Enabling Academic Regulations for Joint Master's Programmes

1.1

Through these regulations, joint, double and multiple joint awards may be made conferred on candidates upon the successful completion of an approved programme of study, provided on a full-time basis taught by Swansea University and a collaborative partner(s). The nature of joint and double awards are clearly defined by the Quality Assurance Agency in Joint Degree Characteristics.

1.2

All candidates, who will study part of their course at Swansea, must enrol and register as candidates of Swansea University at the commencement of the programme and pay the appropriate fees either directly or through the partner institution.  

1.3

Candidates admitted to a joint Postgraduate Taught Master’s Degree programme may qualify for intermediate awards of Swansea University, as shown in Regulation 14.7, provided they have studied the appropriate modules at Swansea. 

N.B. These are the minimum entry requirements. Programmes have the option to apply stricter requirements than those shown below.

2.1

A candidate must, unless they are able to satisfy Regulation 2.3 below, hold one of the following qualifications prior to commencement of the programme: 

a) An initial/first cycle degree of a partner institution; a degree or equivalent awarded by another degree awarding body.

b) A non-graduate qualification which the University and partner institution(s)/members of the Consortium, have deemed to be of a satisfactory standard for the purpose of postgraduate admission.

2.2

Full-time candidates may not concurrently be enrolled on a different degree programme leading to the award of a qualification in Swansea or another university/institution without the express permission of the Consortium Board of Studies (or the Chair of Regulations, Quality and Standards Committee and the required body in the partner institution as appropriate).  

2.3

Applicants for programmes governed by these regulations who do not have an undergraduate degree must instead have a non-graduate qualification followed by significant work or other experience which has been assessed by the Admissions Selectors as appropriate for admission to the relevant programme. Non-traditional admission to joint degrees shall only be permitted if all members of the Consortium can authorise such admission.  

2.4

Irrespective of a candidate’s entry qualifications, the partner institutions must be satisfied that a candidate is of the required academic standard to complete the proposed programme of study.  

2.5

Prior to admission to the programme of study, Admission Selectors must ensure that a candidate can communicate effectively in English, in both speech and writing. Candidates are expected to have an average IELTS score of at least 6.5. (However, individual programmes have the option to impose stricter language requirements where appropriate.)  

2.6

If modules are taught in another language, candidates must demonstrate competence in that language as well, as per any requirements of the Consortium partner(s).  

2.7

Candidates must disclose character and suitability issues as required by the Consortium Board of Studies or otherwise in relation to their programme of study. The onus is on the candidate to provide any evidence they consider necessary and appropriate to enable a decision to be made on their application. Failure to disclose a character and suitability issue or evidence of those issues necessary and appropriate, may lead to a candidate being withdrawn or not admitted to a programme of study.  

2.8

Matriculation is the process to confirm that the candidate has met the formal admission criteria (e.g. by producing relevant documentation and certificates). Normally this takes place prior to the formal admission of a candidate to a programme of study leading to a degree of the University. Candidates who have not previously matriculated must complete the appropriate form and provide evidence of their degree or equivalent qualification in the form of an original certificate or an official statement from the awarding institution or other body. Unless a candidate matriculates they are not eligible for examination and may be prevented from continuing with the candidature at an appropriate stage within the academic year.

3.1

Due to the nature of joint programmes, normally, candidates who enrol on the joint programme will be expected to pursue the programme in its entirety and to study the prescribed modules. However, partner institutions might consider, in exceptional cases, to accept relevant credits pursued elsewhere or pursued as part of another single award programme offered by one of the Consortium partner institutions.  

3.2

Credit may not be accepted in partial fulfilment of a module but must be sufficient, and of an appropriate level, to allow exemption from one or more whole modules of the programme, and modules pursued elsewhere must reflect an equivalent module offered on the programme. 

4.1

Programmes operating through these regulations shall normally have one start date per cohort and that shall normally be September. Specific entry dates must be specified in all programme literature. 

5.1

In order to be recognised as a candidate, all candidates are required to enrol in accordance with the enrolment instructions for the particular programme of study and within the prescribed enrolment period. Candidates will be expected to enrol at one or more partners institutions within the Consortium.   

5.2

In order to enrol with Swansea University, candidates, where applicable, are required to provide evidence of entitlement to study at the University in accordance with:

• The specific programme requirements.
• The University’s regulations governing matriculation.
• The laws governing study in the United Kingdom.

Failure to enrol within the prescribed enrolment period will result in candidature lapsing and withdrawal of the candidate from the programme of study.

