Court & Senate Office
Regulatory Framework
2014/2015
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
2014/15
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
for the Maintenance of Quality and Standards
of Programmes of Study
leading to the University of the West of
Scotland’s
Academic Awards and other Distinctions
THIS DOCUMENT CAN BE PROVIDED IN OTHER FONTS OR FORMATS ON REQUEST TO THE COURT &
SENATE OFFICE, PAISLEY CAMPUS.
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
2014/15 Edition
Chapters
1
Introduction
1
2
Powers
3
3
Regulations for the Award of Certificates, Diplomas, Degrees,
Postgraduate Awards and other Academic Distinctions
5
4
Regulations for Programme and Module Approval, Monitoring,
& Subject Health Review
11
5
Regulations for Programmes of Study leading to the University’s
Taught Academic Awards
18
6
Regulations for the Admission of Students
46
7
Regulations for the Assessment of Students on Taught
Programmes
58
8
Regulations for Research Degrees
87
9
Regulations for Higher Doctorates
128
10
Library Regulations
135
11
Collaborative Provision
138
12
Code of Discipline for Students
143
13
Appeal by a Student against a decision of a Subject Panel,
a Progression & Awards Board or a decision relating to
withdrawal on Attendance/Engagement Grounds
159
14
Senate and its Committees
166
Appendix to Regulations:
A)
Summary of Changes since the 2013/14 Edition
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
1
INTRODUCTION
Regulation 1
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
1
Introduction
1.1
Regulatory Framework
1.1.1
The Regulatory Framework is intended to allow for the flexibility
necessary to enable the University to respond to the changing
demands of industry, commerce, the professions and society in
general, and to the needs of students, whilst ensuring that
appropriate criteria, requirements and procedures for the setting
and maintenance of quality and academic standards are
established.
1.1.2
The main elements of the Regulatory Framework are:
(a)
The Powers of the University which give authority for
provision of educational opportunities and for the stipulation
of the University’s requirements;
(b)
The Regulations set out the University’s overal
requirements for programmes of study leading to its
academic awards and other distinctions.
1.1.3
The University’s Regulatory Framework covers all aspects of the
provision of programmes of study, including the admission,
progression and assessment of students.
1.2
Impact Assessment
The Regulatory Framework has been found to pose a
low risk of
negative impact on the groups protected under equality
legislation. The Regulatory Framework was reviewed in 2011 to
reflect the requirements of the 2010 Equality Act and have been
subject to Equality Impact Assessment in June 2012.
1.3
Implementation of Regulations
The University undertakes an annual review of the Regulatory
Framework and approves any proposed changes at Senate.
Careful consideration is given to the impact on students of
changes to regulations. The drivers for changes are to improve
clarity, new relevant legislation and where changes are made to
University policies and structures.
Students will be bound by the regulations currently approved by
Senate for implementation during the session in which the student
is enrolled. The University publishes its Regulations with a
summary of all changes each August. By enrolling on an annual
basis, students confirm their acceptance of them. Programme
handbooks are provided annually and will draw attention to any
specific programme regulations.
Regulation 1
1
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
1.4
Use of “Normally” in the Regulatory Framework
Where the word “normally” has been used, it is expected that the
Regulation to which it pertains is followed unless a full and
convincing case has been made, accepted by the relevant parent
committee and discussed with the University Secretary &
Registrar.
1.5
Home Office
The University reserves the right to decline, defer or withdraw
enrolment where a candidate has not met the conditions of offer
or where they cannot provide evidence that they have the
appropriate immigration status to enable them to enrol as a
student. Similarly, students may be withdrawn by the University
where they are determined to be ineligible under Home Office
regulations to remain in the UK.
Regulation 1
2
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
2
POWERS
Regulation 2
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
2
Powers
2.1
Introduction
2.1.1
The Powers are vested in the University’s Court by the authority of
the Statutory Instrument approved by the Scottish Parliament.
2.1.2
Any changes to the Powers shall be subject to the approval of the
Scottish Ministers and/or the Privy Council, as required by Statute.
2.2
Academic Powers
2.2.1
The Powers described below relate specifically to the provision of
programmes of study and do not include all the Powers which may
relate to the University’s academic work.
2.2.2
The University’s Court has the power:
a)
To admit students, and to prescribe the conditions for their
admission, to all programmes and programme elements
whether or not leading to the award of a degree or other
academic distinction;
b)
To grant all such degrees, diplomas, certificates and such
other academic awards or distinctions as may be granted
under the provisions of the University of the West of
Scotland Order of Council 2009, Article 8, Schedule 1B (2);
c)
Subject to consultation with the Senate, to award honorary
degrees, fellowships and such other honorary academic
distinctions as it deems appropriate to such persons as fulfil
the conditions which it may prescribe for the receipt of such
awards;
d)
Subject to consultation with the Senate, to deprive a
recipient of a degree, diploma, or any other academic
distinction previously conferred by the institution;
e)
To frame such codes of discipline and regulations as are
necessary or desirable for maintaining good order in the
institution;
f)
To frame such regulations as are necessary or desirable to
maintain the academic freedom of staff and students in the
institution;
g)
To form relationships, associations or affiliations with other
educational institutions, and such other bodies both public
and private as may be for the benefit of the University or
Regulation 2
2014/15 Edition
3
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
necessary or desirable to carry out the objects of the
institution.
2.2.3
The Powers enable the University:
a)
To determine the requirements for the enrolment and
admission of persons to the University or to any particular
programme, module or programme component or
programme of supervised research in the University or
delivered in any affiliated or associated institution, and to
establish Regulations relating thereto;
b)
To grant and confer degrees, diplomas, certificates and
other academic awards and distinctions on persons who
have pursued programmes or programmes of supervised
research approved by the University and have passed such
examinations and other assessments as the University
stipulates;
c)
To provide lectures, tutorials and other forms of instruction
in such branches of learning and scholarship as the Court,
on the recommendation of the Senate, shall approve and to
make provision for research, scholarship and the
advancement and dissemination of knowledge in such
manner as the University deems appropriate;
d)
To provide such lectures and other forms of instruction to
any persons as the Court on the recommendation of the
Senate shall approve and to grant degrees, diplomas,
certificates and other academic distinctions to such persons;
e)
On the recommendation of the Senate, to validate, approve,
monitor and review programmes, modules, programme
components, programmes of study and programmes of
supervised research, whether or not they lead to the
conferment of the University’s degrees, diplomas,
certificates or other academic distinctions; and to stipulate
any conditions pertaining thereto;
f)
On the recommendation of the Senate, to accept in partial
fulfilment of the study and assessment requirements for
awards of the University such periods of learning and such
assessments as the University recognises and have been
successfully completed by persons otherwise than on
programmes
validated,
approved
and
reviewed
in
accordance with (e) above.
Regulation 2
2014/15 Edition
4
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
3
REGULATIONS FOR THE AWARD OF
CERTIFICATES,
DIPLOMAS,
DEGREES, POSTGRADUATE AWARDS
AND
OTHER ACADEMIC DISTINCTIONS
Regulation 3
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
3
Regulations for the Award of Certificates, Diplomas, Degrees,
Postgraduate Awards and other Academic Distinctions
3.1
General
3.1.1
The power to award certificates, diplomas, degrees and other
academic distinctions is vested in the University by the Privy
Council under the provisions of the University of the West of
Scotland Order of Council 2009, Article 8, Schedule 1B (2) [see
Regulation 2.2.2(b)].
3.1.2
With the exception of the University’s Honorary Degrees and
Fellowships, Higher Doctorates and the Research Degrees,
Certificates, Diplomas, Degrees and other academic distinctions
shall be conferred with the authority of the Senate by the
appropriate Progression & Awards Board (PAB), which has
delegated authority to confer awards.
3.1.3
The University’s Research Degrees shal be conferred with the
authority of the Senate on the recommendation of the Graduate
School. The University’s Higher Doctorates shal be conferred by
the Senate on the recommendation of the REAC (see Regulation
9).
3.1.4
The University’s academic awards are defined in terms of
standard, level and outcomes.
3.1.5
The standard of the Bachelor’s Degree with Honours shall provide
the yardstick against which the standards of all other academic
awards and distinctions of the University are determined.
3.1.6
The University of the West of Scotland has taken cognisance of the
Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) in drafting its
regulations. University awards will be designed and structured with
regard to the expectations of the SCQF and the characteristic
generic outcomes.
3.2
Undergraduate Certificates and Diplomas
3.2.1
Certificate of Higher Education (Cert HE)
SCQF level 7
Credit points
At least 120 credits are at least at SCQF level 7
The Certificate of Higher Education is typically offered as an exit
award after successful completion of the equivalent of one year of
full-time higher education in Scotland. The precise focus and
outcomes will be identified in the relevant programme
specifications.
Regulation 3
5
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
3.2.2
Diploma of Higher Education (Dip HE)
SCQF level 8
Credit points
At least 240 credits of which a minimum of 100 are
at least at SCQF level 8
The Diploma of Higher Education is typically offered after
successful completion of the equivalent of the first two years of
full-time higher education in Scotland. The precise focus and
outcomes will be identified in the relevant programme
specifications.
3.3
First Degrees/Undergraduate
3.3.1
Degrees of Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Education (BEd),
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng), Bachelor of Science (BSc),
Bachelor of Accounting (BAcc) and Bachelor of Divinity (BD) - with
Honours
SCQF level 10
Credit points
At least 480 credits of which a minimum of 200are
at least at SCQF level 9 and 10, including at least
100 at SCQF level 10
The standard of the Bachelor’s Degree with Honours shal be that
expected of a person with prior knowledge and skills who has
successfully completed a programme of study which is suitable for
the fulfilment of the University’s graduate skills and attributes and
learning outcomes (see Regulation 5.5.2 and 5.5.3) and, who has
demonstrated the capacity for sustained independent and
high-quality work; the normal length of the programme shall be four
academic years of full-time Higher Education study or equivalent.
3.3.2
Degrees of Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Education (BEd),
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng), Bachelor of Science (BSc),
Bachelor of Accounting (BAcc) and Bachelor of Divinity (BD)
SCQF level 9
Credit points
At least 360 credits of which a minimum of 100 are
at least at SCQF level 9
The standard of the Bachelor’s Degree shal be that expected of a
person with prior knowledge and skills who has successfully
completed a programme of study which is suitable for the fulfilment
of the University’s graduate skills and attributes and learning
outcomes (see Regulation 5.5.2 and 5.5.3); the normal length of
the programme for the degree shall be three academic years of
full-time study or equivalent and for the degree of BEd shall be four
academic years of full-time study or equivalent.
The Ordinary Degree is recognised as the normal entry to a
number of professions across the UK
Regulation 3
6
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
3.3.3
Graduate Certificate/Diploma
SCQF level 9 and 10
Credit points
At least 60 credits at the minimum of SCQF level 9
for a certificate and at least 120 credits at the
minimum of SCQF level 9 for a diploma
Titles with the stream ‘Graduate’ may be used for qualifications
from programmes of study that typically require graduate entry or
its equivalent, and which meet the expectations of the SCQF, and
in particular relevant parts of the descriptors for qualifications at
SCQF level 9 or 10. These qualifications are typically for
graduates or equivalent but are not of postgraduate level or
outcome. The normal length of the programme of study for a
Graduate Certificate shall be half of one year of full-time academic
study or equivalent. The normal length of the programme of study
for a Graduate Diploma shall be one year of full-time academic
study or equivalent.
