Academic Regulations for Taught Programmes
This is version 1.4 of the Academic Regulations for Taught Programmes, which apply from the 2026/27 academic year onwards. These regulations are owned by the Quality Assurance and Enhancement Team. Please contact [email protected] for any matters related to these regulations. A copy of version 1.3 of these Regulations is available.
- Scope
- Awards of the University of Leeds
- Taught Programme Structures
- Specification and Approval of Modules and Programmes
- Admission of Students
- Registration and Enrolment
- Assessment
- Credit and Progression
- Classification and Award of Qualifications
- Progression, Classification and Award of Specific Award Types
- Assessment Committees
- External Examiners
- Academic Appeals
- Exceptional Circumstances
1. Scope
1.1 The Academic Regulations for Taught Programmes, referred to here as the Regulations, are underpinned by University policies and procedures that expand on the Regulations, providing more detail about how the Regulations work in practice.
1.2 The Regulations shall apply to all taught provision leading to credit or qualification of the University of Leeds, irrespective of the site of delivery.
1.3 The application of these Regulations is based on the principle that students will act honestly in all dealings with the University.
1.4 The Regulations in force at the time of a student’s annual registration shall be those for that academic year, unless specified otherwise within the Regulations. When a student registers part-way through an academic year, the student shall sign up for the Regulations for that academic year, which will remain in force throughout the student’s year of study. When a student resumes study after an interruption, the Regulations in force at the time of resumption will apply, unless agreed to the contrary.
1.5 For programmes subject to additional requirements, such as of Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies (PSRB), Apprenticeship Standards, UK Visas and Immigration (UVKI), or partnership programmes, supplementary regulations may also apply. Where such regulations are defined in the relevant programme documentation, they shall take precedence over these Regulations, subject to prior agreement through processes approved by Senate.
1.6 The University reserves the right to make changes to the Regulations where those changes will assist the delivery of education. Changes to the Regulations may only be approved through processes approved by Senate. Changes will normally come into effect at the beginning of the next academic year and the University will only introduce changes during the academic year when it reasonably considers these to be in the best interests of students or where this is required by law. To the extent there are any changes to the Regulations during a student’s period of study, the University will look to ensure that students experience no detriment in the implementation of those changes.
1.7 The Exceptional Circumstances Procedures for Taught Students set out modifications to the approved Regulations and will be applied in circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control for a specific duration as determined by the Vice Chancellor and President (see Section 14).
2. Awards of the University of Leeds
2.1 Awards of the University must be approved by Senate before students can be registered on a programme of study leading to the award.
2.2 With the exception of aegrotat and posthumous awards (Section 9.8), qualifications may only be awarded to students who have followed and successfully completed a taught programme of study approved by the University.
2.3 The awards of the University are:
First Degrees
The Integrated Degrees of Master and Bachelor
Master of Architecture and Master of Engineering (MArch, MEng)
Master of Engineering and Bachelor of Engineering (MEng, BEng)
Master of Engineering and Bachelor of Science (MEng, BSc)
Master of Mathematics and Bachelor of Science (MMath, BSc)
Master of Physics and Bachelor of Science (MPhys, BSc)
Master of Chemistry and Bachelor of Science (MChem, BSc)
Master of Geology and Bachelor of Science (MGeol, BSc)
Master of Geophysics and Bachelor of Science (MGeophys, BSc)
Master of Natural Sciences and Bachelor of Science (MNatSc, BSc)
Master of Environment and Bachelor of Arts (MEnv, BA)
Master of Environment and Bachelor of Science (MEnv, BSc)
Master of Geosciences and Bachelor of Science (MGeosci, BSc)
Master of Design and Bachelor of Design (MDes, BDes)
Master of Biology and Bachelor of Science (MBiol, BSc)
Master and Bachelor of Dental Surgery and Bachelor of Science (MChD/BChD, BSc)
Master of Psychology and Bachelor of Science in Advanced Psychology (MPsyc, BSc)
Master of Design and Bachelor of Science (MDes, BSc)
Master of Arts and Bachelor of Arts (MArts, BA)
Master of Science and Bachelor of Science (MSci, BSc)
The Degrees of Bachelor
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB, ChB)
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)
Bachelor of Music (BMus)
Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA)
Bachelor of Design (BDes)
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BChD)
Other Undergraduate Awards
Foundation Degree (FD)
Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)
Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)
Taught Postgraduate Awards
The Degree of Master
Master of Architecture (MArch)
Master of Arts (MA)
Master of Arts and Sciences (MASc)
Master of Laws (LLM)
Master of Education (MEd)
Master of Science (MSc)
