Assessment Regulations for the Integrated PhD (1+3)

The Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated) regulations provide candidates with the opportunity to undertake and complete a Master’s degree and progress to a PhD, receiving two awards: an MSc and a PhD.  

General Assessment Rules for awarding Taught Master’s Degrees (Flexible) within the DTP integrated programme.

Doctoral Element: Submission of Thesis

This section provides links to general information about postgraduate Taught Master’s programmes. For your information and convenience, hyperlinks have been provided to relevant information.

Presentation of Marks

Presentation of Marks for Award        

Progression Decisions

Anonymous Marking

Disclosure of Identity

Disclosure of Results

Provisional Marks

Confirmed Marks

Appeals Against Decisions

Students who fail to qualify to proceed may request that the decision of the Progression and Awards Board be reviewed in accordance with the University’s Appeals and/or Accuracy of Published Marks Procedure.

The following rules and regulations apply to the Master’s element of the programme:

G1      

The Pass mark for modules will be set at 50%. Credits will be awarded to candidates who pass a module (toleration regulations apply).

G2      

Candidates who accumulate 180 credits in total may qualify for the award of a degree. The overall degree classification shall be calculated based on the sum of the credit weighting of each module pursued.

G3      

Decisions on progression for full-time candidates shall normally be taken at the end of each semester of study, which includes a supplementary opportunity period. Award decisions will be taken at the end of the third semester and will be confirmed by the University Progression and Awards Board. For part-time students progression will be confirmed at the end of the year.

G4      

Colleges/Schools may identify ‘core’ modules as appropriate for individual programmes, which must be passed with a mark of at least 50% before a candidate can progress. The ‘core’ modules for each programme must be clearly identified in College/School handbooks or other College/School literature and on the University’s assessment software. Colleges/Schools should note that tolerated failures cannot be awarded for ‘core’ modules. Candidates' performance in ‘core’ modules must be monitored by Colleges/Schools. A module containing the piece/pieces of directed independent learning, by its very nature, shall be regarded as being a ‘core’ module, and a pass mark of 50% will be applied uniformly.

G5      

At the discretion of the Examination Board, full-time candidates who have been unsuccessful in any module may be permitted one further attempt to redeem their failure in each such module, provided that this can be achieved within the time limit for the degree.

G6      

A full-time candidate who has been allowed to complete a substitute module/modules in place of the one that they have failed shall be eligible for the capped mark only and will only be allowed one attempt in which to pass the module (a fee will be charged).

G7      

Candidates, who satisfy the examiners at an attempt to redeem a failure, shall only be eligible for a mark up to the capped threshold of 50% in each such module, irrespective of their actual level of performance. The University Progression and Awards Board shall refer to the capped/best mark in determining the average for award.

G8      

Candidates may, at their second attempt, tolerate in up to 30 credits at the discretion of the Examination Board provided that all of the following conditions are met: 

• The modules in which they have failed have not previously been identified as ‘core’ modules for the particular programmes (see general assessment rule G4).
• The marks in ANY module are not less than 40%.* The credits for such modules shall be referred to as tolerated failures (these shall appear as F grades on the student’s record).
• The module is not contributing to the 60 credits of directed independent learning.
• The modules are second attempts.

        *A mark below 40% in any module means that toleration is not permitted.

Candidates who are eligible for toleration at the first attempt who wish to waive their right to re-sit their failed modules, may with the support of their College/School, submit a request for toleration within 10 days of the official notification of their result. Requests must be signed by the College and submitted to Academic Services for approval.

G9      

Candidates, who fail to redeem a failed module at the second attempt (toleration applies) will be required to withdraw from the University and will not be able to progress to the Doctoral element. Such candidates shall have no further opportunity to complete their programme of study, and shall only be eligible to be considered for an exit qualification. Candidates who are required to withdraw from the University will be given no further attempts to redeem their modules and will not be eligible to transfer credits to another programme of study at Swansea University, and their studies will be terminated. Normally, a candidate with a decision of “Required to withdraw from the University” shall not be re-admitted to that same programme of study, or to a cognate programme, without the approval of the Recruitment and Admissions Committee.

G10    

Candidates who do not attempt to redeem failed modules during the re-sit period will normally be awarded a mark of 0% in such modules, and shall not be given a further opportunity to redeem the failure. However, the best mark principle shall apply where a higher mark is scored. The best mark principle will only apply within an academic session.

G11    

In exceptional circumstances, and in accordance with the University’s Policy on Extenuating Circumstances Affecting Assessment, candidates who fail to redeem their module(s) because of extenuating circumstances or who fail the module at the first opportunity during the re-sit period (i.e. as a deferral) may submit evidence of such circumstances to their College/School for consideration. At the discretion of the University Progression and Awards Board, such candidates may be permitted one further opportunity to re-sit. The reassessment(s) shall normally take place at the next assessment(s) point for the modules concerned in the next academic year.

G12    

A candidate following the integrated PhD (1+3) may be permitted to submit work which has previously been assessed as part of the Master’s element (either whole, in part or modified) again for the Doctoral element, where there is a clear and proven link between the assessment. 

