Specific Regulations
1. Introduction
1.1
Candidates may qualify for the award of a Graduate Diploma under these regulations upon successful completion of an approved modular programme of study provided either on a full-time or on a part-time basis at, or on behalf of, the University or in conjunction with another university. Where there is a conflict of interest between University regulations and requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, the requirements of the professional body will prevail subject to confirmation that the professional requirements are accepted by the University Education Committee.
1.2
All candidates must enrol as students of Swansea University and pay the appropriate fees prescribed by the University. As enrolled students, candidates must comply with the University's Academic and General regulations.
Titles prefixed by the term 'graduate' (for example, graduate diploma) should be used for qualifications from programmes of study that typically require graduate entry or its equivalent, and have learning outcomes that match relevant parts of the descriptor for a qualification at Level 6. A programme leading to a graduate diploma might have some Level 7 outcomes, but use of the 'postgraduate' title for the award would be justified only if most or all of the outcomes were assessed at Level 7.
1.3
Full-time Graduate Diploma candidates may not concurrently be enrolled on another programme leading to the award of a qualification in this or another university/institution without the express permission of the Chair of the Regulations, Quality and Standards Committee.
1.4
The candidature of students found to be in breach of Regulation 1.3 above shall normally be cancelled with immediate effect.
2. Entry Conditions
2.1
A candidate for the Graduate Diploma must hold one of the following qualifications prior to commencement of study:
- An initial Bachelor’s degree or a Master’s degree of a UK University;
- An initial Bachelor’s degree (or Master’s degree) of a recognised European or overseas University already approved or subsequently approved by UK ENIC;
- An initial Bachelor’s degree (or Master’s degree) of a recognised European or Sub-Committee;
- A non-graduate qualification which the University has deemed to be equivalent to graduation;
In the case of the Graduate Diploma in Law, candidates who hold a Certificate of Academic Standing shall be accepted onto the programme (issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) or Bar Standards Board (BSB).
2.2
Irrespective of a candidate's entry qualifications, the University must satisfy itself that a candidate is of the required academic standard to complete the programme of study proposed.
2.3
Prior to admission to the programme of study, Faculties/Schools must ensure that a candidate can communicate effectively in English, in both speech and writing. TOEFL or IELTS tests (or the equivalent) are applicable and guidance can be obtained from the Admissions Office as regards the pass level appropriate to a given study or the pre-course teaching that may be necessary to allow a candidate to proceed with their studies.
2.4
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 must complete the appropriate form and provide evidence of their degree or equivalent qualification in the form of an original certificate or an official statement from the awarding institution or other body. Unless a candidate matriculates, they will not be eligible for examination and may be prevented by the Student Cases Board from continuing with the candidature at an appropriate stage within the academic year.
2.5
In accordance with the Matriculation Policy for postgraduate taught degrees, candidates who have not matriculated by enrolment will be allowed to enrol provisionally and will be given a deadline of 15 November to provide evidence of their qualifications. On 15 November, the Director of Education Services will be provided with a list of non-matriculated students. The Director of Education Services will refer such cases to the Student Cases Board and, if matriculation remains outstanding by the end of term, the student will be withdrawn from the University and deemed to have failed the programme.
2.6
Candidates have the right to appeal in accordance with the University’s Academic Appeals regulations.
3. Enrolment
3.1
The University expects every candidate to enrol in order to be recognised as a student of the University. All candidates shall enrol in accordance with the enrolment instructions for the particular programme of study and within the prescribed enrolment period.
3.2
Candidates are required to enrol within the prescribed enrolment period:
- If enrolling for the first time with the University;
- If enrolling for the first time on a particular programme of study;
- If progressing to the next level of study, the next year of study or in some cases, the next part of study and attending on a full-time or part-time basis;
- If the University is expecting a fee to be paid in accordance with the University’s regulations governing student finance and fees.
3.3
In order to enrol with the University, candidates, where applicable, are required to provide evidence of entitlement to study at the University in accordance with:
- The specific programme requirements;
- The University’s regulations governing matriculation;
- The laws governing study in the United Kingdom.
3.4
Failure to enrol within a prescribed enrolment period will result in candidature lapsing and withdrawal of the candidate from the University. Requests for the reinstatement of the candidature and permission to enrol late shall be considered administratively on behalf of the Regulations, Quality and Standards Committee.