5.3

Partner institutions shall record details of candidates for degrees in accordance with their procedures and shall exchange details regularly.

6.1

The programme shall be an integrated study programme offered by a Consortium of higher education partners. In the case of Erasmus Mundus Master’s degrees, the Consortium partners will include at least three higher education institutions from three different European member states. 

6.2

An integrated study programme is one that can demonstrate:

• Joint admission and examination criteria: Candidates must be able to apply to a single programme with common standards for admission, a common application procedure and a joint candidate selection process. Examinations passed at one institution of the Consortium should be recognised fully and automatically by the other institutions of the Consortium.
• Course integration: Delivery of a jointly developed curriculum or full recognition by the Consortium of courses which are developed and delivered separately, but make up a common standard course.
• Mobility: Candidates must study in at least two of the institutions participating in the Consortium. Potential candidates must know the sequence of study periods spent in the various hosting institutions and the various mobility combinations when they apply for the course. Candidates cannot spend more than 70% of the period/credits in any particular institution
• Guaranteed award of a recognised joint or double degree upon graduation.

6.3

Programmes will be of two years duration.  

6.4

The structure of programmes governed by these awards shall be 120 ECTS (equal to 240 Swansea University credits) taught on a full-time basis over two academic years. 30 credits of the 120 ECTS credits shall be assigned to the directed independent learning module.  

6.5

Learning outcomes will be specified for each Master’s programme and for any programme intended to provide an intermediate or fall-back qualification.  

6.6

Learning outcomes will be specified for each module contributing to the programme of study. Modules may be designated as compulsory or optional. Modules may also be designed as “core”. Core modules must not only be pursued but must also be passed before a candidate can proceed to the next part of study or qualify for an award.  

6.7

All modules for any qualification offered under these regulations shall be equivalent to the Framework for Higher Education (FHEQ) Level 7.

7.1

A handbook explaining the structure of the programme, with particular reference to the joint nature of the programme, and outlining the assessment requirements for each module, will be issued to each candidate at or before commencement of studies. Where possible the handbook should also provide the dates of examinations and the due dates for the submission of assessed work. The guiding principle in all cases would be that the candidate is aware of the assessment requirements of the programme and has sufficient time to prepare and complete assessed work within the terms of the approved programme. The minimum details required will be those agreed by members of the Consortium. Handbooks will be reviewed annually. 

7.2

The handbook will also provide guidance on the requirements of the piece/pieces of directed independent learning, including advice on the assessment criteria to be applied and the referencing conventions to be employed by the candidate in the avoidance of plagiarism. 

8.1

The full degree programme, including submission of the directed independent learning in the prescribed form, shall be completed within the following periods from the date of the initial enrolment: 

2 year (120 ECTS/240 Swansea credit) programmes        

Normally within 24 months but no more than 48 months

8.2

A candidate who fails to submit the directed independent learning by the deadline specified for the programme, and who has not been granted an extension due to extenuating circumstances will normally be deemed to have failed the degree. 

9.1

Each programme has a maximum period of candidature. The maximum period is designed to enable candidates, whose studies have been interrupted for whatever reason, to complete their degree. Candidates must aim to complete their programme by the deadlines given for the programme. A candidature shall lapse (and examination be thereby precluded) if the programme is not completed within the University time limits.  

9.2

The time limit for the completion of the degree may be extended in exceptional cases only. A reasoned application, supported by appropriate independent evidence, must be supported by the Programme Director or their designated officer and the appropriate officers of the Consortium institution(s). The criteria for such extensions are given in 9.3 below.  

9.3

Requests for an extension shall be considered with reference to the following criteria: 

(a) Normally, suspensions/extensions will be granted only on compassionate grounds, or in cases of illness, serious domestic difficulties or exceptional commitments which can be demonstrated to have adversely affected the candidate. A full and reasoned case, supported by appropriate, satisfactory, medical or other independent evidence, must be to and supported by the Programme Director or the designated officer, in the first instance, and thereafter by the appropriate committee of the awarding institution. 

(b) In cases which arise as a result of illness: 

(i) Satisfactory medical or other relevant documentary evidence must be supplied. (The extent and nature of the illness as described in the certificate are invaluable in assessing the case.)

(ii) A clear statement must be supplied, showing that the situation has been evaluated the situation and that the requested extension is considered to appropriate. Such a statement will, wherever possible, follow direct contact between candidate and institution.

9.4

Extensions of candidature for candidates who are resubmitting their piece of directed independent learning will not be permitted. 