G13    

Candidates shall not be allowed to elect to repeat any module which has been passed, or to redeem a failure which has been tolerated in order to improve their performance. 

G14    

A candidate who is absent for the whole or part of a written examination (or who fails to submit set projects or coursework by the required date(s)) will be deemed to have failed the module(s) in question. In the case of candidates who are unable to attend examinations due to extenuating circumstances, a claim for deferral must be submitted to the Home College/School either in advance of the examination date or within five working days of the examination taking place. Applications for deferrals must be signed by the relevant College and submitted to Academic Services for approval. Candidates granted deferrals will be required to sit the examinations at the next scheduled examination point for the module(s) concerned. 

G15    

Candidates, who achieve an overall average mark of not less than 60% and not more than 69.99% for the whole programme, shall be eligible for the award of a Master’s degree with merit.

G16    

Candidates, who achieve an overall average mark of not less than 70% for the whole programme, shall be eligible for the award of a Master’s degree with distinction.   

G17    

Candidates must complete the Master’s element of the programme to be eligible to formally progress to the Doctoral element. Candidates will be permitted to provisionally enrol on the Doctoral element pending completion of the Master’s element. Candidates who progress provisionally and subsequently fail the Master’s element will be withdrawn from the PhD programme. 

Candidates who are redeeming failures by substituting modules will be under close scrutiny by their College(s)/School(s).

G18    

The rules outlined in the Specific Rules will normally influence the Semester Boards in arriving at a progression decision for candidates. However, candidates must not expect as of right that they will be allowed to sit supplementary examinations, or be allowed to continue. The Board may take into account other circumstances relating to the candidate’s case before taking any progression decision. 

G19    

Colleges/Schools which are subject to professional accreditation can apply stricter progression rules provided that the applications of such rules are required by the Professional Accreditation Body as a condition for accreditation of the programme. The stricter rule shall be applied for accreditation purposes only. Students should be notified in College/School Handbooks of any additional requirements.

G20    

Candidates who do not complete the programme and/or withdraw from the University may, depending on the number of credits accumulated, be entitled to an exit qualification. 

G21   

Exit qualifications awarded to students with tolerated failures should be named.

G22    

Candidates exiting with a Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma shall be eligible for the appropriate award “with Merit” where he/she has passed the requisite number of taught credits and has attained an overall average mark of not less than 60% and not more than 69.99% for the award in question.

G23    

Candidates exiting with a Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma shall be eligible for the appropriate award “with Distinction” where he/she pursued the requisite number of taught credits and has attained an overall mark of 70% for the award in question.

G24    

Progression rules do not apply to Exchange and Visiting students. However, such students shall be given an opportunity to redeem failures, normally through re-sit examinations, but in certain circumstances through alternative methods of assessment agreed by the College.

G25    

Candidates who fail to submit their piece/pieces of directed independent learning by the deadline will be required to withdraw from the University and may be eligible for an exit award. No resubmission will be given.

G26    

Candidates who submit their piece/pieces of directed independent learning by the deadline and who fail to obtain a pass mark may be permitted to resubmit in accordance with the appropriate time-limit. Resubmission will be capped at 50%

*where the directed independent learning is divided into modules totalling less than 60 credits, Colleges may impose shorter resubmission periods. This should be made clear to students in the College handbook.

G27

Candidates who are unable to meet their submission deadline may apply for an extension to their submission deadline in accordance with the University’s regulations, within the defined candidature constraints of the programme.

G28    

The University reserves the right to charge a re-examination fee in respect of the re-submission.

S1      

Candidates who pass all specified module components/modules shall be allowed to continue with their studies.

S2      

Candidates who fail a module may be awarded a re-sit or supplementary assessment. Candidates who chose not to re-sit shall be awarded a mark of 0%. 

S3      

The marks of candidates who have redeemed any failed component(s) shall be capped at 50%.

S1      

Candidates who pass all specified module components/modules shall be allowed to continue with their studies.

S2      

Candidates who fail any module at the second attempt will be required to withdraw from the University (toleration applies). Such candidates may be considered for an exit award.

S3      

All candidates who are required to withdraw from the University have the right of appeal in accordance with the University’s Accuracy of Published Marks and/or Appeals Procedure.

S1      

The pass-mark shall be 50%.

S2      

Candidates may, at their second attempt, tolerate in up to 30 credits at the discretion of the Examination Board provided that all of the    following conditions are met:

• The modules in which they have failed have not previously been identified as ‘core modules’ for the particular programmes (see general assessment rule G4).
• The marks in ANY module are not less than 40%.* The credits for such modules shall be referred to as tolerated failures (these shall appear as F grades on the student’s record).
• The module is not contributing to the 60 credits of directed independent learning.
• The modules are second attempts.

*    A mark below 40% in any module means that toleration is not permitted.

S3      

Candidates who fail a module at the first attempt may be awarded a re-sit or supplementary assessment. Candidates who chose not to re-sit shall be awarded a mark of 0%.