3.5
The University shall notify the relevant authorities, within a prescribed period in accordance with United Kingdom laws governing study in the UK, of students who have been withdrawn for failure to enrol on a programme of study within the prescribed enrolment period.
4. Modules within a Programme
4.1
A module is a discrete educational component of a programme. Each programme shall consist of taught modules which may be single modules of not less than 5 Swansea University credit points and not normally more than 20, and a 60-credit dissertation/project module.
In addition:
- Each module is assigned a unique reference code;
- 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 roughly equivalent to 10 Swansea University credits);
- Modules may have pre-requisites and/or co-requisites.
4.2
Modules may be grouped into the following categories:
- Lecture based;
- Practical based;
- External practice-based;
- Dissertation based;
- Computer based;
- Fieldwork based; or
- An appropriate combination of these categories (composite module).
4.3 Compulsory Modules
For most degree programmes compulsory modules will be determined by the Faculty(ies)/School(s) concerned. Such modules should be identified by Faculty(ies)/Schools and listed in Faculty/School handbooks. Compulsory modules are those which must be pursued by a student.
4.4 Optional Modules
To supplement the compulsory modules, candidates may be expected to pursue optional modules from a prescribed list of options in their specialist subject area(s). Candidates should seek the guidance of the 'home' Faculty/School when choosing optional modules.
4.5 Core Modules
Faculties/Schools may identify modules which are fundamental to a programme. Faculties/Schools can stipulate that such 'core' modules must not only be pursued but also passed before a candidate can proceed to the next part of study or qualify for an award. Failures in core modules must be redeemed.
4.6 Substitute Modules
Substitute modules are those modules which are normally studied in place of modules which were previously failed (at 1st attempt only). The mark for a substitute module shall be capped regardless of the actual mark.
4.7 Replacement Modules
Replacement modules are those modules which are normally studied during the second semester in place of other modules from which a student has withdrawn beyond the permitted deadline.
5. Transfer of Modules
5.1
Candidates are permitted to transfer from one module to another, provided that the transfer is approved by the relevant Faculty(ies)/School(s) within the following time-scale:
- Short intensive modules (2 weeks) before the end of the second day of teaching on the module concerned;
- Short modules (of one semester in duration) before the end of the 2nd week of teaching on the module concerned;
- Long modules (of two semesters in duration) before the end of the 4th week of teaching on the module concerned.
5.2
Transfers outside these deadlines be approved must be approved by the School Education Lead, or nominated Faculty/School Officer, who may consult with the Regulations, Quality and Standards Committee.
5.3
Students are expected to follow the procedures for transfers in force at the time and adopted by the Senate of the University.
6. Time Limits
6.1
The maximum period of candidature for candidates pursuing a Graduate Diploma/enhanced Graduate Diploma shall be as follows:
Full-time mode |
Part-time mode |
---|---|
Not less than 10 months |
Not less than 24 months |
Not more than 2 years |
Not more than 4 years |
6.2
Within these overall time-limits, Faculties/Schools may specify lower time-limits for individual programmes of study.
6.3
The overall time-limit may be extended in accordance with the regulations outlined in paragraph 27 of the General Regulations.
7. Changing Mode of Study
7.1
Full-time and part-time Graduate Diploma candidates may be permitted to change their mode of attendance prior to the start of their programme, provided that it does not contravene rules governing Visas, sponsorships and studentships and that a full-time or part-time mode exists for the programme. Full-time and part-time candidates may change their mode of attendance between one or four weeks of commencement of their programme with the approval of the Executive Dean (or nominee). Candidates wishing to change their mode of study beyond these deadlines would normally be advised to suspend studies and return the following session. However, with the express support of the Executive Dean (or nominee) a case may be submitted to the Student Cases Board.
8. Transferring Study
8.1
Graduate Diploma candidates are not normally permitted to transfer programmes unless the transfer is within a programme offering different specialisation options. Normally such transfers shall take place within the first two weeks of the start date of the programme after consultation with the Executive Dean (or nominee). In the approval process due consideration shall be given to the admission requirements and the financial implications of the transfer.
8.2
Transfers of programmes shall be forwarded to Education Services for final approval.
8.3
The period of candidature shall not be extended automatically for students who transfer programmes and need to suspend studies. However, such candidates may apply for an extension to their candidature in accordance with the University's regulations.
