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Academic Regulations (Taught

Programmes)

Effective from September 202 1 to Present

Student Regulations and Policies

uclan.ac.uk/studentcontract

PREFACE

The application of the Academic Regulations is underpinned by University policies and procedures, to which

reference is made at appropriate points within the Regulations.

A: The Academic Regulations

A1 The University

These Academic Regulations apply to all taught courses of the University of Central Lancashire hereafter referred to as "the University". Changes to these regulations may only be approved through processes approved by the Academic Board. These regulations apply to all students registered with the University during the academic year 20 20 / 21. They supersede any previous regulations.

A2 Powers of the University to Grant Awards

The following powers (A2.1 to A2.6) derive from Section 76 of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992: A2.1 The University is empowered to grant awards to persons who complete an appropriate course of study and satisfy an appropriate assessment and to grant awards to persons who complete an appropriate programme of supervised research and satisfy an appropriate assessment. A2.2 Awards which may be granted by the University include degrees, diplomas, certificates, or other academic awards or distinctions, and Honorary Awards. A2.3 The University may exercise its power to grant awards by granting awards jointly with another institution(s). A2.4 The University may, for good reason, deprive any person of any award granted to her or him by the University (or, in the case of an award granted to her or him by the University and another institution jointly, may do so jointly with the other institution). Good reason will include academic fraud. A2.5 The University, where empowered to make awards on behalf of Pearson or professional bodies, does so subject to the regulations of those bodies. A2.6 The University, in accordance with the relevant provisions of its Instrument and its Articles, determines: (i) the courses of study; (ii) the programmes of research; (iii) the assessment appropriate for the grant of any award; and, (iv) the terms and conditions on which the powers to grant awards are to be exercised.

A3 Approval of Courses and Awards by the Academic Board of the University

A3.1 In fulfilling its responsibilities under the Articles, the Academic Board authorises Committees, Boards and Panels to act on its behalf. These Committees, Boards and Panels are responsible to the Academic Board of the University. In all cases such Committees, Boards and Panels are required to act in accordance with the Articles of the University and these Academic Regulations. A3.2 The University may agree to offer provision leading solely to awards by external bodies. In such cases the academic regulations of the external body take precedence over University regulations in relation to the requirements for conferment of the award. Where courses are subject to the regulations of professional, statutory and regulatory bodies and those regulations are different from the Academic Regulations of the University, the regulations of the professional, statutory and regulatory bodies will take precedence, subject to approval through the University’s course approval and review processes. A3.3 In extraordinary circumstances, caused by external factors beyond the control of the University, the Academic Board will be responsible for approving special arrangements, if necessary, for the determination of awards and progression (see Section K). In the case of apprenticeship programmes, the requirements of the end point assessment plan (EPA) associated with the apprenticeship standard will be followed and will take precedence over University regulations, subject to approval through the University’s course approval and review processes.

B: Awards of the University

B1 Principles

B1.1 All awards conferred by the University are defined by a series of benchmarks relating to the general level of knowledge and skills required to register for the award, the highest level of study required to achieve the award and the standard time taken to complete the award as expressed in terms of full-time study. B1.2 All awards conferred by the University are benchmarked against the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications for England, Wales and Northern Ireland issued by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. Individual disciplines may also refer to relevant subject benchmarks. B1.3 Awards can only be gained by following and successfully completing a course of study leading to an approved award which has been approved by the University. B1.4 University awards are designed to incorporate exit point awards where appropriate aims and learning outcomes have been specified. Exit point awards may only be given where the learning outcomes for the lower award have been met. B1.5 Certificates, transcripts and Diploma Supplements follow an approved style and format. B1.6 All courses will be taught and assessed in English with the following exceptions: (i) where the learning outcomes are explicitly related to competence in Languages other than English; (ii) where the acquisition of competence in English is a declared learning outcome, support work may be in the student’s native language.

