This guide is intended for all students studying an Undergraduate-based course at Canterbury Christ Church University in 2021-22.

Who is this guide intended for?

This guide is intended for Undergraduate students in 2021-22 studying a wide range of courses such as Undergraduate Degrees with or without a Foundation Year, Integrated Master’s and Undergraduate Apprenticeships. There are two sets of assessment regulations depending on when you registered with the University:

If you commenced your studies before September 2017 and have continuous progression, you are on the Outgoing regulations and Section 4 of this guide sets out the regulations for your progression and reassessment.

If you commenced your studies before September 2017 and do not have continuous progression, you are on the Regulations for Taught Awards and Section 3 of this guide sets out the regulations for your progression and reassessment.

If you commenced on your studies from September 2017, you are on the Regulations for Taught Awards and Section 3 sets out the regulations for your progression and reassessment.

If you are unsure which regulations apply to you, see Section 5: Which Regulations for more information.

To create a printable or PDF version of the information in this guide copy and paste the web address into the box here.

Why is this guide important to you?

All courses and awards are governed by University regulations and processes (see Section 5). These are designed to ensure that courses are structured, delivered, and assessed in a fair, consistent and transparent way.

Understanding these regulations and processes will help to ensure that you have a positive learning experience and the best opportunity to progress and succeed.

This guide provides key information about how assessment is carried out, the formal steps involved in making a final award, and the University’s Regulation and Credit Framework that governs Undergraduate courses.

Maximise your opportunity for academic success

To help you complete your course successfully, make sure you understand the contents of this guide and keep referring back to it throughout your studies.

Using this guide

It is your responsibility to be aware of, and understand, the content within this guide.

Reading this guide as a whole will help you understand how your course is set up. You will also find certain sections relevant at particular times of the year, for example, as you prepare for assessments.

Please refer to your Course Handbook/Module Handbook for specific information on your assessments. If there is anything you are unsure about, or if you would like advice or support, contact your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) (your Course Team can confirm who this is if you are unsure). Alternatively, you can email any queries to i-zone@canterbury.ac.uk.

Top Tips!

To help you even further, where there is important information to note or Top Tips that we think you may be interested in we have highlighted this in blue.

Glossary of terms and definitions

To help you navigate this document, we have created a glossary of terms that can be accessed in Section 10. Each section also contains definitions relevant to what you are reading. Just click on the highlighted words to show the definition.

Section 1: Your undergraduate course

Section 1: This section will tell you about learning on your Undergraduate course, including what your learning involves, levels of study and credit requirements, rules for Individual Study and the structure of Combined Honours courses.

1.2. Learning expectations

What am I expected to learn?

Each Undergraduate course has been designed to enable you to gain specific knowledge and skills that meet the Course Learning outcomes as detailed in your Course/Module Handbook.

There are set learning outcomes that you must achieve to complete your modules and levels of study in order to progress through your course and achieve an award or credits.

Throughout your modules, you will undertake regular assessment activities that will test your achievement of the learning outcomes. Assessment is both summative and formative (learn more in Section 2).

FIG.1 shows how modules are constructed. You can see how the learning outcomes relate to the final assessment and your learning and teaching activities.

Fig.1: Building blocks of modules

The building blocks of modules are the module aims, learning outcomes, module content, module activities and assessment

1.3. Learning activities

What activities will make up my learning?

A variety of activities will be used in class, on Blackboard (the University's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), and through other digital and physical means, to support your development of the knowledge, skills and attributes that allow you to meet the requirements of your course. The following describes the range of possible learning activities you may experience.

 Fig.2: Types of Learning Activities

The types of learning activities are blended learning, work-related experience, individual and group tutorials or supervision, practice based learning, work based experience or placement, independent learning, problem-based learning and collaborative learning

Some of these activities will occur in many of your modules, while others will be specific to one or two modules, whose titles will reflect the nature of the learning. For example, an Individual study module will consist of independent learning with guidance from a supervisor. Learning related to the workplace may occur in a number of different forms and be embedded in many of your modules. In some courses, you may have a placement or a work-based learning module where you attend a workplace for a significant portion of your learning.

1.3. Levels of Study

What are the levels of study within an Undergraduate course?

As you progress through your undergraduate course, you will undertake levels of study that will introduce you to increasingly complex concepts. You will need to demonstrate the ability to learn and apply these concepts at each level and will be taught how to do this as part of your course.

Levels are part of a national Higher Education framework that sets the standards for the different types of qualification and awards. Undergraduate levels are Levels 4-6 (see Fig. 3 below). Some Undergraduate courses include additional levels of study i.e. the Foundation Year (which is non-credit bearing) is Level 0, and an Integrated Master’s includes Level 7 modules.

In most cases, you must complete a level before progressing to a higher level.

Learn more about progression in Section 3 if you registered from September 2017, or in Section 4 if you registered before September 2017.

Fig.3: Typical years of study for full-time degree courses

* will take place in alignment with professional requirements

  1st year 2nd year 3rd year 4th year 5th year
3-year Undergraduate degree Level 4 Level 5 Level 6    
4-year Undergraduate degree including a Foundation Year Level 0 Level 4 Level 5 Level 6  
4-year Undergraduate degree with placement or year abroad Level 4 Level 5 Placement/
year abroad
Level 6  
5-year Undergraduate degree including a Foundation Year and placement or year abroad Level 0 Level 4 Level 5 Placement/
year abroad
Level 6
1-year Top-up Degree Level 6        
2-year Foundation Degree Level 4 Level 5      
Apprenticeship Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 End Point Assessment*  
Integrated Master's Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 Level 7  
Integrated Master's with Foundation Year Level 0 Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 Level 7
Accelerated Degree Levels 4 and 5 Levels 5 and 6      

1.4. Credits for progression

How many credits do I need to achieve in order to progress to the next Undergraduate level?

Each Undergraduate level of study (0*, 4, 5, 6, and 7 for an Integrated Master’s) consists of modules that together must have a total value of 120 credits. Modules typically have a value of 20 or 40 credits, or occasionally 10 credits (the credit value is confirmed in your Course Handbook/Module Handbook).

*If you are studying on a Foundation Year (Level 0), this is a year designed to equip you with the essential and specialist skills and knowledge needed to support your progression through your chosen Undergraduate degree. Foundation Years do not carry credits but you will need to complete the equivalent of 120 credits in order to progress to the next level of study (Level 4).

You must always check that you are studying the correct amount of credits. If you are unsure, refer to your Course/Module Handbook or talk to your Course Team (including your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT)) as soon as possible.

There are a number of Undergraduate awards available (see section 6.1). Your award will be based on the course that you are studying and the type of award that you have registered to complete.

To achieve an Undergraduate degree with honours, you must normally achieve 360 credits. To achieve an Integrated Master’s degree, you must normally achieve 480 credits. Certain courses may have additional requirements e.g. Apprenticeship qualifications, which are separate from the academic qualification awarded by the University and require a pass in the End Point Assessment (EPA).

If you are studying for a Foundation Degree, which combines academic study and work-based learning, you will accumulate credits at Level 4 and Level 5. This is the equivalent of two-thirds of an honours degree. (see FIG.4).

Fig.4: The building blocks of undergraduate courses

building-blocks-of-undergraduate-courses

You must normally pass all credits in order to pass a level and progress. If you do not achieve a pass in all 120 credits at a particular level, you will normally be entitled to reassessment attempts in order to give you the opportunity to achieve a pass.

Learn more about progression in Section 3 if you registered from September 2017, or in Section 4 if you registered before September 2017.

1.5 Course Structure

How are my course and academic year structured? 

Course Structure

Your course is made up of a series of modules (usually of 20 credits each) which allow you to achieve the set learning outcomes (read more in 1.1 and 1.3). In some courses, all modules are core, whilst in others; you may have a mixture of core and optional modules.  Core modules are those that the University has deemed essential to the achievement of the learning outcomes of the course, which means that all students on the course need to study them. Optional modules allow students to focus on a preferred area within their domain of study, or to discover a new topic, such as learning a foreign language. If your course offers optional modules, then at a set point in the year you will be required to select your preferred modules for the next year.

Academic Year Structure

Your course will be delivered over one or more academic years. Some University courses operate on a semester academic calendar where each year is divided into two semesters. Some operate on a trimester or term-based academic calendar where each year is divided into three trimesters or terms. Some academic calendars also include additional weeks designed to provide you with time away from your studies to support your academic learning and personal development. Your Course Handbook/Module Handbook will clarify which academic calendar your course is on. You can view all the academic calendars here.

There are rules that govern how many credits you can take in any given semester or trimester. These are normally 60 credits per semester and 40 credits per trimester. If you have any additional questions, please speak to your Course Team.

1.6 Individual Study

What are the rules for Individual Study?

Undergraduate students may take a maximum of 40 credits of Dissertation or Individual Study, during their final year (Level 6 for a BA/BSc or Level 7 for an Integrated Master’s).

If you are a Combined Honours student and would like to undertake a Dissertation or Individual Study, you may do one of the following:

  • undertake a 20-credit Individual Study in one or both subjects (where a 20-credit Individual Study is offered)
  • undertake a 40-credit Individual Study in only one subject, provided you study at least another 20 credits in that same subject at Level 6.

1.7. Contemporary Language Modules

How can I study a language?

At Level 4

At Level 4 you do not need any previous knowledge of the language as the modules are all at beginner’s level.

If you are a single honours student, you may take one 20-credit language module either:

  • as a module that counts towards your degree
  • or as additional learning on top of your 120 credits.

In this case, you will accumulate the credits but they will not contribute to your degree award. If you are a Combined Honours student, at Level 4 you can only opt to study a language as additional learning on top of your 120 credits. In this case, you will accumulate the credits but they will not contribute to your degree award.

At Levels 5 and 6

If you are a single honours student, you may take one 20-credit language module that either:

  • counts towards your degree
  • or is additional learning on top of your 120 credits. In this case, you will accumulate the credits but they will not contribute to your degree award.

If you are a Combined Honours student, at Levels 5 and 6 you may take one 20-credit language module that either:

  • counts towards your degree
  • or is additional learning on top of your 120 credits.

In this case, you will accumulate the credits but they will not contribute to your degree award.

Find out more.

Some courses and awards have approved Special Regulations that do not permit language modules to be taken due to professional and/or employer restrictions.

1.8. Combined Honours Structure

How is a Combined Honours award structured?

A Combined Honours award carries the same credit load as a single honours award. Students study 120 credits at Levels 4, 5, and 6 and must have 360 credits to be awarded an honours degree.

As a Combined Honours student, you can either divide your credits equally between each subject, or at Levels 5 and 6 you can major in one subject and minor in the other. There is flexibility for you to change the credit balance between subjects from one year to the next within the following constraints

Level 4 You must take 60 credits in each subject, and you can only take a foreign language module as additional learning on top of your 120 credits. If you take a foreign language module, you will accumulate the credits but they will not contribute to your degree award.
Levels 5 and 6

You must take at least 40 credits in each subject.

You can take a foreign language module as part of your 120 credits for that level but it cannot count towards the minimum 40 credits in each subject.

Level 6 You can only take up to 20 credits more in a subject above the number of credits taken in that subject at Level 5 (e.g. If you took 40 credits in a subject at Level 5, the maximum you can take in that subject at Level 6 is 60)

There are a range of options for studying combined honours - see the diagram below for more information.

Combined-honours-award-structure

Section 2: Undergraduate Assessment

Section 2: This section will tell you about Undergraduate assessment and the marking process, including what assessment involves, when and how you are assessed and given feedback, how your assessment activities are submitted, how your assessment activities are marked, the requirements for passing modules (pass threshold) and levels of study, what happens if you do not meet the pass requirements (pass threshold), and how you get your results.

2.1. Assessment

What does assessment involve?

You can expect to be assessed throughout your course.

During assessment, you are tested on your ability to demonstrate the knowledge and skills that have been set out in the learning outcomes for a module.

See Fig.1 in 1.1 to understand more about how learning outcomes relate to the assessment.

There are two types of assessment you will encounter: formative and summative.

  • Formative assessment(s) can take place throughout your module. It might take the same form as the summative assessment or test-specific knowledge, e.g. it could be an online or in-class quiz or questions in a seminar or tutorial. You may be given a mark for this assessment, but it will not contribute to your overall module mark.