8.4
Candidates who fail may not be permitted to transfer to another programme. However, such candidates are not precluded from applying through the normal admission route to be admitted to another programme.
8.5
In the case of International students sponsored by the University, a transfer of programme is conditional upon holding a valid Student Route (previously Tier 4) visa. At the point of transfer, an assessment will be made as to whether the transfer meets current Tier 4 legislation before it is approved. The assessment will include reference to the level of the new programme, the student’s current period of leave, the current time limits governing Student Route (previously Tier 4) study, whether the new programme meets a student’s “genuine career aspirations” and any other requirements specified by the UK Visa and Immigration Service (UKVI. Where the new programme cannot be completed within the period of existing Student Route (previously Tier 4) leave, the student will be required to leave the UK to make an application for further leave to complete the programme. For programmes requiring ATAS Clearance, International students must obtain clearance and provide a copy of the ATAS certificate to the University, before a transfer can be approved.
9. Handbooks
9.1
A Faculty/School handbook shall be made available to each candidate at or before the commencement of studies.
10. Suspension of Study
10.1
Suspension of studies shall be considered in accordance with the Swansea University Suspension of Studies regulations.
11. Monitoring of Progress and Engagement
11.1
The University expects students to adhere to the engagement requirements as outlined in the University’s Statement on Engagement.
11.2
The engagement of candidates shall be monitored in accordance with the University’s Engagement Monitoring Policy for Taught Students.
11.3
Progress shall be monitored through personal tutoring arrangements, regular discussion and feedback from tutors and through Faculty/School examination boards and the University Progression and Awards Board.
12. International Students and Visa Requirements
12.1
International students who need a visa to study in the University should be aware that their continued study at the University is dependent upon them meeting the conditions of their visa and the time-limits set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). For more information please refer to https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/student-visas.
12.2
Decisions taken by the University with regard to a candidate’s enrolment status, academic performance, progression and award shall be made in accordance with the University’s academic and financial regulations and shall not be informed by visa restrictions and time-limits set by the UKVI. However, continued study is conditional upon meeting the University’s requirements and holding a valid visa. An international student who qualifies to progress to the next level or year of study cannot continue studying at the University without a valid visa.
Students who have any concerns or queries regarding their visa should contact International@CampusLife.
13. Extenuating Circumstances
13.1
All candidates must note that it is their responsibility to make their Faculty/School aware of any extenuating circumstance which could have an effect on academic performance, either during the academic year or during examinations. Please refer to the University’s Policy on Extenuating Circumstances.
13.2
All requests, whether resulting from long-term disability or short-term circumstances, must be set out on the appropriate form and supported, where possible, by written evidence.
13.3
The University shall presume that, unless the Faculty/School receives details of extenuating circumstances, the student had not been unduly affected by circumstances prior to or during the assessment in question.
14. Special Provision
14.1
It is the candidate's responsibility to inform the relevant Faculty(ies)/School(s) of any disability or of any extenuating circumstances which might require special provision for assessment. Candidates are required to produce appropriate documentation in support. All requests, whether resulting from long-term disability or short-term circumstances, must be set out on the appropriate form and supported, where possible, by written evidence. Any request must be submitted to the Faculty/School as soon as practically possible and certainly before the examination or assessment in question.
14.2
Further details and guidelines on special examination arrangements are found in the policy on Extenuating Circumstances.
14.3
The University shall presume that, unless the Faculty/School receives details of extenuating circumstances, the student has not been unduly affected by circumstances prior to or during the assessment in question.
15. Late Submission of Work
15.1
Faculties/Schools must set deadlines for submission of work. Candidates who fail to submit work by set deadlines are subject to the College penalty for the late submission of work. Candidates should refer to the Faculty/School Handbook for the penalty in force.
15.2
It shall be presumed that, unless the Faculty/School received details of extenuating circumstances and a request for an extension/late penalty waiver, that the student was not unduly affected in the preparation of the assessment in question.
16. Examining Boards
16.1
All examinations are conducted under the jurisdiction of the University's Regulations Governing Examinations and Assessment.
16.2
External examiners are nominated and appointed in accordance with the procedures detailed in Swansea University’s Code of Practice for External Examiners.
17. Credit Transfer
17.1
Candidates are normally expected to study their whole programme at Swansea University. In exceptional circumstances and where the professional body allows, candidates may be exempt up to 60 credits.