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Master of Music (MMus)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Science (Engineering) (MSc (Eng))
Master of Psychotherapy (MPsychother)
Master of Research (MRes)
Master of Psychoanalytic Observational Studies (MPsychObs)
Master of Child Forensic Studies (MCFS)
Master of Business Studies (MBS)
Master of Fine Art (MFA)
Master in Teaching and Learning (MTL)
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Other Taught Postgraduate Awards
Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)
Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)
Table A
| Award Title | FHEQ Level of Award | Full-time Duration (Programme Years) | Standard Credit Volume of Programme / Total Minimum Credit Volume to be Taken | Total Minimum Credit Volume to be Passed | Highest FHEQ Level which must be Included | Minimum Credits to be Passed at Highest FHEQ Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MArch | 7 | 2 years | 240 | 240 | 7 | 240 | |
| MRes | 7 | 1 calendar year | 180 | 180 | 7 | 180 | |
| Master (PGT) | 7 | 1 calendar year | 180 | 150 | 7 | 150 | |
| PGDip | 7 | 8 months | 120 | 90 | 7 | 90 | |
| PGCert | 7 | 4 months minimum | 60 | 60 | 7 | 60 | |
| Integrated Master | 7 | 4 years | 480 to include 120 in each programme year and 120 at FHEQ level 7 | 400 to include 100 at each FHEQ level | 7 | 100 | |
| Integrated Master with Opportunity Year | 7 | 5 years | 600 to include 120 in each programme year and 120 at FHEQ level 7 | 500 to include 100 at each FHEQ level | 7 | 100 | |
| MArch, MEng | 7 | 5 years | 600 | 500 | 7 | 240 | |
| Bachelor (Honours) | 6 | 3 years minimum | 360 minimum (480/600 for 4/5 year programmes) | 300 | 6 | 100 | |
| Bachelor (Ordinary) | 6 | 3 years minimum | 300-360 to include 200 for programme years 2 and 3 | 240 | 6 | 60 (160 at FHEQ levels 5 and 6 combined) | |
| Foundation Degree (FD) | 5 | 2 years | 240 | 200 | 5 | 100 | |
| Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) | 5 | 2 years | 240 | 200 | 5 | 100 | |
| Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) | 4 | 1 year | 120 | 100 | 4 | 100 |
3. Taught Programme Structures
3.1 Programmes are made up of modules; each module is designated at one of the levels of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) and is a self-contained block of learning with assessed learning outcomes. Synoptic assessment may be mapped against learning outcomes across more than one module.
3.2 The size of a module is measured in credits, where one credit is equivalent to 10 hours of learning time.
3.3 An undergraduate module at FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6 will be assigned a credit value of 20 credits, 40 credits or 60 credits. Exceptions may include modules shared across multiple programmes, which may be assigned a credit value of 10 or 30 credits to facilitate the integration of teaching from multiple schools.
3.4 Modules delivering the final year project of a Bachelors (Honours) programme will normally be assigned one of the following credit values: 40 or 60 credits.
3.5 All taught modules at FHEQ level 7 will normally be assigned one of the following credit values: 15 credits, 30 credits, 45 credits, 60 credits.
3.6 Where programmes at FHEQ level 7 include a final year research (capstone) project, these will be a minimum of 45 credits. Programmes in which there is an emphasis on research training and research such as those leading to the degree of Master of Research will include (a) significant research project(s) or their equivalent comprising at least 90 credits at FHEQ level 7.
3.7 The University's programmes of study are taught and assessed in the English Language except where the subject of the programme of study obviously necessitates all or part of the teaching and assessment being in another language. Programmes of study are designed to ensure the effective assessment of technical proficiency in the English language appropriate to the level and content of the programme.
3.8 Intermediate Concluding Qualifications
3.8.1 An Intermediate Concluding Qualification (ICQ) may be awarded when a student is unable to complete or has not met the requirements for the registered programme.
3.8.2 If there are particular criteria for an ICQ to be awarded, the requirements for an ICQ will be specified within the relevant programme specification form.
3.8.3 An ICQ may only be awarded where study on the registered programme has been completed or withdrawn, or where a student has transferred to another programme and the credits have not been recognised as prior learning for the new programme. The relevant parent School will consider eligibility for an appropriate ICQ in accordance with the Intermediate Concluding Qualifications Procedure.
4. Specification and Approval of Modules and Programmes
4.1 The learning and assessment requirements for individual modules and programmes of study are set out in module and programme specifications.
4.2 A module/programme must be approved through the University's agreed processes before it may be delivered. The process for the design, approval, amendment, review and withdrawal of module and programme specifications is set out in the Programme and Module Approval process.
4.3 Education Partnerships
4.3.1 The University may enter into arrangements with another institution or organisation to deliver a programme of study leading to a qualification or credit awarded by the University, in full or in part. These arrangements shall be conducted in accordance with the process set out in the Education Partnerships Approval process.
