MPharm and MPharm with a Preparatory (Foundation) Year

1.1

Candidates may qualify for the award of Master’s in Pharmacy (MPharm) from Swansea 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 programme assessment regulations (Section 25) which are aligned to the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)'s standards for pharmacy education and training and who have demonstrated the following:

• 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 pharmacy and 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 Pharmacy;
- 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 (CPD).

1.3

The course comprises integrated programmes of study and professional practice spanning several levels of study (levels 4 – 7 for the MPharm programme and 3 – 7 for the MPharm with a Preparatory (Foundation) Year programme). The final outcomes of the qualification meet the expectations of the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) UK Quality Code for Higher Education and the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) descriptor for a qualification at level 7.

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 enrolled on the MPharm programme and on the MPharm with a Preparatory (Foundation) Year programme may not concurrently be enrolled on another degree programme in this or another university/institution without the express permission of the Chair of the Regulations, Quality and Standards Committee.

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 within the first week of the first semester during the enrolment period as prescribed by the 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 Head of Pharmacy for a decision.

1.9

As enrolled students, candidates must comply with the University’s Academic and General Regulations.

2.1

The academic years shall be structured in accordance with the semester and term dates information published on the University website.

2.2

There shall also be a supplementary examination period which shall, wherever possible, coincide with the University’s supplementary examination period. Early resits may be offered for final year students (i.e. Year 4 (Level 7)) to enable them to commence postgraduate Foundation Training (Year 5) on time.

3.1

Candidates are admitted to the MPharm programme and MPharm programme with a Preparatory (Foundation) Year in accordance with the specific programme requirements and the general University requirements governing matriculation.

3.2

Matriculation is the formal admission of a candidate to a programme of study leading to a degree or other academic award of the University. Candidates who have not previously matriculated at Swansea University must provide evidence to the Admissions Office and/or MyUniHub of their qualifications in the form of original certificates or original academic transcripts confirming the award of the qualification(s) from the awarding institution or other body. The results of Swansea undergraduates are verified using the University’s student record database.

3.3 A candidate for the MPharm award must demonstrate the following prior to commencement of study:

3.3.1 

Academic ability of a level sufficient for an MPharm degree. A-Level/International Baccalaureate (IB)/others and GCSE entry requirements can be obtained from the Admissions Office.

3.3.2

Evidence of being able to communicate effectively in English (listening, reading, writing and speaking). For international students IELTS tests (or the equivalent) are applicable and guidance can be obtained from the Admissions Office as regards the pass level appropriate to the MPharm programme that may be necessary to allow a candidate to proceed with their studies.

3.3.3

Any other minimum requirements as stipulated by the University or the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), e.g. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, and a health check.

3.4

Candidates shall be required to familiarise themselves with recognised guidance on professional behaviour, e.g. GPhC Standards for Pharmacy Professionals, 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 MPharm and the MPharm programme with a Preparatory (Foundation) Year programmes 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 the specific programme;
• If progressing to the next level of study, the next year of study and engaging on a full-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 (see Regulation 3.2.);
• The laws governing study in the United Kingdom;
• Fitness to return to study regulations.

4.4

Where the candidate does not provide satisfactory evidence of entitlement to study at the University in accordance with Regulation 4.3 above and by the deadline stipulated, the candidate will be deemed ineligible to enrol.

4.5

Where the candidate is deemed ineligible to enrol and/or fails to enrol within a prescribed enrolment period, this 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 determined administratively by a senior member of Education Services staff (in consultation with the Medical School) on behalf of the Regulations, Quality and Standards Committee.

4.6

The University shall notify the relevant authorities, within a prescribed period in accordance with the United Kingdom (UK) 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.

4.7

By enrolling, students accept that they will be expected to abide by the GPhC Standards for Pharmacy Professionals.

4.8

As enrolled students, candidates may be required to obtain specific vaccinations, unless a vaccine is contraindicated on medical grounds.

5.1

Candidates shall engage on a full-time basis only, normally pursuing 120 credits a year.

6.1

The MPharm programme shall be of four years duration. Candidates shall be required to pursue 120 credits each academic year and accumulate a total of 480 credits in order to qualify for the MPharm Award. All zero-credit modules must also be passed.