Requests for credit transfer shall be considered in accordance with the Policy and Procedures for the Recognition of Prior Learning at Swansea University.
18. Admission to Award
18.1
To be eligible for consideration for the award under these Regulations, a candidate shall:
- have pursued an approved modular programme of study for the period prescribed by the University;
- have attained such minimum levels of credit as specified by the University in a programme approved by the University;
- have fulfilled any further condition(s) required by the University.
The Award of a Graduate Diploma shall be conferred upon a candidate at the Swansea University Awards ceremony.
19. Appeals
19.1
Academic appeals shall be conducted in accordance with Swansea University Accuracy of Published Marks and Academic Appeals procedures.
20. Academic Misconduct
20.1
Allegations of academic misconduct shall be considered in accordance with Swansea University’s Academic Misconduct procedures.
21. Fitness to Practise
21.1
Allegations regarding fitness to practise shall be considered in accordance with the Swansea University Fitness to Practise regulations.
22. Aegrotat Awards
22.1
Requests from Faculties/Schools for Aegrotat Awards are considered in accordance with the University's Regulations for the Award of Aegrotat Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates, except in those cases where professional body requirements dictate that this is not possible (e.g. the Graduate Diploma in Law).
23. Posthumous Awards
23.1
Requests from a Faculty/School for posthumous awards shall be considered in accordance with the Swansea University's Posthumous Degree regulations.
Graduate Diploma - Specific Regulations
1.1 Programme Structure
Graduate Diploma programmes shall be offered on the basis of a one-year full-time period of study (or two-years part-time).
1.2
All full-time candidates shall normally be required to pursue the equivalent of 120 credits in one academic year.
1.3
The structure of the programme shall be a minimum of 90 credits at Level 6 and up to 30 credits may be at Level 5.
1.4
Learning outcomes shall be specified for each Graduate Diploma programme.
Graduate Diploma Assessment Regulations
G1
Candidates pursuing the Graduate Diploma in Law are subject to the assessment regulations of the programme which are published in the Faculty/School Handbook.
G2
Where there is a conflict of interest between University regulations and requirements of a Professional Body, the requirements of the professional body will prevail, subject to confirmation that the Professional requirements are accepted by the Regulations, Quality and Standards Committee.
G3
The progress of a candidate is normally assessed either during the course of a module and/or in the period immediately following its completion.
G4
Candidates are required to complete the Graduate Diploma programme of study in accordance with the regulations for awarding credit.
G5
The pass mark for all modules is 40%.
G6
Candidates must pass all modules in order to be awarded the Graduate Diploma (no compensation is permitted).
Note: There are specific regulations regarding the issue of ‘compensation’ for the Graduate Diploma in Law which are available in the Faculty/School Handbook.
G7
Candidates who fail to pass a module at the first attempt will be awarded a supplementary examination. At the discretion of the University Progression and Awards Board one further attempt may be given where extenuating circumstances and/or professional Body requirements permit. Such attempts will normally be capped at 40% unless a deferred (uncapped) attempt is approved. Candidates must not expect, as of right, to be offered the maximum number of attempts.
G8
Failure to sit an examination/redeem a failed module/assessment or submit work by the specified date shall result in a mark of 0% being recorded for the module.
G9
Candidates who are repeating failed modules and/or undertaking supplementary assessment, provided they satisfy the examiners, shall be awarded a capped mark of 40%.
G10
Candidates shall not be allowed to elect to repeat any module which has been passed in order to improve their performance.
G11
In accordance with the University’s Policy on Extenuating Circumstances Affecting Assessment, 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 the Student Cases Board for approval. Students and staff are advised to consult the University Policy on Extenuating Circumstances.
G12
Candidates who are unable to sit an examination at the end of Semester One and who have been granted deferral, should sit the examination in the Semester Two examination period in preference to the supplementary examination period.
G13
In exceptional circumstances, and with the permission of the appropriate Board, students who fail to sit deferred examinations which are uncapped during the supplementary period, may be permitted to repeat modules where the marks scored will not be capped.
G14
Candidates who have failed 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 are regarded as an attempt at redeeming failure and are, therefore, subject to the capping rule.
G15
Decisions to allow a part-time student to continue are taken on an annual basis part way through a level of study.