4.3.2 The following types of collaboration are approved by the University:
a. Progression arrangements (entry arrangements, reverse articulations, articulation arrangements);
b. Off campus or joint delivery (e.g. joint delivery with NHS, collaborative delivery with a partner without its own degree awarding powers);
c. Advanced arrangements (Dual Degree, Joint Degree, Joint School/College).
4.4 Cohort and Programme Variation
4.4.1 If there are exceptional circumstances, the variation of programme rules for a cohort of students (a cohort programme variation) or for an individual student (an individual programme variation) may be considered. The relevant parent School will consider the variation in accordance with the cohort programme variation process or the Individual Programme Variation Procedure.
5. Admission of Students
5.1 Admissions Policy
5.1.1 In order to qualify for admission to a programme of study, applicants must demonstrate that they have qualifications and/or experience which suggest that they have the ability to succeed on the programme.
5.1.2 The recruitment and admission of students to University programmes and stand-alone modules is governed by the Admissions Policy.
5.1.3 The University’s approach to considering applications from applicants with criminal records is set out in its Applicants and Students with Criminal Records Policy and in the declaring criminal convictions guidance. If at any stage before completion of a programme of study an individual is convicted of a relevant and/or unspent criminal offence, then this must be disclosed to the University.
5.2 Entry Requirements
5.2.1 To be eligible for admission to a programme or stand-alone module, an applicant shall satisfy the University’s specific entry requirements for the particular programme or stand-alone module. Equivalent learning from other study or experience may also meet this requirement.
5.2.2 All applicants must demonstrate sufficient competency in English language to be able to study successfully for the proposed award. The minimum entry requirements are set out in entry requirements for international students.
5.3 Import of Credit
5.3.1 Recognition of prior learning is the process by which learning previously achieved by an applicant is identified, assessed and formally recognised for academic purposes. Recognition can enable an applicant to be admitted to a programme at entry level or with ‘advanced standing’ (i.e. where the credit may be counted towards the requirements for a University programme). Recognition is applied to a specific qualification and may be certificated or experiential. Recognition will be considered in accordance with the Recognition of Prior Learning Procedure.
5.3.2 Entry to a programme with advanced standing can apply when an applicant has previously completed modules within the relevant programme specification or when an applicant has completed a related award at a different academic level.
5.3.3 Entry to a programme with advanced standing also applies to planned and formally approved routes that enable applicants to enter a programme at a later stage (e.g. approved articulation agreements and arrangements for intercalating medical students).
6. Registration and Enrolment
6.1 Registration on Programmes
6.1.1 A student must register each academic year, and in doing so comply with all conditions for registration, before they shall be permitted to undertake or continue their studies.
6.1.2 A student may be permitted to register for more than one programme only where the combined workload is deemed reasonable by the University, and normally where the combined workload does not exceed that of a full-time programme.
6.1.3 Where students have been permitted to change between full-time and part-time modes of study their minimum period of study, as set out in Table A, will be determined in proportion to the minimum period of study applicable to the relevant programme year they are required to complete. Except with the special permission of delegated authority of the Senate, every candidate for a first degree/undergraduate award or a taught postgraduate award shall be required to have completed all study and assessment requirements, including any reassessments, by not later than 24 months after the expiry of the minimum period of study prescribed for their programme. The maximum period of registration shall include any interruption to study or any repeated study periods as a result of mitigating circumstances or academic performance.
6.1.4 In exceptional circumstances, a student who is unable to complete their programme within the maximum time limit allowed may seek an extension to that maximum time limit. Requests for extensions should be submitted to the Head of the parent School who, if the request is supported by the School, will forward it to Student Cases for determination. Complex cases will be determined by the University Special Cases Committee.
6.2 Enrolment on Modules
6.2.1 A student shall enrol each academic year on a set of modules as defined in the relevant programme specification before being permitted to undertake the modules.
6.2.2 An individual candidate on an undergraduate programme may, in specific circumstances and with the permission of the parent School, undertake additional modules (i.e. beyond the credit volume of their programme) provided that the total is not in excess of 80 credits per semester for a full-time student and 40 credits for a part-time student. Such circumstances might include enabling a student to take a discovery module where their own programme cannot accommodate it, or to facilitate entry via recognition of prior learning or a change of programme if specific learning is required.
6.2.3 With the approval of the parent School, candidates on a four-year programme (and five-year programme variants as appropriate) may be permitted to register for 110 credits in either of year 3 or year 4 provided they register for 130 credits in the other year.
6.3 Interruption of Study
6.3.1 A student may apply for an interruption in their programme of study.
6.3.2 At the time a student interrupts study, the status of their registration shall change and they may not have the same entitlements as a fully registered student.
6.3.3 Interruption of study procedures are set out in the Temporary and Exceptional Leave Guidance.
6.4 Attendance and Engagement
6.4.1 Students are required to attend all scheduled activities/events, including timetabled classes, and engage in learning activities as prescribed.
