton offers credit based modular programmes.
Credit is a measure of assessed learning of a given volume at a given level. One
credit is equivalent to 10 hours notional student learning time at any given level.
To gain a University award students must acquire sufficient credit points at
appropriate levels. The combination of credits required and the levels at which
credit needs to be achieved have been defined by the “credit consortia”. The
University of Wolverhampton (UoW) has been guided by these recommendations.
The University organises its (undergraduate) academic year into two semesters,
each 14-15 weeks.
The postgraduate teaching year is a full calendar year (a notional 48 weeks).
2. Postgraduate programmes - levels and descriptors
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There are two postgraduate levels – level 4 (Masters) and 5 (Doctoral).
Level is determined by intellectual demand, learning styles (ie degree of
independence) and the nature of assessment. The QAA Qualifications Framework
for HE provides generic descriptors for each of the levels.
Postgraduate programmes are tested against these descriptors at validation.
Programmes at level 4 include PGCert, PGDip and Masters (eg MA/MSc) awards
Programmes at level 5 include professional/practitioner doctorates
MPhil and PhD are outside the qualifications credit framework, so do not overtly
utilise credits or levels, though the outcomes reflect the NQF descriptors.
Credit Consortia "levels":
Current UoW usage
FE1 (Pre HE)
FE2 (Pre HE)
FE3 (Level 0)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3 (Honours degree)
Level 4 (Masters degree)
Level 5 (Doctorate)
Credit consortia
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
Level 6
Level 7
Level 8
Alternative notation
M level
D level
3. Postgraduate programmes - the national and international context
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Postgraduate programmes build on undergraduate studies and experience
The Bologna declaration defines two cycles. Students should already have first
degree or equivalent professional qualifications - ie postgraduate study is 2nd cycle
under Bologna.
Entry qualifications in line with the Bologna declaration will be determined for all
University of Wolverhampton postgraduate programmes.
PGCert, PGDip, Masters and Doctoral programmes are all 2nd cycle qualifications
Achievement is assessed at level 4 (M level) or level 5 (D level) as appropriate.
QAA and credit consortia descriptors help to define postgraduate programmes.
The nature of assessment presents a suitable challenge and reflects an appropriate
intellectual demand
Assessment strategies will be defined by the programme learning outcomes
Postgraduate learning styles include independent learning, higher level synthesis
and evaluation, research informed, and encourage the development of novel
concepts and hypotheses.
4. Definitions of postgraduate study at the University of Wolverhampton.
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The majority of postgraduate programmes are “advanced” in that they develop
advanced knowledge and research in a given subject area and build on prior
undergraduate (and in some cases postgraduate) study. Some Masters programmes
are “M level conversion”, though these are assessed at “M” level (level 4) – this
definition includes MBA and some Masters programmes in Computing/IT
Postgraduate study is a mix of part time/professional (largely but not entirely
"conversion") and full time (mainly "advanced")
There are some anomalies – PGCE and LLDip are postgraduate in time. They are
taken as professional conversion courses by graduates in any discipline and are
assessed at levels 2/3 (but they appear in the postgraduate prospectus). These
programmes fall within the scope of the undergraduate regulations.
The proposed new titles - Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma etc are all
undergraduate in level. These programmes fall within the scope of the
undergraduate regulations.
Typically, postgraduate study will be “at the forefront of knowledge, research
focused and informed” and will offer “training in research methods and hands-on
experience of research”
Modules at postgraduate level can be categorised as core, core option or elective
modules in exactly the same way as undergraduate modules. However modules
within a postgraduate programme are more likely to be classed as core or core
options, and less likely to be classed as electives, since there will be less need for
broadening study at postgraduate level
Postgraduate taught programmes - academic regulations, 2002-03
1. Organisation of the academic year
1. Postgraduate programmes will normally use modules of 15, 30, 45 or 60 credits
2. A 15 credit module equates to 150 notional study hours (30, 45 or 60 credits prorata). This equates to 10 notional study hours per week over 1 semester for each
15 credit module.
3. Most part time students will take two 15 credit modules (or one 30 credit module)
per semester, full time students will normally study a total of 60 credits per
semester.
4. The minimum duration of study for a Postgraduate Certificate (full time) is one
semester and for a Postgraduate Diploma (full time) is two semesters.
5. The minimum duration of study for a Masters degree (full time) is one year (48
weeks)
6. The minimum duration of study for a Doctor of Practice degree (full time) is three
years (144 weeks)
7. For individual students, the normal permitted maximum duration of a postgraduate
taught programme at Masters and Doctoral levels is one year beyond the expected
duration determined at validation.