G16
Candidates must not expect, as of right, that they will be allowed to sit supplementary examinations or allowed to repeat failed modules. The University Progression and Awards Board may take into account other circumstances relating to the candidate's case before taking any progression decision.
G17
Candidates who are required to submit supplementary coursework shall be informed, by the academic Faculty/School concerned, of the coursework required.
Rules to be applied at the Semester Two Board
S1
Candidates who accumulate 120 credits will qualify for the award of a Graduate Diploma.
S2
Candidates who accumulate fewer than 120 credits will normally be awarded supplementary examinations/assessment in all failed modules.
S3
Candidates whose performance is deemed to be weak (i.e. the candidate has failed up to 40 credits full-time and 20 credits part-time) will be withdrawn from the programme.
S4
Part-time students who pass all pursued credits at the end of the first academic year will be permitted to ‘continue’ on the programme and pursue the remaining modules the following academic session.
S5
Part-time students who fail modules in June will normally be awarded supplementary examinations/assessment in all failed modules.
S6
Candidates who are repeating failed modules and who fail to qualify for the award, having accumulated less than 120 credits will be required to withdraw from the University and/or required to withdraw from the programme.
S7 Rules to be applied at the Supplementary Board
Candidates who accumulate 120 credits will qualify for the award of a Graduate Diploma.
S8
Candidates who fail to accumulate 120 credits will be deemed to fail the programme. However, where extenuating circumstances and/or professional Body requirements permit, the Examination Board may permit one final attempt at a module(s) during the next session.
S9 Exit Qualifications
Candidates pursuing a Graduate Diploma shall not be eligible for an exit qualification.
S10 Eligibility for an Award
In order to be eligible for consideration of a Graduate Diploma of Swansea University, candidates must attend and complete modules within the maximum period of registration.
S11
A candidate successfully completing a Graduate Diploma is eligible for the award of Merit where they have attained an overall mark of 60-69.99% for the award in question (in the case of the Graduate Diploma in Law, this is referred to as a ‘Commendation’).
S12
A candidate successfully completing a Graduate Diploma is eligible for the award of Distinction where he/she has attained an overall mark of 70% or above for the award in question.
Enhanced Graduate Diploma - Specific Regulations
1. Programme Structure
1.1
Candidates may qualify for the award of a Graduate Diploma upon successful completion of an approved modular programme of study provided on either a full-time or part-time basis.
1.2
All candidates are normally required to pursue the equivalent of 180 credits. This shall be divided into two stages:
Stage 1 120 credits (at least 60 credits must be at Level 6 and up to 60 credits may be at Level 5)
Stage 2 60 credits (normally a 60 credit project or dissertation module)
1.3
Candidates who progress to Stage 2 of the programme may upon successful completion of Stage 2 will be eligible for the award of an enhanced Graduate Diploma.
1.4
Learning outcomes must be specified for each enhanced Graduate Diploma programme.
Enhanced Graduate Diploma Assessment Regulations
G1
Where there is a conflict of interest between University regulations and requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, the requirements of the professional body will prevail, subject to confirmation that the Professional requirements are accepted by the University Education Committee.
G2
The progress of a candidate is normally assessed either during the course of a module and/or in the period immediately following its completion.
G3
Candidates are required to complete the enhanced Graduate Diploma programme of study in accordance with the regulations for awarding credit.
G4
Students must have completed Stage 1 of the programme satisfactorily in order to proceed to Stage 2.
Candidates must satisfy attendance and assessment requirements of all modules. Candidates whose attendance or progress is unsatisfactory would normally be reported to the relevant Academic Board.
G5
The pass mark for all modules is 40%.
G6
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. The Project/Dissertation module pursued in Stage Two by its very nature shall be regarded as a ‘core module’ and a pass mark of 40% will be applied uniformly.
G7
When determining the progression decisions of students following the Supplementary examinations, the Progression Board must refer to the best mark scored by the student in each particular module during the Session. It follows therefore if a student scored a higher mark at the first attempt, the Progression Board should refer to that module mark, as opposed to the re-sit mark.
The Best Mark Principle only applies within one academic session and operates at the September Examination Boards only. It is irrelevant to ‘Core Modules’ since such modules must be passed.
