The University provides a range of courses at undergraduate level. These undergraduate regulations set out the key structures of the regulations governing these awards. Unless otherwise stated in a “Guide to your Course” or a “Module Guide” these regulations will govern the conduct of all undergraduate awards at the University of Wolverhampton. Exemptions to these regulations must be clearly stated in relevant documents – a “Guide to your Course” or a “Module Guide”

Throughout these regulations levels of study are shown using both the current University of Wolverhampton terminology (levels 0 – 3) and how they meet the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) framework and the proposed framework for higher education qualifications (FHEQ) (levels 3 – 6). These map as follows:

1. 1. All undergraduate students will be registered for a course, the requirements of which will be approved by the University Quality Enhancement Committee on behalf of Academic Board.
   2. Course requirements will specify the modules required to be taken and any other additional requirements which must be satisfied for the award of the qualification.
   3. Maximum registration periods will be defined for each course offered by the University. These will grant students an additional period of study beyond the normal period they would be expected to complete their course.
   4. Themaximum period over which an award or an interim award may be studied will normally be:

1. A student may vary the pace at which they proceed through their course by varying the number of modules taken concurrently, subject to the maximum and minimum limits defined for full time or part time study in Section 2.
2. A student may apply to take leave of absence from their course for up to a total of four semesters. In this event, the maximum registration period will be extended for the same period. Students may be required to fulfil specified conditions before resumption of their studies. The University cannot guarantee continuation on the same course.
3. Applicants to University courses are expected to be in attendance at the beginning of the course, which will include an induction period. Exceptionally, students may be admitted after this date, but must be in attendance by the third week of the course, and will only be permitted to commence late with the agreement of the Course Leader.
4. Applicants who are non-native speakers of English shall normally be required to demonstrate proficiency in English to the level of an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent and will be required to complete a University of Wolverhampton English Language Proficiency Exam Assessment as part of their induction period.

1. 1. Full-timeand Sandwichstudents will normally study modules worth 120 credits each year. This will normally be 60 credits each semester.

   2. A course which leads to a qualification in the sandwich mode will include a period of supervised work experience, the length of which will be specified in the course requirements approved by the University Quality Enhancement Committee.

      Sandwich courses will contain an extended period of supervised work experience in addition to the academic study undertaken at the University or one of its partner colleges. The objectives of the work experience will be specified and related to the overall objectives of the whole course. The performance of students will be assessed, and satisfactory completion of, and performance in, the work experience is a requirement for the sandwich award.

      A student may apply for exemption from the whole or part of the work experience on the basis of previous work experience or training.

   3. Part-time students will normally study module(s) not exceeding 90 credits in a year.

      Part-timestudents will normally spend two years completing each level of study though other patterns of study will be permitted.

   4. Students studying towards a Bachelor (Honours) Specialist Degreewill concentrate upon the study of a single subject and will study:

      A minimum 90 credits of core/core option per level

      A maximum of 30 credits of elective per level

   5. Students studying towards a Bachelor (Honours) Joint degreewill study a combination of two subjects and will study:

      A minimum of 45 core/core option of subject A per level

      A minimum of 45 core/core option of subject B per level

      A maximum of 30 credits of elective per level,

   6. The requirements for students on a general course will be as set out in each course’s requirements, approved by the University Quality Enhancement Committee. Generic courses have a broad base and involve the study of modules from a number of disciplines within a broad subject area. Negotiated courses allow students to study modules from a wide variety of subjects, but for which there is a rationale. Generic and negotiated courses will be awarded with the title “Combined Studies”.

   7. Students may be admitted to the University with advanced standing where they have previously successfully completed relevant study at higher education level, in the UK or abroad.

      Students may also be admitted with advanced standing on the basis of relevant prior learning which has occurred outside a formal course of study, which may include in-company training or relevant work experience.

      The procedures for the assessment of prior learning will be determined by the University Quality Enhancement Committee and set out in the guidelines for the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)the minimum requirements for credits awarded by the University of Wolverhampton will be as follows:

      Degrees	Credits
      Honours degree:	120 credits at level 3 (QCA 6)
      Ordinary degree:	60 credits at level 3 (QCA 6)
      Foundation degree:	60 credits at Level 2 (QCA 5)
      Diploma of HE:	60 credits at Level 2 (QCA 5)
      EdExcel HND:	60 credits of which at least 45 must be at Level 2 (QCA 5)
      EdExcel HNC:	60 credits of which at least 30 must be at Level 2 (QCA 5)
      Certificate of HE:	60 credits at Level 1 (QCA 4)

      APL is not normally granted for the awards of Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Professional Graduate Certificate of Education.