10.1

Suspension of studies shall be considered and supported by the Programme Director and thereafter by the relevant University’s Suspension of Studies regulations.  

10.2

The Consortium Board of Studies shall receive reports on candidates who suspend studies or withdraw, and take action as appropriate.

11.1

Candidates shall be expected to engage with all scheduled learning sessions associated with each module which they have elected to pursue.  

11.2

Engagement shall be monitored in accordance with the policies of Consortium partner at which the candidate is studying.  

11.3

Progress shall be monitored through regular discussion sessions with tutors and through examination boards.

12.1

Candidates should report absences and reasons for them to the Programme Coordinator at whichever institution they are studying.

13.1

It shall be the candidate’s responsibility to inform the host Institution(s) of any disability or of any extenuating circumstances which might require special provision for assessment. Candidates will be required to produce appropriate documentation in support. With the permission of the candidate, such information will be shared between the partner institutions to ensure all institutions are aware of individual needs and the procedures of the institution at which the candidate is studying will apply.

14.1

Candidates shall be required to complete the programme of study in accordance with the Assessment Regulations for the particular programme and award. The assessment regulations will be made available to candidates in the programme handbook.  

14.2

Candidates must achieve a mark of not less than 50% (or an equivalent grade used at a partner institution) in order to gain the credit offered for any module.  

14.3

A candidate may also be required to demonstrate to the relevant Examination Board satisfactory completion of any period of professional training or practical experience.  

14.4

A conversion table for marks/grades must be agreed by the Consortium and made available to candidates. 

14.5

The method of classification of a Master’s Degree may be agreed by the Consortium. If relevant, the method to be used will be made available to candidates. In order to gain a Master’s Degree with Merit at Swansea University, a candidate shall achieve an overall average mark of not less than 60% for the whole programme. In order to gain a Master’s Degree with Distinction at Swansea University, a candidate shall achieve an overall mark of not less than 70% for the whole programme.  

 14.6

Where a single degree certificate is to be awarded by both/all partners, a degree without classification may be allowed where it is required by law in the country of the partner institution. In such cases, results will be recorded on the Diploma Supplement/E-HEAR.

14.7 

A candidate who is admitted to a programme but is subsequently unable or is not permitted to progress to completion may be eligible for an exit award of Swansea University, provided that the candidate has studied the modules or an agreed portion of the module(s), and been awarded the credits by Swansea University. Such a candidate may be considered for the award of one of the following Swansea University exit qualifications:

15.1

Each partner institution is responsible for the academic standards of the award and hence, decisions relating to the award of marks, grades and degrees shall be taken by the appropriate Examination Board within the partner institution. A Consortium may establish its own Examination Boards, but these Boards shall act in an advisory capacity and make recommendations to institutional Examination Boards, unless authority is delegated to act on behalf of the partner institutions.  

15.2

Every Consortium Examination Board shall nominate a Chair who shall be responsible for ensuring that the correct administrative procedures for the submission and examination of the work have been carried out.  

15.3

Examination Boards shall be responsible for ensuring that the rules and regulations relating to progression have been applied consistently, and that standards are maintained.  

15.4 

Examination Boards should be minuted, and the minutes retained by the relevant departments in the Consortium Institutions. The minutes should include the general comments of the External Examiner, if relevant.  

15.5

Due to the nature of international consortia, it is recognised that the practice of appointing External Examiners is not common in Europe and therefore possibly not a requirement for partner institutions. However, for marks and degrees awarded in Swansea University’s name, the appropriate External Examiner must be involved in the assessment process, in accordance with the University’s policies and procedures.  

15.6

It is recommended that where appropriate the consortia appoint an additional programme External Examiner to oversee and ensure the consistency of the standards of the programme. Such External Examiners shall be nominated and appointed in accordance with procedures agreed by the Consortium Board of Studies. 

An External Examiner appointed by a partner institution through their own procedures could be utilised in this capacity. The Consortium Boards of Studies must ensure that upon appointment, External Examiners receive full information about the programme and the assessment procedures. This will include any written advice communicated to the candidates concerning assessment in either part of the programme.

16.1

Candidates shall normally undertake assessment at the Institution at which they have pursued the modules being assessed.  

16.2

Normally the language of tuition and assessment shall be English. However, the language of assessment may vary according to the Consortium agreement. This information shall be made known to candidates through the module information within the handbook.

17.1

A supervisor will be appointed for each candidate who will be responsible for ensuring that studies are carried out in line with the institution’s good practice guidelines.  