6.4.2 Minimum attendance, and engagement expectations and requirements, will be specified at programme level and a student must satisfy these in order to remain registered on the programme.
6.4.3 Students who do not submit work required for assessment, or fulfil minimum attendance and engagement expectations without mitigation, may be deemed to have withdrawn from the University.
6.4.4 Student attendance and engagement is governed by the Attendance and Engagement Policy for Taught Students.
7. Assessment
7.1 Assessment Procedures
7.1.1 Procedures relating to the assessment of, and feedback on, student achievement in coursework and examinations, and to the conduct of University examinations, are set out in the Assessment Policy and Procedures.
7.1.2 The University Retention Schedule articulates the requirements for retention of work submitted for summative assessment.
7.2 Mitigating Circumstances
7.2.1 Mitigating circumstances are normally defined by the University as exceptional, short term, unforeseen and unpreventable events that may have a significantly disruptive effect on a student’s ability to take assessments. Where a student’s ability to undertake or submit an assessment is seriously affected in this way the student may submit a request that their mitigating circumstances be considered.
7.2.2 Module marks must reflect academic performance under agreed assessment arrangements. Marks will not be changed because of mitigating circumstances, nor circumstances taken into consideration when marking work.
7.2.3 The Mitigating Circumstances Policy and Procedure shall set out the principles and requirements governing the submission of mitigating circumstances requests and how such circumstances are considered.
7.3 Academic Misconduct
7.3.1 Any attempt by a student to gain an unfair advantage in assessment shall be deemed academic misconduct.
7.3.2 Cases of suspected academic misconduct shall be investigated in accordance with the Academic Misconduct Procedure, which also sets out the penalties for proven cases.
7.4 Module Mark/Grade
7.4.1 Module marks are returned on a 0-100 scale (other than the MBChB programme which may use grades A-F) or given a non-numeric grade of Pass (P) or Fail (F) as a summary of performance on that module.
7.4.2 The pass mark for undergraduate (FHEQ level 4, 5 and 6) modules is 40.
7.4.3 The pass mark for postgraduate taught modules (FHEQ level 7) is 50.
7.4.4 The University does not award partial credit for a module. If the module is deemed to have been passed, the student gains the entire credit for that module but will gain no credit if it is not passed.
7.5 Module Attempts and Reassessment
7.5.1 A student shall be permitted two attempts to pass a module: the first attempt and one reassessment. Attempts must be taken at the next available opportunity.
7.5.2 The maximum mark on the reassessment attempt for undergraduate (FHEQ level 4, 5 and 6) modules is 40.
7.5.3 The maximum mark on the reassessment attempt for postgraduate taught modules (FHEQ level 7) is 50.
7.5.4 A candidate who undertakes a second attempt (or exceptional third attempt for programmes compliant with the expectations of the Engineering Council) and achieves a mark lower than the mark received for the first attempt will be given the higher of the two marks when calculating classification. This does not apply to reassessment taken on a first attempt basis as the original mark is expunged.
7.5.5 Students on integrated foundation years are permitted a reassessment where they have passed modules but have not achieved the progression requirements of their designated programme of study. The mark achieved on reassessment will not be capped at 40.
7.5.6 Students on programmes with progression and award rules compliant with the expectations of the Engineering Council may be permitted one further attempt if at the current level of study they have passed a minimum of 100 credits for undergraduate programmes or 150 credits for taught postgraduate programmes. The programme specification will define the full criteria that apply to this concession.
8. Credit and Progression
8.1 The minimum programme duration, study and credit requirements for awards are set out in Table A.
8.2 Students can only progress to the next programme year (stage of their studies) when they have achieved sufficient credits within the programme year, passed all modules indicated as 'pass for progression/award' for the relevant year and met any other requirements set out in the programme specification.
8.3 Students can only progress to the award of a degree, diploma or certificate when they have achieved sufficient credits at the required level, passed all modules indicated as ‘pass for progression/award’ for the relevant award and met any other requirements set out in the programme specification.
8.4 In addition to any specific regulations governing their programme of study a student on an undergraduate programme must have been awarded at least 100 credits in the previous programme year in order to progress.
8.5 A candidate who fails at the final opportunity an assessment which is required to be passed before progression to the next programme year or to award will be required to withdraw from the programme of study concerned.
8.6 Periods of Study Abroad/Industrial Placement [see also Sections 10.2.6 and 10.4.5]
8.6.1 Where programmes include a period of study abroad/industrial placement there are two alternative assessment schemes (weighted, or not weighted) and the programme specification will make clear which scheme applies.
8.6.2 Where a period of study abroad/industrial placement is not weighted the relevant modules will be zero-weighted in the classification average. Such periods of study may nevertheless be compulsory and required for progression/award.