      Grades from previous study and/or APL are excluded from the final classification as described in paragraph 9.2.

      The University’s Academic Registrar must approve any exceptions to these arrangements.

      Details of the current procedures for the award of credit for prior learning, and further explanatory notes, are available from the relevant School.

   8.  

1. 1. 1. Each course will be made up of units of study called modules. Modules will normally be rated at 15 or 30 credits and exceptionally at 45 credits for projects/dissertations and independent study in some courses.
      2. Module results will be recorded using a grading scheme:
         1. For modules at levels 0 and 1 (QCA 3 and 4) results will be recorded using the following scheme:

            GRADE	Performance	Result
            A	Outstanding performance	Pass
            B	Above average – very good	Pass
            C	Average – good	Pass
            D	Satisfactory performance	Pass
            #E	Pass by compensation	Pass
            E	Compensatable fail	Defer
            F	Uncompensatable fail	Defer (if first attempt) Fail (if following a second attempt)
            0NS	Not submitted	Fail
            0GA	Grade awaited	Held
            0AM	Academic Misconduct	Held
            OM	Valid Extenuating Circumstances. May submit assessment not previously submitted (or failed) as if for the first time	Defer

         2. For modules at Levels 2 and 3 (QCA 5 and 6) results will be recorded using the following scheme:

            GRADE	Performance	Result
            A16	Outstanding performance	Pass
            A15	Outstanding performance	Pass
            A14	Outstanding performance	Pass
            B13	Above average – very good	Pass
            B12	Above average – very good	Pass
            B11	Above average – very good	Pass
            C10	Average – good	Pass
            C9	Average – good	Pass
            C8	Average – good	Pass
            D7	Satisfactory performance	Pass
            D6	Satisfactory performance	Pass
            D5	Satisfactory performance	Pass
            #E4	Pass by compensation	Pass
            E4	Compensatable fail Uncompensatable fail	Defer (if first attempt) Fail (if following a second attempt where the module cannot be compensated)
            F3	Uncompensatable fail	Defer (if first attempt) Fail (if following a second attempt)
            F2	Uncompensatable fail	Defer (if first attempt) Fail (if following a second attempt)
            F1	Uncompensatable fail	Defer (if first attempt) Fail (if following a second attempt)
            F0	Uncompensatable fail	Defer (if first attempt) Fail (if following a second attempt)
            0NS	Not submitted	Fail
            0GA	Grade awaited	Held
            0AM	Academic Misconduct	Held
            M4, M3, M2, M1, M0	Valid Extenuating Circumstances. May submit assessment not previously submitted (or failed) as if for the first time	Defer

      3. The assessment rules for each module will be published in the module guide. It will be explicit which of the assessments must be passed to achieve an overall pass in the module. Credits will only be awarded to students who successfully complete the module (but see Section 6, Failure and Compensation, below).
      4. A student must register for a module s/he intends to study by the end of the third week of the module. A student not registered by this time is not eligible for assessment in the module, nor will the student be granted credit for any assessed work submitted for modules for which they are not registered

      5. Modules will be described as core, core option or elective in the context of course structures.

         A Core module is a module which must be taken, which contributes directly to the course outcomes.

         A Core Option module is a module, within a defined group, from which a stated minimum number of such modules have to be taken in order to satisfy the course outcomes.

         An Elective module is a free choice module, where the student may select any module from the University’s portfolio, providing pre-requisite and timetabling rules are satisfied. These may be more modules of the principal/ joint subject(s), modules from different/ contrasting/ cognate subjects, skills based modules or a module from the University Elective Programme. There is no requirement for courses to contain elective modules.

      6. A Pre-requisite module must be taken before a student may proceed to study a subsequent module.
      7. If a student is unable, through disability or injury, to be assessed by the normal methods specified in the Module Guide or Award Regulations, the Student Enabling Centre will review and determine an alternative appropriate method of assessment.

      Regulasion

      • • Introduction

       

      • • Registration For A University Course

       

      • • Study Patterns And Course Structures

       

      • • Modules

       

      • • Progression

       

      • • Award Of Qualifications

       

      • • Failure And Compensation

       

      • • Extenuating Circumstances And Requests For Coursework Extensions

       

      • • Credit Requirements For Undergraduate Qualifications

       

      • • Classification Of Honours Degrees

       

1. 1. In order to progress from one year to the next, full-time students will normally:
      1. be required to have passed modules totalling 90 credits or more; and
      2. be in a position to recover any failure within the rules of their course, and
      3. be in a position to meet the maximum period over which an award or interim award may be studied, contained in paragraph 1.4.
   2. The progress of part-time students will be reviewed annually by Award Boards to assess progress against the maximum period of registration.
   3.  