17.2

A candidate may not amend, add to or delete from the work between the date of submission and its examination.  

17.3

Directed independent learning must be submitted in accordance with the guidelines of the Consortium partner to which the work is submitted.  

17.4

Details of the method of submission must be provided to candidates in the Handbook. 

18.1

The directed independent learning will be examined according to procedures agreed by the Consortium Board of Studies, making reference to the procedures of each partner institution. The marking structure followed will be in accordance with national rules and will reflect the agreed marking criteria.  

18.2

If the piece(s) of directed independent learning is failed by the examiners, the candidate may re-present it once only, not more than three months from the date of the official communication to the candidate of the previous result or if submitted to a partner institution in accordance with the published dates and regulations of the partner institution. A fee may be payable to the partner institution concerned for the second examination of such a re-presented piece(s) of directed independent learning. 

18.3

Candidates resubmitting will be given written feedback on the reasons for failure in accordance with national guidelines of the submitting institution. Providing national guidelines allows, such feedback should reflect all comments from all the examiners and ensure that the candidate is informed of the necessary changes required. 

18.4

A candidate who fails to submit the directed independent learning by the deadline specified for the programme, and who has not been granted an extension of candidature due to special circumstances will fail the Masters’ degree.

19.1 

Directed independent learning submitted for examination shall normally (depending on the policy of the partner university) be openly available and subject to no security classification or restriction of access. However, Partner Institutions may place a bar on photocopying of and/or access to the work for a specified period of up to five years. It shall be the responsibility of the candidate’s project supervisor to make an application to the Consortium Examination Board, which will be responsible for making recommendations to the awarding institution.  

19.2

On submission, a candidate shall be required to incorporate a signed statement within the work to indicate either:

• That the work, if successful, may be made available for inter-library loan or photocopying (subject to the law of copyright), and that the title and summary may be made available to outside organisations; or
• That the work, if successful, may be made so available after expiry of a bar. 

19.3 

The title and summary of the work shall normally be freely available.  

19.4

Copies of the directed independent learning approved by the examiners shall become the property of the University to which it has been submitted.  

19.5

If the piece/pieces of directed independent learning are deemed by the examiners to be of particular value, one copy may be deposited in the Library of the awarding institution. The work shall be deemed to be of particular value in the following cases:

• Where it has been judged by the Examining Board to be of Distinction standard;
• In the case of Swansea University, where it is of particular relevance to Wales.

20.1

A candidate is at liberty to publish the whole or part of the work produced during the candidate’s period of enrolment, prior to its submission as a whole, or as part, provided that in the published work it is nowhere stated that it is in consideration for a higher degree. Such published work may later be incorporated in the work submitted for examination. 

20.2

Disposal of the piece/pieces of directed independent learning following examination.

Except where the candidate has been awarded a distinction, or the work is otherwise considered to possess special value (cases covered by Regulation 19.5 above), disposal of the copies of the work are at the discretion of the University. 

One copy should be stored by the Faculty/School for not less than two years. 

21.1

The degree shall be conferred upon successful candidates in accordance with the agreed procedures of the awarding institution(s). Award ceremonies will be organised by one or all of the Partner Institutions to which candidates will be invited to attend. Where the degree ceremony is held at Swansea, Faculties/Schools are recommended to invite the partner institution to send a representative to attend the ceremony. Where the degree ceremony is held at a partner institution, Faculties/Schools are, if appropriate, encouraged to send a representative to attend.  

21.2

The degree certificate(s) to be issued shall include reference to the collaborative nature of the degree and shall include the name of each institution involved in the teaching.

22.1

Academic appeals shall be considered in accordance with the procedures agreed by the Consortium partner institutions and articulated in the Memorandum of Agreement. They shall be based on the principles that:

• An appeal should be considered by the University(ies) which agreed the decision against which the candidate is appealing;
• The candidate shall have right of access to the national ombudsman, if relevant;
• The candidate shall have access to support;

Details will be published in the programme handbook.

23.1 

Any allegation of unfair practice shall be considered in accordance with the procedures agreed by the Consortium partner institutions and articulated in the Memorandum of Agreement. Details will be published in the programme handbook.

24.1

Requests from the Programme Director for Aegrotat Awards shall be considered in accordance with the relevant University's procedures for the Award of Aegrotat Degrees. 

25.1

Requests from the Programme Director for posthumous awards shall be considered in accordance with the relevant University's procedures for the Award of Posthumous Awards.