Rules for Progression and Awarding Credit in a Modular Environment

2.1 INTRODUCTION

The following progression regulations shall apply to all students commencing their degree programmes. These rules are applicable campus-wide.

The specific assessment regulations for the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCh), the Graduate Diploma in Law, Master of Osteopathy, Foundation Degrees, the Certificate of Higher Education and the Diploma of Higher Education shall be published in the appropriate Faculty/School Handbook.

Specific assessment regulations for students of The College, Swansea University are provided at Section 2.9 below.

The University has authorised Faculties/Schools, which are subject to professional accreditation, to apply stricter assessment rules provided that the students have been duly notified in advance and that it is a requirement of a Professional Body.

2.2 GENERAL PRINCIPLES

2.2.1 Presentation of Marks for Non-finalists

When determining progression issues, the Faculty/School Examination Boards shall be presented with all marks of assessment undertaken during the academic year (or in the case of part-time studies, undertaken during the appropriate sessions). Faculty/School Examination Boards shall make recommendations on progression decisions to the University Progression and Awards Board.

2.2.2 Presentation of Marks for Finalists

Faculty/School Examination Boards shall consider the result profiles of final year students and make recommendations on final award outcomes to the University Progression and Awards Board. The results profile of the relevant students presented to both the Faculty/School Examination Board and the University Progression and Awards Board will include:

• The final year results;
• The results of modules pursued during previous Levels of Study but which contribute towards the awarding process (e.g. typically  Level 5 of a 3-year undergraduate award).

2.2.3 Anonymous Marking

Please refer to the University's Assessment, Marking and Feedback Policy.

2.2.4 Disclosure of Marks

A distinction should be made between provisional marks and confirmed marks.

Please refer to the University’s Assessment, Marking and Feedback Policy.

2.2.5 Appeals Against Academic Decisions

Students may appeal against the decision of the University Progression and Awards Board in accordance with the University’s Regulations for Academic Appeals and/or Accuracy of Published Marks Procedure which are published on the web.

A summary of award and progression decisions that can be awarded by the University Progression and Awards Board is contained in Appendix 3.

G1

The Pass mark for modules will be set at 40% at all Levels except for Level 7. The pass mark of Level 7 modules has been set as 50%. Credits will only be awarded to candidates who pass a module.

G2

In order to proceed from one level to another, a candidate must aim to pass 120 credits by obtaining modules with a mark of 40% (50% for Level 7) or better in each module.

G3

Candidates must satisfy engagement and assessment requirements of all modules. Candidates whose engagement or progress is unsatisfactory would normally be reported to the University Progression and Awards Board.

G4

Faculties/Schools may identify ‘core’ modules as appropriate for each programme, which must be passed before a candidate can progress from one Level to another. The ‘core’ modules for each programme must be clearly identified in Faculty/School handbooks or other Faculty/School literature. Faculties/Schools should consider the implications of labelling too many modules as being ‘core’ to a particular programme since it will not be possible for the University Progression and Awards Board to compensate failures in such modules. Candidates' performance in 'core' modules must be monitored by Faculties/Schools and it will be the responsibility of Faculty/School representatives to report on student cases at the University Progression and Awards Board.

G5

Full-time non-final year candidates will be required to complete a level of study within a maximum of two academic sessions. At the discretion of the University Progression and Awards Board, candidates who have not passed sufficient credit to proceed to the next level of study, may be permitted up to a maximum of three further attempts to redeem the failures in the modules in order to be allowed to complete the level of study. These attempts must take place within two academic sessions. (In the case of a Level 7 module, only one attempt at redeeming the failure shall be permitted.)

Candidates must not expect, as of right, to be offered the maximum number of attempts to redeem failures.

G6

Only in exceptional circumstances will a candidate be permitted to redeem their failed modules over a third session. In such cases, the Faculty/School shall be expected to submit a request to the University Progression and Awards Board, outlining the circumstances to support the case. Normally, requests shall only be considered if the student is within the maximum number of attempts (rule G5).

G7

Candidates, except those in the final year of study, who fail to pass sufficient credit to be awarded supplementary examinations or who fail to complete a level of study following the supplementary examinations will normally be required to forfeit any credit gained and repeat the level of study. Marks achieved in the year from which the credit has been forfeited cannot be used to determine the candidate’s degree classification or in awarding credit. The marks of candidates who repeat the level of study shall not be capped. However, an attempt at assessment during the repeat level of study shall be regarded as one of the three opportunities available to candidates to redeem a failure.

G8

Non-final-year students who are required to repeat the level of study, may apply to repeat only the modules they have failed. Such modules will be capped at the pass mark of 40% (50% for Level 7/M) except at Level 4 or 3.

Candidates wishing to repeat failed modules may apply to their Faculty/School do so. Students are strongly advised to discuss their decision with an appropriate member of staff in their Home Faculty/School. It is recommended that a record is kept summarising the advice given to the student, signed by both the student and the member of staff. The Faculty/School is required to complete the Faculty/School section of the form and submit it to Education Services for approval. Applications must be completed by the end of the first week of the new academic session via the form/online system.

Candidates who are permitted to repeat failed modules:
- May not repeat any module which has been passed; and
- Must repeat all failed modules (or alternative modules with equivalent credit-weighting at the discretion of the Faculty/School).

International students are strongly advised to seek advice from ISAS and Education Services. It may not be possible for international students with specific visa requirements to repeat failed modules only. Candidates who are international students and who are permitted to repeat failed modules should note that they may not be permitted to remain in the UK for the entire academic year (for example, if the repeated modules are delivered in Semester 1 only, such candidates may have to leave the UK at the end of Semester 1).

Candidates repeating failed modules must do so as internal candidates. Only candidates who fall into the following categories may apply to repeat the failed modules as external candidates.