3.3.4
Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) SCQF level
10 and/or 11
Credit points
At least 120 credits at a minimum of SCQF level 10
The standard of the Professional Graduate Diploma in Education
shall be that expected of a graduate who has completed a
programme of professional skills and experience to qualify to teach
in a primary or secondary school. The normal length of the
programme is 36 weeks of full- time study or equivalent.
3.4
Postgraduate and Post Experience Awards
3.4.1
Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert)
SCQF level 11
Credit points
At least 60 credits of which a minimum of 40 are at
least SCQF level 11 and none below SCQF level
10
The standard of the Postgraduate Certificate shall be that expected
of graduate who has successfully completed a programme of
study, either at a level demanding more advanced study than a first
degree or at a level appropriate for a conversion programme,
suitable for the fulfilment of the University's graduate skills and
attributes and learning outcomes (see Regulation 5.5.2 and 5.5.3);
the normal length of the programme shall be half of one year of
full-time study.
3.4.2
Postgraduate Diploma (PgD)
SCQF level 11
Credit points
At least 120 credits of which a minimum of 100 are
at least at SCQF level 11 and none below SCQF
level 10
The standard of the Postgraduate Diploma shall be that expected
of a graduate, who has successfully completed an appropriate
Regulation 3
7
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
programme of study in a field for which prior knowledge and skills
have provided an appropriate foundation, either at a level
demanding more advanced and intensive study than a first degree
or at a level appropriate for a conversion programme, and which is
suitable for the fulfilment of the University’s learning outcomes (see
Regulation 5.5.3). The normal length of the programme will be the
equivalent of one year of full-time academic study.
3.4.3
Degree of Master of Business Administration (MBA)
SCQF level 11
Credit points
At least 180 credits of which a minimum of 160 are
at least at SCQF level 11 and none below SCQF
level 10
The standard of the Degree of Master of Business Administration
shall be that expected of a person with prior knowledge and skills
equivalent to an Honours degree and a minimum of three years'
relevant work experience or who has successfully completed an
appropriate programme of study for which prior knowledge and
skills have provided an appropriate foundation, at a level
demanding more advanced and intensive study than a first degree
and which is suitable for the fulfilment of the University's learning
outcomes (see Regulation 5.5.3) and which includes a compulsory
element of advanced independent work. The minimum period of
study to gain the award of MBA will be the equivalent of eighteen
months full-time study and will meet the expectations of the SCQF
Master Degrees Framework.
3.4.4
Degree of Master of Science (MSc)
Degree of Master of Arts (MA)
SCQF level 11
Credit points
At least 180 credits of which a minimum of 160 are
at least at SCQF level 11 and none below SCQF
level 10
The standard of the Degree of Master of Science and Degree of
Master of Arts shall be that expected of an Honours degree
graduate who has successfully completed an appropriate
programme of study in a field for which prior knowledge and skills
have provided an appropriate foundation, at a level demanding
more advanced and intensive study than a first degree, and which
is suitable for the fulfilment of the University’s learning outcomes
(see Regulation 5.5.3) and which includes a compulsory element of
advanced independent work; the normal length of the programme
shall be 12 months of full-time study or equivalent and will meet
the expectations of the SCQF Master Degrees Framework.
Regulation 3
8
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
3.4.5
Degree of Master of Education (
MEd)
SCQF level 11
Credit points
At least 180 credits of which a minimum of 160 are
at least SCQF level 11 and none below SCQF level
10
The standard of the Degree of Master of Education shall be that
expected of a person with prior knowledge and skills equivalent to
an Honours degree graduate who has successfully completed an
appropriate programme of study in a field for which prior
knowledge and skills have provided an appropriate foundation, at a
level demanding more advanced and intensive study than a first
degree and which is suitable for fulfilment of the University’s
learning outcomes (see Regulation 5.5.3) and which includes a
compulsory element of advanced independent work. The part-time
programme is equivalent to eighteen months of full-time study and
will meet the expectations of the SCQF Master Degrees
Framework.
3.5
Research Degrees and Higher Doctorates
SCQF level 12
3.5.1
Degree of Master of Research (MRes)
The standard of the Degree of Master of Research should be that
expected of a graduate with a good honours degree (see
Regulation 8.1.3 b) who has satisfactorily completed a programme
of supervised research training and has submitted a thesis which
should comprise a satisfactory record of research undertaken by
the candidate and a satisfactory critical survey of knowledge and
understanding in the field of study and is capable of independent
research.
3.5.2
Degree of Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
The standard of the Degree of Master of Philosophy shall be that
expected of a graduate with a good Honours degree (see
Regulation 6.5) who has satisfactorily completed a programme of
supervised research training and has investigated and evaluated or
critically studied an appropriate topic over the equivalent of not less
than eighteen months of full-time study and has presented a
satisfactory thesis.
3.5.3
Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - by Thesis and by
Published Work
The standard of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy shall be that
expected of a graduate with a good Honours degree who has
satisfactorily completed a programme of supervised research
training and has investigated and evaluated or critically studied an
appropriate topic over not less than the equivalent of thirty-three
months of full-time study resulting in a significant contribution to
knowledge. A candidate may proceed to the degree of Doctor of
Regulation 3
9
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
Philosophy (PhD) either by presenting a thesis or by submission of
a portfolio of published work and critical review.
3.5.4
Degree of Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) - by Thesis
The standard of the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration
shall be that expected of a graduate with a good Honours degree
who has satisfactorily completed a programme of supervised
research training and has investigated and evaluated or critically
studied an appropriate topic over not less than the equivalent of
thirty-three months of full-time study resulting in a significant
contribution to knowledge and professional practice. A candidate
may proceed to the degree of Doctor of Business Administration
(DBA) by presenting a thesis.
3.5.5
Higher Doctorates (Degrees of Doctor of Letters (DLitt), Doctor of
Science (DSc) and Doctor of Technology (DTech)
The standard of the Degree of a Higher Doctorate shall be that
expected of a person who is the holder of at least seven years’
standing of a first degree or the holder of at least four years’
standing of a postgraduate degree, who is a leading authority in
the field of study concerned and has made an original and
significant contribution to the advancement or application of
knowledge in that field.
Regulation 3
10
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
4
REGULATIONS FOR PROGRAMME AND
MODULE
APPROVAL, MONITORING & SUBJECT
HEALTH REVIEW
Regulation 4
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
4
Regulations for Programme and Module Approval, Monitoring &
Subject Health Review
4.1
Framework for Approval of Programmes, Titles and Modules,
Monitoring and Subject Health Review, Collaborative
Agreements and Professional Accreditation
4.1.1
a)
The University Senate, through its Education Advisory
Committee (EAC) has established approval processes
whereby a judgement is reached as to whether a particular
programme or title or module designed to lead to, or
contribute to, an academic award and collaborative
programme, meets the University’s requirements for the
standard of that award.
b)
Processes are also in place for annual monitoring and
enhancement and institution-led Subject Health Review
(SHR). These processes are described in detail in the
Quality Handbook available from the Quality Enhancement
Unit (QEU) or via the QEU Intranet site.
c)
Staff in QEU can advise on any aspect of this regulation or
associated processes.
d)
The processes of approving, monitoring and reviewing
programmes and modules and SHR shall be undertaken in
accordance with the University’s Regulations and Quality
Handbook and with such procedures and guidelines as the
EAC, shall from time to time deem necessary.
4.1.2
Aims
a)
The overall aims of approval, monitoring and SHR shall be
to:
i)
promote and maintain high academic standards;
ii)
secure for each student a high-quality educational
experience through the consideration of the quality
and academic standard of each programme, title or
module;
iii)
stimulate curriculum development by requiring staff
to evaluate existing and proposed programmes and
modules and to expose them to the thinking and
practices of external peers;
iv)
facilitate the enhancement of learning, teaching and
assessment;
Regulation 4
11
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
v)
facilitate the enhancement of inclusive learning and
teaching practice;
b)
The specific aims of approval, monitoring and review shall
be to:
i)
maintain the standards of the University’s academic
awards and to ensure that no programme, title or
module, shall continue to be run without adequate
human and other resources;
ii)
ensure that each programme, title or module is
designed and operated in accordance with the
University’s requirements at levels in concordance
with the Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework
(SCQF)
the
appropriate
Subject
Benchmark
Statements, the QAA Quality Code for Higher
Education and all relevant University procedures and
policies;
iii)
appraise School processes for the regular monitoring
of programmes, titles and modules with a view to the
quality enhancement of the programme and
enhancement of overall student experience;
iv)
ensure that once a programme has been approved,
any conditions for approval are satisfied and that any
recommendations made during the programme
approval process are fully considered by the
appropriate School(s) and that appropriate action is
taken;
v)
ensure that al External Examiners’ reports are
received and formally considered, a formal response
made and that where necessary appropriate action is
taken.
4.2
Approval Process
4.2.1
The authority to approve new programmes and titles has been
vested by Senate in the approval panel. Approval mechanisms are
designed to incorporate the good practice of the QAA Quality Code
for Higher Education.
Period of Approval
a)
A programme/title shall normally be approved for a period
not exceeding six years and shall be subject to University
monitoring requirements, SHR or other requirements as
may be recommended to EAC.
Regulation 4
12
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
b)
In certain circumstances, initial approval shall be for a
shorter period: for example, when the programme is in a
new or rapidly developing field of study; in one that is new to
the University; or where it is likely that major changes may
prove necessary shortly after initial approval. Where a
programme is approved jointly with a Professional, Statutory
& Regulatory Body (PSRB) a limited period of approval may
be recommended to match the re-approval cycle of the
PSRB. At the end of any such specified period, approval
must be renewed, with or without a further time-limit.
c)
Where a programme is validated as a collaborative award
with an external partner the period of approval is normally
not more than four years and subject to review of the
collaborative agreement within this period.
4.2.2
Conditional Approval
a)
Approval may be made conditional upon the fulfilment of
specific requirements by a specified date. (See Regulation
4.2.3.)
b)
The responsibility for ensuring that conditional requirements
have been fulfilled within the timescales specified and that
progress has been properly monitored must be specified at
the time of approval or re-approval.
4.2.3
Withdrawal of Approval
In the event of conditions of approval not being met, approval of
the programme may be withdrawn on the recommendation of EAC.
4.2.4
Advertisement of Programmes
In the event of a programme or module, which is awaiting final
approval of conditions, being advertised, this must be stated in all
references to it in public advertisement(s) of any kind.
4.2.5
Amendment to Approved Programmes
a)
When a School wishes to amend an approved programme
including its title or campus or mode of delivery it must
follow the procedures in the Quality Handbook. Guidance is
available from QEU. (See Regulation 5.3.2 on changes to
programme title.)
b)
In order to safeguard the integrity of the level outcomes, no
more than one core module at each level of the programme
may be amended or replaced via the programme
amendment process. The impact on programme
specifications must be addressed when modules are
amended or replaced. Any greater volume of change to
Regulation 4
13
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
modules, level outcomes or programmes will require full
re-approval.
4.2.6
Appeals against Approval Decisions
a)
Any appeal against a decision shall be referred to EAC.
The decision of EAC shall be final.
b)
If a drafting team contests a decision made by an Approval
Panel it should seek reasons for the decision and it should
first seek to resolve the issue at the level at which the
decision was originally made by contacting the Head of
Quality Enhancement Unit. An appeal to EAC should be
regarded as a last resort.