6.2

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

6.3

The MPharm programme with a Preparatory (Foundation) Year shall be of five years duration (Years 0-4). Candidates shall be required to pursue 120 credits each academic year and accumulate a total of 600 credits in order to qualify for the MPharm Award. All zero-credit modules within Years 1-4 must also be passed.

6.4

In recognition of the special nature of the MPharm programme with a Preparatory (Foundation) Year, the different levels of study shall be referred to as Years 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4.

7.1

A module is a discrete educational component of a programme. This programme shall consist of modules as follows:

• 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 may include appropriate combinations of:

• Lectures;
• Workshops;
• Tutorials;
• Case studies.
• Practicals;
• Dissertation;
• Placements;

The contact hours for the different modules have been defined within an official guidance document published in the University’s Contact Hours guidance.

8.1

The mode of engagement for this programme shall be full-time only. Full-time candidates shall be expected to pursue 120 credit points in one academic year.

8.1.1

Candidates are normally expected to pursue modules, the total credit weighting of which will be 120 credit points in one academic year.

8.2

Pattern of engagement shall include periods of learning weeks and placements.

9.1

Schools may identify modules which are fundamental to a programme. All modules studied for the MPharm and MPharm with a Preparatory (Foundation) Year programmes 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.

10.1

There are no optional modules on this programme.

11.1

Candidates shall not be permitted to pursue modules which are not a requirement of the MPharm programme in addition to the full-time credit load of 120 credits.

12.1

The programme includes integral and compulsory on-site and off-site experiential learning opportunities including placements, which do not carry a credit weighting but are essential to progress in the degree, and these may include assessed Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs). All placements including EPAs are awarded pass/fail results.

12.2

The placement workbook will set forth the aims, learning outcomes and assessment method of the placement.

12.3

All placements shall be conducted in accordance with the QAA Quality Code for Advice and Guidance on Placement-Based Learning and University’s guidelines as published in the University's Code of Practice for Quality Assurance.

13.1

Handbooks including the MPharm Student Handbook shall be available (online) for each candidate at or before the commencement of the relevant level of study.

14.1

Candidates shall not be permitted to transfer into the MPharm programme except into Years 0 or 1.

15.1

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

16.1

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

16.2

Candidates shall be expected to engage with all scheduled learning sessions associated with each module which they are pursuing.

16.3

Engagement shall be monitored in accordance with the University’s Engagement Monitoring Policy for Taught Students.

16.4

Progress shall be monitored through regular discussion sessions with Personal Tutors, the Health and Conduct Sub-Committee and through Examination Boards.

16.5

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

16.6

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

Candidates whose study is interrupted by circumstances for more than seven days shall be required to inform the School and to submit supporting evidence.

17.2

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 MPharm programme operates an Extenuating Circumstances Policy in relation to assessment for this programme. Details shall be published in the MPharm Student Handbook.

17.3

All candidates shall note that it is their responsibility to make the Student Information and Education Office 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 Medical School prior to the meeting of examining boards shall not be considered.

17.4

Candidates may request a short period of absence from study for certain reasons, e.g. family weddings. Such authorised absences shall be considered by the Medical School’s Special Circumstances Committee.

18.1

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

18.2

The GPhC has set an eight-year limit on the period of time in which the MPharm degree and postgraduate Foundation training (Year 5) must typically be completed. The GPhC does however retain the right to extend this time limit to certain candidates in very limited circumstances such as illness or pregnancy. Such candidates will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis by the GPhC. For the avoidance of doubt, this regulation is subject to Regulation 20.1. This time period does not include the Preparatory Year (i.e. Year 0).

19.1

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 Medical School’s penalty for the late submission of work. Candidates should refer to the MPharm Student Handbook for the penalty in force.

19.2

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

20.1

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

• Minimum 4 years;
• Maximum 6 years.

Also see Regulations 18.2.

Therefore, the maximum time limit of candidature to graduate with an MPharm degree is 6 years and, based on Regulation 19.2, to qualify as a pharmacist after satisfactory completion of postgraduate Foundation training (Year 5) is 8 years from the date of commencing Year 1 of the MPharm degree. Candidates will only be permitted to repeat the year of study on ONE occasion.