• Final-Year students who have exceptionally been offered the opportunity to repeat failed modules in the next academic session due to extenuating circumstances. 
• Non-Final Year students who have exceptionally been offered the opportunity to repeat failed modules across a third academic session due to extenuating circumstances.

Applications to repeat modules as an external candidate must be supported by the Faculty/School and the University’s Regulations, Quality and Standards Board.

Candidates who are permitted to repeat failed modules shall not be able to repeat any module which has been passed. Candidates who are permitted to repeat failed modules will be required to repeat all failed modules (or alternative modules with the equivalent credit weighting at the discretion of the Faculty/School).

G9

Candidates who are repeating failed modules only or sitting supplementary examinations in Levels 5, 6 and S (which includes final year students), provided they satisfy the examiners, shall have a capped mark of 40%. 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 since the actual mark scored will be recorded in their case.

G10

Candidates pursuing advanced initial degrees (e.g. MEng, MPhys, MMath) who fail to qualify to proceed to the final year of study and subsequently transfer to the final year of an initial degree programme shall be considered as enrolled repeating failed modules, and therefore subject to Regulation G9.

G11

When determining the progression decisions of students following the Supplementary Examinations, the University Progression and Awards Board shall refer to the best mark scored by the student in each particular module during the Session. It follows therefore that if a student scored a higher mark at the first attempt, the Board shall refer to that module mark, as opposed to the re-sit mark.

The Best Mark Principle shall only apply within one academic session and will operate at the Supplementary Examination Boards only. It is irrelevant to ‘Core Modules’ since such modules must be passed.

G12

Candidates who have qualified to proceed from one level of study to another shall not be allowed to elect to repeat any module which has been passed, or to redeem a failure which has been compensated, in order to improve their performance.

G13

Candidates who are repeating the level of study or repeating modules will be under close scrutiny.

G14

In accordance with the University’s Policy on Extenuating Circumstances, it is recognised that some candidates will not be able to attend examinations during the Mid-Sessional or Sessional Assessment Period e.g. due to illness or other extenuating circumstances.

In the case of those candidates who are unable to attend examinations due to extenuating circumstances, a claim for deferral must be submitted to the Home Faculty/School either in advance of the examination date or within five days of the examination taking place. Applications for deferrals must be considered and supported by the relevant Faculty/School and submitted to Education Services for approval. Students and staff are advised to consult the University Policy on Extenuating Circumstances.

Non-final Year Candidates granted examination deferrals will be required to sit the examinations at the next scheduled examination point for the modules concerned.

G15

In cases where a L3/4/5 or 6 (non-final) candidate has passed all modules with the exception of one failed, non-core module, which is not eligible for compensation, and the candidate has a re-sit attempt remaining (either because of an approved deferral at the first attempt or there was an approved Extenuating Circumstances declaration at the supplementary attempt), the candidate will be allowed to trail a further attempt into the next level of study. The candidate will normally be expected to pass/compensate the failed module before the end of the January assessment period of the next level of study.

G16

In cases where a L3/4/5 or 6 (non-final) candidate is prevented from progressing to the next level of study due to a failure which is not eligible for compensation in ONE non-core module and has a re-sit attempt remaining (either because of an approved deferral at the first attempt or there was an approved Extenuating Circumstances declaration at the supplementary attempt) the candidate will be allowed to trail a further attempt into the next level of study and will normally be expected to pass/ compensate the failing module before the end of the January assessment period.

This regulation will apply to all students including those repeating the level of study. However, it will not apply in cases where it conflicts with Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirements.

There will be no additional fees for the trailed module. Candidates must reattempt the same module and are not permitted to replace the module with an alternative module. Candidates will not attend teaching for the trailed module and will re-take the assessment(s) only.

As per standard assessment regulations, supplementary assessment at Level 5 (or Level 6 for Advanced Initial Degrees) will be capped at 40% unless a deferred first attempt has been agreed by the Faculty in accordance with the Extenuating Circumstances Policy.

In cases where the trailed module is failed and is not eligible for compensation under the regulations, one further FINAL attempt at the module will be permitted during the supplementary period. If a candidate fails to redeem the trailed module at this FINAL attempt the normal assessment regulations will apply, and the candidate shall be considered for an exit award (if applicable).

G17

Final year candidates who are unable to sit an examination in Semester One, and who have been granted deferral by Education Services, should sit the examination in the Semester Two examination period in preference to the supplementary examination period.

G18

Candidates who have failed modules in the Semester One examinations may, with the approval of the Faculty/School, pursue additional substitute modules in the second semester to compensate for the failures. The pursuit of these additional modules will be regarded as an attempt at redeeming failure and will therefore, be subject to the capping rule.

G19

Progression decisions for part-time candidates will be taken by the University Progression and Awards Board only when the results of a full portfolio of modules are known. Decisions to allow a part-time student to continue are taken on an annual basis part way through a level of study. Marks for part-time candidates will be confirmed at the end of the academic year.

G20

The rules outlined in the Specific Progression Rules will normally influence the University Progression and Awards Board 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 repeat the level of study. The University Progression and Awards Board may take into account other circumstances relating to the candidate’s case before taking any progression decision. The University Progression and Awards Board would not be expected to allow a candidate to progress to the next level of study unless they had satisfied the minimum criteria.

G21

Faculties/Schools which are subject to professional accreditation can apply stricter progression rules provided that the application of such rules is required by the Professional Accreditation Body as a condition for accreditation of the programme. The stricter rule shall be applied for accreditation purposes only. Faculties/Schools may introduce more stringent rules regarding progression to the Intercalary Year or from Level 6 to Level 7 (Advanced Initial Degree) provided that these are clearly outlined to students in the Faculty/School handbook.

