MBBCh Programme Regulations

1.1      

Candidates may qualify for the award of Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MB BCh) from the University under these regulations upon successful completion of the programme of study.

1.2        

The degree shall be awarded to candidates who meet the requirements as set out in the General Medical Council's Promoting Excellence: standards for medical education and training and Outcomes for Graduates document, the University’s assessment regulations and 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.

1.3        

The MB BCh degree in medicine comprises an integrated programme of study and professional practice spanning several levels of study. The final outcomes of the qualification meet the expectations of the Quality Assurance Agency UK Quality Code for Higher Education and the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications descriptor for a qualification at level 7. However, in accordance with practice in the UK, the qualification retains the title of a Bachelor’s degree.

1.4        

All candidates must enrol as students of Swansea University and pay the appropriate fees prescribed by the University.

1.5        

Full-time candidates registered on an undergraduate initial degree may not concurrently be enrolled on another degree programme leading to the award of a qualification of this nature in this or another university/institution without the express permission of the Chair of the Academic Regulations and Cases Board.

1.6        

The candidature of students found to be in breach of Regulation 1.5 shall normally be cancelled with immediate effect.

1.7        

All candidates shall be expected to enrol during the enrolment period as prescribed by Swansea University Medical School. Late enrolment will normally not be permitted.

1.8        

However, candidates who are unable to enrol as per paragraph 1.7 shall be referred to the Programme Director or designate for approval.

1.9      

As enrolled students, candidates must comply with the University’s academic and general regulations.

2.1        

The dates of the academic year for the MB BCh Medicine Programme shall be set and published by Swansea University Medical School on an annual basis.

2.2      

There shall also be a supplementary examination period which shall, wherever possible, coincide with the University’s supplementary examination period.

3.1         

Candidates are admitted to the programme of study in accordance with the specific programme requirements and the general University regulations governing matriculation. A candidate for the MB BCh Medicine award must hold one of the following qualifications prior to commencement of study:

• An initial Bachelors degree of a 2(i) or first class honours standing from a UK University;
• An initial degree of a recognised European or overseas University already approved or subsequently by UK ENIC.

3.2        

Prior to admission to the programme of study, Swansea University Medical School must ensure that a candidate can communicate effectively in English, in both speech and writing. TOEFL or IELTS tests (or the equivalent) are applicable and guidance can be obtained from the Admissions Office as regards the pass level appropriate to the programme of study that may be necessary to allow a candidate to proceed with their studies.

3.3        

Applicants shall also be required to satisfy the minimum requirements as stipulated by the General Medical Council which shall include a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and a health check. Swansea University Medical School may give further consideration to applicants, on an ad hoc basis, who are unable to meet the minimum requirements in accordance with the published Faculty/School procedures.

3.4        

Candidates shall be required to become members of a medical defence organisation or other organisations deemed appropriate by the Programme Director.

3.5      

Candidates shall be required to familiarise themselves with guidelines on behaviour, as published by the General Medical Council, and respect that guidance.

4.1        

The University expects all candidates to enrol in order to be recognised as a student of the University. All candidates shall enrol in accordance with the enrolment instructions for the particular programme of study and within the prescribed enrolment period.

4.2        

Candidates are required to enrol within the prescribed enrolment period:

• If enrolling for the first time with the University;
• If enrolling for the first time on a particular programme of study;
• If progressing to the next level of study, the next year of study or in some cases, the next part of study and attending on a full-time or part-time basis;
• If the University is expecting a fee to be paid in accordance with the University’s regulations governing student finance and fees.

4.3        

In order to enrol with the 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.

4.4      

Failure to enrol within a prescribed enrolment period will result in candidature lapsing and withdrawal of the candidate from the University. Requests for the reinstatement of the candidature and permission to enrol late shall be considered administratively on behalf of the Academic Regulations and Cases Board.

 4.5        

The University shall notify the relevant authorities, within a prescribed period in accordance with United Kingdom laws governing study in the UK, of students who have been withdrawn for failure to enrol on a programme of study within the prescribed enrolment period.

4.6        

By enrolling, students accept that they will be expected to abide by the Medical School’s guidelines on professional conduct, as published in the programme handbook.

4.7        

As enrolled students, candidates will be required to participate in the Faculty/School’s vaccination programme.