8. There is a strong expectation that a student registered for a full-time Masters
degree will normally complete the taught modules within 12 months, and the
project/dissertation within a further 6 months. Most part-time students will
complete a Masters degree within three years. Progression/Award assessment
boards will monitor students’ progress to ensure compliance, and will have the
discretion to extend the duration of study.
9. Students may take leave of absence of up to four semesters by negotiation with
their Award Leader
10. Students will have the right to claim a level 4 award for which they were formerly
registered, including intermediate awards, for 5 years after first registration.
2. Postgraduate study is structured into programmes and awards as follows:
1. Postgraduate taught provision is available as: a) single subject programmes;
b) programmes formed from a core of integrating modules with options,
c) multidisciplinary programmes; and d) individually negotiated programmes.
2. Free choice electives are not generally available in postgraduate programmes, though
limited negotiation may be possible in some programmes
3. All postgraduate taught programmes will include core modules, and may also utilise
core option and elective modules (see appendix 1 for definitions).
4. On successful completion of modules, credits will accumulate towards
Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert), Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip), and Masters
awards. The university also offers credit rated programmes leading to the award of
“Doctor of Practice”.
5. The “taught” Masters titles currently approved by the University for use in
validated programmes, are Master of Arts (MA), Master of Business
Administration (MBA), Master of Education (MEd), Master of Laws (LLM),
Master of Medical Science (MMedSci), Master of Research (MRes), and Master
of Science (MSc).
6. University programmes may be accredited by professional and/or statutory bodies.
Depending on the precise programme structure and professional requirements, on
completion of a programme students may be eligible for a University award with
or without professional/statutory accreditation.
7. 60 credits are required for the award of PGCert, 120 credits for PGDip, 180 credits
for a Masters degree. The minimum credit requirements may be exceeded in
professionally accredited programmes.
3. Masters programmes
1. The normal workload for a full time (1 year) Masters programme is 60 credits in
semester 1, 60 credits in semester 2, and 60 credits by independent supervised
research (ie by dissertation/research project) over the summer months.
2. Part time students will typically undertake half that rate of study. Thus the
expected minimum duration of a Masters programme part time is 2 calendar years.
3. The majority of credits are awarded at level 4, but it is possible to include one 15
credit level 3 module for a PGCert and two 15 credit or one 30 credit level 3
module for PGDip/Masters if there is an academic rationale for their inclusion.
4. Credit derived from the same level 3 modules may not count towards an
undergraduate qualification and subsequently for a postgraduate award.
5. Pre-requisites will normally be defined for all level 4 modules. These may be
general pre-requisites (eg eligibility for admission to the programme) or may be
specific pre-requisite modules at level 3 or level 4.
6. A programme leading to PGCert comprises 60 credits and may include up to 30
credits by independent study subject to the definitions in Appendix 2 (unless it
forms part of an individually negotiated Professional Studies programme).
7. A programme leading to PGDip comprises 120 credits and may include a
maximum of 60 credits by independent study (other than through the Professional
Studies programme).
8. An independent research project/dissertation module will form a significant
proportion (and typically the whole) of the Masters stage of the programme. The
research project/dissertation module is normally 60 credits.
9. The minimum credits derived from independent study/research in a Masters
programme are 30 credits, and the maximum 90 credits (see Appendix 2 for
definitions).
10. A Distinction is available for Masters degrees, but not for PGCert or PGDip. The
award of Distinction in a Masters degree requires module Distinction grades in
65% or more of credits awarded (which must include the research project or
dissertation).
4. Doctoral programmes (excluding Doctor of Philosophy)
1. Programmes leading to the Doctor of Practice award are discrete three year full
time (or equivalent part-time) programmes with entry qualifications set typically at
good honours/masters degree.
2. The credit requirements for the Doctor of Practice award are 540 credits with at
least 360 credits at level 5 (D level). The balance of credits (180) will normally be
at level 4, though provision may be made at validation for the inclusion of 30 level
3 credits.
3. Each programme will incorporate approximately equal proportions of advanced
theory, practice and research.
4. Each programme will be organised into three stages, each comprising 180 credits,
with progression determined on completion of each stage of the programme.
5. Within the constraints of the overall credit limits, the majority of stage 1 is level 4
(minimum 120 credits) with the introduction of some level 5 modules. Stage 2
typically includes some level 4 (maximum 60 credits), but is largely level 5
(minimum 120 credits). Stage 3 (180 credits) is entirely level 5.