G22

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 Faculty/School. Candidates who fail the year abroad/year in industry will be given no further attempts on their current programme but will be permitted to transfer internally to a three-year equivalent programme, provided that an alternative programme is available.

G23

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

G23

A candidate admitted to an initial degree programme who subsequently does not progress to completion may, depending upon the number of credits passed at the appropriate levels at the time of exit, qualify for one of the following awards:

Students who transfer programme internally shall only be considered for an exit award (in line with the above) if the credit previously achieved does not count towards the new programme.

Exit awards of Certificate of Higher Education are unnamed awards. All other exit qualifications shall normally be named awards except where professional bodies' requirement dictate otherwise.

A candidate exiting a degree programme with an undergraduate Certificate or Diploma of Higher Education under the circumstances detailed in the preceding paragraph shall be eligible for the award of a Distinction where they have attained an overall mark of 70% or above for the award in question.

Such exit qualifications shall be approved by the University Progression and Awards Board.

*Certificate currently only available to students in Swansea University Medical School.

Note ¹: An honours degree shall only be awarded if permissible under the appropriate professional body regulations and the degree programme regulations.
Note ²: Ordinary Degrees will be unavailable for students entering from September 2018 onwards.

Specific Progression Rules - for students pursuing Levels 3-4, 4-5 and B/T-5

Rules to be applied during the End of Level University Progression and Awards Board

S1

Candidates who pass at least 120 credits in modules at the appropriate level automatically qualify to proceed to the next level of study.

S2

Candidates who pass 80 credits or more but fewer than 120 credits may qualify to proceed to the next level of study provided that:

• The modules in which they have failed have not previously been identified as ‘core modules’ for the particular programmes (see general progression rule G4);
• The marks in such modules are not less than 30%; and
• The overall average for the level of study is 35% or over.

Such failures will be referred to as ‘compensated failures’. Credit will be awarded for ‘compensated failures’.

S3

Candidates who pass 80 credits or more but fewer than 120 credits but have failed a 'core module(s)', will fail to qualify to proceed to the next level of study. As long as their non-core fails are eligible for compensation within the progression rules, they will normally be required to re-sit the core module(s) only and the mark(s) for the other failed non-core modules will be retained. Students shall not be given the opportunity to improve the marks of the non-core modules.

S4

Candidates who pass 60 credits or more, but who fail to satisfy the requirements of S1, S2 or S3 above, will fail to qualify to proceed to the next level of study. At the discretion of the University Progression and Awards Board, such candidates will normally be granted supplementary examinations in all failed modules. Students will be required to resit all ‘core' modules and expected to resit all other examinations, however, the ‘Best Mark Principle’ will apply at the Supplementary Board (refer to G11). It must be noted that all core modules must be passed.

All assignments associated with supplementary examinations must be submitted to the relevant Faculty/School by the start of the supplementary examination week.

S5

Candidates who pass 20 credits or more but fewer than 60 credits, will fail to qualify to proceed to the next Level of Study. At the discretion of the University Progression and Awards Board, such candidates will normally be required to Repeat the Level of Study. Such candidates will automatically forfeit any credit already gained (see G7).

(In accordance with the General Progression Rule G8, those candidates who have been given the decision of Repeat Level of Study may be permitted to repeat the failed modules only).

Such candidates will be required to redeem the failures during the next academic year.

S6

Candidates who pass fewer than 20 credits will be advised to withdraw. Such candidates will be advised to meet with their Faculty/School to discuss whether continuing on the current programme of study is the most appropriate option for them. Candidates may also wish to discuss their options for applying to transfer to an alternative programme of study.

Such candidates may also decide to return to repeat the level of study on their current programme and will automatically forfeit any credit already gained (see G7).

(In accordance with the General Progression Rule G8, those candidates who have been given the decision of Repeat Level of Study may be permitted to repeat the failed modules only).

Such candidates will be required to redeem the failures during the next academic year.

S7

Candidates who are repeating the level or repeating failed modules, and who fail to qualify to proceed to the next Level of Study having passed 60 credits or more, will be granted supplementary examinations as the final opportunity to redeem failures in all failed modules.

S8

Candidates who are repeating the level or repeating failed modules and who fail to qualify to proceed to the next level of study, having passed fewer than 60 credits, will be Required to Withdraw from the University.

Candidates who are 'Required to Withdraw from the University’ will be given no further attempts to redeem failures. Candidates 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 readmitted to that same programme of study, or to a cognate programme, without the approval of the Recruitment and Admissions Committee.

Depending on the number of credits passed, such students may be eligible for an exit qualification (refer to G22). The University Progression and Awards Board will be responsible for considering the number of credits passed and, if appropriate, awarding the relevant exit qualification.

S9

Marks achieved by candidates who succeed in redeeming failures will not be capped at both Level 3 and Level 4.

Rules to be applied during the Supplementary University Progression and Awards Board

S10

Candidates who pass at least 120 credits in modules at the appropriate Level automatically qualify to proceed to the next level of study.

S11

Candidates who pass 80 credits or more but fewer than 120 credits may qualify to proceed to the next level of study provided that:

• The modules in which they have failed have not previously been identified as ‘core modules’ for the particular programmes (see general progression rule G4);
• The marks in such modules are not less than 30%; and
• The overall average for the level of study is 35% or over.

Such failures will be referred to as ‘compensated failures’. Credit will be awarded for ‘compensated failures’.

S12

Candidates who have passed 20 credits or more but who fail to satisfy the requirements of S10 or S11 above will fail to qualify to proceed to the next Level of Study. At the discretion of the University Progression and Awards Board such candidates will normally be required to Repeat the Level of Study. Such candidates will automatically forfeit any credit already gained (see G7).

(In accordance with the General Progression Rule G8, those candidates who have been given the decision of Repeat Level of Study may be permitted to repeat the failed modules only).

