Postgraduate Diploma of Higher Education

1.1

Postgraduate 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.

2.1

Candidates may qualify for the award of a Postgraduate Diploma upon successful completion of an approved modular programme of study provided on either a full-time or part-time basis. 

2.2

All candidates shall normally be required to pursue the equivalent of 120 credits at level 7. 

2.3

Learning outcomes shall be specified for each Postgraduate Diploma programme.

3.1

A candidate who is admitted to a modular Postgraduate Diploma programme but is subsequently unable to progress to completion may, depending upon the number of credits attained at the time of exit, qualify for the following award: 

3.2

A candidate awarded a Postgraduate Certificate as an exit qualification shall be eligible for the award with Merit/Distinction as follows:

3.3

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.

4.1

The maximum period of candidature for candidates pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma shall be as follows:        

Full-time mode: not more than two years from the start of the programme.        

Part-time mode:  not less than two years and not more than three years from the start of the programme.

The period of candidature for students completing the three year part-time PGDip Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (Health Visiting/School Nursing) or the PGDip Community Health Studies, Specialist Practice Qualification in District Nursing will be four years.

4.2

Within these overall time limits, Faculties/Schools may specify lower time limits for individual programmes of study. 

4.3

The overall time limit may be extended in accordance with the regulations outlined in Section 5.

5.1

The Postgraduate Diploma programmes of study time limits, as set out in the specific regulations Section 4, may be extended, but in exceptional cases only and in accordance with the following criteria:

• Normally, extensions will be granted only on compassionate grounds, or in cases of illness, serious domestic difficulties or exceptional professional commitments which can be demonstrated to have adversely affected the candidate. A full and reasoned case, supported by a work plan, appropriate medical or other independent evidence must be submitted by the Faculty/School, to Education Services, for consideration. Such cases will be processed administratively on behalf of the Student Cases Board.
• In the case of candidates who cite exceptional professional commitments, the request must be accompanied by written confirmation and description by the employer of the exceptional workload borne by the candidate and a statement that the commitments had been unforeseen.
• In cases which arise as a result of illness:
• Satisfactory medical evidence, including a medical certificate, must be supplied. (The extent and nature of the illness as described in the certificate are invaluable in assessing the case.) The University shall respect the confidentiality of any evidence submitted.
• A clear statement must be supplied, showing that the Faculty/School concerned has evaluated the situation in which the candidate finds themselves as a result of the illness and that it considers the requested extension to be appropriate. Such a statement will, wherever possible, follow direct contact between candidate and Faculty/School.

5.2

Applications for extensions must be routed via the Programme Director to Education Services and the case will be considered administratively on behalf of the Student Cases Board.

6.1

The examination for a Postgraduate Diploma shall consist of written examinations and/or continuous assessment. Candidates may be required to undergo a practical examination. 

6.2

Candidates shall be required to complete the Postgraduate Diplomas programme of study in accordance with the regulations for awarding credit for Part One of Standard Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes. 

6.3

The pass mark for a module shall be 50%.

7.1

In order to be eligible for consideration for the award from Swansea University, candidates shall have:

• Pursued an approved programme of study for the period prescribed by the University;
• Pursued a minimum of 120 credits;
• Fulfilled any further condition(s) required by the Faculty/School or University.

7.2

A candidate successfully completing a Postgraduate Diploma shall be eligible for the award of Merit/Distinction as follows:

*Compensation is not allowed for the PGDip Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (Health Visiting/School Nursing) or the PGDip Community Health Studies, Specialist Practice Qualification in District Nursing. All modules are core and students are required to pass all assessment components.