1. © University of South Wales University of South Wales ‘Regulations for Taught Courses’ Hayley Burns Head of Quality Unit

2. © University of South Wales Overview Structure of the ‘Regulations for Taught Courses’ –Framework for academic courses –Academic regulations –Casework regulations Student journey –Admissions –Accredited Prior Learning –Assessment management (i.e. assessment boards, extenuating circs, marking) –Progression, re-assessment, suspension, withdrawal –Classification

3. © University of South Wales Structure of the ‘Regulations for Taught Courses’ A1: Framework for Academic Courses A2: Regulations for Taught Courses: Academic Regulations Student Casework: A3: Academic Appeals A4: Student Complaints A5: Academic Integrity A6: Fitness to Practise 3

4. © University of South Wales Admissions Faculty set criteria in line with minimum University requirements Specific entry requirements are in the University and UCAS webpages and the relevant prospectus Normal requirements: UG = min. 2 ‘A’ level passes and 5 GCSE passes at Grade C or above HNC/HND/FD = 1 ‘A’ level pass and 3 GCSE passes at grade C or above PG = honours degree; OR PgDip; OR recognised professional qualification Reg: A.2.3 4

5. © University of South Wales Accredited Prior Learning There are two types:  APCL Accreditation of Prior Certified Learning  APEL Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning There are limits on the amount of APL that can be given See A.2.3.10 of the Regulations for Taught Courses 5

6. © University of South Wales Accredited Prior Learning: APCL It is also referred to as Transferred Credit This is credit awarded and accredited by an institution or body other than the University of South Wales. It is classed as APCL irrespective of whether the credit was obtained for taught modules or from APEL approved by that institution or body. Marks are not allocated for APCL but credit is given. A mark of 40% is entered against the module. What about USW modules studied previously that could be included? Note on record. 6

7. © University of South Wales Accredited Prior Learning: APEL This is credit awarded by the University of South Wales. Marks are allocated for APEL. There is a rigorous process that has to be followed and students must submit a portfolio of evidence. The APEL mark must be made available to the External Examiner and approved by the Subject Assessment Board 7

8. © University of South Wales Accredited Prior Learning: Limits Full details for all courses in A.2.3.10.1 (2012/13)  For a masters course, no more than 120 credits can be transferred in. A student must study 60 USW level 7 credits.  For an honours degree, no more than 240 credits can be transferred in. A student must study 120 USW credits of which at least 100 are at level 6. For 2013/14, the table has been amended so that the limits state the maximum number of combined transferred credits and USW APEL and the minimum number of USW taught credits that the student has to study. 8

9. © University of South Wales Assessment Management: Extenuating Circumstances “ Exceptional circumstances which are outside the control of the student and which have prevented, or will prevent, him/her from performing in assessment at the level expected or required of him/her” Student must submit a claim as soon as the circumstances arise Fit to Sit Policy Two scenarios: –Late submission –Factor affecting a group or cohort of students Additional marks cannot be awarded to an individual student Reassessment is normally a resit or resubmission and will be a first attempt No appeal against the decision of the PanelReg: A.2.6.7 9

10. © University of South Wales Assessment Management: Marking Undergraduate: Postgraduate: Reg: A.2.7 10 Pass40 – 100 F1 Narrow Fail30 – 39Weakness F2 Fail0 – 29Significant weakness Distinction70 – 100 Merit60 – 69 Pass40 – 59 F1 Narrow Fail30 – 39Weakness F2 Fail0 – 29Significant weakness

11. © University of South Wales Assessment Management: Bonded and Non-Bonded Module 1: each assessment has distinct learning outcome(s) Module 2: both assessments cover the same learning outcome(s) Module 3: mixture of assessments with distinct learning outcome(s) and assessments covering the same learning outcomes 11 Assessment 1Learning outcome(s) A Assessment 2Learning outcome(s) B Assessment 1 Learning outcome(s) A Assessment 2 Assessment 1Learning outcome(s) A Assessment 2Learning outcome(s) B Assessment 3 Learning outcome(s) C Assessment 4

12. © University of South Wales Assessment Management: Assessment Boards Two tiered assessment board system: SUBJECT: Agree module results Confirm standards are in line with UK standards and expectations Agree processes for Chair’s actions Agree reassessment process - moderation of resit assessments - attendance at resit board AWARD AND PROGRESSION: Agreeing progression / award results Confirming that the regulations have been adhered to Agreeing Chair’s Action processReg: A.2.6 12

13. © University of South Wales Progression and Re-assessment: Resit and Repeat Resit Students are entitled to resits if they pass at least 50% of their credits (except if they have failed to submit any work for a module - 0 F2) Students have the right to one resit for each failed assessment Repeat Students who fail more than 50% of their credits lose the right to resit, this is at the discretion of the board These students may be allowed to repeat the failed modules, depending on their overall performance Reg: A.2.8.3 and A.2.8.4 13

14. © University of South Wales Progression and Re-assessment: Undergraduate Progression Progression with fewer than 120 credits: Progress to next level and repeat failed modules (maximum of 20 credits) Remain at same level (repeat year) and top-up failed modules with additional modules possibly at a higher level Repeat failed modules only (repeat year) and study less than 120 credits if applicable Discontinue Reg: A.2.8.1 14