Such candidates will be required to redeem the failures during the next academic year.

S13

Candidates who pass fewer than 20 credits will be advised to withdraw. Such candidates will be advised to meet with their Faculty/School to discuss whether continuing on the current programme of study is the most appropriate option for them. Candidates may also wish to discuss their options for applying to transfer to an alternative programme of study.

Such candidates may also decide to return to repeat the level of study on their current programme and will automatically forfeit any credit already gained (see G7).

(In accordance with the General Progression Rule G8, those candidates who have been given the decision of Repeat Level of Study may be permitted to repeat the failed modules only).

Such candidates will be required to redeem the failures during the next academic year.

S14

Candidates who are repeating the level or repeating failed modules and who fail to qualify to proceed to the next level of study will be Required to Withdraw from the University.

Candidates who are ‘Required to Withdraw from the University’ will be given no further attempts to redeem failures. Candidates 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 readmitted to that same programme of study or to a cognate programme, without the approval of the Recruitment and Admissions Committee.

Depending on the number of credits passed, such students may be eligible for an exit qualification (refer to G22). The University Progression and Awards Board will be responsible for considering the number of credits passed and, if appropriate, awarding the relevant exit qualification.

S15

Marks achieved by candidates who succeed in redeeming failures will not be capped at both Level 3 and Level 4.

Rules to be applied during the end of Year Progression and Awards Board

MPharm Pharmacy and MPharm Pharmacy with a Preparatory (Foundation) Year students should refer to the regulations specific to these programmes MPharm Pharmacy and MPharm Pharmacy with a Preparatory (Foundation) Year Programme Regulations - Swansea University

S1

Candidates who accumulate at least 120 credits in modules at the appropriate level and achieve an overall average mark of 60% for the level of study automatically qualify to proceed to the next level of study. 

Candidates who accumulate 80 credits or more but fewer than 120 credits may qualify to proceed to the next level of study provided that:

• The modules in which they have failed have not previously been identified as ‘core modules’ for the particular programmes (see general progression rule G4);
• The marks in such modules are not less than 30%; and
• The overall average for the level of study is 35% or over (Medical School Foundation year students (Level 3) must also achieve an overall average mark of 60% for the level of study in order to progress).

(Such failures will be referred to as ‘compensated failures’. Credit will be awarded for ‘compensated failures’.)

S2 

Candidates who accumulate 80 credits or more but fewer than 120 credits may qualify to proceed to the next level of study provided that: 

• The modules in which they have failed have not previously been identified as ‘core modules’ for the particular programmes (see general progression rule G4); 
• The marks in such modules are not less than 30%; and 
• The overall average for the level of study is 60% or over.

(Such failures will be referred to as ‘compensated failures’. Credit will be awarded for ‘compensated failures’.) 

For Medical School Foundation year students (Level 3) who have not achieved a 60% level average, supplementary attempts will be offered in any modules with a module mark below 60%, specifically for individual assessment components within these modules with a mark below 60%. 

S3

Candidates who accumulate 60 credits or more, but who fail to satisfy the requirements of S1 or S2 above, will fail to qualify to proceed to the next level of study. At the discretion of the University Progression and Awards Board, such candidates will normally be granted supplementary examinations in all failed modules and also  in any modules with a module mark below 60% specifically for individual assessment components within these modules with a mark below 60%. The ‘Best Mark Principle’ will apply at the Supplementary Board (refer to G11). It must be noted that all core modules must be passed.

All assignments associated with supplementary examinations must be submitted to the relevant Faculty/School by the start of the supplementary examination week.

S4

Candidates who accumulate 20 credits or more but fewer than 60 credits, will fail to qualify to proceed to the next Level of Study. At the discretion of the University Progression and Awards Board, such candidates will normally be required to Repeat the Level of Study. Such candidates will automatically forfeit any credit already gained (see G7).

(In accordance with the General Progression Rule G8, those candidates who have been given the decision of Repeat Level of Study may be permitted to repeat the failed modules only).

Such candidates will be required to redeem the failures during the next academic year.

S5

Candidates who accumulate fewer than 20 credits will fail to qualify to proceed to the next level of study and will be required to Withdraw from the University. Candidates will be given no further attempts to redeem failures, 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.

S6

Candidates who are repeating the level or repeating failed modules, and who fail to qualify to proceed to the next Level of Study having accumulated 60 credits or more, will be granted supplementary examinations as the final opportunity to redeem failures in all failed modules.

S7

Candidates who are repeating the level or repeating failed modules and who fail to qualify to proceed to the next level of study, having accumulated fewer than 60 credits, will be Required to Withdraw from the University.

Candidates who are Required to Withdraw from the University’ will be given no further attempts to redeem failures. Candidates 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 readmitted to that same programme of study, or to a cognate programme, without the approval of the Recruitment and Admissions Committee.

Depending on the number of credits attained, such students may be eligible for an exit qualification (refer to G22). The University Progression and award Board will be responsible for considering the number of credits attained and, if appropriate, awarding the relevant exit qualification.

S8

Marks achieved by candidates who succeed in redeeming failures will not be capped.

Rules to be applied during the Supplementary University Progression and Awards Board

S9

Candidates who accumulate at least 120 credits in modules at the appropriate Level and achieve an overall average mark of 60% for the level of study automatically qualify to proceed to the next level of study.

S10

Candidates who accumulate 80 credits or more but fewer than 120 credits may qualify to proceed to the next level of study provided that:

• The modules in which they have failed have not previously been identified as ‘core modules’ for the particular programmes (see general progression rule G4);
• The marks in such modules are not less than 30%; and
• The overall average for the level of study is 60% or over.

(Such failures will be referred to as ‘compensated failures’. Credit will be awarded for ‘compensated failures’.)