Formative assessment provides an opportunity for you to see how well you are doing and what you need to do to improve in advance of your summative assessment(s). It is important because, no matter how hard you have studied, if you do not understand what the assessment requires you to do, or do not yet have the skills to articulate your learning, you will not do as well.

  • Summative assessment(s) - following this type of assessment, you will receive a mark that comprises or contributes to your overall module mark. The mark is based on set marking criteria, which can be found in your Course / Module Handbook. What that mark means and how it is agreed is covered in 2.8.

To learn more about how feedback on your assessments can help you, see 2.8. 

Throughout this guide where the term ‘assessment’ is used, this refers to summative assessment. Any references to formative assessments will be clearly indicated as such.

2.2. Forms of Assessment

What form does assessment take?

Your learning is assessed in a number of ways so that you, and the University, can be sure that you are gaining the required skills, knowledge and marks to enable you to progress and achieve your desired award. The main categories are Examinations, Practicals, Coursework, and Set Exercises.

Fig.6: Four main ways your work is assessed

the four main ways your work is assessed are exams, set exercises, coursework and practials

Depending on the assessment activity, you could be assessed as an individual or as part of a group. The assessment could occur in placement or work-based learning setting (see 2.3).

Whatever form the assessment takes, the key thing is that it must allow you to demonstrate the learning outcomes of the module. You must make sure that you know the learning outcomes and are clear about what is expected of you.

Information and guidance about your learning outcomes and the assessments that you will be required to complete for your modules are available in your Course/Module Handbook and via your Module Tutor.

2.3. Placement Assessments

If I have a placement, how will be assessed?

Assessment of placement is as important as any other assessment activity you undertake. It allows your course to assess a number of things, for example:

  • How you have applied knowledge and theory in different settings
  • What activities you have done and the learning you have gained from them
  • How you have experienced a placement and reflected upon it

Your assessment may also include an assessment of practice competencies or standards.

Placement assessment may take place during or after your placement. It may be carried out by one of your tutors or by someone who works at your placement who has specific expertise in that area. Some placement assessments have a mark and some are pass/fail, depending on your module and course. Placement assessments may be subject to different reassessment regulations and it is important that you check your course regulations carefully.

2.4. Assessment Timing

When do my assessments take place?

Assessment is an ongoing process that takes place throughout your course.

Depending on the course and modules you undertake, assessment activities could be spread throughout each module. You may also be assessed at the end of a module, semester/trimester or term (depending on the academic calendar for your course), or at the end of a level of study. For Apprenticeship qualifications, there is an additional assessment point after the completion of your academic qualification. This is called an End Point Assessment (EPA).

At the beginning of each semester, trimester or term, you will be provided (normally in your Course/Module Handbook and on your Blackboard module site) with written details of the assessment activities as well as the methods of assessment and formal feedback that will be used. Information provided will include:

  • Descriptions of each assessment activity
  • Suggested reading lists
  • A schedule of assessment activities including the submission/completion date and the date by which you will receive formal feedback
  • Feedback methods

Where details of assessment activities are not available in your Course/Module Handbook or on Blackboard, they will be confirmed to you in an alternative form.

It is important to ensure that you know all key dates for your course, including when your classes start and end, the specific times that you are required to attend the University, and formal assessment and reassessment periods (you can learn more in the Student Engagement Policy). Assessment periods vary depending on the academic calendar your course follows, which is stated in your Course Handbook.

To learn more about your Academic calendar and accessing your personal student timetable, please speak with your Course Team and check the student webpages.

2.5. Submitting Assessment

How do I submit assessment activities?

Your Course/Module Handbook will contain specific information about the process for submission of work and completion of assessment activities.

You will normally be asked to submit your coursework assessment activities through Turnitin. This online service also allows you to upload draft versions of your assessments prior to final submission, and is designed to help you and your tutors check your work for originality and help guard against plagiarism.

Turnitin can be accessed through Blackboard.

It is important that you always check you have received a receipt confirming that your submission to Turnitin was successful and that you keep those receipts until the end of that level of study.

There are some exceptions for the submission of draft work, please check your Course Handbook/Module Handbook for guidance.

For guidance on how to use Turnitin, please refer to the 'Help' area within Blackboard.

If you are asked to submit your assessment activity through a different route from Turnitin, your Course Team will explain the process.

2.6. Assessment Deadlines

What happens if I am unable to complete my assessment activity on time?

It is important that you complete all your assessments on time. There are firm assessment submission deadlines with penalties for late submission of work unless you have been granted an extension or deferral.

Assessments usually have a deadline of 2pm on the day of the deadline published in the Module Handbook and Blackboard.

Late Penalties

In the case of late submission of coursework without an approved extension, the work will be penalised. The penalty applied by most courses will be 5% (of the eligible mark) per day, for up to 7 days, after which a mark of zero will be recorded.

For assessments whose deadline is 2pm, the calculation of the penalty is done using a 24-hour period. A penalty of 5% is applied from 2:01pm on the day of the published deadline. The “second day” of penalty starts at 2:01pm the day after the published deadline, and so on for a total seven days. The calculation of “days” includes Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays.

The penalty may differ for assessments that are only marked as pass/fail and for assessments that must meet specific Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirements. In these cases, you will find details of the penalties in your Course Handbook/Module Handbook.

Failure to attend an examination without approved extenuating circumstances will automatically result in a mark of 0%.

Extensions and Deferrals

The University has a variety of mechanisms to support students who are experiencing issues when undertaking assessments. If you have a problem or concern, it is important to contact your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) as soon as possible to ensure you get the right support. Support is also available from the University’s Support Service, email: studentwellbeing@canterbury.ac.uk

Sometimes there may be circumstances that affect your ability to undertake an assessment. For short-term problems affecting you for up to 1-2 weeks, you may be eligible to apply for a self-certification extension or an evidence-based extension (or an alternative date if it is a timed assessment) through Extenuating Circumstances. To find out more about Extenuating Circumstances and access to the forms you need to complete to submit a request, view the Extenuating Circumstances webpages.

For medium and longer-term issues there are also support mechanisms in place for which you may be eligible.

Contact your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) for advice. Or View the extenuating Circumstances webpages

Following the formal dates set for confirming module results, if the University grants you an extension that sets a new submission or examination date this is called a deferral (read more in 2.8). Where your first attempt at an assessment is deferred, your marks for that attempt will not be capped. In most cases, you must complete your deferred assessment within the same academic year in which you first studied the module. If not, it may affect your progression (see also 3.8 if you registered from September 2017, or 4.7 if you registered before September 2017).

2.7. Assessment Feedback

How will I be given feedback on my assessments?

Feedback is provided in a number of forms and delivered in different ways. It could be verbal or written, online or paper; it can come from your Module Tutor or your fellow students depending on the type of assessment and the marking criteria (these can be found in your Course /Module Handbook).

The aim is to provide you with timely and useful feedback within 15 working days of the submission date. For certain modules and assessment activities such as dissertations, extended projects, individual Studies, formal examinations and work submitted after the deadline, there may be an extended period for feedback.

TOP TIP: Feedback is valuable as it can help you develop and guide you towards areas to improve on.

2.8 Marking

How are assessments marked?

The marking process for your assessment activities is rigorous and thorough and is based on approved marking criteria as detailed in your Course Handbook/Module Handbook.

Marking is carried out by examiners approved by Canterbury Christ Church University and is then reviewed by subject specialists from other institutions (External Examiners) who are part of a formally convened body (a Board of Examiners) that is responsible for confirming students’ marks and progression and granting awards.

Fig.7: Key stages when marking your assessments

STAGE MARKING PROCESS
1 Completed assessment activities are marked by an approved examiner.
2

Assessment activities are then either:

  • Moderated, meaning a sample of the marked assessment activities is reviewed by a University-approved examiner to ensure that the criteria for assessment and arrangements for feedback have been appropriately applied or
  • Double marked (where required by the University's Regulation and Credit Framework), meaning the summative assessments for all students are reviewed by a second approved examiner.
3 Once moderation or double marking is completed, a provisional mark is allocated to your work and published on the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) (e.g. Blackboard Turnitin, Pebblepad). This is the mark pre-penalties or caps. This mark does not include any potential penalties you may have incurred if submitting the work late. Neither does it include any cap because it is a reassessment.
4 Once assessment activities are completed and marks are published on the VLE, a sample of those marked assessment activities is then reviewed by an External Examiner.
5 At the end of a semester/trimester or term, final module marks are confirmed by a Module Board of Examiners which is attended by University examiners with input from the External Examiner. Following the Board, you will receive your results via your CCCU University email and can also access them via the ‘Programme/Course Information’ tile at Your Services. These marks are inclusive of any penalties (for lateness) and caps (if reassessment).
6 At the end of a level of study, final module marks are considered by a Progression and Award Board of Examiners. This board confirms student progression, reassessment (if required) and grants awards.

Your Course Team will be able to advise you when the different Boards are meeting dependent on your academic calendar.

TOP TIP: If you have any questions about the process for marking assessments, please speak with your Course Director.

2.9. Undergraduate Pass Mark

What is the Undergraduate pass mark?

Level of study Module pass mark
Level 0 (Foundation Year) 40%
Level 4 40%
Level 5 40%
Level 6 40%
Level 7 (Integrated Master's) 50%

For all Undergraduate awards (except Integrated Master’s) in order to pass a level of study and progress to the next level or complete an award, your calculated overall average mark for the level must be 40% or greater. For an Integrated Master’s the pass mark for the award is 40% but in order to remain on the award and progress from Level 5 to 6, your calculated overall mark for Level 5 must be 50% or greater.

The mark you receive for each module studied is calculated based on what you receive for each individual assessment that you have completed. Each mark is given an assessment weighting and this is used to calculate your final mark for each module. There may be some professional modules where some or all of the assessments are pass/fail and no marks assigned.

Fig.8: Module mark calculations based on assessment weightings.

These examples illustrate the calculation of a module mark based on two assessments where one is coursework, while the other is an examination (the assessment weightings vary).

  Assessment 1 Assessment 2  
  % weighting of assessment mark Mark Received % weighting of assessment mark Mark Received Combined final module mark
Example 1: Pass with a combined mark of at least 40% 70% 50% 30% 70% 56%
Example 2: Pass with a combined average mark above 70% 70% 78% 30% 55% 71%
Example 3: Fail with a combined average mark below 40%* 30% 58% 70% 30% 38%
Example 4: Pass with a combined average mark of 40% 30% 64% 70% 30% 40%
Example 5: Fail where although the combined average mark is at least 40%, the PSRB rules state you must have passed all your assessments and the mark received for Assessment 2 did not meet these requirements 30% 64% 70% 30% 40%

* If this meets certain criteria, it may be eligible for compensation (see 3.5 if you registered from September 2017, or 4.5 if you registered before September 2017).

2.10. Pass requirements

Do I need to achieve a pass in every module?

Yes. At each level of study, you must normally achieve a pass (40% or greater*) in each of your modules in order to achieve 120 credits and gain an overall pass of a level.

* There are higher requirements at certain levels on an Integrated Master’s course. See 2.9 or the regulations for Integrated Master’s (Section 3.4 – 3.13 of the Regulations for Taught Awards).

See 1.4: Building Blocks of Undergraduate Courses, for more information.

For some courses, if you do not achieve 40% or greater in a module but you meet specific conditions, you may be granted a compensated pass or you may be granted permission to progress while completing your reassessment (trail and progress).

Learn more about the specific conditions for trail and progress and compensation in Section 3 if you registered from September 2017, or Section 4 if you registered before September 2017.

Outcomes of Marking

What are the possible outcomes following the marking process and how will I find out?

At the end of a semester or trimester, you may be given formal notification of the marking outcomes for the modules completed.  The decision about your progression to the next level or your eligibility for your award is made at the end of each level of study.

Fig.9: Possible outcomes at the end of a level

possible outcomes at the end of a level

For further information about the marking process, please refer to the University's Regulation and Credit Framework.

To learn more about reassessment, see Section 3 if you registered from September 2017, or Section 4 if you registered before September 2017.

2.12. Module and Level Results

How will I find out my module and level results?

Release dates for results are published in advance and you can check these with your Course Team.

