© University of South Wales Regulations Briefings Overview of University of Wales, Newport regulations – still in place for ex-Newport students completing their awards via USW

© University of South Wales Structure of the UWN award regulations Relationship between UWN and UoW Summary of main differences between UWN and USW regulations The student journey through the UWN regulations Overview

© University of South Wales Structure of the UWN award regulations Assessment Regulations Award Regulations Annex: levels, credits and registration Mandatory procedures Anonymous marking, religious festivals, conduct of exam boards, invigilation, exam papers etc. Approval, monitoring and development of programmes External Examiners Structure of the awards regulations

© University of South Wales The University of Wales, Newport used to be a part of the University of Wales confederation, this was then recently changed to being a member institution Previously the University of Wales, Newport worked within University of Wales Regulatory Framework but responsibility for Quality and Standards was devolved to Newport from September 2006 Although Newport did have its own TDAPS it choose to hold those in abeyance and instead its degrees were awarded by the University of Wales University of Wales Context

© University of South Wales The main differences between the UWN regulations and the USW ones are: Terminology APA Marking scale Late submission of assessment Extenuating Circumstances/Fit to Sit Examination Boards (Assessment Boards) Referral Condonement (compensation) Degree calculation Differences

© University of South Wales Terminology NewportUniversity of South Wales ProgrammeCourse Stand alone (modules)Freestanding (modules) Accreditation of Prior Achievement (APA) Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Examination BoardSubject Assessment Board Award & Progression Assessment Board Unfair practiceAcademic integrity Unfair Practice Committee of Enquiry Assessment Infringements Panel Incremental changeInterim modifications

© University of South Wales The maximum amount of prior achievement that may be accredited by the University is one half of the total credit volume of the programmes to be pursued Accreditation to a maximum of two thirds of the total credit volume may be approved in exceptional cases Responsibility rests with the candidate to make a claim for accreditation and to support it with suitable evidence Accreditation of Prior Achievement (APA) (B3)

© University of South Wales Marking Scale (B2) A16, A15, A14Outstanding work (on a first degree this would be equivalent to First Class Honours quality). B13, B12, B11Above average/very good work (on a first degree this would be equivalent to Upper Second Class Honours quality). C10, C9, C8Average/good work (on a first degree this would be equivalent to Lower Second Class Honours quality). D7, D6, D5Satisfactory work (on a first degree this would be equivalent to Third Class Honours quality). D5 is the maximum grade assigned for the successful completion of any element of assessment in a module after referral E4Marginal Fail F3, F2, F1Fail

© University of South Wales It is is a Regulatory requirement that the marking scale is used and not percentages, except for professional programmes, such as ACCA Late submission penalties are applied; 3 grade scale points are dropped if the assessment is submitted within one week of the deadline, 6 points are dropped if within two weeks late. Anything beyond 2 weeks is failed (0 = no assessment recorded) Marking Scale (B2) and Late Submission (B7)

© University of South Wales The Student Affairs Panel (SAP) considers: o Individual Extenuating Circumstances o Accreditation of Prior Achievement (APA) for claims matching more than one half of a programme credit volume o Special Examination Needs (including cases were students suffer temporary impairment) A central Panel to ensure consistency and parity SAP meets monthly, throughout the year and decisions communicated to students by letter Examination Boards receive SAP decisions rather than discuss cases There is no ‘fit to sit’ regulation Individual Extenuating Circumstances (B8)

© University of South Wales Students are able to submit an ec1 form requesting lift late submission panel or an opportunity to retake without penalty and must submit (normally) no later than 10 days after the assessment date EC1 forms must be accompanied by relevant corroborating evidence provided in a professional capacity Students are responsible for submitting the forms and academics cannot to this on their behalf Student can request a review of decision of SAP or decision to not process an EC1 because late/no evidence etc Individual Extenuating Circumstances Cont. (B8)

© University of South Wales General Extenuating Circumstances (B8) General extenuating circumstances may be brought to the attention of the Chair of the Examination Board by one or more candidates, by academic staff or through the report of the lead invigilator. Immediate remedy may be made by the Faculty or corporate department and shall be reported to the Examination Board

© University of South Wales Normally one single Examination Board for all programmes of the same level offered in a Faculty in respect of the ordinary confirmation of grades, progression and awards Normally one single Faculty Examination Board for the consideration of retrieval outcomes in respect of all programmes in a Faculty There are often separate Examination Boards for overseas collaborative provision - some times held at the partner premises or conducted via video- conferencing, but some also held in Newport Examination Boards (B11 and Mandatory Procedure MA3)

© University of South Wales Students in referral are eligible for one opportunity as of right to retrieve the module (including cases where referral is due to non-submission of assessment(s)) Only the failed module(s) or part(s) of a module(s) need be repeated D5 is the maximum grade for successful completion of any element of assessment in a module after referral, whether referred in all or part of a module An Examination Board may exceptionally, in the event of subsequent failure, exercise discretion to recommend one further opportunity for re-assessment Referral (B2 and relevant award regulation)

© University of South Wales The minimum average for passing a module is D5 with at least an E4 in all assessments In an honours degree progression from levels 4 to 5 and 5 to 6 is permitted with 100 (of 120) credits provided at least F2 has been achieved in all the assessments failed An honours degree can be awarded if 220 (of 240) credits at levels 5 and 6 (100 at level 6) have been achieved, provided at least F2 has been achieved in the assessments failed Condonement (B2 & Annex 1 of part C, Award Regulations)

© University of South Wales The ‘best of two’ classification system is used for undergraduate degrees. With penultimate and final year being calculated on both a 1:1 (levels 5 and 6) or 1:2 (levels 5 and 6) weighting. The student is classified according to whichever of these is the better Where equal weighting is applied the Examination Board may round up to next highest integer where numeral grade has decimal of 0.5 or above (but cannot otherwise exercise discretion for borderline students) Examination Boards – classification (C1)

© University of South Wales At Master’s level distinction and merit can be awarded For distinction – an average of B12 or above in taught element (Part 1) and A14 or above in dissertation For merit - an average of B12 or above in the taught element (Part 1) and B12 or above in dissertation Examination Boards – Classification Cont (C3)

© University of South Wales Student Casework Casework TypeUSW studentsUWN students Extenuating circumstances  N/A Extenuating circumstances (UWN) N/A  Academic Integrity  N/A Unfair PracticeN/A  Fitness to Practise  N/A Student Fitness to Practise (UWN) N/A  Academic Appeals  N/A Appeals (UWN)N/A  Student Complaints  The Policy and Procedures Governing Student Conduct 