S11

Candidates who accumulate 20 credits or more but who fail to satisfy the requirements of S10 or S11 above will fail to qualify to proceed to the next Level of Study. At the discretion of the University Progression and Awards Board such candidates will normally be required to Repeat the Level of Study. Such candidates will automatically forfeit any credit already gained (see G7).

In accordance with the General Progression Rule G8, those candidates who have been given the decision of Repeat Level of Study may be permitted to repeat the failed modules only. Such candidates will be required to redeem the failures during the next academic year.

S12

Candidates who accumulate fewer than 20 credits (who were offered supplementary examinations by the June University Progression and Awards Board or an Academic Appeal Board in recognition of extenuating circumstances) will fail to qualify to proceed to the next Level of Study. Such candidates will be Required to Withdraw from the University. Candidates will be given no further attempts to redeem failures, 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.

S13

Candidates who are repeating the level or repeating failed modules and who fail to qualify to proceed to the next level of study will be Required to Withdraw from the University’.

Candidates who are ‘Required to Withdraw from the University’’ will be given no further attempts to redeem failures. Candidates 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 readmitted to that same programme of study or to a cognate programme, without the approval of the Recruitment and Admissions Committee.

Depending on the number of credits attained, such students may be eligible for an exit qualification (refer to G22). The University Progression and Awards Board will be responsible for considering the number of credits attained and, if appropriate, awarding the relevant exit qualification.

S14

Marks achieved by candidates who succeed in redeeming failures will not be capped.

Specific Progression Rules – Level 5-6, Level 5-S/E and Level 6-7

Rules to be applied during the End of Level University Progression and Awards Board

S1

Candidates who pass at least 120 credits in modules at the appropriate Level automatically qualify to proceed to the next level of study. Such candidates must achieve a minimum overall average for the level of study of 35%. In the case of a Level 5 Advanced Initial Degree student, the Faculty/School would normally also require the candidate to attain an average mark as specified in the Faculty/School Handbook.

S2

Candidates who pass 80 credits or more but fewer than 120 credits may qualify to proceed to the next level of study provided that:

• The modules in which they have failed have not previously been identified as ‘core modules’ for the particular programmes (see general progression rule G4);
• The marks in such modules are not less than 30%; and
• The overall average for the Level of study is 35% or over.

Such failures will be referred to as ‘compensated failures’. Credit will be awarded for ‘compensated failures’.

S3

Candidates who pass 80 credits or more but fewer than 120 credits but have failed a core module(s), will fail to qualify to proceed to the next level of study. As long as their non-core fails are eligible for compensation within the progression rules, they will normally be required to re-sit the core module(s) only and the mark(s) for the other failed non-core modules will be retained. Students shall not be given the opportunity to improve the marks of non-core modules.

S4

Candidates who pass 60 credits or more but who fail to satisfy the requirements of S1, S2 or S3 above will fail to qualify to proceed to the next level of study. At the discretion of the University Progression and Awards Board, such candidates will normally be granted supplementary examinations in all failed modules. Students will be required to resit ‘core modules’ and expected to resit all other examinations. However, the ‘Best Mark Principle’ will apply at the Supplementary Board (refer to G11). Please note that all ‘core modules’ must be passed.

All assignments associated with supplementary examinations must be submitted to the relevant Faculty/School by the start of the supplementary examination week.

S5

Candidates who pass 20 credits or more but fewer than 60 credits, will fail to qualify to proceed to the next level of study. At the discretion of the University Progression and Awards Board, such candidates will normally be required to Repeat the Level of Study.

Such candidates will automatically forfeit any credit already gained (see G7).

In accordance with the General Progression Rule G8, those candidates who have been given the decision of Repeat Level of Study may be permitted to repeat the failed modules only.

Such candidates will be required to redeem the failures during the next academic year.

S6

Candidates who pass fewer than 20 credits will be advised to withdraw. Such candidates will be advised to meet with their Faculty/School to discuss whether continuing on the current programme of study is the most appropriate option for them. Candidates may also wish to discuss their options for applying to transfer to an alternative programme of study.

Such candidates may also decide to return to repeat the level of study on their current programme and will automatically forfeit any credit already gained (see G7).

(In accordance with the General Progression Rule G8, those candidates who have been given the decision of Repeat Level of Study may be permitted to repeat the failed modules only).

Such candidates will be required to redeem the failures during the next academic year.

S7

In the case of a Level 5 advanced initial degree student, the Faculty/School would normally also require the candidate to attain an average mark as specified in the Faculty/School Handbook.

Candidates pursuing advanced initial degrees who fail to qualify to proceed to the final year and subsequently transfer to the final year of an initial degree programme (i.e. Level 6), shall be considered as enrolled repeating failed modules. The modules of such students, therefore, shall be capped at 40%. Students should note that the capped mark shall be used for classification purposes in each such module (General Progression rule G9).

S8

Candidates who are repeating the level or repeating failed modules, and who fail to qualify to proceed to the next level of study, having passed 60 credits or more but who fail to satisfy S1, S2 and S3, will be granted supplementary examinations as a final opportunity to redeem failures in all failed modules.

S9

Candidates who are repeating the level or repeating failed modules and who fail to qualify to proceed to the next level of study, having passed fewer than 60 credits, will be Required to Withdraw from the University.

Candidates who are ‘Required to Withdraw from the University’ will be given no further attempts to redeem failures. Candidates 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 readmitted to that same programme of study or to a cognate programme, without the approval of the Recruitment and Admissions Committee.

Depending on the number of credits passed, such students may be eligible for an exit qualification (refer to G22). The University Progression and Awards Board will be responsible for considering the number of credits passed and, if appropriate, awarding the relevant exit qualification.

S10

The marks achieved by candidates repeating the level of study shall not be capped.