20.2

The minimum and maximum periods of candidature on the MPharm degree with a Preparatory (Foundation) Year shall be as follows:

• Minimum 5 years;
• Maximum 7 years.

Also see Regulations 18.2.

Therefore, the maximum time limit of candidature to graduate with an MPharm degree with a Preparatory (Foundation) Year is 7 years and, based on Regulation 19.2, to qualify as a pharmacist after satisfactory completion of postgraduate Foundation Training (Year 5) is 8 years from the date of commencing Year 1 of the MPharm degree. Candidates will only be permitted to repeat the year of study on ONE occasion.

21.1

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 as per Regulation 21.2.

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.)
• A clear statement must be supplied, showing that the Medical School 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 the Medical School.

21.2

Applications for extensions must be routed via the MPharm Health and Conduct Sub-Committee to Education Services and shall be approved administratively on behalf of the Regulations, Quality and Standards Committee.

22.1

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. Any request must be submitted to the Medical School as soon as practically possible and certainly before the examination or assessment in question.

22.2

A candidate requiring adjustments to their studies as a result of disability, long-standing medical condition, wellbeing difficulty or Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD) should discuss their requirements with the Disability Office or Wellbeing Service. The candidate will be required to provide supporting documentary evidence to either the Disability Office or Wellbeing Service. The request for adjustments will not be implemented if supporting evidence is not provided.

22.3

Where an adjustment is needed and is supported by medical evidence, the Disability Office or Wellbeing Service will send their recommendations to the respective Disability Link Tutor for the Medical School to act on.

22.4

A candidate requiring specific provision for their examinations should discuss their requirements with the Disability Office or Wellbeing Service. The candidate will be required to provide supporting documentary evidence to either the Disability Office or Wellbeing Service. The request for specific examination provision will not be implemented if appropriate supporting evidence is not provided.

22.5

Where a request is made for specific examination provision, the Disability Office or Wellbeing Service will send their recommendations to the Exams Office and to the respective Disability Link Tutor for the candidate’s Faculty/Medical School. In the case of examinations arranged by the University Examinations Office, candidates will be required to confirm their exam arrangements with the Examinations Office. In the case of any examinations organised by the Medical School, candidates are advised to discuss their requirements with the Medical School and specific examination provisions will be implemented by the Medical School.

22.6

Further details and guidelines on special examination arrangements shall be found in the policy on extenuating circumstances.

22.7

An extenuating circumstances policy applies to the MPharm programme and the MPharm with a Foundation Year programme in relation to assessment. A candidate who attends and completes any assessment will be presumed to have been 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 MPharm Student Handbook.

22.8

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.

23.1

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

24.1

All examinations shall be conducted under the jurisdiction of the University’s Regulation’s and Procedures for the Operation of Examinations. The operation of the Examination Boards shall be conducted in accordance with the Undergraduate Assessment Regulations.

24.2

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

25.1

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.

25.2

Candidates shall be required to complete the programme of study in accordance with Regulation 26.3. The pass mark for a module is 40% at all Levels (i.e. 3-6) except Level 7, where the pass mark is 50%. Pharmaceutical calculations within the zero-credit modules have a pass mark of 70% and a pass/fail outcome, which is in line with the GPhC assessment.

25.3

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

25.4

As a general principle, all modules must be passed.

In Year 0 (Level 3), each module must be passed at 40%. However, in order to progress to Year 1 (Level 4) of the MPharm Pharmacy degree, students must achieve an overall average of 60% or above in Year 0 as well as 60% or above in modules “Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry” and “Foundations in Pharmacy”. Students in Year 0 who fail to achieve 60% or above in modules “Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry” and “Foundations in Pharmacy” at the first attempt may be granted permission to undertake a supplementary assessment, subject to approval by the Pharmacy Examination Board and the University Progression and Award Board. At the discretion of the University Progression and Awards Board, students who fail to attain 60% or above in the year average will normally be granted supplementary examinations in any modules with a module mark below 60%. Candidates in Year 0 who fail the supplementary assessments or who fail to achieve 60% or above in the two specified modules and/or a Year 0 average of 60% or above overall will NOT be permitted to progress to Year 1 of the degree or repeat the year.