Section 3: Undergraduate Progression and Reassessment from Sept 2017

This section will introduce you to Undergraduate progression and reassessment (on the Regulations for Taught Awards) to help you understand what you need to do to progress through a course, your options if you cannot progress as planned, the types of reassessment, when you will need to undertake reassessment, the conditions for reassessment.

This section applies ONLY to those undergraduate students who commenced their studies from September 2017.

If you commenced your studies before September 2017 and have continuous progression, you are on the Outgoing Regulations and this chapter does not apply. Go to Section 4 for information relevant to your progression and reassessment. If you are not sure which regulations you are on please see Section 5: Which Regulations.

2020-21 Covid-19 Regulations

In response to the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the University made revisions to some of its regulations for the 2020-21 academic year in order to support student progression and award.

This section applies ONLY to students who were studying in 2020-21 academic year.

The University recognised that Covid-19 had an impact your lives, your studies and potentially your assessments. As a result of the pandemic, and at key points since 23 March 2020, you may have experienced:

  • changes in your teaching, learning and assessment and you may have undertaken these changes in the context of other significant challenges.
  • Reduced ability to engage with assessment.

The University sought to respond in a compassionate, fair and transparent way, which supported student wellbeing and protected the integrity of your degree award to ensure your continued future success.

You will find the changes that applied in Academic Year 2020-21 detailed in the Guide for 2020-21.

You will find the changes that applied during Academic Year 2019-20 detailed in the Guide for 2019-20.

Please note: Some changes such as Compensation may not have been available in full for some courses with Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirements. Please speak to your Course Team or Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) if you are unsure how these policies applied to your course.

REGULATION

KEY CHANGE

2020-21 Progression with Trail and Progress Covid-19

Please note this only applies to students who were studying in the academic year 2020-21.

We allowed eligible students who were studying in 2020-21 to take their first Trail and Progress reassessment attempt during the 2021-22 academic year, instead of during the summer period of 2020-21.

Keeping the reassessment closest to the point of learning, the first Trail and Progress deadline for this group of students was during Academic Development Week of Semester 1 2021-22. 

Please see 3.3 for full details.

 

No Detriment Policy

Please note: This policy only applied to students who were studying in 2019-20 and have continued their studies into the academic year 2020-21.

The University put in place a ‘No Detriment Policy’ to ensure that the outcome you received for the academic year 2019-20 took into account the impact the Covid-19 pandemic may have had on your assessed work.

Please see 3.14 for full details.

3.1. Progression

What must I do to progress through my course?

Your course is made up of levels of study, which include modules (learn more in Section 1).

You must normally pass all of your modules in order to achieve an overall pass of a level of study and progress to the next level or achieve an award unless you are granted Compensation or Trail and Progress (see 3.2 and 3.3).

For the Integrated Master’s award, there are additional progression requirements. See the regulations for Integrated Master’s (See Section 3.5 – 3.13 of the Regulations for Taught Awards).

Compensation and Trail and Progress may not be available for some Undergraduate courses with Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirements.

Can I progress if I do not achieve a pass in all of my modules?

No. Normally you cannot progress if you do not achieve a pass in all of your modules.

All decisions about students’ module marks, progression and achievements have to adhere to the University’s Regulation and Credit Framework. These decisions are made by Module Boards of Examiners and Progression and Award Boards of Examiners. The University then notifies you of the decision. If you pass all modules, you will be able to progress or achieve an award as planned.

If you do not pass all modules, the Progression and Award Board will grant one of the following options:

1 Confirm a pass with Compensation:
This is only available for applicable courses where you meet the criteria. If granted compensation you will be able to progress to the next level or achieve an award. Learn more in 3.2
2 Offer reassessment:
If you are granted reassessment, you will be referred in a module and the marks for your reassessment work will be capped (Learn more in 3.5). Under specific conditions, you may be granted Trail and Progress (Learn more in 3.3).
3 Offer deferral:
When you meet set criteria, you can be granted a short delay to your assessment submission date, based on approved Extenuating Circumstances. This is called a deferral. If you are granted a deferral on your first attempt at an assessment, you will be offered the chance to complete the assessment by a specified date and your mark will not be capped.
4 Require you to withdraw:
This will occur where you have exhausted all your reassessment opportunities. See 3.4 for information on what may happen if you cannot progress as planned.

To learn more about the different Extenuating Circumstances available see Section 7.

3.2. Progression with Compensation

Compensation may not be available for some Undergraduate courses with Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirements.

If you are unsure whether compensation applies to your course, please consult your Course Handbook/Module Handbook or speak to your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT).

What is progression with compensation?

A Progression and Award Board may confirm that you have passed your level of study in circumstances where you have passed some but not all of your modules, and have met very specific criteria. The criteria are set out in the University’s Regulation and Credit Framework and this type of progression is referred to as compensation (see Fig.11 below).

Compensation is available for most, but not all, Undergraduate courses.

Compensation allows you to progress to the next level of study or gain an award when you have not passed all of your modules but a Progression and Award Board confirms you have met all of the following criteria pertaining to a level of study:

  • Passed modules to the value of at least 100 credits and
  • Obtained a mark of at least 30% in any failed module up to 20 credits and
  • Obtained an average mark of 40% or greater for the whole level (across all 120 credits studied)

Fig.11: Examples that demonstrate when compensation does and does not apply (where available within a course)

6 x 20 credit modules per level of study EXAMPLE 1 EXAMPLE 2 EXAMPLE 3

Marks achieved

Marks achieved

Marks achieved

Module 1

52% (pass)

69% (pass)

43% (pass)

Module 2

70% (pass)

58% (pass)

41% (pass)

Module 3

63% (pass)

61% (pass)

40% (pass)

Module 4

49% (pass)

55% (pass)

40% (pass)

Module 5

55% (pass)

66% (pass)

40% (pass)

Module 6

37% (fail)

29% (fail)

30% (fail)

Average mark for all 120 credits 54% 56% 39%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 OUTCOME

 

 

 âœ” 100 credits passed

 âœ” 100 credits passed

 âœ” 100 credits passed

 âœ” 1 module failed but have achieved a mark of at least 30%

✔ 1 module failed and have not achieved a mark of at least 30%

✔ 1 module failed but have achieved a mark of at least 30%

✔ Achieved an average mark of at least 40% for all 120 credits

✔ Achieved an average mark of at least 40% for all 120 credits

x Have not achieved an average mark of at least 40% for all 120 credits

Compensation awarded

Compensation not awarded
Reassessment offered (where applicable)

Compensation not awarded
Reassessment offered (where applicable)

For courses delivered in semesters, compensation is only applied when the full profile of marks covering all 120 credits for a level of study is available to the Progression and Award Board. If compensation is applied, you will not be offered any further reassessment opportunities for the compensated module.

For courses delivered in trimesters, compensation is only applied after the first reassessment is undertaken.

The actual mark for the compensated module will be included on your Academic Summary and official transcripts with the letters ‘CP’ to denote a Compensated Pass.

Your transcript: A mark of 40CP will be recorded on your transcript for the failed compensated modules.

3.3. Progression with Trail and Progress

What is progression with Trail and Progress?

If you meet specific criteria as set out in the University’s Regulation and Credit Framework, you may be granted permission to progress to the next level of study whilst undertaking reassessment for a module(s) that has not yet been passed. This is known as Trail and Progress.

Trail and Progress is available for most, but not all Undergraduate programmes.*

*Trail and progress does not apply to Foundation Years and it may not apply to some Undergraduate programmes with Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirements. For an Integrated Master’s award, it is only applicable at Level 4.

You will only be granted Trail and Progress when you have met the following criteria:

  • Passed at least 100 credits of your current level of study, but have an outstanding reassessment opportunity in up to 20 credits or
  • Passed at least 80 credits of your current level of study, but have outstanding reassessment opportunities in up to 40 credits and have achieved marks in the range of 30-39% for all failed modules

It is essential that you undertake and pass your trailed credits within the prescribed timescales. Failure to do so will impact your opportunities for completion of your award or further progression.

The decision of Trail and Progress will be applied by the University when the full profile of marks is available and at the earliest possible points. This may mean your first reassessment attempt will be as Trail and Progress.

DEADLINE: The submission deadline for the assessments for your trailed credits from 2020-21 will be Academic Development week of Semester 1 academic year 2021-22. It is essential that you undertake and pass your trailed credits within the prescribed timescales. Failure to do so will impact your opportunities for completion of your award or further progression.

Fig.12: Why you would be offered trail and progress

why you would be offered trail and progess

It is important to remember the following when undertaking trail and progress:

  • You should speak to your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) about any offer you have received for trail and progress
  • Trail and progress is only available where you meet all the criteria outlined above, and when trail and progress is available for your course
  • You will only be offered trail and progress if you have submitted assessment in the previous period of formal assessment
  • You will be taking reassessment for the module that has not been passed alongside your next level of study; you cannot attend the module that is being reassessed
  • Trail and progress reassessment must be undertaken at the specified time(s)
  • You will need to undertake reassessment for your trailed credits in the next formal assessment period (this will normally be at the end of Semester 1 or Trimester 1 depending on the academic calendar for your programme)
  • In the unfortunate event that you do not pass the trailed credits in Semester 1 or Trimester 1, you are encouraged to continue with your studies for the academic year and seek guidance from your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) on your next steps. You may not be eligible to progress or may only be eligible for an alternate award
  • To be eligible for your full award, you will need to pass your trailed credits.

3.4. Problems with Progression

What happens if I am unable to progress as planned?

There could be a range of reasons why you are unable to progress as planned.

If you do not achieve an overall pass of a level of study, a Progression and Award Board of Examiners will offer you a set number of reassessment opportunities in line with the University’s Regulation and Credit Framework. In some instances, these may require you to re-attend a module (see 3.7).

If you think you are unable to continue because of personal reasons or difficult circumstances, you should seek advice and talk through your options for taking a break from your studies with your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT). Support is also available from the Student Wellbeing Services, find out more at Support Services. If you decide to take a break (formally known as interrupt) or withdraw from your studies, you must meet certain conditions, including deadline dates for making these changes.

You will need to confirm your decision to interrupt or withdraw by completing a Changes to Study request. 

In some situations, it may be necessary to withdraw from studies before achieving your intended award. If you find yourself in this situation, you would then receive a transcript of the modules studied/credits achieved and you may be eligible for an interim award.  For example, if you were to leave a BA (Hons) Degree after completing Level 4, you may be eligible to achieve a Certificate of Higher Education (Cert HE); if you were to leave after completing Level 5, you may be eligible to achieve a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE). If you were studying on a Foundation Year and left without completing, you would not be eligible for an award but would receive a transcript of modules studied.

The University may withdraw you from your course in circumstances where you have failed to meet the University’s requirements and a Progression and Award Board determines you are not allowed to continue on the course.

Learn more about taking a break from your studies.

3.5. What is Reassessment

What is reassessment?

Reassessment provides you with a further opportunity to take and pass an assessment activity that you have attempted but not previously passed. You will normally undertake reassessment by submitting an improved form of your original work or taking another examination with different questions on the same subject.

If you are granted a reassessment, this is known as a referral. When you undertake reassessment, your mark for that reassessment activity will be capped at the pass mark (40% for Foundation Years and Levels 4, 5, and 6 and 50% for Level 7 of an Integrated Master’s award).

Under certain conditions, you may be granted an approved delay, known as a deferral. Where your first attempt at an assessment is deferred, your mark for that attempt will not be capped. In most cases, you must complete your deferred assessment within the same academic year in which you first studied the module.  If not, you will lose one of your two reassessment attempts.

Types of Reassessment

There are two types of reassessment:

1. Reassessment – a further attempt at completing and passing an assessment activity, normally by submitting an improved form of your original work or taking another examination with different questions on the same subject.

This type of reassessment normally applies when you have passed at least 60 credits at the first attempt at a level of study. See 3.7 for information about the differences in reassessment regulations between semesters and trimesters.

2. Reassessment with Attendance (RWA) – a further attempt at completing and passing assessment activities that requires you to re-attend and undertake reassessment in the modules that you have not yet passed, in the next academic year. This is to ensure you have sufficient learning to complete your reassessment successfully.

This type of reassessment normally applies when you have not passed at least 60 credits at the first attempt at a level. See 3.7 for information about the differences in reassessment regulations between semesters and trimesters.

For students undertaking Reassessment with Attendance in 2020-21 - in recognition of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, if you are studying modules for Reassessment with Attendance in 2020-21, you will have three reassessment attempts, the first of which will not be capped.