Marks achieved by candidates who are repeating failed modules only, at Levels 5, 6 and S, shall be capped at 40%. Students should note that the capped mark shall be used for classification purposes in each such module.

Rules to be applied during the Supplementary University Progression and Awards Board

S11

Candidates who pass at least 120 credits in modules at the appropriate Level automatically qualify to proceed to the next Level of Study. In the case of a Level 5 advanced initial degree student, the Faculty/School would normally also require the candidate to attain an average mark as specified in the Faculty/School Handbook.

S12

Candidates who pass 80 credits or more but fewer than 120 credits may qualify to proceed to the next Level of Study provided that:

• The modules in which they have failed have not previously been identified as “core modules” for the particular programmes (see general progression rule G4);
• The marks in such modules are not less than 30%; and
• The overall average for the level is 35% or over.

Such failures will be referred to as "compensated failures". Credit will be awarded for compensated failures.

S13

Candidates who pass 20 credits or more and fail to satisfy the requirements of S10 or S11 above will fail to qualify to proceed to the next Level of Study. At the discretion of the University Progression and Awards Board, such candidates will normally be required to Repeat the Level of Study. Such candidates will automatically forfeit any credit already gained (see G7).

(In accordance with the General Progression Rule G8, those candidates who have been given the decision of Repeat Level of Study may be permitted to repeat the failed modules only).

Such candidates will be required to redeem the failures during the next academic year.

S14

Candidates who pass fewer than 20 credits will be advised to withdraw. Such candidates will be advised to meet with their Faculty/School to discuss whether continuing on the current programme of study is the most appropriate option for them. Candidates may also wish to discuss their options for applying to transfer to an alternative programme of study.

Such candidates may also decide to return to repeat the level of study on their current programme and will automatically forfeit any credit already gained (see G7).

(In accordance with the General Progression Rule G8, those candidates who have been given the decision of Repeat Level of Study may be permitted to repeat the failed modules only).

Such candidates will be required to redeem the failures during the next academic year.

S15

Candidates pursuing advanced initial degrees who fail to qualify to proceed to the final year and subsequently transfer to the final year of an initial degree programme (i.e. Level 6), shall be considered as enrolled repeating failed modules. The modules of such students, therefore, shall be capped at 40%. Students should note that the capped mark shall be used for classification purposes in each such module. (General Progression rule G9).

S16

Candidates who are repeating the Level or repeating failed modules and fail to qualify to proceed to the next Level of Study will be Required to Withdraw from the University.

Candidates who are ‘Required to Withdraw from the University’ will be given no further attempts to redeem failures. Candidates 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 readmitted to that same programme of study or to a cognate programme, without the approval of the Recruitment and Admissions Committee.

Depending on the number of credits passed, such students may be eligible for an exit qualification (refer to G22). The University Progression and Awards Board will be responsible for considering the number of credits passed and, if appropriate, awarding the relevant exit qualification.

S17

Marks achieved by candidates who succeed in redeeming failures during the supplementary examination period at Levels 5 and 6 will be capped at 40% (see General Progression Rule G9). Students should note that the capped mark shall be used for classification purposes in each such module.

A Summary of progression decisions that can be awarded by the University Progression and Awards Board is contained in Appendix 3.

University Progression and Awards Boards, in considering the results of part-time candidates who have pursued 120 credits at a particular Level of study, will apply the normal progression rules for full-time undergraduate degrees as set out in this section (with the exception that the decision of ‘Repeat Failed Modules’ will be given in those cases in which the decision ‘Repeat Level’ would normally apply).

It should be noted that compensation will not be permitted part-way through a Level of Study but only at the end of a Level of Study. Marks for part-time candidates will be confirmed at the end of each academic year.

Part-time students will be permitted up to a maximum of three further attempts to redeem failures within two academic sessions.

University Progression and Awards Boards, in considering the results of part-time candidates who are mid-way through a particular Level of study, should consider the following as a guide:

Non-Final Year Students

Final Year Students

Rules for Awarding Credit in the Final Level of Study (Level 6/7) for Part-time students

These regulations apply to all final-year students studying part-time except those pursuing accredited degrees in the Faculty of Science and Engineering and programmes in the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science leading to professional registration.

Normally part-time students complete a level of study within two academic years. However, such students may take up to three years provided the degree can be completed within the maximum candidature period of 10 years. Therefore the regulations below refer to awarding credits for study at Level 6/ 7.

Year 1, End of Year progression board:

• Candidates who have passed all credits taken – continue.
• Candidates who have failed 40 credits or less, of which none are core modules – continue.
• Candidates who have failed 40 credits or less including core modules – supp core.
• Candidates who have failed more than 40 but no more than 60 credits – continue (but advise could only qualify for Ordinary Degree. Ordinary Degrees will be unavailable for students entering from September 2018 onwards).
• Candidates who have failed more than 60 credits – exit qualification.

Year 1, Supplementary progression board:

May include students with deferrals, as well as students with supp core decisions.

• Candidates who have passed all credits taken including any resat core modules – continue.
• Candidates who have failed any resat core modules – continue (but advise could only qualify for Ordinary Degree (Ordinary Degrees will be unavailable for students entering from September 2018 onwards).
• Candidates who have failed 40 credits or less, of which none are core modules – continue.
• Candidates who have failed 40 credits or less including core modules that have not been resat –repeat failed core modules.
• Candidates who have failed more than 40 but no more than 60 credits – continue (but advise could only qualify for Ordinary Degree. Ordinary Degrees will be unavailable for students entering from September 2018 onwards).
• Candidates who have failed more than 60 credits – exit qualification.

