Extended Postgraduate Taught Master's Regulations

Specific Regulations for Swansea Extended Master's Programmes

Directed Independent Learning

Directed independent learning is defined as a single piece or pieces of self-directed study (undertaken under the guidance of a supervisor), totalling 60 credits, which provide(s) an opportunity to engage in extended research on one or more aspects of the syllabus relating to the programme. The directed independent learning can take a variety of forms, chosen to be the most appropriate for the programme, and/or to enhance the employability prospects of the students. This can be defined at programme approval and will be equivalent to the effort required to prepare a dissertation of up to 20,000 words.

1. Introduction

These regulations shall apply for MA and MSc programmes leading to the award of Extended Master's degrees.

1.1

Master's degrees and Postgraduate Certificate and Diplomas are awarded to students who have demonstrated:

A systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study or area of professional practice.
A comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own research or advanced scholarship.
Originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline.
Conceptual understanding that enables the student:
- To evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline;
- To evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses.

Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to:

Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level.
Continue to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level.

And holders will have:

The qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring:
- The exercise of initiative and personal responsibility;
- Decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations;
- The independent learning ability required for continuing professional development.

2. Structure of Programme

2.1

Extended Taught Masters’ programmes are structured as follows:

A full or part-time programme of study consisting of modules totalling 240 credits, normally 120 credits in Year 1 and 120 credits in Year 2.

At least 60 credits must be directed independent learning or approved equivalent (i.e. internship/placement modules), normally in Year 2.

2.2

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

2.3

Programmes may be structured in such a way that candidates may be required to pursue professional practice and placements or an Internship. Where candidates are subject to assessment of professional competence following a period of professional practice or placement, the outcome must be credit-rated.

3. Time Limits

3.1

Modules shall be completed as prescribed by the relevant Faculty/School and assessment completed by the dates set by Faculties/Schools. The full degree programme shall be completed within the following periods from the date of the initial registration:

Full-time candidates following	Normally not less than 21 months and not more than 3 years. Exceptionally, a fourth year may be permitted, where the Professional Body regulations dictate this.*
Part-time equivalent	Normally, not less than 36 months, not more than 6 years.

*Please read the Guidance on Time Limits for further information.

3.2

Candidates will normally complete their studies by the following deadlines unless alternative times are approved for a given programme by the Regulations, Quality and Standards Committee:

Full-time candidates: end of the 24th month (2 years) ;
Part-time candidates: end of 48th month or third or fourth year of candidature.

3.3

A candidate who fails to complete within the period indicated can only complete the programme if a formally authorised extension has been agreed (with the support of the Faculty/School). Without an authorised extension, the candidate is eligible only for the appropriate exit qualification - Postgraduate Certificate. It should be noted that such an extension will not automatically extend the period of study for the entire programme.

4. Extension to the Submission Deadline

4.1

Applications for extension to the deadline for submission of the Directed Independent Learning must be completed in accordance with the University regulations and must be routed via the candidate's supervisor to Education Services in accordance with the stated deadlines.

5. Teaching and Assessment Structure

5.1

The teaching pattern for most full-time programmes shall be three semesters.

5.2

Faculties/Schools may adopt a different pattern of assessment which shall be outlined in the Faculty/School's handbook.

6. Assessment Regulations

6.1

Candidates shall be required to complete the programme of study in accordance with the regulations for awarding credit as published in the Assessment Regulations for Postgraduate Taught Awards.

6.2

The pass mark for a module shall be 50% unless otherwise stipulated by a professional or regulatory body, details of which will be included in the programme handbook.

6.3

Candidates must pass all modules in Year One of the programme of study successfully before being permitted to proceed to Year Two. The directed independent learning shall embody the methods and results of a research project or approved equivalent.

6.4

Both years of study must be completed successfully before a candidate may qualify for the award of a degree. The examiners may require a candidate to undergo an oral examination at any stage of the programme of study.