The University made changes to the reassessment and Reassessment with Attendance (RWA) regulations for the 2019-20 Covid-19 period. We removed the 60-credit threshold for summer reassessments and made changes to when reassessments from 2019-20 would be taken. For more information visit Reassessment 2019-20 Covid-19.

You will be charged fees for Reassessment with Attendance.  Make sure you understand your fees when considering the reassessment option granted to you by a Board of Examiners.

3.6. Why is Reassessment Needed

Why would I need to undertake reassessment?

If you do not achieve an overall pass of a level of study, a Progression and Award Board of Examiners will normally require you to undertake reassessment in line with the University’s Regulation and Credit Framework. The outcomes of reassessment determine whether you can progress to the next level of study or complete your intended award.

In some instances, in order to meet specific Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirements, you will need to pass all assessments in a module. In these circumstances, you may be required to undertake reassessment even where you have achieved a pass mark for the module. Your Course /Module Handbook will set out the exact requirements.

TOP TIP: Understand the assessment requirements for your course. Always check your Course /Module Handbook for specific details about the assessment requirements of your course.

3.7. Number of Reassessment Attempts

How many reassessment attempts do I have and when do I take them?

You will normally be entitled to two reassessment attempts if required. The timing of your reassessment depends upon how many credits you have passed and whether your course is structured in semesters or trimesters.

If your course includes an assessed placement, there are likely to be more restrictions on the number of reassessment attempts available to you (see 3.10).

How does reassessment work in Semesters?

At the end of the academic year, the Progression and Award Board of Examiners will decide whether you are eligible to undertake reassessment and when that will occur.

If by the end of your first attempt at a level of study you have passed less than 60 credits, you will be required to undertake your first reassessment attempt(s) as reassessment with attendance (RWA) in the following academic year. Your second and final reassessment attempt(s), if required, will then follow in the formal reassessment period (the timing of reassessment can vary based on your academic calendar).

If by the end of your first attempt at a level of study you have passed at least 60 credits, you will take your first reassessment attempt(s) in the formal reassessment period for your academic calendar. Your second and final reassessment attempt(s), if required, will normally be reassessment with attendance (RWA) in the next academic year unless you qualify for compensation or trail and progress (see 3.3 and 3.3).

The University made changes to the reassessment and Reassessment with Attendance (RWA) regulations for the 2019-20 Covid-19 period ONLY.  For further details please visit the 2019-20 Guide Reassessment 2019-20 Covid-19.

Fig.13: When do I take reassessment in a course that runs in semesters?

  Students who pass at least 60 credits at the first attempt at a level of study Students who do not pass at least 60 credits at the first attempt at a level of study
When would I undertake my first reassessment? Reassessment will be undertaken in the formal reassessment period for your academic calendar. Reassessment will be undertaken in the following academic year as Reassessment with Attendance (RWA).
What would this involve? Where you have not passed a module, you will only be required to undertake reassessment for the assessment activities that have not been passed. Reassessment with Attendance means that before you can progress to the next level of study, you will be required to re-attend the modules in the following academic year and undertake reassessment only for the assessment activities that have not yet been passed.
What happens if I do not pass a first reassessment attempt?

A second reassessment attempt will be offered.

You will then be required to re-attend the modules in the following academic year and undertake reassessment only for the assessment activities that have not yet been passed unless you qualify for Trail and Progress.

If you do qualify for Trail and Progress, you will progress to the next level of study and will be required to:

  1. Undertake reassessment for assessment activities that have not yet been passed (completed by the end of the first semester/trimester) alongside
  2. Commencing your next level of study and meeting all the expected requirements for that level i.e. attending modules and undertaking assessment etc.

A second reassessment attempt will be offered to those of you who do not pass up to 120 credits.

The reassessment will be undertaken in the formal reassessment period for your academic calendar.

How does reassessment work in Trimesters?

There are several differences to Undergraduate learning in trimesters rather than semesters. These include:

  • length of the academic year
  • number of credits studied per trimester
  • timing of reassessment.

In trimesters, you will always take any first reassessment attempt in the next formal assessment period for your academic calendar. Your second reassessment attempt, if required, will normally be Reassessment with Attendance (RWA) unless you qualify for compensation or trail and progress.

Fig.14: When do I take reassessment in a course that runs in trimesters?

when to take reassesssment in trimesters

3.8. Timing of Reassessment

How will the timing of my reassessment affect me?

It is important that you are available to undertake your reassessment at the specified time for your academic calendar as these are formally set dates that cannot be changed. This includes reassessments for Trail and Progress.

Unfortunately, the University is unable to make allowances for holidays or other commitments you may have scheduled.

In some cases, reassessment might affect the timing of your progression and completion of your course.

3.9. Module Changes and Reassessment with Attendance

How does Reassessment with Attendance (RWA) work if my original module has been changed?

See 3.6 and 3.8 to understand what Reassessment with Attendance (RWA) entails.

Course teams make regular enhancements to your modules to ensure that your course remains current, aligns with recent research, and provides you with the best learning support. To minimise disruption to your experience, there are regulations to support how reassessment with attendance should be undertaken when a module has changed.

Most changes to modules fall into three broad categories, summarised in the figures below. Occasionally a module will be replaced by a different module. In those circumstances, you will be granted additional assessment attempts that will still be capped in line with reassessment regulations.

If you are undertaking reassessment with attendance, you are expected to meet with your course team to review and discuss what happens next.

Fig 15.1: How reassessment with attendance (RWA) works when there are changes that apply to a module in the 2021-22 academic year

If you are undertaking RWA from academic year 2020-21, there were different rules in place for the timing of RWA and the number of reassessment attempts available, in light of Covid-19. See the Guide to 2020-21 for more information.

Fig 15.1: How reassessment with attendance (RWA) works when there are changes which apply to a module in the 2021-22 academic year

3.10. Placement Reassessment

If I have a placement, how will I be reassessed?

Placement reassessments may be subject to different reassessment rules and regulations (for example, whether or not you can re-attend a placement), and it is important that you check any Special Regulations that apply to your course carefully.

The form of reassessment for your placement will vary based on the nature of your original placement assessment. For some reassessments, you may be able to improve your original assessment or undertake an alternative form of assessment.

In some cases, you will only be able to be reassessed by re-attending a placement. If you are required to re-attend a placement, you can only re-attend that placement once.

3.11. Reassessment Restrictions

What are the conditions for reassessment?

There are two important conditions relating to reassessment.

  1. Reassessment must be taken on the specified date(s)
  2. The University Regulations: 13.16 of the Regulations for Taught Awards state:

'Where a component of assessment has not been passed after the first opportunity for reassessment, a student has a right to a second reassessment opportunity in all referred components of assessment, only where

  • the regulations in 13.44 (related to placement reassessment) do not apply.'

TOP TIP: Make sure you attempt your assessments and reassessments at the times specified by the University for your academic calendar.

3.12. Reassessment Marks

What mark will I receive if I have to undertake reassessment?

If you undertake reassessment, your mark for that reassessment activity is capped at the pass mark. This includes any deferred reassessment attempts.

A deferral for your first assessment attempt is not capped.

Fig.16: Examples to show how capping is applied to reassessment

In all examples, there are two assessments each worth 50% of the total module mark.

  ASSESSMENT 1 ASSESSMENT 2 COMBINED TOTAL AFTER REASSESSMENT MODULE OUTCOME NOTES
Example 1: Where a module has two assessments and you pass one but not the other Coursework mark = 55%

Examination mark = 20%.

You are granted reassessment and achieve a mark of 50%.

This is then capped at 40% (pass mark)

48% Pass Capping for 1 reassessment at assessment level
Example 2: Where a module has two assessments and you have been unsuccessful in both

Coursework mark = 35%.

You are granted reassessment and achieve a mark of 40% (pass)

Examination mark = 35%.

You are granted reassessment and achieve a mark of 47%.

This is then capped at 40% (pass mark)

40% Pass Capping for both reassessments at assessment level
Example 3: Where you have been granted a deferral on one of your original assessments Coursework mark = 55% Examination (1st attempt) deferred to next formal assessment period and once taken you achieve a mark of 45% 50% Pass A deferred assessment is not reassessment and therefore capping is not applied
Example 4: Where you have been granted a deferral on a reassessment Coursework mark = 55%

Examination mark = 15%.

You are granted a reassessment which is then deferred. Once taken, you achieve a mark of 45%.

This is then capped at 40% (pass mark).

47.5% Pass Capping for 1 reassessment at assessment level (the deferral was for reassessment and all capping regulations apply).
Example 5: Where a module has two assessments of equal weighting and you have been unsuccessful in both*

Coursework mark = 35%.

You are granted reassessment and achieve a mark of 62%.

This is then capped at 40% (pass mark).

Examination mark = 10%.

You are granted reassessment and achieve a mark of 18%.

28% (capping is applied to Assessment 1 due to being reassessment) Not passed  

*Please note these scenarios may not apply at Level 7 of an Integrated Master's award.

3.13. Repeat Year

What is a Repeat Year?

A repeat year is not available to you if you commenced your Undergraduate studies from September 2017.

3.14. Application of No Detriment Policy 2020-21

In 2019-20, the University put in place a ‘No Detriment Policy’ to ensure that the outcome you received for the academic year 2019-20 would take into account any impact the Covid-19 pandemic may have had on your assessed work.

For those of you who are continuing your Undergraduate studies from the 2019-20 academic year and are eligible to achieve an award, the No Detriment calculation applied in 2019-20 will be taken into account as part of your award classification.

You can read more on the No Detriment Policy and how it was applied below.

The No Detriment Policy applied to:

  • The delivery of Level 5, Level 6 and Taught Level 7 courses during the period when the University operated off-campus between 23 March 2020 and the end of the academic year, 2019-20 inclusive;
  • All students, including those on courses governed by a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body [PSRB], except where the application of the Policy is incompatible with PSRB requirements.
  • Where Levels 5, 6 or Taught Level 7 is used towards the classification of an award, either in the Academic Year 2019-20 or later.

Your average for Semester 1 or Trimester 1 modules studied in the academic year 2019-20 was used as your No Detriment average.  We will compare your average with the calculation of the level of study normally used for degree classification. We will do this when we calculate your award classification and consider your overall performance in 2019-20. Where the calculation of the level we normally use for the degree classification is lower, we will use your average for Semester or Trimester 1 (your No Detriment average) to calculate your degree classification. 

  • The modules used for calculating the No Detriment average were those from Semester 1 or Trimester 1 of the level you studied in 2019-20.* This means that we used the modules from that period in the calculation. This included where you passed a module by deferral or reassessment at a later point.
  • Modules, where teaching and assessment began in Semester 1 or Trimester 1 and extended into additional semesters or trimesters, were not included in the No Detriment average calculation.
  • The No Detriment policy applied only where you undertook more than 20 credits from Semester 1 or Trimester 1 by 23 March 2020, based on modules in your course. Where there were only 20 credits, then the mark for the 20 credits was used.
  • We used only the average for module marks from Semester 1 or Trimester 1. We did not use individual assessment marks.

*NOTE: For students who undertook dual-level modules, these were only included in the No Detriment average calculation where you achieved the target level.

Provided you were in a position to progress or gain an award, the No Detriment Policy was applied to your overall performance at the end of the 2019-20 academic year by the Progression and Award Board of Examiners.

The following arrangements were applied to Part-Time Undergraduate courses:

1. Part-Time students who completed a level in 2019-20 during the period impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic:

All modules for that level up to the end of Semester 1 or Trimester 1 of 2019-2020 (including those undertaken from the level in the previous year) were used to calculate the No Detriment average.

2. Part-Time students completing a level in 2020-21 or completing a level in subsequent years:

The modules for that level taken up to the end of Semester 1 or Trimester 1 in 2019-2020, as well as all the modules pertaining to the level taken from September 2020, will be used to calculate the No Detriment average.

Section 4: Undergraduate Progression and Reassessment Before September 2017

This section will introduce you to Undergraduate progression and reassessment (on the Outgoing Regulations) to help you understand what you need to do to progress through a course, your options if you cannot progress as planned, the types of reassessment, when you will need to undertake reassessment, and the conditions for reassessment.

Section 4 applies ONLY to those Undergraduate students on the Outgoing regulations.