In Years 1-3 (Levels 4-6), each module must be passed at 40%. Also, combined assessments* per module must be passed at 40% in order to progress to the next year of study. Students in Year 1 (Level 4) who fail the supplementary assessments will NOT be permitted to repeat the year and will be deemed to have failed the degree.

In Year 4 (Level 7), each module must be passed at 50%. Also, all individual assessment components must be passed at 50% in order to graduate. Students at levels 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 will be permitted supplementary attempts in up to 120 credits.

Pharmaceutical calculations are must pass assessments in Years 1-4 (Levels 4-7), and OSCEs (Objective Structures Clinical Examinations) are must pass assessments in Years 2-4 (Levels 5-7).

*Combined assessments:
Combined coursework assessments must be passed at 40% or above, and the final exam must also be passed at 40% or above in Years 1-3. Combined coursework assessments must be passed at 50% or above and the final exam must also be passed at 50% or above in Year 4.

25.5

Zero-credit modules are assessed on a competency pass/fail basis and thus do not contribute to students’ degree classification. However, students cannot progress through the programme or be awarded an MPharm degree without successful completion of these modules. All assessment components of zero-credit modules (e.g. CPD entries, e-portfolio, engagement (attendance) with placements must be passed in order to progress through to the next year of study or to graduate.

25.6

Students will not be permitted to resubmit any passed assessments for the purpose of improving their mark. Only students who fail assessments may be granted permission for supplementary assessment, subject to approval by the MPharm Examination Board and the University Progression and Award Board. Any resubmissions (Years 2-4) will be capped in accordance with the assessment regulations.

As mentioned in Regulation 25.4, students in Year 0 who fail to attain 60% or above in modules “Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry” and “Foundations in Pharmacy” at the first attempt may be granted permission to undertake a supplementary assessment, subject to approval by the Pharmacy Examination Board and the University Progression and Award Board. Years 0 or 1 resubmissions will not be capped.

26.1

A candidate admitted to the MPharm programme who subsequently does not progress to completion may, depending upon the number of credits attained at the appropriate levels at the time of exit, qualify for one of the following awards provided that they:

• Have accumulated the minimum number of credits required for the award (i.e. 120 credits in each
  level of study (Levels 4-7)) - see Regulation 6);

or

Where the Swansea University Academic Misconduct Committee of Enquiry or the Disciplinary Committee of Enquiry consider the student’s behaviour health concern to be incompatible with their continuing on the programme and/or of practising in the relevant profession.

• Has 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, and on the recommendation of the appropriate Examining Board, for the award:

• Certificate of Higher Education in Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences;
• Diploma of Higher Education in Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences;
• BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences;
• MSci (Hons) in Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences.

In Years 2-4 (Levels 5-7), candidates who have not accumulated 120 credits, will be permitted to have supplementary assessments. Students who have failed the supplementary assessments, will be offered the option of repeating the year (if they haven’t repeated any year during the degree). They may be considered for the award of an exit qualification by the appropriate Examining Board (See Regulation 25.4 and S2).

Candidates who have satisfied the academic requirements of the programme by pursuing 480 credits but have failed to achieve the required standard of professional conduct will be referred to the Faculty Fitness to Practise Panel who shall consider whether to:

a. Give the student the option of pursuing a programme, which does not lead to a professional qualification;
b. Allow the student to transfer to another degree programme within the University;
c. Require the student to withdraw from the University and disqualify them from re-sitting examinations/graduating but award the student an exit qualification, e.g. Certificate, Diploma. In such circumstances the student will be deemed to have failed the MPharm programme;
d. Require the student to withdraw from the University and disqualify him/ her from re-sitting examinations or graduating. In such circumstances the student will be deemed to have failed the programme and will not be awarded an exit qualification.

26.2

Any students on the MPharm with a Preparatory (Foundation) Year programme who do not achieve the 60% average in Year 0 and the two specified modules will either:

1) Receive a Foundation Certificate as an exit qualification providing they have achieved 120 Level 3 credits in one academic year;

or 

2) Be mentored in relation to transferring onto another course within the university that may take them based upon their Foundation year results.