G8
Candidates who fail to pass a module at the first attempt will be awarded a supplementary examination. At the discretion of the Award Board one further attempt may be given where extenuating circumstances and/or professional Body requirements permit. Such attempts will normally be capped at 40% unless a deferral (uncapped) is approved.
Candidates must not expect, as of right, to be offered the maximum number of attempts.
G9
Failure to sit an examination/redeem a failed module/assessment or submit work by the specified date shall result in a mark of 0% being recorded for the module.
G10
Candidates who are repeating/resitting failed modules provided they satisfy the examiners, shall have a capped mark of 40%.
G11
Candidates 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.
G12
In accordance with the University’s Policy on Extenuating Circumstances Affecting Assessment, 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 the Academic Board for approval. Students and staff are advised to consult the University Policy on Extenuating Circumstances.
G13
Candidates who are unable to sit an examination at the end of Semester One, and who have been granted deferral by the Student Cases Board should sit the examination at the end of Semester Two in preference to the Supplementary examination period.
G14
In exceptional circumstances, and with the permission of the appropriate Board, students who fail to sit deferred examinations which are uncapped during the Supplementary period, may be permitted to repeat the modules where the marks scored will not be capped.
G15
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.
G16
Progression decisions for part-time candidates will be taken by a Progression Board only when the results of a full portfolio of Stage One modules are known. Decisions to allow a part-time student to continue are taken on an annual basis part way through a stage of study. Marks for part-time candidates will be confirmed at the end of a stage of study and not at the end of an academic year.
G17
The rules outlined in the Specific Progression Rules will normally influence the Progression Boards in arriving at a progression decision for candidates. However, candidates must not expect, as of right, that they will be allowed to sit supplementary examinations or allowed to repeat failed modules. The Progression Board may take into account other circumstances relating to the candidate's case before taking any progression decision. A Progression Board would not be expected to allow a candidate to progress to the next Level of Study unless they had satisfied the minimum criteria.
G18
Candidates who are required to submit supplementary coursework shall be informed, by the academic Faculty/School concerned, of the coursework required.
Rules to be applied at the Semester Two Progression Board
S1
Candidates who accumulate 120 credits automatically progress to Stage 2 of the programme.
S2
Candidates who accumulate 100 credits 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 programme;
- The marks in such modules are not less than 30%.
(Such failures will be referred to as "compensated failures". Credit will be awarded for compensated failures.)
S3
Candidates who accumulate 100 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. Provided that marks in all failed modules are not less that 30%, 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
At the discretion of the Award Board, candidates whose performance is deemed to be weak will be deemed to have failed the programme.
S5
Candidates who are repeating modules and fail a module(s) at the second attempt will be deemed to fail the programme.
S6 Rules to be applied at the Supplementary Progression Board
Candidates who accumulate 120 credits will be eligible to proceed to Stage 2.
S7
Candidates who accumulate 100 credits or more but fewer than 120 credits may qualify to proceed to Stage 2, 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 G5);
- The marks in such modules are not less than 30%.
(Such failures will be referred to as "compensated failures". Credit will be awarded for compensated failures.)
S8
Candidates who accumulate 100 credits or more but fewer than 120 credits but have failed a core module(s) will be deemed to have failed the programme. However, where extenuating circumstances and/or professional Body requirements permit, the Examination Board may permit one final attempt at a module(s) during the next academic session.
S9 Stage Two Award Board (one Board held for submission and another Board for resubmissions)
Candidates who successfully pass Stage 2 of the programme, with a mark of 40%, will qualify for the award of an enhanced Graduate Diploma.
S10
Candidates who fail Stage 2 of the programme at the first attempt will normally be permitted to resubmit their project/dissertation module in accordance with the appropriate time limit.
S11
Candidates who fail Stage 2 at the second attempt will fail the programme and will not be eligible for an Exit Qualification.
S12 Eligibility for an Award
In order to be eligible for consideration of an enhanced Graduate Diploma of Swansea University, candidates shall attend and complete modules within the maximum period of registration.
S13
A candidate successfully completing an enhanced Graduate Diploma shall be eligible for the award of Merit where he/she has attained an overall mark of 60-69.99% for the award in question.
S14
A candidate successfully completing an enhanced Graduate Diploma shall be eligible for the award of Distinction where he/she has attained an overall mark of 70% or above for the award in question.
S15 Exit Qualifications
Candidates pursuing an enhanced Graduate Diploma are not eligible for an exit qualification.