This means you commenced your undergraduate studies prior to September 2017 and have had continuous progression.

If you commenced your studies from September 2017, you are on the Regulations for Taught Awards and Section 3 contains information relevant to your progression and reassessment. If you are not sure which regulations you are on, see Section 5: Which Regulations

Covid-19 Regulations 2020-21

In response to the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the University made revisions to some of its regulations for 2020-21 academic year in order to support student progression and award.

This section applies ONLY to students who were studying in 2020-21 academic year.

The University recognised that Covid-19 had an impact your lives, your studies and potentially your assessments. As a result of the pandemic, and at key points since 23 March 2020, you may have experienced:

  • changes in your teaching, learning and assessment and you may have undertaken these changes in the context of other significant challenges.
  • Reduced ability to engage with assessment.

The University sought to respond in a compassionate, fair and transparent way, which supported student wellbeing and protected the integrity of your degree award to ensure your continued future success.

hanges that applied in Academic Year 2020-21 detailed in the Guide for 2020-21.

You will find the changes that applied during Academic Year 2019-20 detailed in the Guide for 2019-20.

Please note: Some changes such as Compensation may not have been available in full for some courses with Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirements. Please speak to your Course Team or Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) if you are unsure how these policies applied to your course.

REGULATION

KEY CHANGE

Progression with Trail and Progress 2020-21 Covid-19

Please note this only applies to students who were studying in the academic year 2020-21.

We allowed eligible students who were studying in 2020-21 to take their first Trail and Progress reassessment attempt during the 2021-22 academic year, instead of during the summer period of 2020-21.

Keeping the reassessment closest to the point of learning, the first Trail and Progress deadline for this group of students was during Academic Development Week of Semester 1 2021-22.

Please see 4.3 for full details.

No Detriment Policy

Please note: This policy only applied to students who were studying in 2019-2020 and have continued their studies into the academic year 2020-21.

The University has put in place a ‘No Detriment Policy’ to ensure that the outcome you receive for the academic year 2019-20 took into account the impact the Covid-19 pandemic may have had on your assessed work.

Please see 4.12 for full details.

 

4.1. Progression

What must I do to progress through my course?

Your course is made up of levels of study, which include modules (learn more in Section 1).

You must normally pass all of your modules in order to achieve an overall pass of a level of study and progress to the next level or achieve an award, unless you are granted Compensation or Trail and Progress (see 4.2 and 4.3).

For the Integrated Master’s award, there are additional progression requirements. See the regulations for Integrated Master’s (Sections 3.5 – 3.13 of the Regulations for Taught Awards).

Compensation and Trail and Progress may not be available for some Undergraduate courses with Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirements.

Can I progress if I do not achieve a pass in all of my modules?

No. Normally you cannot progress if you do not achieve a pass in all of your modules.

All decisions about students’ module marks, progression and achievements have to adhere to the University’s Regulation and Credit Framework. These decisions are made by Module Boards of Examiners and Progression and Award Boards of Examiners. The University then notifies you of the decision. If you pass all modules, you will be able to progress or achieve an award as planned.

If you do not pass all modules, the Progression and Award Board of Examiners will grant one of the following options:

1 Confirm a pass with Compensation:
This is only available for applicable courses where you meet the criteria. If granted compensation you will be able to progress to the next level or achieve an award. Learn more in 4.2
2 Offer reassessment:
If you are granted reassessment, you will be referred in a module and the marks for your reassessment work will be capped (Learn more in 4.9). Under specific conditions, you may be granted Trail and Progress (Learn more in 4.3).
3 Offer deferral:
When you meet set criteria, you can be granted a short delay to your assessment submission date, based on approved Extenuating Circumstances. This is called a deferral. If you are granted a deferral on your first attempt at an assessment, you will be offered the chance to complete the assessment by a specified date and your mark will not be capped.
4 Require you to withdraw:
This will occur where you have exhausted all your reassessment opportunities. See 4.4 for information on what may happen if you cannot progress as planned.

To learn more about the different Extenuating Circumstances available, see Section 7

4.2 Progression with Compensation 2020-21 Covid-19

A Progression and Award Board may confirm that you have passed your level of study in circumstances where you have passed some, but not all of your modules and have met very specific criteria. (see Fig.18 below).

Compensation is available for most, but not all Undergraduate courses.

Compensation may not be available for some Undergraduate courses with Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirements.

If you are unsure whether compensation applies to your course, please consult your Course Handbook/Module Handbook or speak to your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT).

Compensation allows you to progress to the next level of study or gain an award when you have not passed all your modules, but a Progression and Award Board confirms you have met all of the following criteria pertaining to a level of study:

  • Passed modules to the value of at least 100 credits and
  • Obtained a mark of at least 30% in any failed module and
  • Obtained an average mark of 40% or greater for the whole level (across all 120 credits studied)

Fig.18: Examples that demonstrate when compensation does and does not apply (where available within a course)

6 x 20 credit modules per level of study EXAMPLE 1 EXAMPLE 2 EXAMPLE 3
Marks achieved Marks achieved Marks achieved
Module 1 52% (pass) 69% (pass) 43% (pass)
Module 2 70% (pass) 58% (pass) 41% (pass)
Module 3 63% (pass) 61% (pass) 40% (pass)
Module 4 49% (pass) 55% (pass) 40% (pass)
Module 5 55% (pass) 66% (pass) 40% (pass)
Module 6 37% (fail) 29% (fail) 30% (fail)
Average mark awarded for all 120 credits 54% 56% 39%
 

✔ 100 credits passed

✔ 100 credits passed

✔ 100 credits passed

✔ 1 module failed but have achieved a mark of at least 30%

x 1 module failed and have not achieved a mark of at least 30% ✔ 1 module failed but have achieved a mark of at least 30%

✔ Achieved an average mark of at least 40% for all 120 credits

✔ Achieved an average mark of at least 40% for all 120 credits

x Have not achieved an average mark of at least 40% for all 120 credits
Compensation awarded Compensation not awarded. Reassessment offered (where applicable) Compensation not awarded. Reassessment offered (where applicable)

For courses delivered in semesters, compensation is only applied when the full profile of marks covering all 120 credits for a level of study is available to the Progression and Award Board. If compensation is applied, you will not be offered any further reassessment opportunities for the compensated module.

For courses delivered in trimesters, compensation is only applied after the first reassessment is undertaken.

Your transcript: A mark of 40CP will be recorded on your transcript for the failed compensated modules.

4.3. Progression with Trail and Progress

What is progression with Trail and Progress?

If you meet specific criteria as set out in the University’s Regulation and Credit Framework, you may be granted permission to progress to the next level of study whilst undertaking reassessment for a module(s) that has not yet been passed. This is known as Trail and Progress.

Trail and Progress is available for most, but not all Undergraduate programmes.*

*Trail and progress does not apply to Foundation Years and it may not apply to some Undergraduate programmes with Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirements. For an Integrated Master’s award, it is only applicable at Level 4.

You will only be granted Trail and Progress when you have met the following criteria:

  • Passed at least 100 credits of your current level of study, but have an outstanding reassessment opportunity in up to 20 credits or
  • Passed at least 80 credits of your current level of study, but have outstanding reassessment opportunities in up to 40 credits and have achieved marks in the range of 30-39% for all failed modules

It is essential that you undertake and pass your trailed credits within the prescribed timescales. Failure to do so will impact your opportunities for completion of your award or further progression.

If you are unsure whether trail and progress applies to your programme, please consult your Course/Module Handbook or speak to your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT).

It is important to remember the following when undertaking trail and progress:

  • You should speak to your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) about any offer you have received for trail and progress
  • Trail and progress is only available where you meet all the criteria outlined above, and when trail and progress is available for your course
  • You will only be offered trail and progress if you have submitted assessment in the previous period of formal assessment
  • You will be taking reassessment for the module that has not been passed alongside your next level of study; you cannot attend the module that is being reassessed
  • Trail and progress reassessment must be undertaken at the specified time(s)
  • You will need to undertake reassessment for your trailed credits in the next formal assessment period (this will normally be at the end of Semester 1 or Trimester 1 depending on the academic calendar for your course)
  • In the unfortunate event that you do not pass the trailed credits in Semester 1 or Trimester 1, you are encouraged to continue with your studies for the academic year and seek guidance from your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) on your next steps. You may not be eligible to progress or may only be eligible for an alternate award
  • To be eligible for your full award, you will need to pass your trailed credits.

The decision of Trail and Progress will be applied by the University when the full profile of marks is available and at the earliest possible points. This may mean your first reassessment attempt will be as Trail and Progress.

DEADLINE: The submission deadline for the assessments for your trailed credits from 2020-21 will be Academic Development week of Semester 1 the academic year 2021-22. It is essential that you undertake and pass your trailed credits within the prescribed timescales. Failure to do so will impact your opportunities for completion of your award or further progression.

Fig.19: Why you would be offered trail and progress

why you would be offered trail and progress

4.4. Problems with Progression

What happens if I am unable to progress as planned?

There could be a range of reasons why you are unable to progress as planned.

If you do not achieve an overall pass of a level of study, a Progression and Award Board of Examiners will offer you a set number of reassessment opportunities in line with the University’s Regulation and Credit Framework. In some instances, these may require you to re-attend a module (see 4.11).

If you think you are unable to continue because of personal reasons or difficult circumstances, you should seek advice and talk through your options for taking a break from your studies with your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT). Support is also available from the Student Wellbeing Services, find out more on Support Services. If you decide to take a break (formally known as an interrupt) or withdraw from your studies, you must meet certain conditions, including deadline dates for making these changes.

You will need to confirm your decision to interrupt or withdraw by completing a Changes to Study Request

In some situations, it may be necessary to withdraw from studies before achieving your intended award.  If you find yourself in this situation, you would then receive a transcript of the modules studied/credits achieved and you may be eligible for an interim award.  For example, if you were to leave a BA (Hons) Degree after completing Level 4, you may be eligible to achieve a Certificate of Higher Education (Cert HE); if you were to leave after completing Level 5, you may be eligible to achieve a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE).  If you were studying on a Foundation Year and left without completing, you would not be eligible for an award but would receive a transcript of modules studied.

The University may withdraw you from your course in circumstances where you have failed to meet the University’s requirements and a Progression and Award Board determines you are not allowed to continue on the course.

Learn more about taking a break from your studies

4.5. What is Reassessment

Reassessment provides you with a further opportunity to take and pass an assessment activity that you have attempted but not previously passed. You will normally undertake reassessment by submitting an improved form of your original work or taking another examination with different questions on the same subject.

If you are granted a reassessment, this is known as a referral. When you undertake reassessment, your mark for that reassessment activity will be capped at the pass mark (40% for Foundation Years and Levels 4, 5, and 6 and 50% for Level 7 of an Integrated Master’s award).

Under certain conditions, you may be granted an approved delay, known as a deferral. Where your first attempt at an assessment is deferred, your marks for that attempt will not be capped.  In most cases, you must complete your deferred assessment within the same academic year in which you first studied the module. If not, you will lose a reassessment attempt.

4.6. Why is Reassessment Needed?

Why would I need to undertake reassessment?

If you do not achieve an overall pass of a level of study, a Progression and Award Board will normally require you to undertake reassessment in line with the University’s Regulation and Credit Framework. The outcomes of reassessment determine whether you can progress to the next level of study or complete your intended award.

In some instances, in order to meet specific Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirements, you will need to pass all assessments in a module. In these circumstances, you may be required to undertake reassessment even where you have achieved a pass mark for the module. Your Course Handbook/Module Handbook will set out the exact requirements.

TOP TIP: Understand the assessment requirements for your course. Always check your Course Handbook/Module Handbook for specific details about the assessment requirements of your course.

Timing of Reassessment

What reassessment is available and when do I take it?

On the Outgoing Regulations, at Levels 5, 6, and 7 you are normally entitled to one attempt at reassessment. At Level 4, you are entitled to two reassessment attempts, provided you have passed sufficient credits. Alternatively, you may be offered a repeat year (see 4.10).

At the end of the academic year, the Progression and Award Board of Examiners will decide whether or not you are eligible to undertake reassessment and when that will occur. Reassessment is normally held in the formal reassessment period for your academic calendar.

It is important that you are available to undertake your reassessment at the times specified by the University for your academic calendar as these are formally set dates that cannot be changed. This includes reassessments for trail and progress.