4.2.7
Programme Closure/Withdrawal from the Portfolio
When a School wishes to close a programme for whatever reason
the following procedure will normally apply:
a)
The School Board prepares a report outlining the following:
Rationale for closure;
Proposed date for closure;
Arrangements for students currently on the programme
– at all levels of the award and campuses/sites of
delivery/students on suspension/students enrolled as
resit only;
Consideration of part-time/direct entry students;
Impact of closure on other provision within the
School/other Schools;
Any potential Equality Impact should be considered
through the agreed procedures;
Implications on staffing resources;
Professional Body Associations that may need to be
informed of the closure;
External examiner appointments which may need to be
terminated early (or may need extended for resits of
last cohort);
Explanation of transitional arrangements, particularly
for part time students and proposals for ongoing
resit/reassessment needs;
b)
The School will then seek approval from the Academic
Planning Group (APG) which will make a recommendation
to the Executive Group on programme closure. The
Executive Group will report its recommendation to Senate.
Regulation 4
14
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
c)
Once the Executive Group has approved the closure of the
programme, the School should undertake a formal
consultation with all affected students highlighting the
options they have in terms of completing the programme or
transferring to other awards if they desire. Transitional
arrangements for part-time students or students who
receive a resit decision in the final year of operation should
be discussed. The written agreement of students wishing
to transfer to another programme should be obtained. All
students currently enrolled on the programme should have
the opportunity to exit with the award. The School should
inform the Admissions Manager that the award is being
withdrawn, they will inform UCAS. The Admissions Office
will also produce letters for students offering alternative
programmes.
d)
The School should then inform Admissions, Marketing &
Communications, Management Information Services,
Registry, and QEU that the programme is being withdrawn
from the Portfolio and that there will be no new recruitment
to the award. The School should outline when the
programme will finally be withdrawn from the portfolio and
programmes having taken into account part-time student
completion times and any resit/reassessment issues.
4.3
Process of Approval
4.3.1
The procedures, required documentation and timescales for the
approval of new programmes, new and amended modules or
changes to existing programmes are described in full in the Quality
Handbook. These procedures are overseen by EAC and take full
cognisance of the QAA Quality Code for Higher Education.
4.3.2
No new programme can be approved outwith the University’s
published procedures and the involvement of external peers.
4.4
Approval Reports
4.4.1
A report will be prepared following any new programme approved
or review for confirmation by the panel and submission to the
School Board.
4.5
Annual Monitoring, Evaluation and Enhancement
4.5.1
Module review forms will be prepared annually for each module
and considered by the Programme Board. The operation of each
programme shall be monitored by the Programme Leader who
shall provide information as requested to the designated person in
the School for annual monitoring reports. Programme Boards have
responsibilities for oversight of the quality of modules and
programmes.
Regulation 4
15
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
4.5.2
Schools will be responsible for overseeing annual monitoring and
enhancement activities in accordance with the requirements of
EAC.
4.5.3
Full information on the annual monitoring and enhancement
requirements and documentation is available in the Quality
Handbook.
4.6
Subject Health Review (SHR)
4.6.1
Cycle of Reviews
All University credit bearing provision will be subject to periodic
internal review in line with Scottish Funding Council (SFC)
guidance and within a cycle of not more than six years.
4.6.2
Themes for Review
SHR shall consider and review the total taught and research
activity of academic programmes in a subject across the following
six themes:
Provision
Teaching, Learning and Enhancement
Research
Student Support and Guidance
Student Achievement and Assessment
Strategic Development of the Subject
4.6.3
Aims of Subject Health Review
The aims of SHR are to provide an opportunity to review quality
and enhancement, teaching and learning, the wider research and
scholarship in the subject area and inter-relations between
subjects together with their future development. The review takes
place with the firm intention to enhance the student experience
balanced with a review of quality and standards.
Full details can be found in the Quality Handbook.
4.7
Student Involvement in Quality Enhancement
4.7.1
The collection and use of the views of students shall be in
accordance with the procedures and methods outlined in the
Quality Handbook which details student engagement, feedback
and representation opportunities.
4.8
Collaborative Provision
4.8.1
Where Schools are considering collaborative provision, either with
another HEI or an appropriate organisation, they should consult
the International Centre at an early stage to ensure the proposal
is in line with the University’s international strategy. Collaborative
arrangements should widen learning opportunities without
Regulation 4
16
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
prejudice to the standard of the award or the quality of what is
offered to the students.
4.8.2
A visit will be made to all institutions where collaborative delivery
of a UWS award is being considered in line with guidance in the
Quality handbook
4.8.3
Collaborative agreements are drafted by QEU in consultation with
the School. School staff are not authorised to draft or sign
collaborative agreements. Collaborative agreements are normally
signed by the University Secretary & Registrar.
4.8.4
University requirements are set out in Regulation 11. A handbook
is available from QEU providing guidance and information to
support Schools on collaborative provision.
4.9
Professional Accreditation of University of Awards
4.9.1
Professional accreditation is the official recognition awarded by a
Professional, Statutory & Regulatory Body (PSRB) as a result of
the University meeting specific standards or criteria. The
development and drafting of documents for submission to PSRBs
(both before and after accreditation visits) is the responsibility of
the School. The School is responsible for maintaining a schedule
of accreditation status for all relevant awards and for providing
this information to EAC as required.
Where there is potential conflict between a PSRB’s admission or
other requirements and the University’s Equality policy or
legislation, this should be noted in the schedule.
Regulation 4
17
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
5
REGULATIONS FOR PROGRAMMES OF
STUDY LEADING TO THE UNIVERSITY’S
TAUGHT ACADEMIC AWARDS
Regulation 5
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
5
Regulations for Programmes of Study leading to the University’s
Taught Academic Awards
5.1
General Requirements
5.1.1
General Regulation
These regulations apply to all modules and programmes of study
leading to the University’s academic credit or awards.
5.2
Definitions
5.2.1
Trimester
The teaching year is divided into three trimesters which are
constituted as follows:
2 Trimesters of 15 weeks –
12 weeks teaching
3 weeks consolidation and assessment
1 Trimester of 10 weeks –
8 weeks teaching
2 weeks consolidation and assessment
5.2.2
Single Module
An assessed unit of study of a specified level, the particular content
of which is defined and uniquely identifiable and with the following
characteristics:
a)
For undergraduate programmes, if passed, it carries 20
credit points; it is normally studied during a single trimester
and represents one third of a trimester’s work or a sixth of a
ful year’s study for a ful -time student. (See Regulation
5.2.8.)
b)
For postgraduate programmes, if passed, it carries 10 or 20
credit points, it is normally studied during a single trimester
and represents a sixth or third of a trimester’s work for a
full-time student. (See Regulation 5.2.9c.)
c)
Up to two 20 credit modules per level may be approved for
delivery across two consecutive trimesters in the same
academic year. (See Quality Handbook for procedures.)
5.2.3
The total learning time for a 20 credit module requires 200 student
effort hours (SEH) which includes lectures, practicals, seminars,
tutorials, workshops, independent learning, projects, placements
and assessment.
Regulation 5
18
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
5.2.4
Double Modules
An assessed unit of study with the following characteristics: if
passed, it carries 40 credit points; it is studied over two trimesters
and represents one third of two trimesters work for a full-time
student.
5.2.5
The total learning time for a double module requires 400 student
effort hours which includes lectures, practicals, seminars, tutorials,
workshops, independent learning, projects, placements and
assessment.
5.2.6
a)
Double modules will normally only be permitted at level 10
(Honours) and level 11 (Masters). Any exceptions will
require the approval of the Education Advisory Committee
(EAC) in advance of the approval of the programme.
b)
Larger modules, in multiples of 20 credit point components,
will be permitted within the Project or Independent Study
and WBL elements of programmes of study and Masters
Dissertations.
5.2.7
Modules of fewer than 20 credits will not be approved within
University awards except as specified in Regulation 5.2.9c. (See
also Regulation 5.2.2.)
5.2.8
Number of modules in a trimester
As normal y a module is one third of a trimester’s work,
undergraduate programmes should not require a full-time student
to register for more than three modules per trimester (unless
approved under 5.2.2c).
5.2.9
Number and Level of Credits required for Programmes
a)
CertHE, DipHE, Degree and Honours awards normally
require programmes equivalent to 120, 240, 360 and 480
credits respectively at the appropriate level (see Regulation
5.2.11) PgCert, PgD and MSc awards require programmes
equivalent to 60, 120 and 180 credits at the appropriate
SCQF level respectively. [see Regulation 5.2.11 (viii-x).]
b)
For
single degrees, in order to maximise flexibility of
student choice, unless professional or statutory body
requirements or some other valid reason make it critical to
fully define the six modules at each level, programmes
should specify a maximum of five modules at each level. It
is however perfectly legitimate for students to choose to fill
free options from their core subject.
Regulation 5
19
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
c)
Postgraduate Modules
At SCQF level 11 up to a maximum of 20 credits at each of
the Postgraduate Certificate and the Postgraduate Diploma
levels may be made up of 10 credit modules.
5.2.10
Approval of Students’ Choice of Modules
a)
A student’s programme of modules needs to be approved
as educationally appropriate. Such approval will be
effectively automatic where a student is following a defined
single title within the general guidelines provided for that title
in the programme specification. For students taking a joint
or major/minor title, educational guidance will be available.
For all students, the module selection and programme is
only approved when it is signed off authorised by an
appropriate academic as part of the enrolment process,
either by signature or by electronic confirmation.
b)
A student’s programme of modules in any given trimester
can be constrained by timetable compatibility. It is essential
that a student is available to attend all required classes for
all modules on which they are enrolled, unless a student’s
individual circumstances in relation to an equality
characteristic pertain.
c)
A module can be withdrawn in a given trimester as unviable
if it enrols fewer than 10 students. No module will be
withdrawn on these grounds if it is a core module for a
degree title for which a student has been previously
enrolled.
d)
Students taking a period of study abroad or at another
institution as part of an exchange programme will require to
have the modules they are taking internationally, approved
and signed off by the Programme Leader, PAB Chair and
School-based Erasmus or International Co-ordinator as
meeting the required level and outcomes for the University’s
award (a form is available for this process from Registry). In
addition, there needs to be a translation of the international
partner’s grading system as part of the exchange
agreement to enable candidates to have the exchange
credit count towards any award with distinction and this
needs to be drawn to the attention of the appropriate PAB
Chair by the Programme Leader.
5.2.11
Credit Rating
The University's awards shall be rated at the following credit points
for general credit against the Scottish Credit and Qualification
Framework (SCQF). The modular curriculum at each level should
yield the credit points shown below. If the award is made, the full
Regulation 5
20
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
number of credit points is credited. If a student does not complete
the programme at the designated level, credit can only be given for
modules for which performance has been at least Grade C.
i)
Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)
At least 120 credits at SCQF level 7or above.
ii)
Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)
At least 240 credits of which a minimum of 100 are at SCQF
level 8 or above.
iii)
Scottish Bachelor’s Degree
At least 360 credits of which a minimum of 100 are at SCQF
level 9 or above.
iv)
Scottish Bachelor’s Degree with Honours
At least 480 credits of which a minimum of 200 points are at
SCQF levels 9 and 10, of which a minimum of 100 at SCQF
level 10 and no credit of less than SCQF level 9 to
contribute to Honours classification.
v)
Graduate Certificate
At least 60 credit points at minimum of SCQF level 9.
vi)
Graduate Diploma
At least 120 credit points at minimum of SCQF level 9.
vii)
Professional Graduate Diploma
At least 120 credit points at minimum of SCQF level 10.
viii)
Postgraduate Certificate
At least 60 credit points of which a minimum of 40 are at
SCQF level 11 – none below level 10.
ix)
Postgraduate Diploma
At least 120 credit points of which a minimum of 100 are at
SCQF level 11 – none below level 10.
x)
Masters
At least 180 credit points of which a minimum of 160 are at
SCQF level 11 – none below level 10.