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

a) Have accumulated the minimum number of credits required for the award (120 credits at Level 3);

or

b) Where the Swansea University Academic Misconduct Committee of Enquiry, Disciplinary Committee of Enquiry or the University’s Fitness to Practise Committee consider the student’s behaviour/health concern to be incompatible with their continuing on the programme and/or of practising in the relevant profession. But the student has 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, and on the recommendation of the appropriate Examining Board, for the award:

27.1

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

28.1

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

• Have pursued the approved modular programme of study for the period prescribed by the University;
• Have attained 480 credits in Years 1-4 as specified by the University;
• Have satisfied the examiners in all areas including professional conduct by passing the zero-credit modules;
• Have fulfilled any further condition(s) required by the University.

All modules pursued at Levels 5, 6 and 7 and taught at Swansea shall contribute towards the final classification, i.e. 360 credit points for a four-year MPharm programme. The results of modules studied at Levels 3 and 4 do not contribute towards the classification of the MPharm degree.

28.2

Classification Bands

The candidate’s class of degree will normally be determined by the weighted average mark for all modules using the following classification boundaries:

28.3

Eligibility for the consideration of an award

When considering whether a student is eligible for the consideration of an award, the University Progression and Awards Board shall consider the candidate's overall performance during the Levels of Study which contribute towards the award i.e. for an advanced initial degree – typically Levels 5, 6 and 7.

28.4

Borderline Cases

The following Guiding Principles are designed to assist the University Progression and Awards Board in the consideration of borderline cases in the classification of degrees. These Principles shall be used in conjunction with the revised Banding method of classification, and shall be considered in the cases of all students whose classification average falls within the 'window of opportunity' (i.e. within 2% of a classification boundary). These principles also apply for those pursuing advanced initial degrees.

The University Progression and Awards Board should raise a student’s classification if they fall within the ‘window of opportunity’ and satisfies the criteria of 28.4.1. (Preponderance Principle) and/or 28.4.2. (Exit Velocity Principle).
These Principles also assume that the University Progression and Awards Board will not change marks that have been confirmed by the Medical School Examination Boards.

Viva voce examinations shall not be permitted for the purpose of determining degree classifications for candidates pursuing undergraduate degrees.

28.4.1

Preponderance Principle

Where a student's classification average falls within 2% of a classification boundary, the University Progression and Awards Board shall consider the proportion of marks obtained by the student in each classification band. The University Progression and Awards Board shall consider only those marks, which have been used to calculate classification (i.e. normally Levels 5 and 6).

In order that the student be awarded the higher classification, a student must have achieved marks in the higher classification band in modules attracting a credit weighting equal to half or more of those contributing to the degree classification.

For students who have pursued 360 credits for an advanced initial degree:

28.4.2

Exit Velocity Principle

Where a student's classification average falls within 2% of a classification boundary, the University Progression and Awards Board shall consider the non-weighted average of the Final Year of Study (Level 7). (This average will have been calculated for the purposes of awarding final year credit.)

Where the student's Final Year (Level 7) average is in the higher classification band, the University Progression and Awards Board shall normally award the higher-class degree.

28.2.3

Determining the Average Mark

Candidates are to be classified according to their weighted average mark on all modules taken beyond Level 4.
Thus in advanced initial degrees, the weighted average would be calculated using marks from modules attracting 360 credits which would have been pursued during Levels 5, 6 and 7 (i.e. for full-time candidates normally Years 2 and 3 and the Final year).

Students will be awarded a mark for each module based on their performance in the various assessment components. Those marks will be assigned to one of 4 Bands, depending on the level of the module, the mark and the credit weighting of the module. (i.e. marks for Level 6 modules will be placed in Band 3 or 2. Marks for Level 5 modules will be placed in Band 2 or 1, depending on the performance).

The weighted degree classification average mark shall therefore be arrived at using the following formula.

Four-Year Advanced Initial Degrees

• Band 4: Best marks in 90 Level 7 credits pursued, with a weighting of 4.
• Band 3: Remaining marks in 30 Level 7 credits and best marks in 60 credits pursued at Level 6, given a weighting of 3.
• Band 2: Remaining marks in 60 Level 6 credits pursued and best marks in 30 credits pursued at Level 5, given a weighting of 2.
• Band 1: Remaining marks in 90 Level 5 credits pursued, with a weighting of 1.