B2 List of Awards

B2.1 The Awards conferred by the University are shown in table B3.10. B2. Posthumous awards The University may confer any of its awards posthumously provided there is evidence of work successfully completed at the appropriate level. The classification will be determined by the Assessment Board on the basis of the overall academic profile. The award can be accepted on the student’s behalf by a parent, spouse or other appropriate individual. B2.2 Research Awards The Academic Regulations for research awards are published in the Academic Regulations for Postgraduate Research Degrees. B2.3 Professional Doctorate Awards The Academic Regulations for Professional Doctorates are published in the Academic Regulations for Professional Doctorates. Guidance on the framework for Professional Doctorates can be found in Appendix 12 of the Academic Quality Assurance Manual. B2.4 Honorary Awards There are three categories of Honorary Award: i) an Honorary Doctorate (D.Univ.), appropriate for those who have made a significant contribution to the development of the University and/or have made a major contribution to the development of education at the national and/or international level; ii) an Honorary Fellowship, appropriate for those who have achieved distinction in their profession or area of activity, and/or made a significant contribution to society in general; iii) a Corporate Award, appropriate for those organisations, institutions of corporations which have demonstrated significant charitable work s, community enhancement, or through their collective endeavour have advanced education or academic research regionally, nationally or internationally.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education is a teaching qualification awarded to graduate students who have successfully completed a specialist teaching course in post-compulsory education.

B3.7 Taught Master’s Degrees Courses at Master’s level may lead to the award of either the MA or MSc or to a more closely defined award restricted to certain specific areas of study. The title Master of Architecture (MArch) is reserved for courses in an area of specialised study in the specific subject area of Architecture which provides the skills and knowledge required in the subject for professional development in industry or research and as such is recognised by industry, professional bodies and research councils The title Master of Arts (MA) is generally used in Art and Design, the arts and humanities and areas of social or business studies. The title Master of Science (MSc) is generally used in technology, science or mathematics and their applications. The rationale for the use of MA or MSc in other fields will take account of curricular focus and sectoral practice. The title Master of Business Administration (MBA) is reserved for courses which focus on the general principles and functions of management and the development of management skills. The title of Master of Clinical Dentistry (MClinDent) is reserved for courses of specialist study and training in Clinical Dentistry The title of Master of Clinical Medicine (MClinMed) is reserved for courses of specialist study and training in Clinical Medicine The title Master of Education [MEd] is reserved for courses in which the focus of study is the reflection and professional development of education practitioners. The title Master of Laws (LLM) is reserved for courses of specialised study in law. The title Master of Research [MRes] is reserved for advanced postgraduate degrees that focus upon research through individual research project work and the development of academic research skills and techniques. Such courses will normally prepare students for PhD study or a career in research. B3.8 Professional Masters Awards These awards are reserved for courses which make a contribution to both theory and practice in their field and to develop professional practice. B3.9 Professional Doctorates Courses at Professional Doctorate level are restricted to certain, specific areas of study and lead to a specifically titled award at doctoral level. They will entail a combination of taught and research components. A Professional Doctorate [DProf] programme will be conducted in an area of professional competence. The title of Doctorate of Business Administration [DBA] is reserved for courses concerned with researching business and management issues via the critical review and systematic application of appropriate theories and research to professional practice. The title of Doctorate in Education [EdD] is reserved for courses concerned with researching educational practice, contexts and roles via the critical review and systematic application of appropriate theories and research to the education profession and to the practice of it.

FHEQ

level Title of Award (^) Classifications available General Minimum Entry Requirement Standard Course Duration (expressed as FT equivalent length, + 2 years for Part Time) Highest Level of study (equivalent qualifications required for or experience accepted. the Award For course specific requirements see course documents) 6 Bachelor’s Degrees with (^) First Class, Upper Second Class, Lower Second Class, Third Class, Degree without Honours Applicants must have 5 (^) 3 years (1 year for top-Up Awards) (4 years for some Overseas provision/ Cyprus Campus)

Honours: (Bachelor of Arts [BA GCSE passes at Grade C Hons]; Bachelor of or above (including Maths Engineering [BEng Hons]; and English or Bachelor of Laws [LLBHons]; equivalent) plus a 12 unit Bachelor of Science [BSc profile the equivalent of Hons]) two subjects at Advanced Level (A2). 6 Senior Status Bachelor of First Class, Upper Bachelor degree 2 years 6 Laws LLB (Hons) Second Class, Lower Second Class, Third Class, Degree without Honours 6 Graduate Certificate Distinction, Merit^ successful level 6 study 1 semester 6 6 Graduate Diploma Distinction, Merit^ successful level 6 study 2 semesters 6 (^7) Integrated Masters Honours: (Master of Physics [MPhys]) (Master of Pharmacy with [MPharm]) (Master of Engineering [MEng]) (Master of Chemistry [MChem]) (Bachelor of Dental Surgery [BDS]) (Master of Law [MLaw]) (Master of Science [MSci]) (Master of Mathematics [MMath]) (Master of Computing [MComp]) (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery [MB BS]) Master of Human Resource Management(MHRM) Master of Community and Social Care (MComSC) Master of Physician Associate Studies(MPAS) Master of Chiropractic (MChiro) First Class, Upper Second Class, Lower Second Class, Third Class ^ [for BDS and MB BS no classification is awarded other than BDS or MB BS with Honours when an APM of 70% or more is achieved] Applicants must have 5 GCSE passes at Grade C or above plus a 12 unit profile the equivalent of two subjects at Advanced Level (A2). [Applicants with advanced standing to year 2 of the BDS must have previous graduate achievement in biomedical sciences or related subject] 4 years (5 years for the BDS and MB BS)