Regulation 5
21
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
5.2.12
Postgraduate Awards
“Postgraduateness” embraces a multiplicity of attributes, all
predicated on the assumption that those who are admitted have
already satisfactorily completed an undergraduate programme or
achieved a comparable level of academic or professional
attainment. (See Regulation 6.3.1.)
5.2.13
SCQF Credit Minima
In line with the SCQF, Programme Leaders are referred to
Regulations 5.2.11 and 5.3.12 to ensure that minimum credit level
requirements are satisfied. However, see 5.2.10(a) for guidance
on the approval of students’ choices of modules.
5.2.14
Levels
a)
Each University module shall have a defined intrinsic level
at SCQF 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11.
b)
The intrinsic level of each module is defined when it is
initially approved at SCQF 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. Levels 7 – 10
are normally equivalent to the first, second, third (Degree)
and fourth (Honours) years of full-time undergraduate study
and it is expected that there will be progression between
levels in terms of academic challenge relevant to the SCQF.
c)
SCQF level 11 indicates Postgraduate/Masters level. A
level 11 module must reflect a distinctive postgraduate
standard in terms of both depth and/or breadth of delivery
and of assessment in taught or research modules,
irrespective of the mode of study. (See Regulation 5.2.13.)
5.2.15
Module Co-ordinator
Each module is located within a specific School and will be
overseen by a Module Co-ordinator appointed by and responsible
to the appropriate Dean of School or nominee. The Module
Co-ordinator has responsibility for the management of the module
(i.e. ensuring the module descriptor is updated, assessment details
are recorded and assessments moderated) and is normally also
responsible for the academic leadership of the module. The
Module Co-ordinator is also responsible for advising appropriate
Programme Leaders of amendments to the module where it is
offered in more than one programme.
Module Co-ordinators should communicate with Programme
Boards on issues pertinent to the module.
Regulation 5
22
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
5.2.16
The Role of Module Co-ordinator
The Module Co-ordinator’s responsibilities will include the
following:
To review annually the module content and ensure that the
module descriptor is kept up-to-date;
To advise the Head of School or nominee and School
Timetabler on the delivery schedule for the module;
To establish that appropriate timetabling and exam schedule
arrangements have been made for the module;
To co-ordinate and maintain the timeous production of the
final and resit examination papers;
To establish the continuous assessment structure and
schedule for the module in consultation with the programme
leader;
To collect continuous assessment marks and to collate final
assessment data;
To ensure that marks for students taking the module are
collated and recorded using the University’s marks data entry
system
To monitor attendance and engagement requirements (see
Regulation 5.7.2);
To collect student feedback in line with University
requirements;
To attend the Subject Panel;
To liaise with the Dean of School or nominee about any
problems relating to the administration and delivery of the
module which the Co-ordinator, having made all reasonable
endeavours, is unable to resolve;
To present proposed module changes to the Programme
Board for approval and new modules for recommendation by
the Programme Board to the School;
5.2.17
The Role of Module Moderator
Each module will have an identified Module Moderator who will
confirm moderation has taken place in line with section 3.4 of the
Assessment Handbook. The Module Moderator will assist in
implementing the assessment moderation process (as described
in the University’s Assessment Handbook).
Regulation 5
23
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
5.2.18
Programme
The group of modules approved as leading to an award of the
University, including any intermediate awards, together with the
rules that specify how they may be combined to lead to the award
or awards. Awards must be underpinned by a programme
specification.
5.2.19
Amendments to Programmes of Study
At any time, subject to the programme specification governing the
programme of study concerned, the student may seek approval for
amendment to the selection of modules including a change in the
award to which they lead. Any such amendment is subject to the
approval of the Programme Leader responsible for the existing
programme and, if the amendment involves a change in the
responsible body, that Programme Leader who will become
responsible.
5.2.20
Named Award
a)
The following named final awards shall be available: (see
also Regulation 3 for guidance on the characteristics of
awards and SCQF for generic outcomes at each of the
following levels):
Certificate of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
Degree
Honours Degree
Graduate Certificate
Graduate Diploma
Professional Graduate Diploma
Postgraduate Certificate
Postgraduate Diploma
MA
MSc
MBA
MEd
Regulation 5
24
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
b)
SCQF draws to institutions’ attention the need to be able to
demonstrate that each of their qualifications is allocated to
the appropriate level of the framework.
In considering the appropriate level for a qualification,
consideration should be given to:
The relationship between the intended outcomes of the
programme and the expectations set out in qualification
descriptors within SCQF;
Whether there is a sufficient volume of assessed study
that will demonstrate that the learning outcomes have
been achieved;
and
Whether the design of the curriculum and assessments
is such that all students following the programme have
the opportunity to achieve and demonstrate the learning
outcomes;
5.2.21
Intermediate Exit Awards
Qualifications should be awarded to mark the achievement of
positively defined outcomes, not a compensation for failure at a
higher level, or by default. Where a student does not demonstrate
the outcomes set out in a programme specification, a lower
qualification may be awarded if the student has demonstrated the
outcomes required for that qualification.
At undergraduate level these shall be the Certificate of Higher
Education, Diploma of Higher Education and the Degree. At MSc
level this shall be the Postgraduate Diploma. At Postgraduate
Diploma level this shall be the Postgraduate Certificate.
A student who has accumulated the necessary number of credits
and satisfied any other specific requirements has the right to claim
any award intermediate to the final award for which he or she is
registered provided he/she has demonstrated the achievement of
the learning outcomes specified for the intermediate award. (See
Regulation 7.5.3.)
Programme specifications should clearly specify the outcomes
required for each qualification including intermediate exit awards.
Normally no intermediate award will be made to a student who has
obtained a final award or a student who immediately proceeds to
the next level of the award. The University may make an
intermediate award to a student who has met the requirements for
that award and is no longer registered on the programme of study
leading to a higher level qualification.
Regulation 5
25
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
5.2.22
Prerequisite
A named module (or modules or a subset of alternative named
modules) that is required to be passed before another particular
module may be undertaken. A pass in one trimester shall not be
specified as a prerequisite for starting a module in the following
trimester. (See Regulation 7.3.1)
5.2.23
Co-requisite
A named module (or modules or a subset of alternative named
modules) that is required to be taken in addition to, and normally at
the same time as a particular module.
5.3
Titles and Awards
5.3.1
General Requirements
a)
The name given to any qualification should represent
appropriately the level of achievement, reflect accurately the
field(s) of study, and not be misleading.
b)
The award title should not normally reflect more than two
subject components which should be indicated simply and
accurately.
5.3.2
General Requirements for Titles
a)
The Executive Group will be responsible for giving approval
for a change to the approved portfolio of available titles and
to new titles. This will include the withdrawal of titles. (See
Regulation 4.2.5.)
b)
School Boards shall annually approve an updated list of the
titles available for a Single/Major; Joint; and Minor award
component and intermediate awards and the modules
which lead to these titles for the School.
c)
The title of each programme should, as a description of its
content, accord with the normal expectations of professional
and statutory bodies (where appropriate), of students and of
employers, as an indication of the level of knowledge and
skills to be expected of a person holding such a
qualification.
d)
Titles for intermediate awards should be approved at the
time of programme approval.
Regulation 5
26
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
5.3.3
Honours Degree Awards
a)
Honours Degrees may be awarded in Single subject titles,
Joint subject titles or Major/Minor titles as approved as
being on the list of the University of the West of Scotland’s
portfolio of titles [see Regulation 5.3.2(b)]. In order to
achieve an Honours Degree 480 credits must be achieved
with at least 100 at level 10 (see Regulation 5.2.11).
b)
An approved Honours award shall include a dissertation
element or equivalent evidence of substantial independent
work which should be equivalent to at least a double module
(40 points). (See Assessment Handbook for University
Guidelines for Honours and masters Dissertations.)
c)
Each copy of the thesis shall remain the property of the
University, but the copyright of the thesis shall be vested in
the candidate.
5.3.4
Single Honours
a)
The title of a Single Honours award defines a single
coherent programme in which the majority of modules are in
a single subject area. It should be expressed simply and in
as few words as possible.
Titles for Honours awards are determined by the modules
taken at the top two levels of study. The minimum number
of modules required;
For a Single Honours title: the equivalent of 200 credits from
the subject area as defined within the approved programme
specification, with at least 100 of these at SCQF level 10
and none less than SCQF level 9.
b)
Where there has been direct entry to Level 10 then the title
shall be that as described in the appropriate UWS
programme specification. (See Regulation 6.7.4(b) (iv).)
c)
The Approval Panel will confirm the appropriateness of the
title of the award.
5.3.5
Joint Honours
a)
The title of a Joint Honours award defines a coherent
programme of study which has combined modules from two
single subject areas where there is an approximate balance
between the two areas.
b)
Titles for Honours awards are determined by the modules
taken at the top two levels of study. The minimum number
of credits required:
Regulation 5
27
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
For a Joint Honours title, 60 credits in each subject area
at level SCQF 9, 40 credits from each subject area at
SCQF level 10 plus one 40 credit project in either
subject area.
c)
The first named title in the award will be determined by the
dissertation/project.
d)
Where there has been direct entry to SCQF level 10 then
the title shall be that as described in the appropriate UWS
programme specifications. (see Regulation 6.7.4 b) iv)).
5.3.6
Major/Minor Honours
a)
A Major/Minor Honours Degree may be awarded where the
programme includes a major/minor combination where the
minor subject accounts for one third of the programme at
levels 9 and 10.
b)
Titles for Honours awards are determined by the modules
taken at the top two levels of study. The minimum number
of modules required;
For a Major Honours title: 160 credits from the subject
area as defined within the approved programme
specification, with at least 80 of these at SCQF level 10.
For a Minor Honours title component, 80 credits from
the subject as defined within the approved programme
specification, with at least 40 of these at SCQF level 10.
c)
Major/Minor Honours Awards will be titled as follows:
BA or BSc Honours A with B
d)
Where there has been direct entry to Level 10 then the title
shall be that as described in the appropriate UWS
programme specifications. [See Regulation 6.7.4(b) (iv).]
5.3.7
Degree Awards
Degrees may be awarded in Single subject titles, Joint subject titles
or Major/Minor titles as approved as being on the list of the
University of the West of Scotland’s portfolio of titles (see
Regulation 5.3.2b). In order to achieve a degree 360 credits must
be achieved with at least 100 at level SCQF level 9.
5.3.8
Single Title Degree
a)
The title of a single degree award defines a single coherent
programme in which the majority of modules are in a single
subject area. It should be expressed simply and in as few
words as possible.
Regulation 5
28
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
b)
For Degree Awards the title is determined by the modules
taken at the highest level of study (SCQF level 9). The
minimum number of credits in each subject required:
For a Single Degree title: 100 credits from the subject
area as defined within the approved programme
specification.