Year 2, End of Year progression board (applies only to students taking three years to complete level):

• Candidates who have passed all credits taken in this and previous year including any resat core modules – continue.
• Candidates who have failed any resat core modules and who have failed no more than 60 credits in this and previous year – continue (but advise could only qualify for Ordinary Degree. Ordinary Degrees will be unavailable for students entering from September 2018 onwards).
• Candidates who have failed 40 credits or less in total in this and previous year, of which none are core modules – continue.
• Candidates who have failed 40 credits or less in total (failed core modules that have been subsequently passed count as fails for this purpose) in this and previous year, including core modules that have not been previously resat – supp core.
• Candidates who have failed more than 40 but no more than 60 credits in total in this and previous year – continue (but advise could only qualify for Ordinary Degree. Ordinary Degrees will be unavailable for students entering from September 2018 onwards).
• Candidates who have failed more than 60 credits in this and previous year – exit qualification.

Year 2, Supplementary progression board (applies only to students taking three years to complete level):

May include students with deferrals, as well as students with supplementary core decisions.

• Candidates who have passed all credits taken in this and previous year including any resat core modules – continue.
• Candidates who have failed any resat core modules – continue (but advise could only qualify for Ordinary Degree. Ordinary Degrees will be unavailable for students entering from September 2018 onwards).
• Candidates who have failed 40 credits or less in total in this and previous year, of which none are core modules – continue.
• Candidates who have failed 40 credits or less in total (failed core modules that have been subsequently passed count as fails for this purpose) in this and previous year including core modules that have not been resat –repeat failed core modules.
• Candidates who have failed more than 40 but no more than 60 credits in total in this and previous year – continue (but advise could only qualify for Ordinary Degree. Ordinary Degrees will be unavailable for students entering from September 2018 onwards).
• Candidates who have failed more than 60 credits in total in this and previous year – exit qualification.

Final year, End of Year progression board:

• Candidates who have passed all credits taken in this and previous year(s) including any resat core modules – complete.
• Candidates who have failed any resat core modules and who have failed no more than 60 credits in total in this and previous year(s) – complete Ordinary Degree (Ordinary Degrees will be unavailable for students entering from September 2018 onwards).
• Candidates who have failed 40 credits or less in total in this and previous year(s), of which none are core modules – complete.
• Candidates who have failed 40 credits or less in total (failed core modules that have been subsequently passed count as fails for this purpose) in this and previous year(s) including core modules that have not been previously resat – supp core.
• Candidates who have failed more than 40 but no more than 60 credits in total in this and previous year(s) –complete Ordinary Degree (Ordinary Degrees will be unavailable for students entering from September 2018 onwards).
• Candidates who have failed more than 60 credits in total in this and previous year(s) – exit qualification.

Final year, Supplementary progression board:

May include students with deferrals, as well as students with supplementary core decisions.

• Candidates who have passed all credits taken including any resat core modules – complete.
• Candidates who have failed any resat core modules and who have failed no more than 60 credits in total in this and previous year(s) – complete Ordinary Degree (Ordinary Degrees will be unavailable for students entering from September 2018 onwards).
• Candidates who have failed 40 credits or less in total in this and previous year(s), of which none are core modules – complete.
• Candidates who have failed 40 credits or less in total (failed core modules that have been subsequently passed count as fails for this purpose) in this and previous year(s) including core modules that have not been resat – repeat failed core modules.
• Candidates who have failed more than 40 but no more than 60 credits in total in this and previous year(s) – complete Ordinary Degree (Ordinary Degrees will be unavailable for students entering from September 2018 onwards).
• Candidates who have failed more than 60 credits in total in this and previous year(s) – exit qualification.

Rules to be applied during the University Progression and Awards Board

S1

Candidates who pass at least 120 credits in modules at the appropriate level for the final level of study automatically qualify to be considered for the award of an Honours degree.

S2 

Candidates who pass 80 credits or more but fewer than 120 credits and achieve an average mark of 35% in the Final Year may qualify to be considered for the award of an Honours or Pass degree provided that the modules in which they have failed have not previously been identified as ‘core modules’ for the particular programmes (see general progression rule G4).

(Such failures will be referred to as ‘compensated failures’. Credit will be awarded for compensated failures. Failures in the Final Year of study may be compensated down to a mark of 0%.)

This regulation applies to final-year Bachelor’s degrees and to final-year Advanced Initial Degree candidates.

S3

Candidates who pass 80 credits or more but fewer than 120 credits and achieve an average mark of at least 35% in the Final Year but have failed core module(s), will fail to qualify for an honours  degree. Such candidates may be permitted one final attempt to redeem the failure(s) in the core module(s) during the supplementary examination period. For the purposes of classifying the degree, the mark(s) so achieved shall be capped at 40% (50% for Level 7 modules). The marks for all other modules including failures in non-core modules will be retained for the purposes of classifying the degree. 

Candidates pursuing Top Up Degrees who accumulate 80 credits or more but fewer than 120 credits and achieve an average mark of at least 35% in the Final Year but have failed module(s), will fail to qualify for an honours degree. Such candidates may be permitted one final attempt to redeem the failure(s) in the module(s) during the supplementary examination period. For the purposes of classifying the degree, the mark(s) so achieved shall be capped at 40% (50% for Level 7 modules).

S4

Candidates who fail to meet the requirement of S1, S2, S3 above will fail to complete the final level of study.  

Such candidates will be given no further attempts to redeem failures and will be Required to Withdraw from the University. Candidates 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 readmitted to that same programme of study or to a cognate programme, without the approval of the Recruitment and Admissions Committee.

Depending on the number of credits passed, such students may be eligible for an exit qualification (refer to G22). The University Progression and Awards Board will be responsible for considering the number of credits passed and, if appropriate, awarding the relevant exit qualification. 

S5

The rules outlined in this section will normally influence the University Progression and Awards Board in arriving at a decision for candidates. However, candidates must not expect, as of right that they will be allowed to sit a supplementary examination in a core module(s). The Board may take into account other circumstances relating to the candidate’s case before taking any decision. 