A formula is then applied to calculate the degree classification average.

29.1

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

30.1

Students shall be expected to behave in accordance with the standards of the pharmacy profession as outlined in the GPhC Standards for Pharmacy Professionals.

30.2

“Professionalism” shall be formally assessed by the Pharmacy Board of Studies. A candidate’s ability to achieve the requisite elements of professionalism shall contribute to the academic assessment of the student on placement and patient-facing activities – namely whether they pass or fail the professionalism zero-credit modules.

30.3

Unacceptable behaviour refers to general behaviours exhibited by a candidate which do not meet the standards set by the GPhC Standards for Pharmacy Professionals, and shall be dealt with by the Medical School in accordance with the Policy for Dealing with Pharmacy Student Concerns Including Possible Impairment of Fitness to Practise.

30.4

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.

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 the “Policy for Dealing with Pharmacy Student Concerns Including Possible Impairment of Fitness to Practise”, which may include referral to the Swansea University Fitness to Practise Regulations.

32.2

Fitness to practise procedures ensure that any unsafe practice is managed in an appropriate way. Expulsion of a student from the programme will be appropriate where the University fitness to practise panel considers the student’s behaviour/health concern to be incompatible with their continuing on the programme and/or of practising in the relevant profession.

33.1

Candidates pursuing the MPharm and MPharm with a Preparatory (Foundation) Year programmes 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 MPharm and MPharm with a Preparatory (Foundation) Year programmes shall be eligible for the award of a posthumous degree. 

G1

These regulations apply to the MPharm programme and the MPharm programme with a Preparatory (Foundation) Year.

G2

In order to proceed from one year to another, a candidate must accumulate 120 credits. They must also pass all assessment components of the zero-credit modules. In Year 0, there are additional progression requirements as described in Regulation 25.4.

G3

The modules which make up the MPharm and MPharm with a Preparatory (Foundation) Year programmes are considered “core” and must be passed before a candidate can progress from one year to another.

G4

In addition, candidates must meet the required standard of professional conduct as outlined in the GPhC Standards for Pharmacy Professionals. Students must also pass the professionalism zero-credit modules in Years 1-3 before a candidate can progress from one year to another. The professionalism zero-credit module in Year 4 must be passed before a candidate can qualify for an MPharm award.

G5

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.

G6

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, except for Year 0 as per Regulation 25.6.

G7

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 (40% levels 5-6, 50% level 7). The capped mark shall be used for classification purposes in each such module irrespective of their actual level of performance. Candidates who are repeating modules at Level 7 shall be capped at 50%. The University Progression and Awards Board shall refer to the capped mark in determining the average for a level of study.

This does not apply to candidates repeating modules at Levels 3 and 4 (Years 0 and 1) since the actual mark scored will be recorded in their case (see Regulation 25.6).

G8

Candidates who are required to submit supplementary coursework shall be informed by the Medical School of the coursework required. Details of supplementary coursework will not be included in the results published by Education Services on the individual student record.

G9

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

G10

Candidates (with the exception of Year 0 (Level 3) candidates and Year 1 (Level 4) candidates) who fail to qualify fail to qualify 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. Candidates who fail to achieve 120 credits in Years 2-4 (Levels 5-7) by failing two semester-long 60 credit modules will be permitted to undertake supplementary assessments. Candidates who fail the supplementary assessments for a semester long module, will repeat the year but will only repeat the failed module.

G11

Candidates (with the exception of Year 0 (Level 3) and Year 1 (Level 4) candidates) shall be awarded an academic decision of “Repeat the Year of Study” on ONE occasion if they fail to achieve 120 credits in any year of study (i.e. Years 2, 3 and 4). Candidates in Year 0 who fail the supplementary assessments or who fail to achieve 60% or above in the two specified modules and/or a Year 0 average of 60% or above overall will NOT be permitted to progress to Year 1 of the degree or repeat the year. Candidates in Year 1 who fail the supplementary assessments will not be permitted to repeat the year and will be deemed to have failed the degree.

G12

Candidates who are repeating the year shall be monitored closely by the Pharmacy Health and Conduct Sub-Committee.