5.3.9
Joint Title Degree
a)
The title of a Joint Degree award defines a coherent
programme of study which has combined modules from two
single subject areas where there is an approximate balance
between the two areas.
b)
For Degree Awards the title is determined by the modules
taken at the highest level of study (SCQF level 9). The
minimum number of credits in each subject required:
For a Joint degree title component: 60 credits from the
subject as defined within the approved programme
specification.
c)
Title A and Title B will be named in alphabetical order.
5.3.10
Major/Minor Degree
a)
A Major/Minor degree may be awarded where the
programme includes a major/minor combination where the
minor subject accounts for one third of the programme.
b)
For Degree Awards the title is determined by the modules
taken at the highest level of study (SCQF level 9). The
minimum number of credits in each subject required;
For a Major Degree title component: 80 credits from the
subject area as defined within the approved programme
specification.
For a Minor Degree title component: 40 credits in the
subject as defined within the approved programme
specification.
c)
Major/Minor Degree Awards will be titled as follows:
BA or BSc A with B
5.3.11
Diploma of Higher Education
DipHEs may be awarded in Single subject titles or Joint subject
titles. In order to achieve a DipHE 240 credits must be achieved
with a minimum of 100 at least SCQF level 8.
Regulation 5
29
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
a)
The title of a Single DipHE defines a single coherent
programme in which the majority of modules are in a single
subject area.
b)
The title of a Joint DipHE award defines a coherent
programme of study which has combined modules from two
single subject areas where there are equal credits from
each of the two areas. Title A and B will be named in
alphabetical order.
5.3.12
Cert of Higher Education
CertHEs are normally only awarded in single subject titles. In order
to achieve a CertHE, 120 credits must be achieved with at least
120 at SCQF Level 7.
a)
The title of the CertHE defines a single coherent programme
in which the majority of modules are in a single subject area.
b)
A CertHE may also contain a broad range of subjects
provided within a broader subject discipline consistent with a
generic or common programme of study.
c)
Joint or Major/Minor combinations are not normally
permitted for CertHE awards.
5.3.13
Joint Award (collaborative arrangement)
a)
A joint award (collaborative arrangement) involves the
granting of a single award by UWS with one or more
collaborating
awarding
bodies
for
the
successful
completion of one programme of study. UWS is therefore
responsible for the standard of the award as one of the
conferring institutions.
b)
UWS will agree appropriate arrangements for the awarding
of transcripts and certificates prior to commencement of
programme.
c)
Partner Institutions will be required to demonstrate that
they have the legal capacity to make such an award.
d)
Any joint award proposals will be subject to risk
assessment, initial scrutiny and approval of the University’s
Academic Planning Group (APG) to ensure an appropriate
strategic fit.
f)
Consideration will be given to conditions of the award and
quality assurance procedures prior to embarking on such an
arrangement.
Regulation 5
30
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
5.3.14
Dual Award (collaborative arrangement)
a)
A dual award (collaborative arrangement) involves the
granting of separate awards by both UWS and a
collaborative partner, for a single programme of study.
The two awards will be based on the same assessed
student work and can only be granted when the objectives
of the programme have been achieved at the same point in
time. Responsibility for each award and its academic
standard will remain with the body awarding it.
b)
The responsibility for the standard of the UWS award will
remain with the University and cannot be shared with the
partner.
c)
The partner institution will be required to demonstrate to
UWS that it has the legal capacity to make such an award.
Together with UWS, the partner institution will ensure that
students may not double-count credit for successfully
completing modules.
d)
Any dual award proposals will be subject to risk
assessment, initial scrutiny and approval of the University’s
APG to ensure an appropriate strategic fit.
5.3.15
Validated Awards
a)
A validated award (collaborative arrangement) involves the
granting of an award by UWS to be delivered by non-
degree awarding bodies. This can be undertaken in areas
where the University is confident the partner has the
resources and expertise to run its own UWS-validated
award, and where the programme is not in direct
competition with any award offered by the university on
one of its own campuses
b)
The responsibility for the standard of the UWS award will
remain with the University. A Joint Programme Panel
(JPP), with representation from both UWS and the partner
institution, will be established to manage the collaborative
arrangements and to provide a focus for operational issues
to be discussed, with the Degree Assessment Board (DAB)
(remit for DAB is included in Collaborative section of
Quality Handbook) managing the assessment processing.
(The Scottish Baptist College follows UWS arrangements
for Subject Panels and Progression & Awards Boards)
c)
Any validated award proposals will be subject to due
diligence, initial scrutiny and approval of the University’s
APG to ensure an appropriate strategic fit.
Regulation 5
31
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
5.3.16
Summary of Credit Minima required for UWS Awards
Award
Credit Points Required
CertHE
At least 120 credit points at SCQF level 7 or above
DipHE
At least 240 credit points of which a minimum of 100
are at least SCQF level 8
DipHE (Joint)
At least 240 credit points of which a minimum of 100
are at least SCQF level 8 and a minimum of 60 in
each subject area
BA/BSc (Single)
At least 360 credit points with 200 in the subject area
of which a minimum of 100 are at least SCQF 9
BA/BSc (Major)
At least 360 credit points with 160 in the subject area
of which a minimum of 80 are at least SCQF 9 each
BA/BSc (Joint)
At least 360 credit points with a minimum of 120 in
component
subject of which a minimum of 60 in the subject are at
least SCQF 9 (each subject)
BA/BSc (Minor)
At least 360 credit points with minor subject
component
accounting for one third of programme at level SCQF
9 (with at least 40 at SCQF 9 in the minor subject)
BA/BSc/BEd(Hons)
At least 480 credit points of which a minimum of 200
(Single)
in the subject at SCQF 9 and SCQF 10 of which a
minimum of at least 100 at level 10#
BA/BSc(Hons) (Major)
At least 480 credit points of which a minimum of 160
in the subject at SCQF 9 and SCQF 10 of which a
minimum of at least 80 at level 10
BA/BSc(Hons) (Joint)
At least 480 credit points with a minimum of 60 at
component
SCQF 9 in each subject area and a total of 120 at
level 10 with a minimum of 40 in each subject area
BA/BSc(Hons) (Minor)
At least 480 credit points with minor subject
component
accounting for one third of programme at level SCQF
9 and SCQF 10 (80 overall in the minor subject with at
least 40 at level 10)
Graduate Certificate
At least of 60 credit points at minimum of at least
SCQF 9
Graduate Diploma
At least 120 credit points at minimum of at least
SCQF 9
Professional Graduate
At least 120 credit points at SCQF level 10
Diploma
PgCert
At least 60 credit points with minimum of 40 at SCQF
11*
PgD
At least 120 credit points with minimum 100 at SCQF
11*
MSc/MA/MEd/
At least 180 credit points with minimum 160 at SCQF
MBA
11*
* Modules must be at least level 10
# Modules which contribute to the Honours classification must be no less than
SCQF level 9
Regulation 5
32
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
5.3.17
Continuing students on existing programmes who have a 5 credit
deficit arising from changes to credit tariff structure from 15 – 20
credit points per module will not be required to make up the credit
deficit.
5.4
Duration of Study and Authorised Interruption
5.4.1
a)
The period within which a student shall normally complete a
programme of study and the associated assessments
(including any resits) should be specified in the programme
specification.
b)
A student shall be required to reapply for a programme of
study if the PAB has not assigned credit to the student for a
period of two calendar years. The student will be treated as
a new applicant and will go through the University’s RPL
process to check on the currency of their learning. They will
then be offered the most appropriate level of entry based on
that learning.
c)
A student registered for an award may be allowed a period
of Authorised Interruption of Study, approved by the
relevant Dean of School and may be re-admitted thereafter
to complete the requirements for a degree. In some cases
of disability and maternity a period of Authorised
Interruption of Study will be granted.
A period of Authorised Interruption of Study will not
normally exceed one academic session, and the total
period of Authorised Interruption of Study, which may be
granted throughout the programme of study, will not
normally exceed two academic sessions.
Programme Regulations
5.4.2
General
Requirements
for
Programme
Regulations
and
Professional Requirements
a)
The only definitions of the nature of assessments should be
at module level. The only programme specific assessment
regulations should be about progression and conditions for
the award.
b)
In the case of any seeming conflict between the University
Regulatory Framework and those of any external institution
or body which accredits the programme, the School Board
may seek approval from the Education Advisory Committee
for the regulations of that institution or body to take
precedence.
c)
Where there is a conflict between programme assessment
regulations as noted in Student Handbook or other
Regulation 5
33
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
published material and those of the University as defined in
this framework, the University regulations shall take
precedence.
d)
University regulations shall apply to all programmes of study
unless a condition of professional accreditation
requires a
deviation. In such cases evidence must be submitted to the
Education Advisory Committee.
e)
When students enrol each year they will confirm that they
accept the University’s current Regulatory Framework.
5.5
Programme Specifications and Learning Outcomes
5.5.1
General Requirement
a)
Each programme of study shall have learning outcomes at
each
level
which
the
programme
structure
and
requirements and teaching and learning, and assessment
methods are designed to fulfil.
b)
Cognisance should be taken of the external sources against
which the programme is benchmarked including subject
benchmarks, Professional, Statutory & Regulatory Bodies’
(PSRB) information and SCQF.
c)
Curricula should be designed to provide the conditions for
the outcomes to be achieved, including flexibility of
assessment for students with individual needs.
5.5.2
Graduate Skills and Attributes
a)
The programme specification shall detail the skills and
attributes to be found in graduates of the programme. At
undergraduate level, these will include: To develop critical,
analytical problem-based learning skills and the transferable
skills to prepare the student for graduate employment; To
enable students to engage in lifelong learning, study and
enquiry, and to appreciate the value of education to society;
To assist the student to develop the skills required for both
autonomous practice and team-working.
b)
Overall, the programme of study shall aim to stimulate an
enquiring analytical and creative approach, encouraging
independent judgement and critical self-awareness.
5.5.3
Characteristic Outcomes of Masters Degrees
The following indicate appropriate outcomes for Masters’
programmes where the content wholly or mainly builds on a first
degree in the same discipline. They apply with reduced force to
the taught components (at PgD level) within broadening Master
Regulation 5
34
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
programmes such as MBA or conversion courses, but they should
be characteristic of the Master dissertation in any Master’s
programme.
i)
A systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical
awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much
of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of their academic
discipline, field of study, or area of professional practice.
ii)
A comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to
their research or advanced scholarship.
iii)
Originality in the application of knowledge, together with a
practical understanding of how established techniques of
research and enquiry are used to create and interpret
knowledge in the discipline.
iv)
Conceptual understanding that enables the student:
To evaluate critically current research and advanced
scholarship in the discipline;
and
To evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of
them and where appropriate, to propose new
hypotheses;
Delivery of knowledge in taught postgraduate programmes may
include: teaching at more advanced levels than those associated
with undergraduate degree studies; broadening rather than
deepening the student’s experience; subjecting the student to
research training; and an element of personal research involving
the development of new knowledge.
An approved taught Masters programme must include a substantial
dissertation or equivalent evidence of sustained independent work,
which should normally calibrate to at least 60 SCQF level 11 credit
points. (See Regulation 5.2.14c.) Further guidance on what
constitutes ‘sustained independent work’ can be found within the
Assessment Handbook.