S6

In exceptional circumstances and only with the expressed permission of the University Progression and Awards Board, final year candidates may be permitted to repeat study the following session. Such a decision shall be taken with possible reference to the outcomes of a Committee of Enquiry, a Special Circumstances Committee or an Academic Appeal Board. Such decision shall include a recommendation as to whether the marks achieved during the repeat study should be capped or uncapped.

Such candidates who are repeating study in the final year and who fail to qualify to be considered for an award at the final level of study will be given no further attempts to redeem failures and will be Required to Withdraw from the University. Candidates 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 readmitted to that same programme of study or to a cognate programme, without the approval of the Recruitment and Admissions Committee.

Depending on the number of credits attained, such students may be eligible for an exit qualification (refer to G22). The University Progression and Awards Board will be responsible for considering the number of credits attained and, if appropriate, awarding the relevant exit qualification.

GENERAL ASSESSMENT RULES

G1

The pass mark for modules will be set at 40% for Foundation and Level 4 programmes and 50% for Pre-Masters programmes. Credits will only be awarded to candidates who pass a module.

G2

Candidates on standard delivery programmes (Foundation, Level 4, Pre-Masters) must pass 15 credits by the end of the second semester of their studies in order for their candidature of study to be continued. If a candidate does not meet this requirement then they will be required to withdraw from their studies.

G3

Candidates must satisfy engagement and assessment requirements of all modules.

G4

The College, Swansea University operates a three tier system for formal processes to agree assessment outcomes as follows:

• College Module Panel – confirms marks at module level for all students in a stage of study.
• College Progression Board – makes decisions with regard to (i) the progression of students to the next stage of study within The College and (ii) supplementary assessments, repeat of modules in full and student exclusion (the requirement for students to withdraw from The College due to poor academic performance).
• University Progression and Awards Board – confirms marks and all progression and award decisions.

SUPPLEMENTARY ASSESSMENTS AND REPEAT MODULES

G5

The College Progression Board will review the recommendations from The College Module Panel when confirming supplementary assessment and repeat modules. The decisions made by The College Progression Board will be ratified by the University Progression and Awards Board.

G6

For standard delivery programmes (Foundation, Level 4, Pre-Masters non-Integrated programmes):

• At the discretion of The College Progression Board those candidates who fail a module in a given semester can be offered supplementary assessment(s) providing that the marks in the failed modules are no more than 15% below the pass mark.
• Should the candidate fail the supplementary assessment(s) then, if eligible, they will be required to repeat the module in full (with engagement).
• Candidates that do not qualify for supplementary assessment(s) will be required to repeat the entire module in full (with engagement).
• Candidates can take a mixture of repeat modules, supplementary assessments and first sits of modules provided that the total module credits does not exceed 95 credits, subject to any constraints in timetabling.
• If a candidate fails a repeat module (with engagement) then they will be permitted a supplementary final opportunity when the marks for the failed module(s) are no more than 15% below the pass mark. If a candidate does not meet this threshold they will be required to withdraw from their studies.
• Candidates must satisfy engagement and assessment requirements of all modules. Candidates whose engagement or progress is unsatisfactory would normally be reported to the University Progression and Awards Board.

G7

For Integrated programmes (including integrated elements/modules of programmes) please refer to the Swansea University Academic Regulations on redeeming failures and the assessment regulations for the candidate’s particular programme of study.

G8

Students may not elect to repeat a module in full in an attempt to improve their grading.

G9

The grade achieved for a re-enrolled module on a standard delivery programme will not be constrained, unless agreed otherwise by The College Module Panel or The College Progression Board. Re-enrolled modules for Integrated programmes will be subject to the grade constraints as detailed in the Swansea University Academic Regulations, and as detailed in the specific programme documentation.

G10

A candidate for re-enrolment may not demand reassessment in elements that are no longer current in the module. It is therefore the candidate’s responsibility to check whether the syllabus or format of the reassessment is different from the original. The College Progression Board may, where it deems appropriate, make special arrangements where it is not practical for students to be reassessed in the same elements or manner as at the first attempt.

G11

When determining the progression decisions of students following supplementary assessment(s), The College Progression Board shall refer to the best mark scored by the student in each particular module.

CONFIRMING PROGRESSION TO THE NEXT STAGE OF STUDY

G12

On the recommendation of The College Progression Board, a student may commence the study of a module/s at the next semester before the Board has met to consider the results of the assessment at the preceding semester, subject to the student’s Visa restrictions.

G13

A student may be permitted to progress to the next level of study with a failed module from their previous level of study, as long as the next level of study is being managed solely by The College, Swansea University and not where it involves an articulation point.

G14

All decisions relating to progression rests with the University Progression and Awards Board and will be determined as follows;

• Students progressing directly to Level 4, Level 5 or Masters at Swansea University must pass all modules before progression.
• Students progressing to Level 4 Integrated programmes must pass all modules before progression can be confirmed.
• Students progressing to Level 4 Standard Delivery programmes may carry 20 credits of failed modules, but must redeem the failed credits alongside the Level 4 provision.

ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT

G15

Candidates studying at The College, Swansea University are subject to the Swansea University Academic Misconduct procedures. As well as the penalties detailed in the section 12 and 13 of the procedures, The College may impose the following;

For non-examination conditions;

• If a candidate has no previous instances of upheld academic misconduct, the opportunity to resubmit the assessment, capped at the pass mark.

G16

A candidate who is admitted to an initial degree programme but is subsequently unable, or is not permitted, to 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:

Exit qualifications shall normally be named awards except where professional bodies' requirement dictate otherwise. 

Such exit qualifications shall be approved by the University Progression and Awards Board.