7. Exit Qualifications

7.1

A candidate who is admitted to a Master's programme but is subsequently unable, or is not permitted, to progress to completion may, depending upon the number of credits attained at the time of exit, qualify for one of the following awards of the University as follows:

Postgraduate Certificate	Passed 60 credits at Part One (with 50% or more), a minimum of 40 credits to have been pursued at Swansea.
Postgraduate Certificate with Distinction	Passed 60 credits (with 50% or more), a minimum of 40 credits to have been pursued at Swansea. Attained an overall average mark of 70% or higher.
Postgraduate Diploma	Pursued 120 credits (30 credits of compensated failures permitted*), a minimum of 80 credits to have been passed/compensated at Swansea.
Postgraduate Diploma with Merit	Pursued 120 credits (30 credits of compensated failures permitted*), a minimum of 80 credits to have been passed/compensated at Swansea. Attained an overall average mark of not less than 60% and not more than 69.99%.
Postgraduate Diploma with Distinction	Pursued 120 credits (30 credits of compensated failures permitted*), a minimum of 80 credits to have been passed/compensated at Swansea. Attained an overall average mark of 70% or higher.

*Programmes may adopt stricter compensation regulations due to Professional or Statutory Body or Sponsor requirements.

7.2

The award of a named Postgraduate Certificate, following the completion of modules offering not less than 60 credits at Level 7, will only be available if the relevant modules constitute an approved programme. Approval of a certificate programme, under this regulation, shall be made by the relevant University Board.

7.3

Students on the MSc Nursing programme must pass all modules, no compensation applied, to be awarded an exit qualification of Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma in Care Studies.

7.4

Students enrolled on the MSc Nursing programme who exit with a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma in Care Studies will not be eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

8. Year Two

8.1

Each candidature shall be completed by the successful completion of an additional 60 credits of taught/placement modules and by the presentation of a piece or pieces of directed independent learning or approved equivalent and the approval of such work by the examiners.

8.2

The third semester shall either consist of taught modules offered at Swansea, study periods in lieu of study in Swansea at an approved partner university/institution, or an industrial/practice placement. Students who fail the taught/placement modules will fail the programme. Where a one-year equivalent standard programme exists, a student may, with the approval of the Faculty/School, be permitted to transfer to the standard programme.

8.3

Candidates may begin preparatory work on their piece of Directed Independent Learning or approved equivalent during Year One of the programme but will normally submit during Year Two.

9. Supervision of Directed Independent Learning

9.1

For each candidature, the Faculty/School shall approve one supervisor.

9.2

Candidates shall be supervised in accordance with the Supervision Policy for Postgraduate Taught Master's Students as published in the University’s Code of Practice.

10. Responsibilities of the University

10.1

Proposals to be feasible in terms of the timescale and resources available and to be allocated to supervisors with suitable expertise.

10.2

Supervisors to be allowed sufficient time to discharge their duties, particularly where the cohort is large.

10.3

Research Council guidance to be followed, when appropriate, in respect of facilities to be made available (study space, library, appropriate research environment, etc.).

10.4

Written guidelines to be issued with regard to attendance/engagement, frameworks for meetings and general expectations, in accordance with the Supervision Policy for Postgraduate Taught Master's Students.

10.5

The implementation of all such guidelines to be monitored on a regular basis.

10.6

Where candidates require additional help with language skills, this advice to be provided as a service separate from the duties of the supervisor.

10.7

A mechanism to be in place whereby a candidate is able to request a change of supervisor, and whereby an alternative member of staff is made available should any supervisor be absent for a prolonged period of time.

10.8

The number of candidates allocated to a supervisor to be such that they will have the capacity to fulfil the responsibilities noted in below.

11. Responsibilities of the Supervisor

11.1

Advice and guidance to be provided to the candidate with the aim of facilitating the production of a piece of work of the requisite standard for a Taught Master's degree.

11.2

The proposal to be within the supervisor's field of expertise, the selected topic to be defined in consultation with the candidate and approved by the Faculty/School.

11.3

The proposal to be suitable for completion within the allotted time span.

11.4

A timetable for the submission of work to be agreed in accordance with the University's deadlines.