5.5.4
Learning Outcomes
a)
The statement of intended learning outcomes shall show
how the programme of study will enable students to develop
knowledge and skills described in the programme overview.
b)
The intended learning outcomes shall be expressed at each
level in terms of Knowledge and Understanding, Practice –
Applied Knowledge and Understanding, Communication,
ICT and Numeracy Skills, Generic Cognitive Skills –
Problem
Solving,
Analysis,
Evaluation,
Autonomy,
Accountability and Working with Others.
Regulation 5
35
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
c)
Within these five categories, between two and five learning
outcomes should be identified for each level of the
programme and details of the teaching, learning and
assessment strategy should be related to the five categories
rather than individual learning outcomes.
d)
The learning outcomes at each level of the programme
should link clearly to the learning outcomes stated in the
Module Descriptors for the core modules at that level.
e)
The design and content of the curriculum should support the
progressive development of intended learning outcomes
and be accessible to students of diverse backgrounds.
5.5.5
Personal Development Planning (PDP)
The University is committed to providing all students with the
opportunity to engage in a process of Personal Development
Planning as a structured and supported process. Programme
specifications must articulate how PDP will be an integral part of
the student learning experience and how this integrates with other
appropriate reference points such as the SCQF, subject
benchmark statements and professional/occupational standards.
Key responsibilities for learners, Schools and Support Units are
summarised in the PDP Policy (approved by Senate – March
2012).
5.6
The Curriculum and Structure
5.6.1
General Requirements
a)
The curriculum shall be appropriate to the aims of the
programme and to the level of the award to which it leads.
b)
Where a University award is offered on more than one
campus or through blended learning, the core modules as
defined in the programme specification must be identical.
c)
The structure shall provide for the progression of students
from the level of knowledge and skills required at admission
to the level of the award concerned.
d)
Any first degree programme should be structured on the
assumption that all students who have the ability to benefit
from higher education should be given the opportunity to
reach Honours Degree standard, whilst providing the
flexibility to allow those students who wish to study for a
Degree.
e)
Whilst students should be given opportunities to study at
their own pace and to redeem initial failure, in order to
Regulation 5
36
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
protect standards such opportunities should be restricted.
Programmes should, therefore, be designed for students to
complete their studies (including any resits) within a certain
standard length of time; where appropriate, further provision
may then be made for individual students to complete their
studies in a shorter time, or to suspend, transfer, defer or
interrupt (see Regulation 5.4.1) completion of their studies.
f)
With regard to postgraduate taught programmes, they may
be designed to provide maximum flexibility with respect to
mode of delivery, duration and where relevant, vocational
requirements.
g)
Volume of change permitted to programmes (see
Regulation 4.2.5).
5.6.2
Single Cohort Delivery on Multiple Locations
a)
As individual programmes can be delivered across multiple
locations, the Approval Panel will consider this when new
programmes are considered as part of their discussions
around the student experience. The programme
specification and prospectus should make explicit the
delivery approaches for each programme, with a more
detailed breakdown provided for the Approval Panel to
consider. This detailed breakdown should also be included
in the student handbook.
5.7
Attendance and Engagement
5.7.1
General Requirements
a)
It is expected that students will attend all scheduled
classes or participate with all delivered elements as part of
their engagement with their programme of study.
However, consideration must be given to students who
have protection under Equality law.
b)
Module
descriptors,
programme
specifications
and
supporting module and programme handbooks should
make
explicit
where
there
are
specific
attendance/engagement requirements to be met.
c)
Attendance/engagement will be monitored and, if deemed
unsatisfactory, may result in warning and/or withdrawal.
d)
Where appropriate, unsatisfactory attendance/engagement
may have implications with respect to programmes
accredited or approved by the relevant professional body,
and Home Office requirements (for international students)
Regulation 5
37
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
5.7.2
Attendance Requirements
a)
Each
student
shall
be
notified
of
the
attendance/engagement requirements in respect of each
element of the programme of study.
b)
Where there is a specified attendance/engagement
requirement for modules and/or programmes, it is the
responsibility of the Module Co-ordinator or Programme
Leader to ensure appropriate records are maintained.
c)
Where a student is deemed to be at risk in terms of meeting
any
specified
attendance
requirements,
it
is
the
responsibility of the Module Co-ordinator or other person as
identified by the School to initiate appropriate action to
inform the student and personal tutor and warn the student
of the implications.
d)
Students should inform the appropriate person (Module
Co-ordinator, Programme Leader or School contact) of any
planned absence where this is known in advance.
e)
Where unforeseen absence occurs, students should inform
the appropriate person as soon as is practicable and, other
than in cases relating to confidential issues, if the absence
is for longer than one week, provide supporting evidence of
the reason(s) for non-attendance.
f)
The Dean should ensure that appropriate mechanisms are
in place to monitor attendance and take any action required.
5.7.3
Withdrawal of a Student on grounds of non-engagement
a)
Where a student has failed to engage in a programme, the
Dean of School may convene a School Panel to consider
withdrawal of the student on the grounds of non-attendance.
b)
A student may appeal against the decision of withdrawal on
the basis of failing to meet engagement requirements.
(Refer to Regulation 13.3.3.)
5.8
Work-Based Learning and Placement Learning
The University recognises a range of learning which may be
derived from a work environment or work related activities that may
be credit rated. Modules may be approved that are entirely
work-based learning or placement learning or which include
elements of these activities.
There is a University Policy on WBL which includes guidance for
staff and students on the procedures for Work-based Learning.
These regulations are concerned with the assessment of an award
Regulation 5
38
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
of academic credit for Work-based Learning and are informed by
the QAA Quality Code for Higher Education.
Definitions
The University recognises
four main types of work-based
learning and placement learning which may contribute to a
student’s programme of study.
(a)
Sandwich Placement or Recognised Sandwich Work
Experience
Sandwich learning takes place when a student is placed in
(or secures for him or herself) a relevant job for a period of
36 weeks. This normally takes place between Levels 8
and 9 or Levels 9 and 10 of a programme of study. The
credit awarded for this learning is additional to the 360/480
points needed for graduation with a degree/honours
degree. All three of the parties involved (employer, student
and University) need to enter into a Sandwich Placement
Agreement covering this learning arrangement.
(b)
Placement Learning (PL)
Placement Learning which takes place when a student is
placed by the University (or secures an opportunity which
is approved by the University) with a business or other
organisation for a defined period of paid (or unpaid) work
experience through which the student will have the
opportunity to meet learning outcomes defined by the
University as part of one of its Programmes. This learning
arrangement needs all three of the parties involved
(placement provider, student and University) to accept
specific responsibilities during the placement period and so
a Placement Learning Partnership Agreement is needed
for each individual student placement. The credit awarded
for this type of placement learning contributes to the
360/480 points needed for a degree/honours degree.
(c)
Work-Based Learning (WBL)
Here the learner is already in full or part-time employment
and undertakes study which involves them learning
through their role within the workplace in a way which
requires the support and certain concessions from their
employer to meet the learning outcomes;
and,
has been agreed between the University, the student
and the employer.
In this model the student is not being placed in
employment by the University but is using their own
Regulation 5
39
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
workplace to facilitate learning which the University
assesses and awards credit for.
Such an arrangement will be possible where the University
is satisfied that the current employer can provide sufficient
opportunities for the student(s) to meet defined learning
outcomes to the required level. The University will need to
be satisfied that the employer can give the student
sufficient time to do the type of work required to meet the
learning outcomes by the end of the defined period. These
matters would be covered by a WBL partnership
agreement. However, as the learner is already an
employee of the company this agreement only relates to
learning and assessment. There is no need for it to cover
other issues such as health and safety.
(d)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Through Work
Experience
This relates to cases where a student has acquired
learning in a workplace prior to commencement of study
with the University of the West of Scotland. This prior
learning may be assessed and accredited through the
University’s RPL procedures.
5.8.1
Principles:
a)
All Work-based Learning and Placement Learning shall be
credit rated, whether as part of credit counting towards a
University award or as placement credit in addition to the
credit for the award.
b)
The University is responsible for the academic standards
of its awards and the quality of the provision leading to
them. The University will therefore put in place policies
and procedures to ensure its responsibilities and those of
providers of WBL opportunities are clearly identified and
met.
c)
Where WBL/Placement Learning is part of a programme of
study its learning outcomes will be clearly identified,
contribute to the overall aims of the programme and will be
assessed appropriately.
5.8.2
Programme Specifications, Module Descriptors and Learning
Outcomes
a)
Schools should confirm within individual programme
specifications whether credit may be awarded for
Work-Based or Placement Learning (WBL/PL) and if so
include therein the detailed operation of the scheme. Such
Regulation 5
40
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
schemes must be approved as part of the approval
process.
b)
Module descriptors are required which demonstrate the
level and volume of credit and confirming the learning
outcomes for each module.
c)
WBL/PL may be derived from a placement in a work
environment outside the University. It should normally be
calibrated into 20 point modules with identified learning
outcomes and assessment. Where a case is made and
accepted by the Education Advisory Committee prior to
approval, 40 point modules may be approved at Levels 9
and 10.
d)
Where a WBL/PL route and University route are available
within the same programme, the programme learning
outcomes for each route should be the same.
e)
Students who do not wish to take an optional
Placement/WBL (or who fail to obtain a position with an
employer) must have the opportunity to meet the learning
outcomes of the programme via a programme of studies
within the University. The same arrangements shall be put
in place for students who require to leave the WBL/PL
setting before it is completed.
f)
Up to 120 points at any SCQF level may be available via
WBL/PL. If the full 120 points are to be available this
should normally only be for single degree programmes.
However, if WBL/PL is in place for the full honours year,
the normal University regulation for Honours dissertations
shall apply (5.3.3).
g)
Consideration must be given to the prerequisites for level
10 following a period of WBL/PL to ensure students
returning from WBL/Placement are prepared to take the
same level 10 programme as students progressing through
the University delivered programme.
h)
It is acceptable where the professional body has
mandatory practice learning requirements exceeding the
normal module hours, to increase these in both practice
and mixed theory: practice modules. Additionally, it is
determined that credit for WBPL cannot be integrated into
the credit required for the award, general placement credit
will be awarded and recorded on the student’s transcript.
Regulation 5
41
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
5.8.3
Assessment and Credit
a)
All WBL/PL integrated into a university programme/award
must be appropriately assessed and lead to academic
credit.
b)
The design of the assessment of WBL/PL for the award of
academic credit remains the responsibility of University
staff and may not be devolved to partner employers. The
employer may be involved in assessment of WBL/PL
where appropriate and this shall be specified in the module
descriptor and learning agreement. However, the award of
a grade (A – E) will be the responsibility of the academic
member of staff of the University.
c)
There should be appropriate assessment of the learning
from
the
WBL/PL
experience
using
appropriate
instruments of assessment approved by the external
examiner. Assignments and assessments connected with
WBL/PL will be properly considered by the academic
programme team and there should be consideration of
parity of assessment with the University based route where
this exists.
d)
Where there is no professional body reason preventing it,
there should be use of the full spectrum of assessment
marks for the assessment of Work-based Learning (i.e. not
pass/fail).
e)
The award of credit for WBL/PL will be confirmed by
subject panels and will involve external examiners in the
normal way who will comment on WBL/PL in their annual
reports.
f)
The grades achieved for assessed WBL/PL will contribute
to the award of distinction or honours classification in the
normal way and as specified in University regulation 7.5.
g)
Credit cannot be awarded unless a tripartite learning
agreement has been agreed with the employer, University
and student prior to the commencement of the WBL/PL
experience that defines the intended learning outcomes,
methods
of
assessment
and
arrangements
for
reassessment.
h)
The impact of failure or non-completion of any WBL/PL on
student progression within the overall programme, and the
provision of reassessment opportunities must be made
clear in the assessment strategy and student handbook
and approved at the event.