5.1        

Candidates shall attend on a full-time basis only, normally pursuing 150 credits a year.

6.1        

The programme shall be of four year’s duration. Candidates shall be required to pursue 150 credits or the accepted equivalent each academic year and accumulate a total of 600 credits in order to qualify for the award.

6.2      

In recognition of the special nature of the programme, the different levels of study shall be referred to as years 1, 2, 3 and 4.

7.1       

A module is a discrete educational component of a programme. This programme shall consist of modules of 50 credit points.

• each module is assigned a unique reference number;
• each module is assigned to a level of study which reflects the academic standard of a module and its learning outcomes;
• each module shall also be assigned European Credit Transfer System Credits (5 ECTS credits is approximately equivalent to 10 Swansea University credits);

7.2      

Modules shall be grouped into the following categories: Doctor as a Practitioner, Doctor as a Professional and Doctor as a Scholar and Scientist.

8.1      

All modules for this programme shall be considered core. Core modules must not only be pursued but also passed before a student can proceed to the next year of study or qualify for an award. Failures in core modules must be redeemed.

9.1      

All modules for this programme shall be considered compulsory modules.

10.1   

Candidates shall not be permitted to pursue modules which are not a requirement of the programme of study in addition to the full-time credit load of 150 credits.

11.1      

The mode of attendance for this programme shall be full-time only. Full-time candidates shall be expected to pursue 150 credit points in one academic year.

11.2      

Pattern of attendance shall include periods of learning weeks, clinical placements and elective placements.

12.1      

A School handbook, or the equivalent, shall be available for each candidate at or before the commencement of studies.

13.1   

Candidates pursuing the MB BCh Medicine programme shall not be permitted to transfer programmes of study.

14.1   

Because all modules are considered core, transfer of modules shall not be permitted.

15.1      

In addition to clinical placements, candidates shall be expected to attend an elective placement, normally in the final year of study.

15.2   

This elective placement shall be conducted in accordance with the QAA Quality Code for Advice and Guidance on Work Based Learning and University’s guidelines as published in the University's Code of Practice for Quality Assurance.

16.1      

The University expects students to adhere to the engagement requirements as outlined in the Statement on Engagement. 

16.2      

Candidates shall be expected to demonstrate the highest standards of behaviour and professional conduct throughout the programme.

16.3      

Candidates whose academic performance, engagement, professional conduct or quality of work is assessed as unsatisfactory may be required to withdraw from the programme.

17.1      

Students shall be expected to behave in accordance with the standards of the medical profession as outlined in:

• the GMC document Good Medical Practice;
• the GMC’s guidance on professional behaviour and Fitness to Practise; and 
• the GMC's Promoting Excellence: standards for medical education and training and Outcomes for Graduates.

17.2      

“Professionalism” shall be formally assessed by the Medical School. A candidate’s ability to achieve the requisite elements of professionalism shall contribute to the academic assessment of the student on placement – namely whether they pass or fail the placement.

17.3      

Unacceptable behaviour refers to general behaviours exhibited by a candidate which do not meet the standards set by the GMC or the expectations of the Medical School, and shall be dealt with by the Faculty/School in accordance with its Policy for dealing with student concerns including possible impairment of fitness to practise.

17.4   

Failure to rectify behaviour or serious incidences of unacceptable behaviour shall result in a case being referred to the University under the Fitness to Practise Regulations.

18.1      

Candidates whose work is interrupted by circumstances for more than seven days shall be required to inform the Medical School and to submit a medical certificate.

18.2      

A candidate who has been absent from an examination shall be required to inform the Medical School without delay. In the case of illness, the candidate shall also be required to submit a medical certificate. The Medical School operates a “Fit to Sit” policy in relation to assessment for this programme. Details shall be published in the programme handbook.

18.3      

All candidates shall note that it is their responsibility to make the Medical School aware as soon as possible of any extenuating circumstances which could affect their performance either during the academic year or during examinations. Academic appeals based on extenuating circumstances which could have been brought to the attention of the School prior to the meeting of examining boards shall not be considered.

18.4      

Candidates may request a short period of absence from study. Such authorised absences shall be approved by the Faculty.

19.1      

Suspension of studies shall be considered in accordance with the Swansea University Suspension of Studies regulations.