6. Pre-requisites will normally be defined for all level 4 and level 5 modules. These
may be general pre-requisites (eg eligibility for admission to the programme) or
may refer to specific pre-requisite modules at level 3, 4 or 5.
7. At validation, an intermediate award(s) will be identified for all Doctor of Practice
programmes. This may be a defined Masters level award or, where appropriate, a
professional qualification. Programmes may incorporate the possibility for transfer
to MPhil/PhD.
8. Programmes may be structured to include the possibility of staged awards, for
example stage 1 MEd (1 year full time) leading to a further 2 years/stages 2+3 for
DEd. Entry qualifications should stipulate that students who lack the discipline
specific background at Masters level would need to undertake a full three year
programme.
9. On completion of a doctoral programme students will be awarded the degree of
Doctor of Practice or a specialist title approved at validation (eg Doctor of
Counselling Psychology).
10. Distinction grades will be available for all modules comprising a doctoral
programme (with the exception of the doctoral thesis) and, where awarded, will
appear on University transcripts. However, there is no provision for the award of
Doctor of Practice with Distinction.
11. The doctoral thesis will report a significant body of research work and will carry a
minimum of 150 credits at level 5. The research will represent an independent and
original contribution to knowledge, understanding or practice in the field of study.
12. The maximum period of study for a Doctor of Practice award will normally be 6
years.
5. Integrated Masters programmes
1. Integrated Masters programmes are continuous four year full time programmes,
the first three of which follow a traditional three year undergraduate pattern with
the fourth year at Masters level.
2. These programmes are designated (for example) MEng, MSci, MPharm and may
include an integrated “sandwich” year.
3. These programmes include a minimum of 120 credits at level 4 (M level) and are
structured to reflect credit consortia and QAA guidelines.
6. Accreditation of Prior Achievement, and Advanced Standing
1. Credits awarded for prior learning undertaken elsewhere, may be "imported" into
the university provided there are clear "APA" procedures in place to ensure that the
prior learning is of an appropriate level and volume, and that the intended learning
outcomes of the module or modules from which the student is exempt are met by
the prior achievement.
2. A minimum of 50% of the total credits required for a postgraduate award of the
University of Wolverhampton, must be studied with the university, and this must
include the substantive research aspect of the award (dissertation/research project
or thesis).
3. Students enrolled at the University have the right to undertake study at other
approved institutions as part of their registered programme of study at either
undergraduate or postgraduate level. Such study will be integral to the registered
programme and will count towards the credit total for the award. Wherever
possible transferred credit will be graded in accordance with any previously agreed
grading scale or grade translation scale and may count towards the final award
including Distinction at Master’s level. Where a student is admitted with advanced
standing, to be considered for a Masters degree with Distinction s/he must gain
Pass with Distinction (PD) in at least 65% of the credits awarded for the
qualification (including those awarded for the research project or dissertation)
7. Assessment
1. Assessment tasks will be linked to the demonstration of module learning outcomes
derived from the designated programme outcomes.
2. Explicit criteria will be used to determine (as a minimum) the threshold
performance, and other grades of performance within the overall postgraduate
grade scheme.
3. The credit tariff for the module will normally indicate the assessment volume
(quantity), and assessment criteria linked to grades, will determine the expected
quality of students’ work. The intellectual demand of an assessment task is
indicated by the "level" assigned to the module. The majority of modules and
assessment tasks are set at level 4 (or level M) for postgraduate programmes up to
Master’s level, and at level 5 (level D) for practitioner doctorate programmes (see
also sections 3 and 4).
4. To achieve a Masters degree, students must pass all their modules, ie. must be
awarded 180 credits, with no compensation allowed for marginal failure. To
achieve a Doctorate, students must be awarded 540 credits with no compensation.
5. Where the learning outcomes for an assignment are not met at the first attempt, the
assignment (or other assessment component) may be repeated once only. If on reassessment the outcomes are still not met, the student may retake the relevant
module in full, and will then be assessed again (for each component) on one
occasion only. If the student fails to meet the outcomes on repetition of the module,
and extenuating circumstances have not been accepted, an Award/Progression
Board may then determine that the student should not proceed and, where
appropriate, may confer an intermediate stage award.
6. Repetition of a module, or (where Award regulations permit) substitution of a
failed elective module will be permitted to a maximum of 60 credits only. The
research project/dissertation may normally be reassessed on only one occasion.
