What is the University doing to support my studies through the pandemic?
The University is aware that students are currently working in extremely challenging conditions. In response to the ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic and changes to Welsh (and UK) Government Policy, the University is continuing to work with students to ensure the provision of appropriate support and to protect their outcomes.
In order to support you, the University, in partnership with elected officers of the Students’ Union, has developed a range of approaches that together form a No Detriment Framework designed to prevent an impact on student performance, mitigate the effects of any impact and to make adjustments where appropriate.
These approaches, along with continued enhancement of online learning and study environments, and the revised Extenuating Circumstances Policy, are already in place and now form the cornerstone of the University’s No Detriment Framework.
What is the No Detriment Framework?
The No Detriment Framework is a range of actions that will be used for all taught students according to their circumstances, in order to provide support and protection while also maintaining the rigour, value and high national and international standing of your Swansea University degree, as well as meeting the standards expected by external regulatory bodies. The Framework includes:
• the operation of a flexible Extenuating Circumstances Policy;
• assessments that have been designed to reflect the move to mainly on-line learning;
• the option to re-sit tolerated failures;
• the review and possible adjustment of module marks;
• and for final year students (with the exception of some students pursuing programmes that are subject to the requirements of Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies) the inclusion of the previous Safety Net for your 2019/20 average to be used in the determination of your classification.
The University Progression and Award Board will also review and consider every student’s performance in accordance with the assessment regulations.
Why is the Safety Net Policy from 2019-20 not being replicated?
It is not possible to replicate the Safety Net that was used in 2019-20 as this approach ensured student outcomes were protected based on an average of mark of modules unaffected by Covid-19. In 20/21, the entire academic year has been affected by the pandemic so this is not possible.
What is module comparison/adjustments and how will it affect my profile?
The University Progression and Award Board will review students’ performance at module level and compare performance with performance on the same module over 5 years (where data is available), to ensure there is comparability.
Will my overall module mark go down as a result of the module comparison/adjustment?
No, the No Detriment process will not adjust marks downwards.
When will I know about the outcome of module comparison/appropriate adjustments?
Provisional adjustments will be made following the teaching block 1 assessment period. All marks are provisional until they are confirmed by the end of year Progression and Award Board. Students will be provided with confirmed marks following the relevant Progression and Award Board.
Will the No Detriment Framework affect the quality of my degree?
No. The University has designed the Framework with reference to the requirements of all relevant external organisations with oversight of University Degrees.
I am studying for a professional degree (e.g. Medicine, Nursing, Physician's Associates), do these adjustments apply to me?
Due to Professional Body requirements and the structure of these programmes Schools/Colleges have put in place different measures of support. If you are pursuing a professional programme your School/ College will contact you directly with the specific information.
What changes have been made to the Extenuating Circumstances policy for 20-21 to support me?
During the current period, the University is operating a more flexible Extenuating Circumstances Policy, to support students who are having difficulties preparing for/undertaking assessments.
Please read this updated guidance and the attached Frequently Asked Questions. If you have any queries, please contact your School/College directly or Student Academic Services: assessmentawards@swansea.ac.uk
If you struggle to meet any deadlines or prepare for/complete assignments, please complete an Extenuating Circumstances application form (available through Canvas and/or your School/College). If your College/School supports your application, the most likely outcome is that you will be offered an assessment deferral or an extension.
What if I want to query my marks?
If you believe that a mistake has been made in calculating your module mark e.g. a mark for an assessment component has not been included, you may submit a request to your School/College for a particular mark be checked.
Full procedures are available on the University's Accuracy of Published Marks policy.
This process is not intended to be a process for challenging the academic judgement of the marker and will simply confirm that your mark has been calculated correctly.
Can I appeal the overall outcome of my award if I am unhappy with it?
Appeals must be made on one of the grounds identified in the University procedures, available on the University's Academic Appeals policy.
The University operates a strict filtering process and appeals not based on the grounds listed in the procedures or that are not supported by evidence, will be rejected e.g. if you have not disclosed information to your School/College prior to the meeting of the Progression and Awards Board.
If I was on an Industry Placement or Study Abroad Placement last academic year (19/20), will my degree classification be affected?
No, your degree classification will not be affected due to the following safety-net measures, which were put in place for students on an Industry Placement/Year Abroad last year (19/20):
• Students may complete any outstanding or, where appropriate, alternative assessment methods.
• Students will be eligible for consideration through the Revised Extenuating Circumstances Policy.
• Results from an interrupted Study Abroad or Industrial Placement will be discounted if they do not contribute positively to the final degree classification, unless the module is defined as core.
• Students may be able to defer their study or work placement to the following year when restrictions are lifted, even if this would normally be following completion of studies.
• Students who are on a 4 (or 5) year programme with a Year Abroad or in Industry, may transfer to a 3 (or 4) year version of the programme without the Year in Industry or Year Abroad in order to complete their studies with limited disruption.
If I am on an Industry Placement or Study Abroad Placement this academic year (2021), how does the No Detriment Framework support me?
The No Detriment Framework will support current Industry Placement/Study Abroad students with the following range of actions:
• The operation of a flexible Extenuating Circumstances Policy.
• The review and possible adjustment of module marks.
• Students may complete any outstanding or, where appropriate, alternative assessment methods.
• Results from an interrupted Study Abroad or Industrial Placement will be discounted if they do not contribute positively to the final degree classification, unless the module is defined as core.
• Students may be able to defer their study or work placement to the following year, even if this would normally be following completion of studies.
• Students who are on a 4 (or 5) year programme with a Year Abroad or in Industry, may transfer to a 3 (or 4) year version of the programme without the Year in Industry or Year Abroad in order to complete their studies with limited disruption.