20.1      

The Medical School shall set deadlines for the submission of work. Candidates who fail to submit work by the deadline shall be subject to the School’s penalty for the late submission of work. Candidates should refer to the Faculty Student Information Guide for the penalty in force.

20.2      

It shall be presumed that, unless the Medical School have received details of extenuating circumstances and a request for an extension/late penalty waiver, that the student was not unduly affected in the preparation of the assessment in question.

21.1      

The minimum and maximum periods of candidature shall be as follows:

• Minimum 4 years;
• Maximum 6 years.

22.1      

The degree programme time limits, as set out in the specific regulations, 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 serious illness and serious domestic difficulties which can be demonstrated to have adversely affected the candidate. A full and reasoned case, supported by appropriate medical or other independent evidence, must be made by the Medical School for consideration by the University.    
• In cases which arise as a result of illness:

1. 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.)
2. a clear statement must be supplied, showing that the School has evaluated the situation in which the candidate finds themself 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 the School.

22.2      

Applications for extensions must be routed via the Medical School’s Progress and Professionalism Committee to Academic Services, and shall be approved administratively on behalf of the Academic Regulations and Cases Board.

23.1      

It shall be the candidate’s responsibility to inform the Medical School of any disability or of any extenuating circumstances which might require special provision for assessment. Candidates shall be required to produce appropriate documentation in support. All requests, whether resulting from long-term disability or short-term circumstances, shall be set out on the appropriate form and supported, where possible, by written evidence.

23.2      

Further details and guidelines on special examination arrangements shall be found in the document Guidelines for Faculties/Schools for Dealing with Students with Extenuating Circumstances and/or Special Needs.

23.3      

Swansea University Medical School operates a “Fit to Sit” policy in relation to assessment. A candidate who attends and completes any assessment will be presumed to be fit to take the assessment and evidence of extenuating circumstances produced afterwards in respect of circumstances existing before the assessment will not be accepted or considered by the Examination Board. Full details of this policy shall be published in the programme handbook.

23.4      

The University shall presume that, unless the Medical School receives details of extenuating circumstances, the student had not been unduly affected by circumstances prior to or during the assessment in question.

24.1   

Normally the transfer of credit shall not be permitted. Candidates shall be expected to study the entire programme at Swansea University.

25.1      

All examinations shall be conducted under the jurisdiction of the University’s regulations governing examinations and assessment.

25.2      

External Examiners shall be nominated and appointed in accordance with the procedures detailed in the Swansea University’s Code of Practice for External Examiners.

26.1      

The progress of a candidate shall normally be assessed either during the course of a module and/or in the period immediately following its completion.

26.2      

Candidates shall be required to complete the programme of study in accordance with the regulations for awarding credit as published by the Medical School.

26.3      

The pass mark for all assessment components shall be determined by a standard setting process, the details of which shall be outlined in the scheme of assessment. 

27.1   

A candidate who is admitted to the programme may be eligible for an exit qualification provided that they:

• Have accumulated the minimum credit required for the award;

or

• Have satisfied the academic requirements of the programme but has failed to achieve the required standard of professional conduct.

Such candidates shall be eligible, depending on the number of credits accumulated, on the recommendation of the appropriate Examining Board, for the award:

• Diploma of Higher Education in Medical Science (200 credits);
• Bachelor of Science (Ordinary) in Medical Sciences (300 credits).

28.1      

In order to be eligible for consideration for an undergraduate award of the University, candidates shall attend and complete modules within the maximum period of registration.

29.1      

To be eligible for consideration for the award of the MB BCh Medicine under these Regulations, a candidate shall:

• have pursued the approved modular programme of study for the period prescribed by the University;
• have attained 600 credits as specified by the University;
• have satisfied the examiners in all areas including professional conduct;
• have fulfilled any further condition(s) required by the University.

29.2   

Candidates shall be eligible for a Pass degree, a Pass with Commendation or a Pass with Honours in accordance with the assessment regulations.

30.1      

Academic appeals shall be conducted in accordance with Swansea University’s Accuracy of Published Marks and Academic Appeals procedures.

31.1   

Allegations of unfair practice shall be considered in accordance with Swansea University’s Academic Misconduct procedures.

32.1   

Allegations that a student is not 'fit to practise' shall be considered in accordance with Swansea University Medical School’s Policy for dealing with student concerns including possible impairment of fitness to practise, which may include referral to the Swansea University Fitness to Practise procedures.