Regulation 5
42
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
i)
Where, for professional body or other reasons accepted by
the Education Advisory Committee, it is determined that
credit for WBL/PL cannot be integrated into the credit
required for the award, general placement credit will be
awarded and recorded on the student’s transcript.
j)
Student transcripts will make clear the route by which
students have achieved the learning outcomes for the
award.
5.8.4
Partnership Agreements
a)
The University has established criteria for the selection and
approval of WBL/PL settings/placements and ensures
these arrangements are subject to quality assurance
monitoring and evaluation reported on in the annual
monitoring process. Schools will be responsible for
assessing potential WBL/PL settings against these criteria.
Schools must ensure that the partner can deliver
appropriate learning opportunities and has the capacity
and capability to assist students in meeting the agreed
learning outcomes.
b)
A written WBL/PL agreement will be established between
the School and the WBL/PL partner and this will be
recorded on the WBL/PL Register maintained by the
University’s Career’s and Employability Service and
reported on to the WBL sub-group of the Education
Advisory Committee. The Education Advisory Committee
provides a template for Partnership agreements.
c)
Employers must receive appropriate briefing and support
from the appropriate Placement Officer, Programme
Leader, or Module Co-ordinator on the University’s
expectations and their responsibilities in assisting students
to meet the intended learning outcomes.
d)
The University will develop a policy and procedure which
will apply should it be necessary to terminate a WBL/PL
opportunity earlier than planned or to terminate the
relationship with the WBL/PL provider.
e)
The responsibilities of the University, the employer and the
student must be clearly defined for each partnership
providing WBL/PL opportunities, particularly with regard to
Health & Safety issues and equality and diversity policies.
f)
The University will provide employers with information on
the University, WBL/PL and its expectations of employers
participating in WBL/PL in terms of communication,
assessment, student support etc.
Regulation 5
43
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
5.8.5
Learning Agreements
a)
A written learning agreement must be drafted and
confirmed between the University, the student and WBL/PL
partner/provider before the student commences the
WBL/PL opportunity. This shall make clear the learning
outcomes, methods of assessment and responsibilities of
the University, student and WBL/PL partner. The
University’s Education Advisory Committee, advised by its
appropriate sub-groups provides a template for such
agreements which will be completed in Schools with the
student.
b)
Students shall be partners in the preparation and
conclusion of the Learning Agreement.
5.8.6
Student Guidance and Support
a)
Students shall be appropriately prepared for the WBL/PL
experience by Schools and understand their rights and
responsibilities. Induction arrangements will be put in
place by Schools with professional input from relevant
University support departments.
b)
Schools will ensure that students receive a WBL/PL
handbook relevant to the School/programme before
commencing any period of WBL/PL outside the University.
c)
Students will be visited by a University tutor at least twice
during a sandwich placement (minimum 36 weeks) and
according to the arrangements specified on learning
agreements,
programme
specifications,
module
descriptors and students handbooks for shorter WBL/PL
experiences.
d)
Additional arrangements will be put in place for ongoing
student guidance and support during the WBL/PL including
the use of email, Virtual Learning Environment and
telephone support. Students should expect to be contacted
at least every six weeks by a member of University staff to
maintain contact and offer support.
5.8.7
Sandwich Awards
a)
A Degree or Honours Degree programme of study in the
sandwich mode shall include not less than thirty-six weeks
of supervised work experience in addition to the period
required for the requirements for full-time study leading to
the award.
b)
The period of WBL/PL that constitutes the sandwich
experience shall form a compulsory element in the
Regulation 5
44
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
programme of study. Its learning outcomes shall be
specified and related to the objectives of the whole
programme. The performance of each student shall be
appropriately assessed. Satisfactory completion of, and
performance in, the period of supervised work experience
shal be a requirement for the University’s award.
c)
Distinct learning outcomes are required for a sandwich
award which distinguishes it from the full-time award.
d)
Students will be visited by a University tutor at least twice
during a sandwich placement (minimum 36 weeks
duration).
5.8.8
Staff Development
a)
University staff supporting students on WBL/PL must
receive appropriate training and support in this role.
5.8.9
Monitoring and Evaluation
a)
Module evaluation will be used to obtain student feedback
on WBL/PL and WBL/PL partners and their tutors will be
formally asked for their feedback on the student
experience during the WBL/PL opportunity and the
implementation of the learning agreement. This will be
used to inform monitoring and evaluation of WBL/PL within
the programme and School.
b)
Schools will ensure that WBL/PL is fully evaluated within
annual monitoring and Subject Health Review.
5.8.10
Further Guidance
The University has produced a Policy Guidelines for staff and
employers on WBL together with a handbook for staff and
students.
Regulation 5
45
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
6
REGULATIONS FOR THE ADMISSION OF
STUDENTS
Regulation 6
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
6
Regulations for the Admission of Students
6.1
General Requirements for Admission
6.1.1
Principles of Admission
a)
There shall be a reasonable expectation that any person
admitted to a programme of study will be able to fulfil the
educational aims and learning outcomes of the programme
and achieve the standard required for the award.
b)
In considering each application for admission to a
programme of study, evidence shall be sought of personal,
professional
and
educational
qualifications
and/or
experiences that provide indications of ability to meet the
demands of the programme.
c)
Opportunities for study shall be provided without any form of
discrimination on non-academic grounds and in accordance
with appropriate University policies e.g. the current Equality
and Diversity polices and guidance. In particular, no
discriminatory test shall be imposed on any person as a
condition of being admitted to any programme or
programme element leading to any degree, diploma,
certificate or other academic award or distinction of the
University.
d)
Programmes which provide training for entry into specific
professions may be obliged to meet particular requirements
on admissions set by Professional, Statutory & Regulatory
Bodies (PSRBs) for entry, for example, Protection of
Vulnerable Groups where applicable. The BEd and PGDE
Initial Teacher Education programmes are required to
ensure that all entrants possess the entrance qualifications
stipulated in Scottish Government memoranda and that
admissions
procedures
incorporate
interviewing
of
applicants, as requested by the General Teaching Council
(Scotland).
Programmes which provide entry into professions which
involve a duty of care such as education, nursing and social
work may require, as a condition of entry, health checks if
this is a stated criterion of the PSRB.
e)
It is essential that students enrol onto modules/programmes
as required by the University to ensure access to learning
resources, application of the Regulatory Framework,
payment of fees and coverage by the University’s insurance
and health and safety provisions. Applicants holding an
offer of a UWS place on a taught or research programme
Regulation 6
46
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
but who are unavoidably delayed in arriving at UWS, or
have some other major impediment preventing their
enrolment, will normally be allowed up to a maximum of two
weeks after the start of trimester to complete enrolment.
Thereafter the University will proactively seek to finalise the
enrolment process or the student will be required to leave
the University.
6.1.2
Admission to Programmes of Study
a)
The aim of the University in its admissions policy is the
advancement of education and the widening of educational
opportunities through the provision of a variety of modes of
study and flexible provision.
b)
The range and levels of programmes and modules are such
as to provide each student admitted to the University the
opportunity to gain the highest level of award of which they
are capable.
c)
The University may establish indicative educational criteria
for its programmes of study or supervised research and,
where competition for places is considered likely, may
establish competitive entry requirements. General criteria
are given in Regulation 6.2 (below), and Programme
Regulations may set specific requirements on a programme
by programme basis.
d)
Applicants will be informed of such indicative or competitive
requirements, but the University reserves the right in
considering individual applications to admit applicants not
meeting those requirements, or limit admissions to the
number of places available.
6.2
Entry Qualifications for Admission to Programmes of Study at
First Degree, Diploma of Higher Education, Certificate of
Higher Education and Graduate Certificate and Diploma
Levels
6.2.1
General Entrance Requirement for Admission at CertHE Level
a)
The University’s general requirement for entry to a
programme of study leading to an award of a Certificate of
HE shall be that an applicant who satisfies one of the
following requirements shall be eligible for selection for
admission. Competitive entry will stipulate grades for
certain subject areas:
i)
passes in the Scottish National Qualifications in five
subjects including one at Higher Level;
Regulation 6
47
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
ii)
passes in the General Certificate of Secondary
Education (GCSE) and General Certificate of
Education (GCE) in four subjects normally including
one at Advanced Level (A level);
iii)
other
academic,
vocational
or
professional
qualifications deemed to be equivalent.
6.2.2
General Entrance Requirement for Admission at DipHE Level
a)
The University’s general requirement for entry to a
programme of study leading to the award of a Diploma of
HE shall be that an applicant who satisfies one of the
following requirements shall be eligible for selection for
admission. Competitive entry will stipulate grades for
certain subject areas:
i)
passes in the Scottish National Qualifications in five
subjects including two at H Level;
ii)
passes in the GCSE/GCE in four subjects including
one at A Level;
iii)
other
academic,
vocational
or
professional
qualifications deemed to be equivalent.
iv)
It may be possible for candidates with an appropriate
volume of SCQF credit at level 7 or above or
equivalent to be offered direct entry to Level 8.
6.2.3
General Entrance Requirement for Admission at First Degree Level
a)
The University’s general requirement for entry to a
programme of study leading to the award of a First Degree
shall be that an applicant who satisfies one of the following
requirements shall be eligible for selection for admission.
Competitive entry will stipulate grades for certain subject
areas:
i)
passes in the Scottish National Qualifications in five
subjects including three at H Level;
ii)
passes in the GCSE/GCE in five subjects including
two at ‘A’ Level or passes in the GCSE/GCE in four
subjects including three at ‘A’ Level;
iii)
other
academic,
vocational
or
professional
qualifications deemed to be equivalent.
iv)
it may be possible for candidates with an appropriate
volume of SCQF credit at level 7 or above or
Regulation 6
48
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
equivalent to be offered direct entry at an advanced
level through Recognition of Prior Learning (see 6.7).
6.2.4
General Entrance Requirement for Admission at Graduate
Certificate & Diplomas
a)
The University’s general requirement for entry to a
programme of study leading to the award of a graduate
certificate or diploma shall be that an applicant who satisfies
the following requirements shall be eligible for selection for
admission. Competitive entry will stipulate grades for certain
subject areas:
i)
A first degree - graduate certificates and diplomas
are typically programmes of study appropriate to
graduates
which
provide
specialist
subject
development at SCQF levels 9 and 10 and therefore
assume an ability and aptitude for academic practice
at these levels.
ii)
Qualifications or experience deemed to be equivalent
to the SCQF level of a first degree.
iii)
In addition to the University’s general entrance
requirements for programmes of study at graduate
certificate/diploma level, the requirements for entry
into a particular programme may stipulate specific
requirements.
6.2.5
Programme Requirements
a)
In addition to the University’s general entrance requirements
for programmes of study at First Degree, Diploma of Higher
Education, Certificate of Higher Education and Graduate
Certificate and Diploma Levels, the requirements for entry to
a particular programme may stipulate that an interview or
passes in certain subjects are essential and that passes in
other subjects are recommended.
6.2.6
Programme Requirements and Competitive Entry Standards
a)
Details of specific subject requirement and competitive entry
requirements for particular programmes are to be found in
the University’s undergraduate prospectus.
b)
The competition for entry is such that qualifications above
the minimum pass requirements are usually necessary to
gain admission to programmes of study.