FHEQ

level Title of Award (^) Classifications available General Minimum Entry Requirement Standard Course Duration (expressed as FT equivalent length, + 2 years for Part Time) Highest Level of study (equivalent qualifications required for or experience accepted. the Award For course specific requirements see course documents)

7 Bachelor of Veterinary

Sciences and Medicine (BVMS) Pass, Merit, Distinction Entry requirements: 5 GCSE passes at Grade C or above and AAB A- levels (or equivalent) 5 years 7 Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas 7 Postgraduate Certificate Distinction, Merit^ Bachelor degree with Honours [Mgt experience for CM] 1 semester 7 (PGCert) Certificate in Management [CM]; Post Graduate Certificate in Education [PGCE*] (^7) Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) Diploma in Management Distinction, Merit (^) Bachelor degree with Honours [2 years management 2 semesters 7 Studies[DMS] experience for DMS]

FHEQ

level Title of Award (^) Classifications available General Minimum Entry Requirement Standard Course Duration (expressed as FT equivalent length, + 2 years for Part Time) Highest Level of study (equivalent qualifications required for or experience accepted. the Award For course specific requirements see course documents) Higher Doctorates 8 Doctor of Letters(DLitt) leading authority in field n/a n/a 8 Doctor of Science (DSc) leading authority in field n/a n/a Honorary Doctorate (D.Univ) Criteria determined by Honorary Awards Committee 8 Integrated PhD (^) Bachelor Degree with Hons at lower second or above 4 years 7+thesis +Used for non credit bearing courses and CPD only *Standard course duration may be longer where elements of professional practice are integrated within modules. ** the level of the award corresponds to the level of the module for which the Certificate is awarded. *** under licence from Pearson Ϯ Masters Degree for direct entry to doctoral stage of programme ¥ Masters or Professional Masters degree for direct entry to professional doctoral stage of programme

B4 Approval of new awards

B4.1 The Academic Board has power to approve new awards on advice from the Students, Teaching and Quality Committee. B4.2 In considering proposals for new awards, the Academic Board will pay particular regard to:

1. the characteristics and level of the proposed award that would both distinguish it from existing awards and relate it to them;
2. the suitability of existing awards for the proposed programme of study;
3. the likely demand for, and recognition of, the proposed award by institutions, students and employers. B4.3 Course proposals may not be submitted for course approval prior to Academic Board approval of an appropriate award type and its definition.

B5 Certification of Awards

Academic Board awards and official transcripts follow a prescribed style. The use of the University crest on certificates is restricted to Academic Board awards and Honorary awards.

C: Modular Framework

C1 Modular Framework

C1.1 All taught awards of the University are governed by the regulations that apply to the University’s modular scheme as set out below, unless otherwise specified. This includes taught elements of Professional Doctorates awards and Integrated PhD awards.

C2 Modules

C2.1 Each module is a self-contained block of learning with defined aims, learning outcomes and assessment. C2.2 The number of learning outcomes specified for a 20 - credit module is normally limited to a maximum of 5. C2.3 All modules are assigned to Academic Schools. The development, delivery and assessment of modules is the responsibility of the Head of School^1 operating through the academic staff in the school. C2.4 Module descriptions will specify pre- requisites and/or co-requisites where these apply. C2.5 Modules within a programme will be designated as one of the following:

1. Compulsory
2. Optional
3. Core C2.6 Modules designated as ‘Compulsory’ must be attempted but may be compensated. Modules designated as ‘core’ may not be compensated. C2.7 Modules will normally only be designated as ‘Core’ where this a professional /statutory body requirement. C2.8 A student-initiated module is a scheme of directed study with assessment. Up to 20 credits may be awarded, at an appropriate level and contribute to a student’s overall programme of study. C2.9 The indicative module assessment workload for a 20-credit module is as follows: Assessment weighting Maximum workload Coursework 100% 4,000 words or equivalent Coursework 50% or less 2,000 words or equivalent C2.10 Module level C2.10.1 each module will specify a level which indicates the intellectual standard required for successful completion of the module. Level 3: A/AS Level equivalent (used for Foundation Entry) Level 4: Certificate level which prepares students for further study (approximating to year 1 of a three-year honours degree programme). Level 5: Diploma level (approximating to year 2 of a three-year honours degree programme). Level 6: (^) Degree level (approximating to year 3 of a three-year honours degree programme). Level 7: Postgraduate level. Level 8: Doctorate level. (^1) Or those acting in this capacity with an equivalent role title