Unfortunately, the University is unable to make allowances for holidays or other commitments you may have scheduled.

In some cases, reassessment might affect the timing of your progression and completion of your course.

4.8. Placement Reassessment

If I have a placement, how will I be reassessed?

Placement reassessments may be subject to different reassessment rules and regulations (for example, whether or not you can re-attend a placement), and it is important that you check any Special Regulations that apply to your course carefully.

The form of reassessment for your placement will vary based on the nature of your original placement assessment. For some reassessments, you may be able to improve your original assessment or undertake an alternative form of assessment.

In some cases, you will only be able to be reassessed by re-attending a placement.

4.9. Reassessment Marks

What mark will I receive if I have to undertake reassessment?

If you undertake reassessment, your mark for that reassessment activity is capped at the pass mark. This includes any deferred reassessment attempts.

A deferral for your first assessment attempt is not capped.

Fig.18: Examples to show how capping is applied to reassessment

In all examples, there are two assessments each worth 50% of the total module mark

  ASSESSMENT 1 ASSESSMENT 2 COMBINED TOTAL AFTER REASSESSMENT MODULE OUTCOME NOTES
Example 1: Where a module has two assessments and you pass one but not the other Coursework mark = 55%.

Examination mark = 20%.

You are granted reassessment and achieve a mark of 50%.

This is then capped at 40% (pass mark).

48% Pass Capping for 1 reassessment at assessment level.
Example 2: Where a module has two assessments and you have been unsuccessful in both

Coursework mark = 35%.

You are granted reassessment and achieve a mark of 40% (pass).

 

Examination mark = 35%.

You are granted reassessment and achieve a mark of 47%.

This is then capped at 40% (pass mark).

40% Pass Capping for both reassessments at assessment level.
Example 3: Where you have been granted a deferral on one of your original assessments Coursework mark = 55% Examination (1st attempt) deferred to next formal assessment period and once taken you achieve a mark of 45%. 50% Pass A deferred assessment is not reassessment and therefore capping is not applied.
Example 4: Where you have been granted a deferral on a reassessment Coursework mark = 55%

Examination mark = 15%.

You are granted a reassessment which is then deferred. Once taken, you achieve a mark of 45%.

This is then capped at 40% (pass mark).

47.5% Pass Capping for 1 reassessment at assessment level (the deferral was for reassessment and all capping regulations apply).
Example 5: Where a module has two assessments of equal weighting and you have been unsuccessful in both*

Coursework mark = 35%.

You are granted reassessment and achieve a mark of 62%.

This is then capped at 40% (pass mark).

Examination mark = 10%.

You are granted reassessment and achieve a mark of 18%.

28% (capping is applied to Assessment 1 due to being reassessment) Not passed  

*Please note these scenarios may not apply at Level 7 of an Integrated Master's award.

4.10. Repeat Year

What is a Repeat Year?

Where you do not achieve a sufficient overall pass in a level of study, a Progression and Award Board may offer you the opportunity to repeat the level of study.

You will not progress to the next level of study and will be required to either repeat all assessment activities in the modules for that level, or repeat only the assessment activities for the modules that have not been passed. In a repeat year, you cannot submit previously submitted work.

You can only be granted one opportunity for a Repeat Year at a level. An offer of a Repeat Year is conditional on your transferring to the Regulations for Taught Awards.

Fig.19: When would I qualify for a repeat year?

  You pass sufficient credits at the first attempt at a level of study (normally at least 40 credits or more) You do not pass sufficient credits by the end of a level of study (normally fewer than 40 credits)
When would I undertake reassessment? Reassessment will be undertaken in the formal reassessment period of your academic calendar You will normally be granted a Repeat Year to be taken in the following academic year
What would this involve? Where you have not passed a module, you will be required to undertake reassessment for only the assessment activities that have not been passed

Before you can progress to the next level of study, you will be required to repeat the year.

This means you have a new attempt at the entire level of study.

What happens if I do not pass my first reassessment attempt?

If you do not qualify for trail and progress, you will not be permitted to progress to the next level of study and will be required to undertake a repeat year.

This means you have a new attempt at the entire level of study.

If you do qualify for Trail and Progress, you will progress to the next level and will be required to:

  1. Undertake reassessment for assessment activities that have not yet been passed (completed by the end of the first semester/trimester) alongside
  2. Commencing your next level of study and meeting all the expected requirements for that level i.e. attending modules and undertaking assessment etc.
A reassessment attempt will be offered if you do not pass up to 120 credits

You will be charged fees for a Repeat Year. Make sure you have read and understood what these are when considering the options granted to you by a Board of Examiners.

4.11. Reassessment with Attendance

What is Reassessment with Attendance (RWA)?

Reassessment with Attendance is not available for students on the Outgoing Regulations for Undergraduate students.

If you are unsure which regulations apply to you, please see Section 5: Which Regulations.

4.12. Application of No Detriment Policy 2020-21

In 2019-20, the University put in place a ‘No Detriment Policy’ to ensure that the outcome you received for the academic year 2019-20 would take into account any impact the Covid-19 pandemic may have had on your assessed work.

For those of you who are continuing your Undergraduate studies from the 2019-20 academic year and are eligible to achieve an award, the No Detriment calculation applied in 2019-20 will be taken into account as part of your award classification.

You can read more on the No Detriment Policy and how it was applied below.

The No Detriment Policy applied to:

  • The delivery of Level 5, Level 6 and Taught Level 7 courses during the period when the University operated off-campus between 23 March 2020 and the end of the academic year, 2019-20 inclusive;
  • All students, including those on courses governed by a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body [PSRB], except where the application of the Policy is incompatible with PSRB requirements.
  • Where Levels 5, 6 or Taught Level 7 is used towards the classification of an award, either in the Academic Year 2019-20 or later.

Your average for Semester 1 or Trimester 1 modules studied in academic year 2019-20 was used as your No Detriment average. We will compare your average with the calculation of the level of study normally used for degree classification. We will do this when we calculate your award classification and consider your overall performance in 2019-20. Where the calculation of the level we normally use for the degree classification is lower, we will use your average for Semester or Trimester 1 (your No Detriment average) to calculate your degree classification. 

  • The modules used for calculating the No Detriment average were those from Semester 1 or Trimester 1 of the level you studied in 2019-20.* This means that we used the modules from that period in the calculation. This included where you passed a module by deferral or reassessment at a later point.
  • Modules, where teaching and assessment began in Semester 1 or Trimester 1 and extended into additional semesters or trimesters, were not included in the No Detriment average calculation.
  • The No Detriment policy applied only where you undertook more than 20 credits from Semester 1 or Trimester 1 by 23 March 2020, based on modules in your course. Where there were only 20 credits, then the mark for the 20 credits was used.
  • We used only the average for module marks from Semester 1 or Trimester 1. We did not use individual assessment marks.

*NOTE: For students who undertook dual-level modules, these were only included in the No Detriment average calculation where you achieved the target level.

Provided you were in a position to progress or gain an award, the No Detriment Policy was applied to your overall performance at the end of the 2019-20 academic year by the Progression and Award Board of Examiners.

The following arrangements were applied to Part-Time Undergraduate courses:

1. Part-Time students who completed a level in 2019-20 during the period impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic:

All modules for that level up to the end of Semester 1 or Trimester 1 of 2019-2020 (including those undertaken from the level in the previous year) were used to calculate the No Detriment average.

2. Part-Time students completing a level in 2020-21 or completing a level in subsequent years:

The modules for that level taken up to the end of Semester 1 or Trimester 1 in 2019-2020, as well as all the modules pertaining to the level taken from September 2020, will be used to calculate the No Detriment average.

Section 5: Which Regulations and Undergraduate Assessment Regulations

This sets out the different University regulations that govern Undergraduate courses to help you understand why the regulations are relevant, which regulations apply to you, and where to learn more about the regulations.

5.1. University regulations

What are the University Regulations and why do I need to know?

The University’s Regulation and Credit Framework governs all courses and awards. This ensures each course and award is structured, delivered and assessed fairly, consistently and transparently.

The Regulation and Credit Framework covers a range of areas including pass requirements, award classification, progression and credit requirements (including compensation and Trail and Progress), rules for examinations and time-constrained assessments, recognition of prior learning (RPL), assessment, reassessment, academic appeals, and Special Regulations.

Some of the most important information for you right now is likely to be the detail relating to assessment outlined below.

It is important to familiarise yourself with the Undergraduate assessment regulations that apply to your learning so that you understand:

  • How and when your work is assessed
  • Your entitlement to reassessment opportunities
  • The timing of reassessment
  • The requirements for passing assessment activities and modules (pass thresholds)
  • The conditions relating to reassessment

The University has different sets of regulations that govern Undergraduate assessment. Find out more below.

5.2. Which Regulations

Which regulations am I on?

Before reading about progression and reassessment, make sure you know which regulations apply to you:

  • Those of you who registered with the University from September 2017 onwards, and those of you who registered before September 2017 but do not have continuous progression, follow the General Regulations for the Conferment of Awards and the Regulations for Taught Awards (go to Section 3 for information on progression and reassessment for your regulations).
  • Those of you who registered with the University before September 2017 and have continuous progression, are on the Outgoing Regulations (go to Section 4 for information on progression and reassessment for your regulations).

Fig.10: Identifying which undergraduate assessment regulations apply to you

REGULATIONS FOR TAUGHT AWARDS FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS VALID FROM SEPTEMBER 2017 OUTGOING ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

These apply to Undergraduate students who meet one of the following criteria:

  • Registered as a new student with the University from September 2017 onwards
  • Registered with the University before September 2017 and who requested and were approved to interrupt their studies after August 2017
  • Registered with the University before September 2017, and were offered and accepted the opportunity to undertake a repeat year starting from September 2018 onwards

See Section 3

These apply to Undergraduate students who:

  • Registered with the University before September 2017 and have continuous progression

 

 

 

 

 

See Section 4

Most students are on the Regulations for Taught Awards. Only a small number of students are still on the Outgoing Regulations for Undergraduate Students.

Section 6: Awards and Classification

This section details the Undergraduate awards that can be awarded by Canterbury Christ Church University and how they are classified.

The section will help you understand the requirements for passing awards (pass thresholds) and the outcome you could achieve at the end of your course, how the classifications for awards are calculated, how to estimate your award classification.

6.1. Types of Undergraduate Awards and Classifications

What types of Undergraduate awards and classifications are there?

The University offers a range of Undergraduate awards, which are classified in different ways.

Fig.12: Summary of undergraduate awards and classifications

AWARD CLASSIFICATIONS
BA/BSc (Hons) Degree (also BMus, BEng and LLB) First class / Upper second class / Lower second class / Third class
BA/BSc (Hons) Top-up Degree First class / Upper second class / Lower second class / Third class
BA/BSc Degree without honours (Ordinary Degree) Pass
Foundation Degree (FD) Pass / Merit / Distinction
Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) Pass
Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) Pass
Integrated Master's First class / Upper second class / Lower second class / Third Class
For Apprenticeship Degrees please see your Course Handbook

Recognition of Achievement

Sometimes a student leaves a course before completion. We explain here how we recognise your achievement if you leave early.

If you successfully complete a stage or level of study, we make an Interim Award. For Undergraduate study, this can be a Certificate or Diploma of Higher Education.

We award credits for all modules you pass and can include credits additional to an award. This means you might get both an award and extra credits.

If you leave your course before completion, we will give you a full transcript. This transcript sets out an Interim Award and all credits you achieved. You can use this transcript as evidence of your achievement. You can use it if you seek to transfer to a course at another institution. You can use it to apply for professional exemption.

All University Interim Awards and Award of Credit align with the UK’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and the Higher Education Credit Framework for England. This enables other institutions to understand how much study you undertook. It sets out the level(s) you studied and the range of skills achieved.

The institution to which you apply decides how much exemption you receive, and will consider your application using its regulations and requirements. It decides the relevance of the modules studied at Canterbury Christ Church University to the course to which you wish to transfer.

We can confirm details of the course you studied with us to other Higher Education providers and employers. We will only do this when you ask for this confirmation, for further details click here. Alternatively, you can contact the i-zone.

What are the pass requirements (pass thresholds) for achieving my award and classification?