1. 1. The University Bye-Law No. 5 describes the criteria relating to the award and management of Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates.

   2. Award boards shall confirm on behalf of the Academic Board that a student has met all of the requirements for the award of a qualification.

      A student who fails to meet the requirements for the qualification for which s/he was registered, may be awarded a lower qualification by an Award Board, provided that its requirements have been met.

   3. A student may apply to transfer registration to a lower level qualification.
   4. Lower level awards will not normally be conferred as a student accumulates credit towards the higher award.

   5. Most professional statutory and regulatory bodies impose further requirements in addition to the University’s academic regulations before granting exemption or accreditation. Where this is so, a student who fails to satisfy the additional professional requirements is still eligible for a University award provided the award regulations have been met.

      Where professional and academic requirements are wholly integrated within a course (e.g. the DipHE in Nursing or Midwifery, BEd or PGCE) a student failing either the professional or academic requirements cannot achieve either the professional or academic award but may transfer to an alternative academic course.

   6. Candidates registered for an Honours degree who fail to achieve the degree with Honours within the registration period nevertheless remain eligible for the Ordinary Degree provided they achieve the required credits. Students who receive a Degree in this way, have no automatic right to upgrade their qualification.
   7.  

1. 1. Where a student fails a module (E or F grades) they will have the right to attempt the failed assessment(s) once, at the next resit opportunity (but see 7.6 below). The resit attempt must be taken within the academic year the assessment was first attempted. If a student fails assessment for a second time they have a right to repeat the module. Alternatively they may take a replacement module which meets their course requirements. The University cannot guarantee that all modules will be available to be repeated, in which case the student will be required to take a replacement module.
   2. A student who successfully resits a failed component assessment will be awarded a bare pass (D/D5 grade) for this second attempt. The overall grade for a module, where a student successfully resits an assessment component, will be calculated on the basis of grades achieved in assessment passed at the first attempt and the bare pass awarded for resat assessment.
   3. The grade awarded to students repeating modules or taking a replacement module will not be restricted and will be awarded according to the student’s achievement.
   4. Where a student passes a module s/he will have no further right to take assessment in that module.
   5. Except where statutory or professional bodies require otherwise, marginal failure (E/E4 grade) will be compensated by Award Boards as follows, provided students have passed modules worth a minimum of 90 credits at the same level:
      1. A maximum of 30 credits at level 0 (QCA 3)
      2. A maximum of 30 credits at level 1 (QCA 4) But overall, a maximum of 30 credits can be compensated at levels 0 and 1 (QCA 3 and 4)
      3. A maximum of 30 credits at level 2 (QCA 5)
      4. A maximum of 30 credits at level 3 (QCA 6) But overall, a maximum of 45 credits can be compensated at levels 2 and 3 (QCA 5 and 6).
   6. No compensation will be permitted for:
      1. work-based or work-related project modules at level 2 or 3 (QCA 5 or 6).
      2. the designated independent study module.
      3. Any modules leading to the award of Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma
   7. For students studying for a joint award, the maximum number of credits that can be compensated at any level will be 15 credits in each subject.
   8. A marginal failure in a module will only be compensated by reassessment boards, enabling a student to exercise their right to resit. The recipient of a Pass by Compensation (#E / #E4) will not have the right to resit assessment in that module. Students will gain the credit for the module but the #E / #E4 will not be changed and will be shown on their transcript.
   9. Where a student fails an assessed component of a module, but succeeds in the other components s/he will not normally be required to retake the components already passed unless required to repeat the module to retrieve failure.
   10. Where a student fails a course element designed to test professional as opposed to academic competence, the Award Assessment Board may exceptionally exercise discretion to withdraw the student’s general right of re-assessment.
   11.  

1. 1. Clear instruction on what action a student should take if s/he experiences illness or personal difficulty will be published and made available to students.

   2. Where a student has experienced illness or other serious personal difficulty which has affected his/her performance in assessment, or ability to undertake assessment, an Award Board, or Extenuating Circumstances Board, may recommend that this be taken into consideration. Requests must be submitted at least one week in advance of the meeting and this date will be published to students.

      Extenuating Circumstances Boards will assess requests for extenuating circumstances to be taken into consideration by Award Boards using the same University criteria.