11.5

A minimum of three meetings to be held in accordance with the Supervision Policy for Postgraduate Taught Master's Students.

11.6

Agree with the student, a record of all such formal meetings, including dates, action agreed and deadlines set. The record shall be maintained by the student and submitted to the Faculty/School on submission of the work.

11.7

Work to be returned according to specified deadlines and accompanied by constructive comment.

11.8

A feedback session will be given to any student who fails and is permitted by the University Progression and Awards Board to resubmit their work.

12. Responsibilities of the Candidate

12.1

The work produced to be first and foremost the candidate's own work, albeit achieved with benefit of advice and guidance from the supervisor.

12.2

Full-time candidates are expected to be in attendance at Swansea unless permission has been granted for study in lieu or a candidate is undertaking a placement at an approved partner institution or industrial/practice placement as part of the programme (please refer to point 1.3 of the Supervision Policy for Postgraduate Taught Master's, Swansea University).

12.3

A timetable for the submission of work to be agreed in accordance with the University's deadlines.

12.4

A minimum of three meetings to be attended in accordance with the Supervision Policy for Postgraduate Taught Master's Students.

12.5

A careful record to be maintained, agreed between supervisor and candidate, of all formal meetings, including dates, action agreed and deadlines set. In accordance with the Supervision Policy for Postgraduate Taught Master's Students, a copy of this record should be submitted to the Faculty/School when the work is submitted.

12.6

Supervisors to be contacted should additional meetings be considered necessary.

12.7

Work to be completed within the agreed framework, with any problems relating to the late (or unsatisfactory) submission, to be brought to the supervisor's attention in writing as soon as possible.

13. Examination of Directed Independent Learning

13.1

For every Postgraduate Taught Masters’ Examining Board there shall be a Chair who shall be responsible for ensuring that the correct administrative procedures for the submission and examination of the work are carried out.

13.2

All work shall be marked by two internal members of staff, one of whom should normally be the supervisor for that particular candidate. However, in certain circumstances it may not be appropriate for the Supervisor to act as marker.

13.3

The role of the External Examiner is specified in Swansea University's Code of Practice for External Examining.

13.4

However, if it is impossible to allocate two internal markers then the Faculty/School should pay an external marker to act in the capacity as the second marker and the External Examiner should be asked to oversee that moderation has occurred.

13.5

Although it is customary for the same external examiner to examine a candidate for modules pursued in Years One and Year Two, an independent examiner may be appointed to examine the work where specialist knowledge or expertise is required.

13.6

Faculties/Schools may opt to use sampling regulations if the cohort is greater than 10. The sampling regulations are as follows:

At least 10% of the total number of pieces of work (minimum of 5) including at least one from each class (Pass, Merit, Distinction, where appropriate). In addition, all failed pieces of work must be sent to the External Examiner.

13.7

The marks shall be ratified at the end of programme Examination Boards (Faculty/School) and University Progression and Awards Board.

13.8

For dealing with disputes or disagreements, see the Code of Practice for External Examining.

14. Submission of Directed Independent Learning or Approved Equivalent

14.1

Directed independent learning must be submitted in accordance with the University’s requirements. Faculties/Schools may choose one of the following options:

To accept an electronic copy of the work;
To accept two soft bound copies and an electronic copy.

Faculties/Schools must inform students of the method of submission in the Faculty/School Handbook.

Each copy shall contain:

A statement that it is being submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree.
A summary of the work not exceeding 300 words in length.
A statement, signed by the candidate, showing to what extent the work submitted is the result of the candidate's own investigation. Acknowledgement of other sources shall be made by footnotes giving explicit references. A full bibliography should be appended to the work.
A declaration, signed by the candidate, to certify that the work has not already been accepted in substance for any degree, and is not being concurrently submitted in candidature for any degree.
A signed statement regarding availability of the work.

14.2

Detailed instructions on the presentation of work shall be available to candidates in the Academic Regulations.