Stage 0 is equivalent to a full-time foundation year and prepares a student for the degree or diploma course. Stage 1 is equivalent to a first year of a full-time degree course and forms the basis of progression to stage 2. Stage 2 is equivalent to the subsequent years of a full-time degree course. C6.2 For the Integrated Masters course, Stage 2 is equivalent to the second year of a full-time degree course. Stage 3 is equivalent to the final two years of a full-time Integrated Masters course. C6.3 For the integrated PhD, Stage 2 is equivalent to a three-year PhD course.

C7 Mode of Study

C7.1 The modular framework is designed to accommodate the movement of students between full-time and part- time mode of study. Changes to mode of study require prior approval. C7.2 A full-time student is defined as any student undertaking modules equating to at least 100 credits during a standard (two semester) academic session. The maximum number of credits that may be taken during an academic session is normally 120. Exceptionally, a full-time student may undertake 140 credits where they are required to retake a 20-credit module. C7.3 A full-time student undertaking an approved accelerated degree programme will normally complete 180 credits within a standard (three semester) academic session.

C8 Duration of Study

C8.1 The standard duration of full-time study towards specified awards is shown in the table in section B3.10. The standard duration for part-time provision will normally exceed the full- time duration by two years. C8.2 A student is permitted to interrupt the continuous registration on their programme of study but must seek authorisation to do so from the Head of School (or nominee) prior to the commencement of that interruption of study. The application should be in writing and set out the reasons for interruption and the period of time requested for such interruption. Retrospective interruptions to study are not permitted. The period of authorised interruption shall normally be up to one year and exceptionally up to two years. A period of authorised interruption shall normally be no less than one month. Such periods of time would normally be considered as authorised absence. If an interruption is not authorised but a student does not attend their course, the University may determine that a student’s studies be terminated and apply its withdrawal procedures under section G of these regulations. C8.3 Students who wish to interrupt their studies for longer than the period which can be authorised, or who fail to enrol for an academic year without authorised interruption, must seek readmission if they wish to resume their studies. C8.4 An authorised interruption of study would normally require an adjustment to the expected end date of the programme by the equivalent period of time.

C9 Attendance and Engagement

C9.1 Student attendance and engagement at timetabled learning activities of courses and modules is required. Notification of illness or exceptional requests for leave of absence must be made to the Head of School or nominee (usually the Course Leader). C9.2 Students with continuous unauthorised absence may be deemed to have withdraw n from the course and the University may apply its withdrawal procedures in accordance with section G13 of these regulations. C9.3 Individual modules and/or courses may incorporate a specific attendance requirement as part of the assessment criteria for successful completion of a module.

C10 Standard Credit Requirements for Awards

minimum at: Award title Minimum module requirement Stage 2 Stage 3 (^) Level 4 or above Level 5 or above Level 6 or above Level 7 or above Level 8 Certificate of Achievement* 20 (at Level 3 or above) Certificate* 20 20 Certificate of Higher Education 120 120 Foundation Certificate 120 120 Advanced Certificate* 40 40 Diploma 100 100 80 Higher National Certificate* 120 120 Higher National Diploma 240 240 100 Diploma of Higher Education 240 120 240 100 Foundation Degree 240 240 100 Advanced Diploma** 320 200 320 180 60 Diploma in Professional Studies 120 120 Degree 320 200 320 180 60 Honours degree 360 240 360 220 100 Senior Status LLB 240 240 240 100 Honours degree for Overseas Provision with 4 Years Study Cycle (3 years at Stage 2) 480 360 480 280 140 Honours degree for Cyprus Campus Provision with 4 Years Study Cycle 480 240 480 220 100 Top-up Degree (Honours) 120 120 120 100 Graduate Certificate 60 60 40 Graduate Diploma 120 120 100 Integrated Masters 480 120 240 480 360 220 120 Bachelor of Dental Surgery 720***** 120 240 720 360 200 120 Bachelor of Veterinary Sciences and Medicine (BVMS) 600 120 240 600 480 360 240 Postgraduate Certificate 60 60 40 Postgraduate Diploma 120 120 100 (Taught) Masters Degree 180 180 160*** Master of Architecture 240 240