Fig.21: Pass requirements for university awards and classifications

AWARDS AND CLASSIFICATION PASS REQUIREMENTS (PASS THRESHOLDS)
First class Honours Degree (I) 70% or above
Upper second class Honours Degree (II.1) 60 - 69%
Lower second class Honours Degree (II.2) 50 - 59%
Third class Honours Degree (III) 40 - 49%
Ordinary Degree Pass at least 300 credits (of which 60 must be at level 6) at 40% or above
Foundation Degree Distinction 70% or above
Foundation Degree Merit 60 - 69%
Foundation Degree Pass 50 - 59%
Diploma of Higher Education Pass at least 240 credits (of which 120 credits must be above Level 4) and pass Level 4 at 40% or above
Certificate of Higher Education Pass at least 120 credits at Level 4 at 40% or above
Integrated Master's

Level 4 - 6 same as Honours Degree

Level 7 pass rate is 50%

You must also achieve 50% average for your best 100 credits at Level 5 - 6 to progress to Level 7

(for MEng you must achieve 50% for your best 120 credits)

For Apprenticeship Degrees please see your Course Handbook

6.3. Apprenticeship Awards

How are Apprenticeship awards classified?

If you are studying on an Apprenticeship, you will normally be awarded the academic element of your course as per Fig.20 in 6.1.

The Apprenticeship element of your course is governed by rules issued by the Institute of Apprenticeships (IFA).

These rules differ for each Apprenticeship, and can be found in the End Point Assessment (EPA) plan for your Apprenticeship standard HERE.

6.4. Calculating Your Award Classification

How are the classifications for Undergraduate awards calculated?

In all cases, award classifications are based on the raw marks achieved according to the criteria set out in the University’s Regulation and Credit Framework. Under no circumstances does an examiner or Board of Examiners have the discretion to change individual marks.

Once you have achieved a pass (with or without compensation) in all the credits for your award (120 credits at each level of study), your final award classification is calculated using your raw module marks. The final mark is rounded to the nearest integer, see Fig.22.

Fig.22: Undergraduate Award Calculations

AWARD AWARD CALCULATION
BA/BSc (Hons) Degree The classification is calculated using marks from your best 100 credits at Level 5 and your best 100 credits at Level 6. Level 5 accounts for 40% of your final mark and Level 6 accounts for 60% of your final mark
BA/BSc (Hons) Top-up Degree The classification is calculated using marks from your best 100 credits at Level 6
Foundation Degree The award of Distinction or Merit will be awarded only where 100 credits or more are graded, as opposed to Pass/Fail. For classification, an average of the marks of your best 100 credits at Level 5 will be used.
Integrated Master's The classification is calculated using the average mark of your best 100 credits at Level 5, the average mark of your best 100 credits at Level 6 and the average mark of 120 credits at Level 7. The average mark at Level 7 will be combined with the average mark at Level 6 and the average mark at Level 5 in the ratio 50:30:20 and rounded to the nearest integer.

6.5. Estimating BA/BSc Classifications

How can I estimate my BA/BSc (Hons) Degree classification?

The Students’ Union has developed a tool to help you estimate your BA/BSc degree classification.

This tool is not an official University tool and, as it uses rounded marks, it is only a guide. All final degree classifications are determined by the official Progression and Award Board results, which use raw marks.

If you are not sure why you received a particular classification or believe there was a problem, you should always start by speaking to your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) or Course Team, as they will be able to give you guidance and advice about your marks.

6.6. Award Title

What will the title of my Undergraduate Award be?

The title of your award will have been confirmed when you were accepted onto your course of study.

AWARD TITLE ABBREVIATION
Bachelor of Arts BA
Bachelor of Science BSc
Bachelor of Music BMus
Bachelor of Law LLB
Bachelor of Engineering BEng
Masters of Engineering MEng
Foundation Degree FD

If you are studying for a Combined Honours degree, your award title is based on the subject combination and the number of credits you undertake in each subject at Levels 5 and 6.

Fig.23: Examples of degree titles for combined honours degrees

SUBJECT 1 SUBJECT 2 FINAL AWARD TITLE
BA BA BA
BSc BSc BSc
BA (equal credit weighting) BSc (equal credit weighting) BA
BA (more credit weighting) BSc (less credit weighting) BA
BA (less credit weighting) BSc (more credit weighting) BSc

You can find out more about Combined Honours degrees in 1.8.

Section 7: Assessment Support Procedures

Extenuating Circumstances

It is important for you to complete your assessments, including examinations on time but sometimes things happen outside your control that could affect your short-term ability to meet your deadlines.

If you are experiencing a short-term (1-2 weeks), unexpected and unavoidable disruption to your studies (e.g. you have been ill or have difficult personal circumstances), which means that you have missed or are likely to miss an assessment/reassessment deadline, you may be able to request an extension or another opportunity for that assessment. Extenuating Circumstances can be used for both coursework and examinations/time-specific assessments.

Extensions or further opportunities granted through Extenuating Circumstances are not an automatic right. For an Extenuating Circumstances request to be approved you must have:

  • an acceptable reason
  • apply on time
  • not have exhausted your request opportunities, and
  • provide acceptable evidence, if required

The Extenuating Circumstances procedures include three ways you can apply for support if you experience a short-term issue (self-certification, an evidenced-based extension, and impaired performance).

On the Extenuating Circumstances webpage you will find more detailed information about each of these routes to support you.

Temporary Learning Agreements (TLA)

If you are experiencing a medium-term or long-term personal difficulty (not related to disability), you may be eligible for additional support via a:

  • Temporary Learning Agreement (TLA), designed to help you manage your learning, so that you can successfully complete your level or stage of study within your current academic year.

In addition, if you require medium or long-term support related to a disability, you may be eligible for additional support via a:

To ensure you are able to benefit from any support, you are encouraged to talk to a member of your course team/Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) and also someone from the Student Support, Health and Wellbeing team, find out more on Support Services.

Section 8: Appeals and Complaints

Section 8: This outlines the procedures the University has in place to enable you to make appeals and complaints.

There may be circumstances where you feel you have grounds to appeal against the decision-making process of a University body.

It is not possible to appeal against a mark for an assessment or placement, as that is a matter of academic judgment (against which students are not permitted to appeal).

Before making an academic appeal, you need to be clear whether you have grounds for appealing and ensure that you follow the specific appeals process.

It is also important to know that you are expected to submit an academic appeal within 20 working days of receiving the decision of the University body in question; a late application may mean the University is unable to consider your request. You should ensure therefore you read through the appeal procedures and raise any concerns at the earliest point with the Student Procedures Office.

If you feel you want to make an appeal, support and guidance is available from the Students’ Union Advice Centre.

To learn more about the appeals process and making an appeal, visit the Academic Appeals webpages.

Complaints

The Student Complaints procedure provides you with an opportunity to raise, individually or collectively, matters of proper concern.

Most complaints can be resolved informally. Please raise the matter initially, as soon as possible, with either the member of staff concerned or that person’s immediate supervisor or manager. If after these steps you do not believe the issue has been resolved, a formal complaints process can be followed.

If you would like support in considering how to take forward any concerns you have, you can speak first to your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT), a member of your Course Team or your Student Representative. Support is also available from the Student Wellbeing Services, find out more on Support Services.

To learn more about the Student Complaints procedure, visit the Complaints webpages.

Further Information and Useful Links

For further information about University regulations, procedures and support, visit the following web pages:

Assessment procedures including University procedures and regulations:

Student procedures:

Other useful links:

Section 10: Glossary

There are some terms used that are unique to higher education and Canterbury Christ Church University. This glossary aims to provide you with basic definitions to help with your understanding of the terms that have been used in the Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught Guides.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Academic Integrity is a set of values that we must apply to our academic work. It helps us learn how to use other people’s ideas when creating our own work.

We consider that breaches of Academic Integrity, which we call “Academic Misconduct”, fall into two broad categories: plagiarism and other types of misconduct.

Plagiarism is the practice of presenting and incorporating somebody else’s work and/or ideas into your work without full acknowledgment.

Academic Misconduct is any act of direct cheating, including the purchase or commissioning of assessments that are prepared by others. breaches of Academic Integrity are serious offences and may lead to a disciplinary procedure under the academic misconduct procedure

Learn more here.


ACCELERATED DEGREES [Applicable to Undergraduate students only]

Accelerated degrees, sometimes called fast track or two-year degrees, are full-time Undergraduate courses that cover the same learning as a typical three-year degree course, but are completed in a shorter time frame than usual. Accelerated degrees require students to attend more teaching weeks across the year, including during the summer months.


ADVANCED STANDING

The use of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to gain entry to a course later than the normal admission stage. Advanced Standing does not result in the award of credits by the University.


APPRENTICESHIP

In the context of this document, an Apprenticeship is a specific Apprenticeship course that provides you with an opportunity to work with an employer while developing academic and employment skills as part of a University degree or other course . The Apprenticeship qualification is awarded separately to the academic award when you successfully complete an external End Point Assessment (EPA).


ASSESSMENT

Your first attempt at an assessment activity.


ASSESSMENT ACTIVITY

An activity you undertake that is assigned an individual mark, and comprises or contributes to an overall module mark, e.g. examinations, coursework, practicals and set exercises or other types of formally marked activities undertaken as part of a course.


ASSESSMENT WEIGHTING

Sometimes, your assessments will have different percentage weightings. Assessments that are awarded the same mark will therefore contribute differently to your overall module mark. For example, you might have two assessments in a module, with one worth 30% of the overall module mark and the other worth 70%.


AWARD

Your achievement at the end of your course or studies. This could include a certificate, diploma, degree or Master’s.


AWARD CLASSIFICATION

The grade that you will receive when you complete your course. For a Bachelor's degree award, you will receive either a 1st class, Upper Second class, Lower Second class or Third class degree if you pass. For a Foundation Degree, a Certificate in Higher Education, a Diploma in Higher Education, or a Postgraduate Taught award you will receive either a Distinction, Merit or Pass if you pass. Other taught awards are not classified.


BLACKBOARD

This is the University's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and is the place where your lecturers will post module and assessment information, as well as lecture, revision and other study materials.


BLENDED LEARNING

Blended Learning refers to learning design that purposefully, thoughtfully and effectively integrates on-site face-to-face and online learning opportunities, informed and driven by student needs.


BOARDS OF EXAMINERS

Formally convened bodies, comprising members of the University and one or more External Examiners that approve marks and decide on your course progression and achievements. There are two types of Boards of Examiners: Module Boards of Examiners, and Progression and Award Boards of Examiners.


CLOSEST REASSESSMENT PERIOD

The designated period for reassessment set out in your academic calendar, which in most instances is as close as possible to when your original assessment took place.


COLLABORATIVE PROVISION

Collaborative provision is where learning opportunities leading to or contributing to the award of academic credit or a qualification are delivered, assessed or supported through an arrangement with one or more organisations other than the University. In these arrangements, students will be studying either for an award of the University or for a joint award with another awarding body. The standards of the award are set and maintained by the University alongside any other awarding bodies.


COMPENSATION

If you do not achieve a module pass mark but you meet specific criteria, a Board of Examiners may confirm a Compensated Pass for a module, which allows you to pass a level of study and progress or achieve an award. Some courses and awards have approved Special Regulations that do not permit Compensation due to professional and/or employer requirements.


CONTINUOUS PROGRESSION [Applicable to Undergraduate students only]

Where you complete your course in the expected period of time without interrupting your studies, taking a repeat year or undertaking reassessment with attendance (RWA). For example, you register for a three-year course and complete within three years.


COURSE APPROVAL

Where a new course is given academic and, where appropriate, professional approval by the University. The approved documentation is referred to as the validation document or course specification.


COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

A statement of specific skills and knowledge that you will be able to demonstrate upon successful completion of a course.


CORE MODULE

Core modules are modules students are required to take as part of an award.


CREDITS

A numerical value agreed across the Higher Education sector that indicates the amount of learning undertaken. Credits can also guide the number of hours of expected study, for example, 10 credits relate to a notional 100 hours of learning time. A module typically consists of 20 credits, 40 credits or occasionally 10 credits. Postgraduate Taught may also include modules of 60 credits.

DEFERRAL OF AN ASSESSMENT ACTIVITY

Where an approved delay for the completion of an assessment activity is granted (by a Board of Examiners).


DISSERTATION

See Individual Study.