7. Any assignment not submitted by the due date, without prior agreement, will be
subject to the normal arrangements for retrieval of “failed” assignments. If the
assignment is submitted and meets the learning outcomes, the maximum grade to
be awarded will be a “bare” pass (ie a D grade on the postgraduate six point scale).
8. At validation of a Masters or Doctoral programme, a range of assessment methods
will be determined. In the case of Masters programmes this may include provision
for viva voce examinations or other forms of oral examination for the
dissertation/research project, and where this occurs, the assessment criteria will be
made explicit. Viva voce examinations will form part of the assessment of all
Doctor of Practice theses.
9. External examiners will be appointed at “Subject” (ie module) and “Award” (ie
Programme) levels. Award External examiners will help to determine eligibility for
the award of Distinction (at Masters level).
10. Postgraduate taught programmes will comply with the University postgraduate
grade scheme. This will be the form in which all results are confirmed by
assessment boards and published to students.
11. Special arrangements apply to the assessment of doctoral programmes (see
Appendix 3).
8. Compensation
1. Compensation is defined as the process by which an assessment board may decide
that a strong performance by a student in one part of the curriculum may be used as
a basis for the award of credit in respect of a failed performance elsewhere. The
“EWNI” Credit Guidelines see no issue if compensation is applied within modules
but they do see failure in a whole module (even a very marginal failure), which is
then compensated by stronger performances in other modules, as in conflict with
the main principle of academic credit systems, ie. that credit is awarded only when
prescribed learning outcomes are met.
2. The University of Wolverhampton has decided not to permit compensation
between modules at postgraduate level. This implies that the learning outcomes
must be fully met in all modules that comprise a postgraduate diploma, masters or
doctoral programme.
3. Compensation may be permitted within modules for the marginal failure of an
assessment element, providing the overall learning outcomes of the module are
met. If the module team takes the view that students should be required to pass all
the assessments for a module, then the assessments should be designated as
components rather than elements.
9. Assessment and Progression Boards
1. Module grades will be confirmed at Subject assessment boards and published to
students. Eligibility for a final (or intermediate) award will be determined at an
Award assessment board.
2. Progression within a postgraduate programme, especially to the Masters stage, will
be determined at Progression and/or Award assessment boards.
3. Mitigation will be considered at School-wide (or Subject) extenuating
circumstances boards.
4. In the interests of efficiency it may be appropriate to “combine” postgraduate
Subject and Award boards - where this occurs or if the Boards run in close
succession, they may be convened and minuted as one board. In this case module
grades must be confirmed before moving on to consider progression and award
conferment. A combined board must include External Examiner input at subject
and award levels as appropriate.
Appendix 1. Definition of core, core option and elective modules
Core module
A module in a programme which must be taken and passed and which contributes
directly to the programme outcomes
Core Option module
A module, within a defined group, from which a stated minimum number of such
modules have to be taken and passed in order to satisfy the programme outcomes
Elective module
A "free" choice module within a programme, where the student may select a module
that is approved for use within the programme, providing pre-requisite and timetable
rules are satisfied. Where elective modules are to be included in a programme this
will be determined at validation, with any subsequent additions, deletions or other
changes approved by a School Quality Committee.
Appendix 2. Independent study and research project/dissertation modules
Definition of independent study:
Self-directed study and independent learning feature strongly in all modules
constituting postgraduate programmes at the University of Wolverhampton. However,
where the content of a module is not prescribed and is therefore individually
negotiated, usually through a learning contract, a module is designated an
"independent study module." Examples are the final dissertation or research project
modules that form the substantive part of a Masters award. Other examples are
research or literature reviews (sometimes also designated "dissertations") that
contribute to a postgraduate diploma. In some programmes modules may utilise
reports based on negotiated work based learning to demonstrate the achievement of
level 4 outcomes, and these may contribute a maximum of 30 credits to the award of a
Postgraduate Certificate.
To ensure consistency in terminology the following definitions apply:
Independent study modules
contributing to:
Postgraduate Certificate
Total
permitte
dISM
credits*
30
Postgraduate Diploma
60
Masters award
90
Postgraduate
Independent Study
Module (ISM) type
Minimum
credits
Maximum
credits
1 Work based project,
Professional
assignment,
Negotiated learning,
Independent study
module
2 Research review,
Literature review,
Library dissertation
3 Research project;
Research dissertation;
Dissertation
0
30
0
30
30
90
Total ISM credits = the total credits for the different types of independent study that can
contribute to a postgraduate award. For example a PGCert may include 30 credits from type
1, a PGDip may include up to 60 credits from types 1 or 2, a Masters programme may include
a maximum of 90 credits from types 1, 2 or 3, subject to the minimum credit volume for each
type. Note that the Masters level research project/dissertation is normally 60 credits. Where
“proposition” modules (see below) are included in a programme these do not normally count
as independent study modules when calculating total IS credits.