8.6.3 Where there is sufficient confidence in the comparability of the student experience and recorded standards of achievement during periods of study abroad/industrial placement, assessment may count towards classification. Where a full year is spent studying abroad, an approved mark translation scheme will be applied.
8.7 Failure of a Year Abroad/Year in Industry
8.7.1 Students who fail a year abroad/year in industry will be given the opportunity of continuing on the non-year abroad or non-industrial placement variant of the programme or any intermediate award as if they were progressing normally from the lower programme year.
9. Classification and Award of Qualifications
9.1 To be eligible for award, in addition to meeting the requirements set out in the programme specification, students must have achieved a classification average which is equal to or greater than the prescribed minimum (see Section 10 for details of the weighting of programme years and the prescribed minimum classification average for different awards).
9.2 The 0.0-100.0 classification average scale is used for averages of module marks. Classification averages are always expressed to one decimal place and rounded accordingly (classification averages within 0.5 of the next class boundary will be awarded the higher classification). The 0-100 scale is used for the publication of marks in the University’s academic transcript.
9.3 The non-numeric grade of Pass (P) is not included in the calculation of classification averages. The non-numeric grades of Fail (F) and AB (Absent) are included in the calculation of classification averages as a 0.
9.4 Where any supernumerary modules (i.e. over 120 credits in any undergraduate programme year or over 180 in any taught postgraduate programme year) are required to meet the learning outcomes of a specific programme, the rule as to whether these credits count for classification must be stated in the programme specification and made clear in corresponding material for students. Where students take supernumerary modules outside of the programme specification, these do not count towards classification.
9.5 Credit recognised or awarded towards a qualification must not be counted more than once towards the credit requirements for any qualification.
9.6 Credit imported as part of recognition of prior learning contributes towards the credit requirements for the award but does not contribute to the classification average. Where, however, the student is re-entering a University of Leeds programme, their marks as well as their credit will be imported and will contribute to the classification where applicable.
9.7 Distinctions may be awarded in individual subjects in the examinations for the degrees of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) in conformity with the arrangements as laid down for the programme by the relevant committee.
9.8 An aegrotat or posthumous award may be given under Ordinance XVI.
9.9 The Senate has the power to revoke degrees and other awards following cases of cheating, plagiarism, fabricated or fraudulent coursework and other forms of academic fraud referred to in accordance with the University's regulations on plagiarism and cheating under Ordinance XIII.
10. Progression, Classification and Award of Specific Award Types
10.1 Taught Postgraduate Awards
10.1.1 Taught Postgraduate Awards are awarded and classified according to the general rules.
10.1.2 The classification average for Taught Postgraduate Awards is determined according to a credit-weight average of grades for all modules taken for the programme of study.
10.1.3 The minimum classification average required for the award of a Taught Postgraduate Award is 50.0 (classification averages within 0.5 of the next class boundary will be awarded the higher classification).
10.1.4 The classification thresholds for Taught Postgraduate Awards at class boundaries are the following (classification averages within 0.5 of the next class boundary will be awarded the higher classification).
| Class Boundary | Threshold |
| Merit / Distinction | 70.0 |
| Pass / Merit | 60.0 |
| Fail / Pass | 50.0 |
10.1.5 Candidates on programmes with progression and award rules compliant with the expectations of the Engineering Council must also accumulate no more than 20 marginally failed credits across their programme of study. A marginal fail is a module mark between 30 and 39 for modules at FHEQ levels 4, 5, and 6, and between 40 and 49 for modules at FHEQ level 7). Candidates on these programmes are not permitted to accumulate any failed credits with marks below a marginal fail. All credit-bearing modules that contribute to the accreditation learning outcomes for the programme may be counted towards this total.
10.2 Integrated Degrees of Master and Bachelor
10.2.1 In years 1, 2 and 3 (FHEQ levels 4, 5, and 6), candidates will be governed by the regulations for the corresponding degree of Bachelor. Those progressing to FHEQ level 7 will be governed by the regulations for the degree of Integrated Masters.
10.2.2 Integrated Degrees of Master and Bachelor are awarded and classified according to the general rules.
10.2.3 Candidates must pass a minimum of 100 credits at each of the FHEQ levels 4, 5, 6 and 7. If excess credits beyond those needed are obtained at a higher level, it is possible for these to 'back count' against a shortage of credits at a lower level.
10.2.4 To be eligible for the Integrated Degrees of Master and Bachelor candidates are required to pass the module(s) designated as comprising the final year project of the programme of study on which they are registered.
10.2.5 Where not restricted by accreditation requirements and where not designed as 2+2 programmes (completion of two years at a partner institution and progression to the second programme year of an undergraduate degree at the University of Leeds), the classification average for Integrated Masters and Bachelors awards is determined according to the 1:2:2 weighting of grades between programme years 2, 3 and 4. Any FHEQ level 4 Skills Discovery Modules not taken in year 1 are weighted as year 2 modules for the purpose of classification.