S4      

The marks of candidates who have redeemed any failed component(s) shall be capped at 50%.

S5      

Candidates who fail any module at the second attempt will be required to withdraw from the University (toleration applies). Such candidates may be considered for an exit award. 

S6      

All candidates who are required to withdraw from the University have the right of appeal in accordance with the University’s Accuracy of Published Marks and/or Appeals Procedure.

S7      

Candidates submitting their directed independent learning shall be governed by the assessment regulations S7-S10 under the section below “Rules for awarding credit at the end of the programme”.

Specific Rules for awarding credit at the end of the Master’s element

S1      

The Pass mark shall be 50%.

S2      

Candidates who accumulate 180 credits may qualify for the award of a degree. The overall degree classification shall be calculated based on the sum of the credit weighting of each module pursued.

S3      

Candidates who achieve an overall average mark of not less than 60-69.99% for the whole programme shall be eligible for the award of a Master’s degree with merit.

S4      

Candidates who achieve an overall average mark of 70% or more for the whole programme shall be eligible for the award of a Master’s degree with distinction.

S5      

Candidates may, at their second attempt, tolerate in up to 30 credits at the discretion of the Examination Board provided that all of the following conditions are met:

• The modules in which they have failed have not previously been identified as ‘core’ modules for the particular programmes (see general assessment rule G4).
• The marks in ANY module are not less than 40%.* The credits for such modules shall be referred to as tolerated failures (these shall appear as F grades on the student’s record).
• The module is not contributing to the 60 credits of directed independent learning.
• The modules are second attempts.

      *    A mark below 40% in any module means that toleration is not permitted.

S6      

Candidates who do not meet the requirements of S2 will fail to qualify for the award. At the discretion of the Examination Board, the candidate will normally be required to sit supplementary examinations or assessments in all failed first attempts at a module for a capped mark of 50%. Students who choose not to re-sit a failed module will be awarded a mark of 0%.

S7      

Candidates who fail to submit their directed independent learning or approved equivalent by the deadline will be required to withdraw from the University and may eligible for an exit award. No resubmission will be permitted.

S8

Candidates who fail the directed independent learning or approved equivalent and who are permitted to resubmit will be subject to the following periods of time in which to resubmit. Resubmission will be capped at 50%.

*where the directed independent learning is divided into modules totalling less than 60 credits, Colleges may impose shorter resubmission periods. This should be made clear to students in the College handbook.

S9      

It is recognised that some candidates may fail both the directed independent learning and the taught modules at the first attempt. Such candidates will be offered one resubmission opportunity for the directed independent learning (in accordance with the regulations above) and one opportunity to re-sit failed taught/placement modules.

S10    

Candidates who fail at the second attempt will be required to withdraw from the University. Such candidates may be considered for an appropriate exit award, subject to Professional Body requirements.

*Programmes may adopt stricter toleration regulations due to Professional Body/Sponsorship Body requirements.

S11    

All candidates who are required to withdraw from the University have the right of appeal in accordance with the University’s Accuracy of Published Marks and/or Appeals Procedure.

S1      

The Pass mark shall be 50%.

S2      

Candidates who accumulate 180 credits may qualify for the award of a degree. The overall degree classification shall be calculated based on the sum of the credit weighting of each module pursued.

S3      

Candidates who achieve an overall average mark of not less than 60-69.99 % for the whole programme shall be eligible for the award of a Master’s degree with merit.

S4      

Candidates who achieve an overall average mark of 70% or more for the whole programme shall be eligible for the award of a Master’s degree with distinction.

S5      

Candidates may, at their second attempt, tolerate in up to 30 credits at the discretion of the Examination Board provided that all of the following conditions are met:

• The modules in which they have failed have not previously been identified as ‘core’ modules for the particular programmes (see general assessment rule G4).
• The marks in ANY module are not less than 40%.* The credits for such modules shall be referred to as tolerated failures (these shall appear as F grades on the student’s record).
• The module is not contributing to the 60 credits of directed independent learning.
• The modules are second attempts.

       *    A mark below 40% in any module means that toleration is not permitted.

S6      

Candidates who fail any module at the second attempt (toleration applies) will be required to withdraw from the University. Such candidates may be considered for an appropriate exit award, subject to Professional Body requirements.

*Programmes may adopt stricter toleration regulations due to  Professional Body/Sponsorship Body requirements.

S7      

In exceptional circumstances, and in accordance with the University’s Policy on Extenuating Circumstances Affecting Assessment, candidates who fail to redeem their module(s) during the re-sit period because of extenuating circumstances or who fail the module at the first opportunity during the re-sit period (i.e. as a deferral) may submit evidence of such circumstances to their College for consideration. At the discretion of the University Progression and Awards Board, such candidates may be permitted one further opportunity to re-sit. The reassessment(s) shall normally take place at the next assessment(s) point for the modules concerned in the next academic year. 

S8      

All candidates who are required to withdraw from the University have the right of appeal in accordance with the University’s Accuracy of Published Marks and/or Appeals Procedure.