33.1

Candidates pursuing the MBBCh shall not be eligible for award of an Aegrotat degree. However, candidates may be eligible for the consideration of the exit award.

34.1      

Candidates pursuing the MB BCh Medicine programme shall not be eligible for the award of a posthumous degree. However, candidates may be eligible for the consideration of the exit award.

G1

These regulations apply to the graduate entry Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCh).

G2

In order to proceed from one year to another a candidate must accumulate 150 credits.  

G3

Each module within the programme may have several assessment components. A candidate’s performance in a component may be determined by a mark or by a simple pass/fail. The percentage mark for assessment components shall be determined by a standard setting process, the details of which shall be outlined in the scheme of assessment.

Candidates must achieve the percentage pass mark or better or a “pass” in every assessment component in order to be awarded the credits for the module. Candidates who fail any assessment component will be deemed to have failed the module irrespective of the overall average and credit shall not be awarded.

G4

All modules associated with the MBBCh graduate entry programme are considered “core” and must be passed before a candidate can progress from one year to another.

G5

In addition, candidates must meet the required standard of professional conduct as outlined in the GMC document “Outcomes for Graduates”.

G6

Candidates must satisfy the engagement and assessment requirements of all modules. Engagement will be monitored in accordance with the University’s Engagement Monitoring Policy for Taught Students.

G7

Candidates who have qualified to proceed from one year of study to another, shall not be allowed to elect to repeat any module or assessment component which has already been passed in order to improve their performance.

G8

Candidates who are permitted supplementary examinations or required to undertake supplementary work, provided they satisfy the examiners, shall be awarded a mark capped at the pass mark in the individual assessment component.  

G9

Candidates who are required to submit supplementary coursework shall be informed by the School of the coursework required.

G10

Candidates shall normally be expected to complete a year of study within one academic session.

G11

Candidates who fail to proceed to the next year of study after the supplementary assessment period may, at the discretion of the University Progression and Awards Board, be permitted to repeat the year of study provided the repeat year of study can be completed within the maximum candidature period. Such candidates shall be required to forfeit any credit and award points already gained and no further reference can be made to these. Candidates will be expected to repeat the entire year of study as an internal candidate and the marks achieved for the first assessment sitting of the repeat year will not be capped.

G12

Candidates shall be awarded an academic decision of “Repeat the Year of Study” on one occasion only during the candidature period. Candidates who are unsuccessful in any subsequent years of study shall normally be deemed to have failed the programme and will be required to cease studies at the University. Such candidates may be eligible for an exit award.

G13

Candidates who are repeating the year shall be under close scrutiny.

G14

The Medical School operates a “Fit to Sit” policy in relation to assessment. A candidate who attends and completes any assessment will be presumed to be fit to take the assessment and evidence of extenuating circumstances produced afterwards in respect of circumstances existing before the assessment will not be accepted or considered by the Examination Board. Full details of this policy shall be published for students.

G15

It is recognised that some candidates will not be able to attend examinations e.g. due to illness or other extenuating circumstances. It is therefore recognised that such students should be allowed to defer the opportunity and undertake assessment where the result is uncapped, normally during the supplementary assessment period. Due to time constraints, candidates, who are awarded a deferred attempt during the supplementary assessment period and are unsuccessful in that attempt, will not be provided with any further opportunity to redeem the failure. Such candidates will be required to repeat the year of study during the following academic session.

G16

Candidates should notify the School of their extenuating circumstances and submit a request to defer an assessment prior to the date of the assessment. Applications to defer an assessment shall be considered in accordance with the Policy on Extenuating Circumstances. If a candidate submits a request for a deferred assessment but subsequently undertakes the assessment, the candidate will have five working days from the date of the assessment to notify the School of their wish to withdraw the deferral and request that the assessment be marked.

G17

Candidates who fail to undertake the deferred assessment during the supplementary assessment period in August may be permitted to repeat the year provided the candidate has not previously repeated a year (see G12).

G18

The rules outlined in the Specific Progression Rules will normally influence the University Progression and Awards Board in arriving at decisions for candidates. However, candidates must not expect, as of right, that they will be allowed to undertake supplementary assessment or allowed to repeat the year of study. The Progression and Awards Board may take into account other circumstances relating to the candidate’s case before taking any progression decision The Progression and Awards Board would not be expected to allow a candidate to progress to the next year or qualify for an award unless he/she had satisfied the minimum criteria.