Independent study in Masters programmes:
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On achieving eligibility for a PGDip (120 credits with a minimum of 90 credits at
level 4) students are normally eligible to progress to the Masters stage. An
independent research project/dissertation module will form a significant
proportion (and typically the whole) of this stage of the programme.
An Award Progression Board will normally determine eligibility to progress to
this stage of the programme.
The research project/dissertation module in a Masters programme is normally 60
credits. The minimum credits derived from this independent research module are
30 credits, and the maximum will be 90 credits.
Other forms of independent study might include negotiated assignments or
projects, some of which may be work-based. The desired learning outcomes
should be recorded in learning contracts and will reflect level 4 descriptors.
Students may occasionally undertake a “proposition module” (where they
undertake, under tutor guidance, a “standard” taught module that is either
unavailable in a given year or cannot be accessed by the student(s) for other valid
reasons). The study schedule is individually negotiated and students will be
assessed against the learning outcomes of the module as validated. Proposition
modules do not count towards the total modules that may be undertaken as
“independent” study.
Independent study in Doctoral programmes:
 The nature of doctoral study is often predominantly independent in nature, and this
is one indicator of study at this level. Despite the fact that doctoral programmes are
structured within the modular framework, a significant proportion of the credit
awarded may reflect substantial individually negotiated study, much of which is
practice-based.
 The doctoral thesis will report a significant body of research work and will carry a
minimum of 150 credits at level 5. The research will represent an independent and
original contribution to knowledge, understanding or practice in the field of study.
 A viva voce examination will normally form part of the assessment of all doctoral
theses.
Appendix 3. Assessment in Doctor of Practice programmes.
1. Special arrangements apply to the assessment of doctoral programmes:
2. The award External Examiner will have overall responsibility for confirming
standard on the programme as a whole (as for Masters programmes).
3. Doctoral thesis topics will be approved by the appropriate School Research
Committee (SRC) or a sub-group using Res2 or similar locally devised forms. The
approval process will take account of the rigour of the project proposal and the
experience of the supervisors at doctoral level.
4. External examiners for the doctoral thesis will be approved by SRCs using the
University’s Res4 form. Thesis external examiners will examine a maximum of
four theses in any one year and will not, under normal circumstances, undertake
Practitioner Doctorate thesis examining for the University of Wolverhampton in
consecutive years. Thesis examiners may not also be appointed as Award external
examiners in the same year(s).
5. School Research Committees will nominate an independent Chair from within the
School for all thesis viva voce examinations. The examination panel will consist of
a Chair, an internal examiner and at least one external examiner. The student’s
supervisor may, with the student’s permission, be present as an observer. Where
the candidate is a member of staff, two external examiners will normally be
required.
6. A supervisor’s report will comment on the candidate’s performance and will state
whether the thesis was submitted with the supervisor’s approval.
7. Assessment of the thesis will be undertaken by one internal examiner (who is not
the thesis supervisor) and at least one external examiner. A preliminary written
examiners’ report(s) will be followed, if appropriate, by a viva voce examination,
assessed according to criteria on a four point scale: Pass, Pass with minor
corrections, Retrievable Fail (requiring resubmission), Fail. For the purposes of
entry onto the University's student record systems these grades will be recorded as
C (Pass), D (Pass following minor corrections), E (Retrievable Fail), F (Fail).
8. In arriving at decisions about performance at Programme level, the Award External
Examiner will have access to all assessed work, including the thesis and the Thesis
External Examiner’s report. However, the formal approval of all grades will be the
responsibility of the Subject examiner (for the "taught" modules) and the thesis
examiner.
9. In the event of failure of the thesis (for which resubmission is not permitted), an
Award assessment board may consider a candidate for an interim award within the
programme, including a Masters award. In this event, candidates must fulfill all the
requirements for the alternate award, including submission of a satisfactory
research project/dissertation.
J.D.Phillips
Co-ordinator, Postgraduate Taught Programmes
The Graduate School
University of Wolverhampton
July 2002