15. © University of South Wales Progression and Re-assessment: Postgraduate Progression Progression (and award) points will be at PgCert, PgDip and Masters stages Progression with fewer than 50% of the credits at the relevant stage: Repeat failed modules and take additional modules Repeat failed modules only Discontinue Reg: A.2.8.2 15

16. © University of South Wales Progression and Re-assessment: Compensation ONLY F1 (Narrow Fail) can be compensated*, this is limited to 20 credits as follows: 20 credits per… –Undergraduate level (degree/HNC/HND/FD) –Integrated Masters level –Taught postgraduate awards *except for first year undergraduate awards (see later) Reg: A.2.8.5 16

17. © University of South Wales Progression and Re-assessment: Compensation - Undergraduate To compensate 20 F1 credits at undergraduate level… FT students must have normally passed the remaining 100 credits within a level PT students must have normally passed at least 40 credits within a level. No further compensation will be allowed at that level. Reg: A.2.8.5 17

18. © University of South Wales Progression and Re-assessment: Compensation – Undergraduate, F2 At level 4 only, to compensate 20 F2 credits graded at 20% or more…. FT students must have normally passed the remaining 100 credits within that level and the average of these 100 credits must be 50% or more. PT students must have normally passed at least 40 credits with an average of 50% or more within that level. No further compensation at that level will be allowed. Reg: A.2.8.5 18

19. © University of South Wales Progression and Re-assessment: Compensation – Postgraduate To compensate 20 F1 credits at postgraduate level… FT students must have normally passed 100 credits on the postgraduate course and 40 of these credits must be graded 50% or more PT students must have normally passed at least 40 credits at 50% or more on the postgraduate course. No further compensation at that level will be allowed. Reg: A.2.8.5 19

20. © University of South Wales Suspension Not an automatic right Course Leader and Extenuating Circs Panel decide. Their decision is final Maximum suspension period is one year Students must be given the agreed date of return at the time the suspension is returned Students may have to evidence that they are fit to return to study When they return they are governed by the current regulations No applications to be submitted after teaching has finished or within 6 weeks of the end of the academic session Extenuating Circs Panel decides what happens to any marks already achieved Reg: A.2.6.10 20

21. © University of South Wales Withdrawal Students should discuss with Advice Shop (or Faculty Office) If you think a student has withdrawn without notice, tell the Advice Shop The University can withdraw a student: -Lack of attendance or engagement with the course -Failure to supply correct and complete information upon enrolment -Failure to inform the University of any criminal convictions incurred whilst a student -Misconduct -Failure to pay fees or other University debts -Any other reason deemed appropriate by the University Secretary Attendance should be monitored to prevent a delay in withdrawal Withdrawn students are processed through the assessment boards Reg: A.2.6.8 21

22. © University of South Wales Classification of awards: Honours Method 1 - Calculate the average of the marks from the 180 credits obtained from the: –best 60 credits at level 5 –and 120 credits at level 6 Method 2 - Calculate the average of the marks from the 120 level 6 credits Student receives the better of the 2 averages above and is awarded a classification based on the table 22

23. © University of South Wales Classification of awards: Honours Students entering USW at final degree stage or at final degree stage due to ‘topping up’ from HNDs or FDs awarded by USW will be classified using Method 2 only For students with 100 level 6 credits or 140 level 6 credits see the Regulations for Taught Courses and the Guidance for Classification of Students – Examples. There will be no discretion at the board in the classification awarded Reg: A.2.9.5 23

24. © University of South Wales Classification of awards: Postgraduate The awards of PgCert, PgDip and Masters may be graded, even if the PgCert/PgDip are exit awards. The average of all credits comprising the award will be calculated. 69.5% or more = distinction 59.5% or more = merit 39.5% or more = pass Reg: A.2.9.8 For all other awards see the Regulations for Taught Courses 24

25. © University of South Wales Academic Standards &Quality Framework Website The website for academic standards and quality is at: http://academicregistry.southwales.ac.uk/qualityframework/ 25

26. © University of South Wales Other briefing sessions 1.Validation and Review & Revalidation: Oct-Nov and Jan-Feb 2.Approval and re-approval of collaborative partners: Oct- Nov and Jan-Feb 3.Student Casework: Nov 4.Chairs and Secretaries: Mar-Jun 5.Annual Monitoring: Apr-May 26

27. © University of South Wales Key Contacts Hayley Burns, Head of Quality Unit, Pontypridd and Cardiff Campuses email: hayley.burns@southwales.ac.uk tel: 01443 482725hayley.burns@southwales.ac.uk Siobhan Coakley, Head of Collaborative Partnerships, Pontypridd and Cardiff Campuses email: siobhan.coakley@southwales.ac.uk tel: 01443 482448siobhan.coakley@southwales.ac.uk Elisa Tavares Llewellyn, Head of Quality Support, Caerleon and City Campuses email: elisa.tavaresllewellyn@southwales.ac.uk tel: 01633 432479elisa.tavaresllewellyn@southwales.ac.uk 27