G19

A candidate who is admitted to the programme may be eligible for an exit qualification provided that they:

• Have accumulated the minimum credit required for the award;

or

• Have satisfied the academic requirements of the programme but has failed to achieve the required standard of professional conduct.

Such candidates shall be eligible, depending on the number of credits accumulated, on the recommendation of the appropriate Examining Board, for the award:

Diploma of Higher Education in Medical Science (200 credits)

Bachelor of Science (Ordinary) in Medical Sciences (300 credits)

Qualifying for an Award

Although a candidate may have qualified for the award, having passed all assessments, there may be instances where an examiner has highlighted an issue about an element(s) of a student’s competency in a particular practical or professional area which is not so severe as to impact on the academic outcome but does require further consideration. Examiners may highlight such issues by giving the student a “yellow card” during the practical examination or by referring to the issue in the examination report.

These cases will be referred to the School Examination Board for consideration on a case by case basis. The School Examination Board may take no further action or require that further or additional training be undertaken before making a recommendation on the award of the degree. In such cases where further or additional training is required, candidates shall be awarded a decision of “Supplementary”. Training will be provided during or prior to the supplementary examination period to ensure that the results of students can be reconsidered prior to graduation. Failure to attend and participate in the training will result in a student failing to qualify for the award.

Rules to be applied during the first University Progression and Awards Board for all years of study

S1

Candidates who accumulate 150 credits in modules at the end of the academic year and demonstrate a satisfactory standard of professional conduct automatically qualify to proceed to the next year of study.

S2

Candidates who accumulate fewer than 150 credits (by failing up to three modules), will fail to qualify to proceed to the next year. At the discretion of the Examination Board such candidates will normally be granted supplementary assessments in the failed modules. Students will be expected to re-sit all failed components for the failed modules plus resubmit any failed coursework as required. Some aspects of modules cannot be remediated by supplementary assessment. These assessments will be highlighted in the Handbook.

S3

Candidates who are awarded a ‘deferred’ assessment for any component will be expected to sit that particular component during the supplementary assessment period.

Rules to be applied during the supplementary University Progression and Awards Board for all years of study

S5

Candidates who accumulate 150 credits in modules at the appropriate year and demonstrate a satisfactory standard of professional conduct automatically qualify to proceed to the next year of study.

S6

Candidates in the final year of study who accumulate 150 credits in modules who have been required to undertake further or additional training (see 'Qualifying for an Award') and fail to do so will fail to qualify for the award. At the discretion of the Examination Board, such candidates may be required to repeat the year of study as an internal candidate provided that the candidate has not previously repeated a year of study. Any candidate who fails to participate in the required training and has already repeated a year of study will be deemed to have failed the degree.

S7

Candidates, including those who had been awarded a ‘deferred assessment opportunity, who accumulate less than 150 credits will fail to qualify to proceed to the next year of study. At the discretion of the Examination Board, such candidates will normally be required to repeat the year of study as an internal candidate provided that the candidate has not previously repeated a year of study (see G12).

S8

Any candidate who has previously repeated a year of study and fails to acquire sufficient credit to progress to the next year of study will be deemed to have failed the degree and will be required to cease studies at the University. Such a candidate may be eligible for an exit award.

Eligibility for Pass, Pass with Merit or Pass with Honours

S9

At the end of each module, a student’s grade will be determined by a weighting of each assessment component contributing to the module mark as outlined in the scheme of assessment. Assessment components that are deemed as Pass/Fail will not be counted towards the calculation of award points.

S10

Module grades shall be awarded according to the following:

• All assessment components passed – Pass
• All assessment components passed and the mean is between the 50^th and 80^th percentile – Pass with Merit
• All assessment components passed and the mean is greater than the 80^th percentile – Pass with Distinction

S11

A final award shall be calculated at the end of the programme based on the number of merits and distinctions accumulated, with a merit counting as 1 award point and a distinction counting as 2 award points. Awards shall be made according to the following:

• 7 or fewer points – Pass
• 8 to 12 points – Pass with Commendation
• 13 or more points – Pass with Honours