10.2.6 For full-year periods of study abroad/industrial placement, where the assessments are defined in the relevant programme specification as counting toward the classification average, the additional or replacement year will be single-weighted for the purpose of calculating the classification average.
10.2.7 Where not restricted by accreditation requirements and where designed (in the approved programme specification) as 2+2 programmes (completion of two years at a partner institution and progression to the second programme year of an undergraduate degree at the University of Leeds), the classification average for Integrated Masters and Bachelors awards is determined according to the 0:1:2 weighting of grades between programme years 2, 3 and 4, subject to Section 10.2.6. Any FHEQ level 4 Skills Discovery Modules not taken in year 1 are weighted as year 2 modules for the purpose of classification.
10.2.8 For the Integrated Degrees of Master of Architecture and Master of Engineering (MArch, MEng), the classification average is determined according to the 1:1:2:2 weighting of grades between programme years 2, 3, 4 and 5. Any FHEQ level 4 Skills Discovery Modules not taken in year 1 are weighted as year 2 modules for the purpose of classification.
10.2.9 Candidates must achieve an average, calculated over the 120 FHEQ level 7 credits included in their programme, of at least 50.0.
10.2.10 The classification thresholds are the same as for Bachelors Degrees with Classified Honours.
10.2.11 Candidates on programmes with progression and award rules compliant with the expectations of the Engineering Council must also accumulate no more than 30 marginally failed credits across their programme of study. A marginal fail is a module mark between 30 and 39 for modules at FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6, and between 40 and 49 for modules at FHEQ level 7. Candidates on these programmes are not permitted to accumulate any failed credits with marks below a marginal fail. All credit-bearing modules that contribute to the accreditation learning outcomes for the programme may be counted towards this total.
10.3 Integrated Degree of Master and Bachelor of Dental Surgery and Bachelor of Science
10.3.1 The Integrated Degree of Master and Bachelor of Dental Surgery and Bachelor of Science is awarded and classified according to the general rules.
10.3.2 Candidates must pass all modules in the programme specification; achieving a pass mark of at least 40 in FHEQ level 4, 5 and 6 modules and a pass mark of at least 50 in FHEQ level 7 modules.
a. The classification average for the Integrated Master and Bachelor of Dental Surgery and Bachelor of Science award is determined according to the 1:1:2:2 weighting of grades between programme years 2, 3, 4 and 5.
b. Classification thresholds are the same as for Taught Postgraduate Awards and can be awarded with Merit and Distinction. For the purpose of classification, all marks in FHEQ levels 5 and 6 modules will be translated to the 50 pass scale.
10.3.3 The Integrated Degree of Master and Bachelor of Dental Surgery and Bachelor of Science is awarded in line with the requirements of national and professional practice. The degree is assessed and marked in accordance with the provisions in the relevant programme specification and the Assessment Policy and Procedures.
10.3.4 Candidates for the Integrated Degree of Master and Bachelor of Dental Surgery and Bachelor of Science (MChD/BChD, BSc) are required to satisfy the relevant committee that in respect of health and conduct they are fit to be registered as medical, dental or healthcare practitioners on graduation. Any such candidates for whom fitness to practise is called into question on non-academic grounds will be considered under the provisions of the University's Fitness to Practise Policy and Procedure.
10.4 Bachelors Degrees with Classified Honours
10.4.1 Bachelors Degrees with Classified Honours are awarded and classified according to the general rules.
10.4.2 Candidates must pass a minimum of 100 credits at each of FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6. If excess credits beyond those needed are obtained at a higher level, it is possible for these to ‘back count’ against a shortage of credits at a lower level.
10.4.3 To be eligible for the Bachelors Degree with Classified Honours candidates are required to pass the module(s) designated as comprising the final year project of the programme of study on which they are registered.
10.4.4 The degree class for a Bachelors Degree with Classified Honours is determined according to the 1:2 weighting of grades between programme years 2 and 3. Any FHEQ level 4 Skills Discovery Modules not taken in year 1 are weighted as year 2 modules for the purpose of classification.
10.4.5 For full-year periods of study abroad/industrial placement, where the assessments are defined in the relevant programme specification as counting toward the classification average, the additional or replacement year will be single-weighted for the purpose of calculating the classification average.
10.4.6 The minimum classification average for the award of a Bachelors Degree with Classified Honours is 40.0 (classification averages within 0.5 of the next class boundary will be awarded the higher classification).