   3. If a student believes s/he has a valid reason for not completing an assignment s/he must complete a University form in order that each case may be assessed fairly.
   4. If it is established to the satisfaction of an Award Board that a student’s absence, failure to submit work, or poor performance in assessment was due to illness or other valid cause (proven by acceptable evidence) the Board may either
      1. permit the student to be reassessed as if for the first time, in any or all of the elements affected; or
      2. where it is satisfied that there is sufficient evidence of the student’s achievement, or where this evidence is subsequently obtained, exceptionally recommend the student for the award for which s/he is a candidate, with or without Honours classification, or Distinction, as appropriate. The Board may assess the candidate by whatever means it considers appropriate, including a viva voce examination, in order to reach a decision, but should ensure the student is assessed on equal terms with other students; or
      3. where there is insufficient evidence of the student’s performance to recommend either the award for which the student is a candidate or an intermediate award and the Board is satisfied that but for the illness or other valid cause, the student would have reached the standard required, recommend an Aegrotat award. Such a recommendation should only be made, however, if the student chooses not to be reassessed, or if reassessment is not possible.

   5. Requests for extensions to assignment deadlines should normally be submitted at least one week before the submission deadline and may be granted for a maximum of seven days (one calendar week).

      The University will not accept retrospective requests for extensions or for circumstances to be taken into consideration by an Award Board. Only exceptionally will the University consider claims which are not submitted at the appropriate time.

   6. Where a student’s claim for extenuating circumstances is accepted as valid the student will normally be offered the opportunity to take assessment, not submitted, as if for the first time and without penalty. Only exceptionally, will the Award Board exercise its discretion to review the student’s overall result, rather than offer the student a ‘first sit’ in these circumstances. If assessment is not taken at the next opportunity the student will be required to resit the assessment and the grade will be restricted to D / D5.
   7. The normal rules for compensation do not apply to assessment affected by valid extenuating circumstances. A student who has gained an E grade will have the right to take assessment as if for the first time at the next opportunity. This will be denoted by changing the E to M. Where a successful claim relates to re-assessment the student will normally have the right to take the re-assessment at the next opportunity.
   8. Where a student’s claim for extenuating circumstances is accepted as valid but the student has passed all modules affected the Award Board will take the evidence into account when determining rights of progression or Award classification and only in exceptional circumstances will the student be offered a further right of assessment.
   9. Where an Award Board accepts a student’s claim for extenuating circumstances and recommends that the student be permitted to retake a year of study the student will only be permitted to re-enrol if he/she can provide evidence that he/she is likely to successfully complete his/her award on resumption of studies.
   10.  

1. 1. The following table sets out the requirements to be met for the award of a qualification:

      Qualification	Total Credits required	Level 0 (QCA 3)	Level 1 (QCA 4	Level 2 (QCA 5)	Level 3 (QCA 6)
      Honours degree	360	Usually none, maximum 30	Usually 120, minimum 90	Usually 120, minimum 120	Usually 120, minimum 120
      Ordinary degree	300	As above	As above	As above	Minimum 60
      Foundation degree	240	As above	As above	As above
      Diploma of Higher Education	240	As above	As above	As above
      Edexcel HND	240	As above	As above	Usually 90, minimum 90
      Edexcel HNC	150	As above	As above	Usually 30, minimum 30
      Certificate of Higher Education	120	As above	As above
      Professional graduate Certificate of Education	120	None	None	Maximum 60	Minimum 60
      Graduate Certificate	60	Usually none	Usually none	Maximum 15	Minimum 45
      Graduate Diploma	120	Usually none	Usually none	Maximum 30	Minimum 90

   2. Students studying for an Honours degree must study a minimum of 15 credits at Level 3 (QCA 6) and a maximum of 60 credits at Level 2 and 3 (QCA 5 and 6) by Independent Study. Independent Study will include a project / dissertation and / or any Level 3 (QCA 6) module(s) designated as meeting this requirement.
   3. Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas are professional courses based largely on undergraduate material, usually taken by those who are already graduates in another discipline.
   4. Degree, Diploma of Higher Education, Certificate of Higher Education and Undergraduate Certificates of Credit may be offered as exit awards of Bachelor Honour Degrees as well as being studied as an award in their own right, providing the relevant level of credit for the award, outlined in paragraph 8.1 is met.
   5. Graduate Certificates may be offered as exit awards of Graduate Diploma courses, providing the relevant level of credit, outlined in paragraph 8.1 is met.
   6. A Certificate of Higher Education in Combined Studies may be offered as an exit award from an EdExcel HND course or a Foundation Degree, providing the relevant level of credit, outlined in paragraph 8.1 is met.
   7.  