G13

Candidates who are repeating the year of study and fail to achieve sufficient credit to progress to the next year of study will be given one further opportunity to redeem any failure during the supplementary assessment period in order to complete their programme of study. Candidates who fail to achieve sufficient credit to progress to the next year of study after the supplementary assessment period shall be deemed to have failed their degree.

G14

An Extenuating Circumstances Policy is in operation for the MPharm and the MPharm with a Preparatory (Foundation) Year programmes 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 on Canvas.

G15

It is possible that some candidates will not be able to attend examinations e.g. due to illness or other extenuating circumstances. It is therefore recognised that these students should be allowed to defer the opportunity and undertake the assessment, where the result is uncapped, normally during the supplementary assessment period. If these candidates are subsequently unsuccessful during the supplementary assessment period, they will be provided with a further opportunity to redeem the failure. Such candidates will be required to attempt the assessment at the next available opportunity, this would usually be during the following academic session as an external candidate.

G16

Candidates should notify the Medical 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 Medical 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 G11).

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 they had satisfied the minimum criteria.

G19

A candidate who is admitted to the MPharm or the MPharm with a Preparatory (Foundation) Year programme may be eligible for an exit qualification provided that they:

• Have accumulated the minimum number of credits required for the award;

or

• Have satisfied the academic requirements of the programme but have 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:

Foundation Certificate in Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences (120 Credits at Level 3)
Certificate of Higher Education in Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences (120 credits at Level 4)
Diploma of Higher Education in Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences (240 credits)
Bachelor of Science (Hons in Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences (360 credits)
Master’s of Science in Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences (480 credits)

See Regulation 26 on Exit Qualifications for both the MPharm and MPharm with a Preparatory (Foundation) Year programmes.

Rules to be applied during the first (late July/early August) University Progression and Awards Board for all years of study

S1

Candidates who accumulate 120 credits in the MPharm modules at the end of the academic year and demonstrate a satisfactory standard of professional conduct as well as passing all assessment components of the zero-credit modules, automatically qualify to proceed to the next year of study. Candidates who accumulate 120 credits in the MPharm with a Preparatory (Foundation) Year modules at the end of the academic year, achieve an overall average of 60% in Year 0 as well as a minimum of 60% in both “Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry” and “Foundations in Pharmacy” modules and demonstrate a satisfactory standard of professional conduct automatically qualify to proceed to Year 1 of the MPharm degree.  

S2

In Year 0 (level 3), candidates who have accumulated less than the minimum credit requirements per year, failed granted supplementary assessments or have not achieved 60% in supplementary assessments of both “Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry” and “Foundations in Pharmacy” modules, will not be permitted to progress to Year 1 of the MPharm degree. 

In Year 1 (level 4), candidates who have accumulated less than the minimum credit requirements per year, and failed granted supplementary assessments, will be deemed to have failed the degree.

In Years 2, 3 and 4 (Levels 4-7), candidates who have accumulated less than the minimum credit requirements per year, and failed granted supplementary assessments will fail to qualify to proceed to the next year of study and will be required to repeat the year. Candidates will only be permitted to repeat the year of study on ONE occasion.

Candidates in the final year of study (Level 7) who accumulate 120 credits in modules at the end of the academic year but fail to demonstrate a satisfactory standard of professional conduct and where the Medical School Examination Board requires that further or additional training be undertaken, shall be awarded a decision of "supplementary assessment” of the zero credit module.

Candidates who are awarded a “deferred” assessment for any component will be expected to undertake that particular component during the supplementary assessment period (See Regulation 2.2).

Rules to be applied during the second (late August) University Progression and Awards Board for all years of study

S3

Candidates who are repeating the year or who have previously repeated a year of study and who fail to qualify to proceed will normally be deemed to have failed the degree and will be required to cease studies at the University. Such candidates may be eligible for an exit award (see G19).

S4

In the MPharm degree, candidates who accumulate 120 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. In the MPharm with a Preparatory (Foundation) Year, candidates who accumulate 120 credits in modules at the appropriate year, meet the progression requirements (see G11) and demonstrate a satisfactory standard of professional conduct automatically qualify to proceed to Year 1 of the MPharm degree.

S5

Candidates, including those who had been awarded a ‘deferred assessment opportunity, who accumulate 60 credits or more but less than 120 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 G11).