10.4.7 The classification thresholds for the Bachelors Degree with Classified Honours at class boundaries are the following (classification averages within 0.5 of the next class boundary will be awarded the higher classification).
| Class Boundary | Threshold |
| Class IIi / Class I | 70.0 |
| Class IIii / Class IIi | 60.0 |
| Class III / Class IIii | 50.0 |
| Fail / Class III | 40.0 |
10.4.8 Candidates on programmes with progression and award rules compliant with the expectations of the Engineering Council must also accumulate no more than 30 marginally failed credits across their programme of study. A marginal fail is a module mark between 30 and 39. Candidates on these programmes are not permitted to accumulate any failed credits with marks below a marginal fail. All credit-bearing modules that contribute to the accreditation learning outcomes for the programme may be counted towards this total.
10.5 Joint Honours Programmes
10.5.1 Where a programme is designated as a joint honours programme, the following additional eligibility rule applies. To be eligible for a joint honours award, students must pass at least 40 credits at FHEQ level 5 and 40 credits at FHEQ level 6 in each of the named subjects (if excess credits beyond those needed are obtained at a higher level, it is possible for these to ‘back count’ against a shortage of credits in that subject at a lower level).
10.6 Intercalating Students or Students Admitted into Year 3 with Advanced Standing
10.6.1 Students taking an intercalated programme or who have been admitted into year 3 with advanced standing according to a school’s agreed criteria will be classified on their year 3 achievements only. Such students will normally be required to pass at least 100 out of the 120 year 3 credits at FHEQ level 6.
10.7 Ordinary Bachelors Degrees
10.7.1 Ordinary Bachelors Degrees are awarded and classified according to the general rules.
10.7.2 Candidates must pass a minimum of 240 credits, of which at least 60 must be at FHEQ level 6 and 160 at FHEQ levels 5 and 6 combined. If excess credits beyond those needed are obtained at a higher level, it is possible for these to ‘back count’ against a shortage of credits at a lower level.
10.7.3 The classification average for an Ordinary Bachelors Degree is determined according to the 1:2 weighting of grades between programme years 2 and 3 across at least 200 credits taken in programme years 2 and 3. Any FHEQ level 4 Skills Discovery Modules not taken in year 1 are weighted as year 2 modules for the purpose of classification. The calculation of the classification average must normally include any pass for progression or award modules or compulsory modules for the programme. The calculation of the classification average for an ICQ will include the highest module marks of at least 200 credits taken in programme years 2 and 3.
10.7.4 The minimum classification average for the award of an Ordinary Bachelors Degree is 40.0 (classification averages within 0.5 of the next class boundary will be awarded the higher classification).
10.7.5 The classification thresholds for the Ordinary Bachelors Degree at class boundaries are the following (classification averages within 0.5 of the next class boundary will be awarded the higher classification).
| Class Boundary | Threshold |
| Merit / Distinction | 70.0 |
| Pass / Merit | 60.0 |
| Fail / Pass | 40.0 |
10.7.6 Students taking an intercalated programme or who have been admitted into programme year 3 with advanced standing according to a school's agreed criteria should be considered for the award of the Ordinary Bachelors Degree on year 3 achievements only. Such students should be required to pass at least 80 credits in programme year 3, including at least 60 at FHEQ level 6, and to achieve a classification average of at least 40.0 across at least 100 of the credits comprising programme year 3 (classification averages within 0.5 of the next class boundary will be awarded the higher classification).
10.7.7 Where a programme is designated as a joint honours programme, the following additional eligibility rule applies: To be eligible for a joint Ordinary Bachelors Degree, students must pass at least 40 credits at FHEQ level 5 and 20 credits at FHEQ level 6 in each of the named subjects (if excess credits beyond those needed are obtained at a higher level, it is possible for these to ‘back count’ against a shortage of credits in that subject at a lower level).
10.8 Bachelors Degrees Awarded with or without Unclassified Honours (Medicine and Dentistry)
10.8.1 The degree of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) and the degree of Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BChD) are awarded in line with the requirements of national and professional practice. They are assessed and marked in accordance with the provisions in the relevant programme specification and the Assessment Policy and Procedures.
10.8.2 Candidates for the degree of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), the degree of Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BChD), or any undergraduate award recognised by the relevant PSRB for inclusion in the relevant professional register are required to satisfy the relevant committee that in respect of health and conduct they are fit to be registered as medical, dental or healthcare practitioners on graduation. Any such candidates for whom fitness to practise is called into question on non-academic grounds will be considered under the provisions of the University's Fitness to Practise Policy and Procedure.