1. 1. The classification of Honours Degrees will be calculated using a grade point average method, shown in the table in paragraph 9.3. In addition to the grade point average method to identify borderline zone students, a second profile method will be used. A student with more than 50% of grades achieved in the credits used for classification which are in a higher class than that indicated by the grade point average will be considered to be a border candidate.
   2. Students admitted to Honours degree courses, having previously studied a Higher National or Foundation Degree will receive accreditation for these awards. Classification of the Honours Degree will be calculated using the grades achieved whilst studying the Honours degree and will not include those achieved whilst studying the Higher National or Foundation Degree.
   3. Table identifying the Grade Point Average Classification and Border Ranges for use in determining Honours degree classifications and borderline consideration

      CLASSIFICATION	GRADE	Grade Point Average	Criterion for award of the higher class*
      First	A	14.00 – 16.00
      First/Upper Second border range	B	13.51 – 13.99	Student must have A grades in at least 60 Level 3 (QCA 6) credits gained in the final year of the course
      Upper Second	B	11.00 – 13.50
      Upper/Lower Second border range	C	10.67- 10.99	Student must have A or B grades in at least 60 Level 3 (QCA 6)credits gained in the final year of the course
      Lower Second	C	8.00 – 10.66
      Lower Second/Third border range	D	7.76 – 7.99	Student must have A, B or C grades in at least 60 Level 3 (QCA 6)credits gained in the final year of the course
      Third	D	5.00 – 7.75

   4. The classification of Honours Degrees for students taking between 360 and 240 credits towards an Honours degree will be based on the grades from the students’ best 180 level 2 and 3 (QCA 5 and 6)credits, of which at least 90 credits must be at level 3 (QCA 6) and include an independent study / project module. Students will be considered to be in the border zone if
      1. Their grade point average falls within the levels shown in table in 9.3, or
      2. If 105 credits or more of the grades achieved in the 180 selected credits are in a higher class than that indicated by the grade point average.
   5. The classification of Honours Degrees for students taking between 225 and 150 credits will be based on the grades from the students’ best 150 level 2 and 3 (QCA 5 and 6) credits, of which at least 90 credits must be at level 3 (QCA 6) and include an independent study / project module. Students will be considered to be in the border zone if
      1. Their grade point average falls within the levels shown in table in 9.3, or
      2. If 90 credits or more of the grades achieved in the 150 selected credits are in a higher class than that indicated by the grade point average.
   6. The classification of Honours Degrees for students taking less than 150 credits will be based on the grades from the students’ best 105 level 3 (QCA 6) credits and include an independent study / project module. Students will be considered to be in the border zone if
      1. Their grade point average falls within the levels shown in table in 9.3, or
      2. If 60 credits or more of the grades achieved in the 105 selected credits are in a higher class than that indicated by the grade point average.
   7. For students taking Honours degrees, which require more than 360 credits to be studied and passed, classification is based on the grades from the students’ best 180 Level 2 and 3 (QCA 5 and 6)credits, of which at least 90 credits must be at Level 3 (QCA 6) and include an independent study / project module. The final 90 Level 3 (QCA 6) credits must be gained in the final taught modules of the course studied in attendance at this University.
   8. A placement (or sandwich year) must be passed for a student to qualify for a Sandwich title. A maximum of 30 credits gained for the sandwich placement can be included as grades that are used for classification.
   9. Overseas grades will normally be excluded from the calculation of a degree classification. Students taking overseas modules are classified on a reduced number of credits under the rules set out in paragraphs 9.5 or 9.6. Exceptions to the exclusion may be approved at validation. In these cases, the following arrangements must be followed by Award Boards:
      1. The Award Board shall consider whether the student’s proposed classification is the result of the effect of the mean of overseas grades that is significantly higher (or lower) than the typical performance of the student as reflected in the grades achieved in the University of Wolverhampton modules.
      2. If the overseas mean performance is no more than three grade points higher (or lower) than the student’s mean performance on University modules, then the classification produced by the classification algorithm will be confirmed
      3. Where the overseas performance is more than three grade points higher (or lower) than the overall performance on University of Wolverhampton modules, a lower (or higher) classification will be awarded. The lower (or higher) classification will be determined by the student’s performance on University of Wolverhampton modules
   10. Awards at Degree; Graduate Diploma; Graduate Certificate; Professional Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE); Foundation Degree (FD); Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE); EdExcel Higher National Diploma (HND); Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE); or EdExcel Higher National Certificate (HNC) will be made, providing the course specific modules and the appropriate level of credit, identified in Section 8, have been passed. These awards are not classified.
   11.