DOUBLE MARKING

Process whereby a second examiner ensures that the criteria for assessment and arrangements for feedback have been appropriately applied through the review of every piece of assessment.


END POINT ASSESSMENT (EPA)

A specific assessment for Apprenticeships that usually takes place following the completion of an Apprenticeship academic award and leads to the full external Apprenticeship qualification. This demonstrates that the apprentice has achieved the occupational competence as set out in the standards.


EXAMINER

A member of the University who is responsible for marking assessment activities and who is a member of a Board of Examiners. All University academics are examiners.


EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES

Personal circumstances that are outside of your control, and are likely to have a significant impact on your assessments and overall academic success.


EXTERNAL EXAMINER

Subject specialists from outside of the University who are appointed to provide an impartial view on the standard of awards being made by the University to ensure they meet required standards and national expectations.


FAILURE OF A MODULE

Where you do not achieve the module pass mark or standard, and you are not eligible for reassessment.


FAILURE OF AN ASSESSMENT ACTIVITY

Where you do not achieve the assessment activity pass mark or standard, and you are not eligible for reassessment.


FIRST REASSESSMENT

The first opportunity to undertake reassessment in an assessment activity that has not been passed.


FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Continuous assessment activities that take place before summative assessment and which are designed to monitor your progression and provide feedback in order to develop learning. These do not contribute to your module mark.


FOUNDATION DEGREE

An undergraduate award which is the equivalent of two-thirds of an honours degree (Level 4 and Level 5) that combines academic study and work-based learning. A Foundation Degree usually involves two-years of full-time study.


FOUNDATION YEAR

The first year (Level 0) of a four-year undergraduate degree course. A Foundation Year is designed to introduce you to University study in your chosen subject area.

GENERAL REGULATIONS FOR THE CONFERMENT OF AWARDS

TheGeneral Regulations for the Conferment of Awards are a component of the University's Regulation and Credit Framework. They cover regulations that apply to the whole University provision including the University's capacity to award degrees and academic appeals.


GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES

Graduate Attributes are the qualities that the University is committed to developing in those students who engage with the opportunities available. The Graduate Attributes at Canterbury Christ Church University are being adaptable, digitally literate, effective communicator, informed, innovative, professional and self-aware.


INDIVIDUAL STUDY

Individual study is a module focussed on a student's independent work and research that is carried out under the guidance of a supervisor. An individual study follows the conventions for the academic discipline and can take the form either of a dissertation (a substantial written piece of work), or a project-based activity (e.g. a performance, artefact or project).


INTEGRATED MASTER'S [Applicable to Undergraduate students only]

Integrated Master's awards are Undergraduate awards delivered through a course (typically four years in length) that combines study at the level of a Bachelor's Degree with Honours with study at Master's level. Normally to begin the course students must meet higher entry criteria because the University will need to be assured that a student can study beyond the usual Undergraduate completion point.


INTERIM AWARD

When you do not complete your course or target award, but have completed enough credits to exit with a lower award. At Undergraduate Level this may be a , such as a Certificate of Higher Education (Cert HE), a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) or an Ordinary degree. For Postgraduate Taught this may be a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert), a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip). You cannot register for an Interim Award.

LEVEL OF STUDY [Applicable to Undergraduate students only]

A defined period of learning (typically one academic year for a full-time Undergraduate course), where you must meet specific learning criteria in order to achieve credits and progress through a course. Levels carry a specific number of credits (typically 120 credits).The period of learning and credit value may vary according to mode of study and course. Details are provided in the Course Handbook/Module Handbook and at the time of accepting your place on a course.

MARKING

Process of grading and reviewing an assessment activity and allocating marks according to set marking criteria.


MARKING PROCESS

Formal steps involved in grading and reviewing an assessment activity and allocating a mark.


MARKS

There are two types of marks you will see:

  • Mark pre-penalties and caps: this is the original mark given by the marker, and entered and displayed on the VLE. Please be aware that the mark for assessments in Blackboard is a provisional mark. If the assessment is subject to any late submission penalty or cap applied to reassessment the final mark held on your student record will be lower. All marks are provisional until they have been confirmed by a Board of Examiners. 
  • Final mark: this is the mark approved by a Board of Examiner, and published on your transcript.

MODERATION

Moderation is the process by which the mark or grade of the first marker of formally assessed work is reviewed. The role of the moderator is to ensure, through sampling the first marking, that the assessment criteria have been applied accurately, fairly and equitably.


MODULE BOARD OF EXAMINERS

Formally convened bodies, comprising members of the University and one or more External Examiners that approve module marks.


MODULES

Each course consists of separate parts known as modules, which focus on specific topics and themes. Modules must be passed in order to gain credits and progress through a course and achieve an award and/or credits.


MODULE LEARNING OUTCOMES

The skills and knowledge that you will be able to demonstrate upon successful completion of a module. The module learning outcomes shape what is taught on the module and the formative and summative assessments of that module.


NON-CREDIT BEARING

Modules or awards that do not accumulate UK credit.


OPTIONAL MODULE

Optional Modules are modules a student may select as part of the credits for an award.


ORDINARY DEGREE [Applicable to Undergraduate students only]

An undergraduate degree that is awarded without honours and is therefore not classified.


OUTGOING REGULATIONS FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

These regulations apply to Undergraduate students who registered at the University before September 2017 and have continuous progression. Students who registered at the University before September 2017 and who, after September 2017, accept an offer to repeat a year or are granted an interruption of studies, will follow the Regulations for Taught Awards.

PASS/FAIL

Assessment activities that cannot be awarded a numerical mark. The assessment must achieve a pass mark.


PASS OF A MODULE

Achievement of at least the minimum standard/marks required in a module.


PASS OF AN ASSESSMENT ACTIVITY

Achievement of at least the minimum standard/marks required in an assessment activity.


PASS THRESHOLD

Pass Threshold may refer to:

  • The minimum mark needed to pass a module
  • The minimum amount of credits that you need to have passed to progress to the next level or achieve your target award

PERSONAL ACADEMIC TUTOR (PAT)

A named member of your Course Team, who meets with you regularly and acts as an advisor to your academic support needs.


PLACEMENT

See Work-Based Learning.


PLAGIARISM AND ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT

See Academic Integrity.


PRACTICE COMPETENCIES / STANDARDS

The professional and/or regulatory requirements that students are expected to master as a part of their academic course to gain professional recognition of their learning. Competencies are integrated with the academic theory component of the award and are met through facilitation of learning and assessment, which typically takes place in an employment/practice learning environment (e.g. placement). In some cases, completion of a course that meets external professional and/or regulatory requirements will enable students to apply for registration with the relevant professional and/or statutory regulatory body.


PROFESSIONAL, STATUTORY AND REGULATORY BODY (PSRB)

Professional, statutory and regulatory bodies (PSRBs) set standards for, and regulate standards of entry into, particular professions. They are a diverse group that approves, recognises or accredits higher education course.


PROGRESSION [Applicable to Undergraduate students only]

Process whereby you move through a course , progressing from one level of study to the next.


PROGRESSION AND AWARD BOARDS OF EXAMINERS (PAB)

Formally convened bodies, comprising members of the University and one or more External Examiners, that decide on your course progression and achievements.


RAW MARKS

Marks that are calculated to three decimal places and are therefore not rounded marks.


REASSESSMENT

Any further attempt at completing and passing an assessment activity. Unless otherwise stated, this will normally involve submitting an improved form of your original work or taking another examination where you will complete different questions on the same subject


REASSESSMENT WITH ATTENDANCE (RWA) [Applicable only to Undergraduate students covered by the Regulations for Taught Awards and Postgraduate Taught students registered from September 2019]

A further attempt at completing and passing assessment activities, which requires you to undertake reassessment by attending (in the following year) those modules that you have not yet passed.


RECAP

ReCap is used to record learning and teaching content, including recording lectures for you to watch again via Blackboard. Information about ReCap, and the University policy around the use of recordings, can be found on our ReCap webpage.


RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL)

The recognition of prior learning (RPL) is a process that formally recognises previous learning undertaken outside your course of study, usually before you apply. This can be through either:

  • Advanced Standing: the use of a prior certificated award to gain entry to a course at a level or stage of study later than the normal entry point;
  • Recognition of prior certificated learning (RPCL): the use of prior certificated credits to gain exemption from specific module(s) within a University course;
  • Recognition of prior experiential learning (RPEL): the use of recent previous professional or non-certificated experience to gain exemption from part of a University course.

REFERRAL (REFERRED)

Where you are granted reassessment (by a Board of Examiners) because you have not passed an assessment activity, compulsory assessment or a module and you are eligible for reassessment.


REFERRED AT FIRST ATTEMPT

The first opportunity for you to be reassessed in an assessment activity where the module pass mark has not been achieved.


REFERRED AT SECOND ATTEMPT

The second opportunity for you to be reassessed in an assessment activity where the module pass mark has not been achieved.


REGULATION AND CREDIT FRAMEWORK

The documents that set out the University regulations that govern University courses and final awards. It is made up of General Regulations for the Conferment of Awards, Regulations for Taught Awards and the Regulations for Research Awards. In addition, some courses have Special Regulations (due to Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirements and/or employer requirements), which supplement the University’s Regulation and Credit Framework.


REGULATIONS FOR RESEARCH AWARDS [Applicable to Postgraduate Research students only]

The Regulations for Research Awards are a component of the University's Regulation and Credit Framework covering all Postgraduate Research courses. They cover a range of regulation content including, research degree organisation, entry requirements, assessment and examinations, periods of study, structure and attendance.


REGULATIONS FOR TAUGHT AWARDS

These regulations apply to you if you were a new Undergraduate or Postgraduate Taught student who registered at the University from September 2017 or if you registered at the University before September 2017 and do not have continuous progression. Students who registered at the University before September 2017 and who, after September 2017 are offered and accepted a repeat year or are granted an interruption, will follow the Regulations for Taught Awards.


REPEAT YEAR [Applicable only to Undergraduate students covered by the Outgoing Regulations and Postgraduate Taught students registered with the University prior to September 2019]

Where you do not achieve a sufficient overall pass in a level of study, and have exhausted all reassessment opportunities, a Progression and Award Board may offer you the opportunity to repeat the level or year of stud. You will not progress to the next level or achieve an award and will be required to either repeat all assessment activities in the modules for that level/year or repeat only the assessment activities for the modules that have not been passed.


ROUNDED MARKS

Marks that are calculated to the nearest whole number. A number that is 0.5 or above will be rounded up. A number that is 0.499 or below will be rounded down.

 

SEMESTER

Some of the University’s courses operate on an academic calendar consisting of two semesters per academic year. A semester refers to either of the two periods into which an academic year is divided. View the academic calendars HERE.


SPECIAL REGULATIONS

Additional or alternative regulations that enable a course to meet Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) and/or employer requirements. They take precedence over the Regulation and Credit Framework. Unless the Special Regulations make specific mention of an issue, the Regulation and Credit Framework applies in full.


SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

A formally marked assessment activity, which evaluates your learning, contributes to module credits and leads to the achievement of a final grade.


TRAIL AND PROGRESS [Applicable to Undergraduate students only]

If you do not pass a module but you are eligible for further reassessment opportunities, a Progression and Award Board may grant you the opportunity to progress to the next level of study whilst undertaking reassessment for the module that has not been passed. Conditions apply.

Some courses and awards have approved Special Regulations that do not permit trail and progress due to professional and/or employer requirements.


TRANSCRIPTS

A transcript is the formal document you will receive at the completion of your academic course. It will only include marks confirmed by the appropriate Board of Examiners. A transcript may be required by prospective employers or educational institutions to which you are applying.


TRIMESTER

Some of the University’s courses operate on an academic calendar consisting of three trimesters per academic year. A trimester refers to any of the three periods into which an academic year is divided. View the academic calendars HERE.


TURNITIN

An application within Blackboard that enables you to submit assignments digitally for marking while also providing an originality report that can be used to help you correctly reference sources of information within your work.

WORK-BASED LEARNING

Placement and/or Work-Based Learning are learning experiences located in a workplace. The activity may range from shadowing to full-time employment and it may last for a considerable period as set out in the approved course specification document.


WORK-RELATED LEARNING

Planned activity that uses the context of work to develop knowledge, skills and understanding useful in work, including learning through the experience of work, learning about work and working practices, and learning the skills for work.