Master of Clinical Medicine 360 360*** Master of Research 180 180 160**** Professional Masters 180 180 160*** Professional Doctorate 540 540 360 * The credit requirement for students on these awards may exceed the minimum stated. ** This award is only offered overseas. *** To include a dissertation or equivalent that is a compulsory element of independent learning with a credit value between 20 and 60 credits at Level 7 or for the MProf: a credit value of 60 credits **** Master of Research to include a dissertation or equivalent that is a compulsory element of independent learning with a minimum credit value of 80 credits at Level 7. ***** Including 120 credits of clinical practice, which will be graded S/U, and which will not contribute to the APM calculation. C10.1 Credit gained at Stage 0 does not contribute to the credit requirement for an award. C10.2 A sandwich placement element is not credit-rated and does not contribute to the credit requirement for an award. C10.3 Programme Structure for the award of Honours Degree for Overseas Provision with 4 years study cycle. Minimum Duration Minimum Credit Requirement Level 4 or above Level 5 or above Level 6 or above Award Title Year 1 120 120 Cert HE Year 2 240 240 100 Diploma of HE Year 3 320 320 180 60 Advanced Diploma Year 3 360 360 180 60 Degree* Year 4 480 480 280 140 Honours Degree* *These awards are normally only offered in this structure on a franchise basis overseas. C10.4 Programme Structure for Professional Doctorates Stage 1 Taught components to be a minimum of 120 credits at level 7 or above to a maximum of 220 credits at Level 7 or above, with a minimum of 80 credits at level 8 Stage 2 Research components to be within a minimum of 280 credits at level 8 to include a thesis of at least 200 credits at level 8 to a maximum of 420 credits at level 8 Predicated on a notional 540 credits for a 3-year doctorate programme Full time 3 years or 6 years part time equivalent for the doctorate. C10.5 Programme Structure for the Professional Awards of Doctor of Medicine (MD) Stage 1 (^) Year 1 or part time equivalent 180 credits, of which at least 160 must be at level 7 or above and 20 at Level 6 or above Stage 2 Year 2 or part Time equivalent 180 credits at Level 8 (approved research project)

C10.6 Programme Structure for Integrated PhD Stage 1 Year 1 or part time equivalent 120 credits of research skills modules at Level 7 or above. Stage 2 Year 2 or part time equivalent A research thesis at Level 8. D: Approval and Periodic Review of Courses

D1 Course closure

D1.1 Sometimes, circumstances beyond the control of the University may mean that it has to close a course. In these circumstances, the University will take all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to affected students, by, for example, offering affected students the chance to move to another course or institution, or by delivering a modified version of the same course. The University will ensure that adequate standards are maintained for any students remaining on the course.

D2 Course Approval, Credit Recognition and Periodic Course Review of courses offered in

collaboration with other institutions or other organisations.

D2.1 Forms of relationship D2.1.1 The University may form a relationship with other bodies in the UK or overseas to offer courses. Such courses may lead to the awards of the related bodies as well as to awards of the University. D2.1.2 Whatever form the relationship takes, the University will satisfy itself, through its Course Approval and Periodic Review procedures, that a course or learning programme complies with the Academic Regulations and that the related establishment provides a suitable learning environment for students on courses leading to awards of the University. D2.2 Formal Agreement D2.2.1 All collaborative courses, including franchised courses, validated courses, credit recognition and articulation, will be covered by an agreed formal statement of the arrangements (normally in the form of an Institutional Agreement and Memorandum of Co-operation). E: The Admission of Students

E1 Principles

E1.1 The selection of students for admission is based on the ability to benefit as demonstrated through prior educational achievement, motivation and commitment. E1.2 Responsibility for the selection of students lies with Admissions Tutors, nominated by Deans/Heads of School, operating within the general entry requirements for the award specified by the University and any specific course- based requirements. E1.3 The University will not admit applicants unless there is a reasonable expectation that the applicant can fulfil th e learning outcomes of the course and reach the required standard for the award. E1.4 The admission of students with disabilities and/or learning difficulties is based on the academic judgement that the student can, with reasonable adjustments by the University, be reasonably expected to fulfil the learning outcomes of the course to achieve the award. E1.5 The admission of individual applicants is at the discretion of the University having regard to the safety and welfare of the University community and the general principles above.