10.8.3 Candidates who have satisfactorily completed the first two or three years of a prescribed programme of study for the degree of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) may be permitted to intercalate a period, normally of one year's full-time duration, into their studies to follow a prescribed programme of study for the intercalated degree of Master or the third and final year of a prescribed programme of study for the intercalated degree of Bachelor in accordance with the arrangements approved by the relevant committee. Candidates completing such intercalated programmes of study become eligible for the award of the degree of Master (or Master with Merit or with Distinction) or the Classified or Unclassified Honours Degree of Bachelor when they have satisfied any supplementary regulations governing the programme and have normally (a) been awarded credits and (b) achieved a classification average, equal to or greater than the minimum prescribed for the award. A candidate for the degree of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) who has not passed any assessment at their first attempt, or whose progress has at any time been deemed by the relevant committee to be unsatisfactory, shall not be eligible for the award of Unclassified Honours.
10.8.4 Candidates for the degree of Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BChD) are eligible for the award with or without Unclassified Honours when they have satisfied any supplementary regulations governing the programme and have normally (a) been awarded credits and (b) accumulated the required Honours points, across the programme. A candidate for the degree of Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BChD) who has been issued a Formal Warning through the School of Dentistry Student Fitness to Practise proceedings shall not be eligible for the award of Unclassified Honours.
10.9 Other Undergraduate Awards
10.9.1 The Foundation Degree (FD), Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) and Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) are awarded and ‘classified’ according to the general rules.
10.9.2 Candidates must pass a minimum of 100 credits at the highest FHEQ level for the award. If excess credits beyond those needed are obtained at a higher level, it is possible for these to ‘back count’ against a shortage of credits at a lower level.
10.9.3 The classification average for the Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) is determined according to a credit-weight average of grades across the total minimum volume to be taken for the award specified in Table A. If excess credits have been taken, the classification average is calculated using the highest module marks. The minimum classification average for the award of a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) is 40.0 (classification averages within 0.5 of the next class boundary will be awarded the higher classification).
10.9.4 The classification average for the Foundation Degree (FD) and Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) is determined according to the 1:2 weighting of grades between programme years 1 and 2 across the total minimum volume to be taken for the award specified in Table A. If excess credits have been taken, the classification average is calculated using the highest module marks. The minimum classification average for the award of a Foundation Degree (FD) and Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) is0 (classification averages within 0.5 of the next class boundary will be awarded the higher classification).
10.9.5 The classification thresholds for other undergraduate awards at class boundaries are the following (classification averages within 0.5 of the next class boundary will be awarded the higher classification).
| Class Boundary | Threshold |
| Merit / Distinction | 70.0 |
| Pass / Merit | 60.0 |
| Fail / Pass | 40.0 |
11. Assessment Committees
11.1 The results of assessments shall be considered by the designated Assessment Committee to which authority to determine and publish the results of assessments has been delegated by the Senate.
11.2 The Assessment Policy and Procedures sets out the responsibilities of Assessment Boards and Progression and Awards Boards.
11.3 The University Special Cases Committee is empowered to consider referred cases and to make decisions which are exceptional to the regulations, in line with its terms of reference.
12. External Examiners
12.1 For every programme leading to a qualification of the University, there shall be at least one external examiner whose role shall be:
a. to verify that academic standards are appropriate for the qualification, or part thereof, which they have been appointed to examine;
b. to confirm national comparability of academic standards;
c. to ensure that the assessment process is rigorous, fair and fairly operated, in line with the University’s Regulations and policies.
12.2 The principles and requirements governing the functions of an external examiner, their nomination, induction and appointment, the submission of external examiner reports and the University’s consideration of those reports is set out in the External Examiner Handbook.
13. Academic Appeals
13.1 Appeals may be made against:
a. the decision to terminate a candidate’s study/require them to withdraw from their candidature;
b. the outcome of an examination, assessment, or placement;
c. the decision not to award a degree;
d. the award or, for taught students, the class of the degree received.
13.2 The Academic Appeals Procedure shall set out:
a. the principles and rules governing the submission by students of academic appeals against a decision of a designated Assessment Committee;
b. the procedures and timelines for considering academic appeals and determining whether these are upheld or rejected;
c. the status of a student during an academic appeal;
d. responsibility for communicating to the appellant the outcome of an academic appeal.
14. Exceptional Circumstances
14.1 Senate is responsible for the approval of Exceptional Circumstances Procedures for Taught Students to expedite the conferment of final awards and progression of continuing students where factors beyond the University’s control may impact upon assessment processes and where the University is unable to apply the Regulations in full.
14.2 In discharging its responsibilities, the Senate will ensure that the academic standards of its programmes and the integrity of its awards are maintained and its reputation safeguarded. It may determine the following action:
a. allow modification to be made to previously approved arrangements for the setting, marking and check marking of assessments;
b. allow recommendations to be made for the progression of students and the award of qualifications based upon less than complete profile of marks/grades;
c. delay recommendations until further information is available;
d. allow other evidence of equivalency of standards to be accepted in the absence of the external examiner.
14.3 The Vice Chancellor and President will be responsible for invoking the provisions set out in the application of the Exceptional Circumstances Procedures for Taught Students when deemed necessary.