14.3

Submission of directed independent learning shall be defined as submission of a piece or pieces of work submitted in accordance with the requirements specified under submission of directed independent learning (above) and should also meet the requirements (format, word limits, etc.) specified by the Faculty/School. A Faculty/School shall have the discretion to determine whether a submission fails to meet these requirements.

14.4

Dates for submission of the piece of independent directed learning shall be set by the Faculty/School and must be included in the Faculty/School Handbook are:

Two-year programme:

To be determined by the Faculty/School according to the pattern of study, but normally 15 September, 15 December or 15 April.

14.5

Each degree has a maximum period of candidature (as outlined in Regulation 3, above). 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 as given in Regulation 3 above. A candidature shall lapse (and examination be thereby precluded) if the programme is not completed within the University time limits outlined in Regulation 3.

15. Resubmission

15.1

If the work is not accepted by the examiners by the set deadline, the candidate may be allowed to resubmit it once only within the following time limits:

Mode of Study	Entry in or after 09/10
FULL-TIME	3 months (after the official University publication of results)
PART-TIME	6 months (after the official University publication of results)

15.2

A fee shall be payable to the University for the re-examination and the mark will be capped.

15.3

Students resubmitting should be given written feedback on the reasons for failure immediately following confirmation of the result by the University Progression and Awards Board. Faculties/Schools should ensure that feedback reflects all comments from the examiners (internal and external), and that the student is informed of the necessary changes required.

15.4

Students re-submitting are only permitted to make minor changes to the title of their work with the permission of their Supervisor. Such changes should not require any further original research.

15.5

Students resubmitting their work will remain subject to the requirements of the Engagement Monitoring Policy for Research Students and will be expected to be fully engaged with their studies during the resubmission period. Students will be monitored on a four-weekly basis (one formal feedback session followed by welfare check ins, students are not entitled to additional supervision) up until the point of resubmission within the time limit set for full and part time students and will still be subject to the escalation process for reasons of non-engagement. The Faculty/School or Student Compliance Services will assume responsibility for recording student engagement during the resubmission period.

16. Publication of Work

16.1

A candidate shall be at liberty to publish the whole or part of the work produced during their period of registration at the University, 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 piece of directed independent learning submitted for examination.

17. Bar on Access

17.1

Notwithstanding the provisions in the regulations relating to the availability of directed independent learning, the University may be permitted, on a special recommendation approved by candidate's Executive Dean (or nominee), to place a bar on photocopying and/or access to a candidate's work for a period of up to five years. It shall be the responsibility of the candidate's supervisor to make an application to the Executive Dean as soon as is reasonably practicable. This bar would also apply to members of the University.

17.2

The summary and title shall be freely available.

17.3

Any recommendation for a bar on access must be made to the Executive Dean (or nominee) after consideration of an application by a candidate's supervisor. It shall be the responsibility of the supervisor to make the application as soon as is reasonably practicable. The recommendation must include a statement of the grounds on which the request is being made. Most requests of this nature are made on the grounds of the commercial sensitivity of the research, which may have been partially sponsored by a commercial or industrial organisation.

17.4

When a bar on access has been granted, the Candidate's Supervisor will be notified. In the case of work which is deemed to be of relevance to Wales, the Faculty/School shall inform the librarian of the National Library of Wales that the work is to be withheld from access for a specified period.

17.5

Although the bar shall be regarded as operative as soon as the work is submitted, the period approved shall be calculated from the date on which the candidate is formally notified by the University that he/she has qualified for a degree.

17.6

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.

18. Examining Boards

18.1

The following Examining Boards shall meet to assess candidates:

Faculty/School Examination Boards;
University Progression and Awards Board (end of Semester Two and end of Semester Four).

18.2

Further details on the constitution, roles and responsibilities of Examining Boards are contained in the Assessment Regulations for Postgraduate Taught Awards.

19. Disposal of Directed Independent Learning Following Examination

19.1

One copy should be stored by the Faculty/School for not less than two years. Where a student has submitted two soft bound copies the other copy should be made available for collection by the candidate, unless the content is deemed to be relevant to Wales, in which case the copy should be deposited in the University Library.