Regulation 6
49
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
6.3
Entry Qualifications for taught Programmes of Study leading
to Postgraduate Awards
6.3.1
Taught Postgraduate Programmes
a)
The University recognises the following set of criteria for
admission to a taught postgraduate programme.
i)
Degree Entry Stream: the standard entry
requirement is a first degree. For a particular
programme the subject range of acceptable degrees
may be specified. Some programmes may specify
higher entry requirements (for instance an Honours
Degree in a named discipline). Direct entry to a
Masters programme (as distinct from progression to
a Masters on the basis of PgD performance) should
require that the entrant holds an Honours Degree or
an accepted equivalent.
ii)
Non-standard Entry: entry to a postgraduate
programme (other than Masters direct) may be open
to holders of an HND or DipHE award in an
appropriate discipline, or a professional qualification
accepted as of equivalent status. Such candidates
must in addition normally have at least two years of
relevant professional experience.
Candidates
without
formal
qualifications
who
possess substantial experience in an appropriate
field, and/or who may be judged to have
demonstrated exceptional abilities, may also be
admitted to a postgraduate programme at the
discretion of the Programme/School Admissions
Officer.
6.4
Other Entry Qualifications
a)
All applicants shall be expected to provide evidence of
proficiency in Mathematics and the English language,
normally at least one of which subjects shall be at Higher
Grade or equivalent.
b)
An applicant whose qualifications do not conform to the
general entrance requirements but who presents other
evidence which indicates an interest in personal educational
advancement and an aptitude for academic study at the
level concerned may be admitted to a programme of study
at the discretion of the University. (Refer to RPL
Guidelines.)
Regulation 6
50
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
6.4.1
Equivalent and other Entry Qualifications
a)
School Admissions Officers, Central Admissions Staff or
Education Guidance Advisors will assess potential entry
qualifications and their suitability for individual programmes
of study. Guidance on qualifications can be found in UCAS
publications on UK and International Qualifications.
Students may be offered a programme of study that
includes pre-sessional ESOL training in addition to their
formal academic programme. The University also
subscribes
to
the
National
Academic
Recognition
Information Centre (NARIC) which provides definitive
information on the equivalence of international qualifications
in relation to those of the UK. (Refer to RPL Guidelines.)
6.5
Entry Qualifications: Higher Degrees by Research
Applicants for a higher degree by research will normally be
expected to hold a first or second class honours degree or
equivalent.
6.6
Entry Qualifications: First Language
Where English is not the first language, applicants must be able to
satisfy the University of their competence in English. Either by
having a TOEFL score of 550 or above or an IELTS score of 6 or
above (5.5 in each component) or equivalent.
6.7
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
6.7.1
Appropriate learning, wherever acquired, provided that it can be
assessed, may be accepted for the purpose of gaining academic
credit by a person towards an award of the University.
This may take the form of:
i)
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
APL refers to certificated learning for which there is an
agreed, general credit rating or recommendation and may
also be given for parts of academic qualifications completed
successfully.
ii)
Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)
APEL is defined as learning which has its source in
experience, for example at work or in the community.
The assessment of APEL shall normally be undertaken by
the academic staff of the University.
APEL assessments shall be open to external examination
and confirmation by Subject Panels (see Regulation 7) on
Regulation 6
51
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
the same basis as the formal assessment and examination
of students.
6.7.2
Accreditation for Prior Learning (APL)
a)
Each person claiming APL is required to provide the
University with relevant documentation, such as the
originals of appropriate certificates, which may be accepted
as evidence in support of the claim.
b)
Detailed information on the University’s APL arrangements
and procedures is available in the University’s RPL
Guidelines.
6.7.3
Accreditation for Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)
a)
Responsibility for making a claim to have acquired
knowledge and skills and for supporting that claim with
appropriate evidence rests with the applicant concerned.
b)
To assist in achieving this, the applicant will be provided
with guidelines outlining the principles of APEL and its
assessment, guidance on levels and on constructing
statements of learning through systematic reflection on
experience and assessment. The applicant will be
allocated
an
academic
supervisor
with
specialist
knowledge in the relevant subject area (staff guidelines
also available).
All claims for APEL shall be double marked.
c)
The APEL proposal for the award of credit shall be
approved by the School Admissions Officer and Programme
Leader. Where a claim for credit matches the learning
outcomes of the module, the agreement of the Module
Co-ordinator will also be sought.
d)
While the University may accept a portfolio of evidence
supporting a claim submitted by an applicant in a variety of
forms, that evidence shall normally include a written piece of
work which provides a guide through the accompanying
portfolio of evidence. In all cases the evidence shall
demonstrate:
i)
authenticity: the work shall be the applicant’s own
work;
ii)
standard: the work shall be of the standard required
for the SCQF level claimed;
iii)
breadth: a balance between theoretical knowledge
and practical application shall be evident;
Regulation 6
52
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
iv)
relevance: the learning shall be focused on subject
areas offered by the University in programmes of
study at degree or postgraduate level;
v)
currency: the learning shall have been kept up-to-
date by the applicant;
e)
Detailed information on the University’s APEL arrangements
and procedures is available in the University’s RPL
guidelines.
6.7.4
Recognition for Credit
a)
Recognition for credit is defined as the process whereby a
judgement about the extent to which qualifications or
experience may be accepted in partial fulfilment of the
University’s requirements for a given academic award; two
categories of credit are recognised: general credit and
specific credit. The distinction between general and specific
credit shall be intended to ensure that the proposed
programme of study is coherent and does not have any
overlap of subject content within it.
The University has an agreed RPL process. This can be
found in RPL Guidelines for staff and students.
i)
General credit
General credit, for certificated learning, is arrived at
through agreements between awarding bodies and
Higher or Further Education Institutions. The
amount of general credit is determined by the
qualification held e.g. HNC, HND, RGN etc., not by
the subject matter of the course of study to be
pursued at UWS.
ii)
specific credit
this is the credit given to an individual in the context
of a particular programme of study; it may be equal
to or less than the general credit to which it is related.
b)
Undergraduate Awards
Where credit has been achieved at UWS a current or former
student may transfer credit into a programme greater than
that allowed below, to allow completion, providing the
learning is current, they are continuing on the programme
previously studied or, where this is not possible, there is a
direct ‘fit’ between prior and current study.
Where credit has been achieved external to UWS a
maximum of half the credit points required at the level at
Regulation 6
53
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
which the applicant wishes to complete the programme of
study with an academic award may be awarded through
RPL. Imported specific credit should be directly relevant to
the student’s proposed programme of study.
i)
Certificate of Higher Education
60 points at level 7
ii)
Diploma of Higher Education
120 points at level 7 plus
60 points at level 8
iii)
Degree
120 points at level 7 plus
120 points at level 8 plus
60 points at level 9
iv)
Honours Degree
120 points at level 7 plus
120 points at level 8 plus
120 points at level 9
The full 120 points as described in UWS programme
specification must be taken at Level 10 (Honours) to
secure the award.
As RPL is not graded it cannot be imported into a
programme at Honours level.
v)
Graduate Diploma
60 points at level 9
vi)
Graduate Certificate
50% of the exiting level or qualification as
appropriate.
c)
Postgraduate Awards
Normally the following maxima for importing credit to
postgraduate awards will apply:
Postgraduate Certificate 30 points at level 11
Postgraduate Diploma 60 points at level 11
Masters Award
120 points at level 11
Regulation 6
54
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
Prior to an admission direct to the dissertation stage of a Masters
or MBA programme, the relevant Admissions Officer must give
consideration to the following:
- the appropriate research underpinning to undertake the
dissertation;
- the equivalence of core modules or learning outcomes;
- the need to consult with relevant subject experts to establish if
appropriate underpinning is in place and academic guidance
on what additional modules might need to be taken;
- consideration of the title of the UWS award in relation to the
prior study taken at another institution;
- the availability of resources for dissertation supervision;
- as prior credit is not graded the Admissions Officer must be
satisfied the equivalent level of attainment is reached for
progression between PgD and Masters [see Regulation 7.3.5
and 6.8.1(c)(iii)].
6.8
Admission with Prior Learning
6.8.1
a)
Provided evidence can be submitted or assessed that an
applicant has fulfilled some of the progression and
assessment requirements of the programme of study for
which admission is being sought by means other than
registration on the planned programme, and that it is clear
that the applicant will be able, by completing the remaining
requirements, to fulfil the educational aims and learning
outcomes of the programme and attain the standard
required for the award, that applicant may be admitted to an
appropriate point on the programme.
b)
An applicant who has successfully completed a programme
of certificated learning at a recognised SCQF awarding
institution shall be considered for admission with specific
credit, at an appropriate point on the programme of study for
which entry is being sought.
i)
An offer for direct entry to level 8 of a programme will
normally be on condition that the applicant holds 120
credit points at Level 7. Where applicants hold less
credit they will be required to make good this deficit.
Applicants holding an HNC of 96 credit points will be
required to complete a minimum of 20 credit points
prior to enrolment on a UWS programme of study as a
condition of entry.
ii)
Where there is an agreement to admit to level 8 of a
programme (and all stipulated grading requirements
have been met) three Advanced Highers or A Levels
will be deemed to be equivalent to level 7 of a
programme and 120 points at level 7 will be entered as
prior learning into the student’s academic transcript.
Regulation 6
55
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
iii)
Scottish Baccalaureate; International Baccalaureate;
European Baccalaureate; DUT or qualifications
considered comparable.
These qualifications vary in volume and level of credit
and may fall short of the 120 credit points normally
required for entry directly to level 8. Therefore, where
there is an agreement to admit to level 8 of a
programme,
Next Steps to University (or equivalent 20
credit module) will require to be undertaken as a
condition of entry as above in order to prepare
students for study at level 8.
iv)
Specific credit awarded for RPL towards a programme
of study will be entered onto the student’s record.
v)
An offer for direct entry to level 9 of a programme will
normally be on condition that the applicant holds 240
points, at least 100 points of which are at level 8 or
above.
c)
An applicant who has successfully completed the whole or
part of a related degree or other programme of higher
education at an institution of higher education in the United
Kingdom shall normally be considered for admission with
specific credit at an appropriate point on the programme of
study for which entry is being sought.
i)
The maximum specific credit awarded for a first
degree towards a subsequent non related degree is
120 points at level 7 plus 60 points at level 8.
ii)
It is not normally permitted to count credit from a first
degree towards a lower level qualification, e.g.
DipHE.
iii)
Specific prior credit when incorporated into a
programme of study does not carry a grade or mark.
Therefore, award with distinction cannot be granted
for awards where credit is transferred in at level 9 or
level 11. This must be made clear to applicants by
the School/Programme Admissions Officer or
Education Guidance Advisors (see Regulation 7.5.2);
iv)
Credit from a partially completed postgraduate
programme of study may be imported in line with the
maxima allowed (see Regulation 6.7.4 c). Imported
credit should be directly relevant to the student’s
proposed undergraduate programme.
Regulation 6
56
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
d)
A student shall be required to reapply for a programme of
study if the Progression & Awards Board has not assigned
credit to the student for a period of two calendar years. The
student will be treated as a new applicant and will go
through the University’s RPL process to check on the
currency of their learning. They will then be offered the
most appropriate level of entry based on that learning. (See
Regulation 5.4.16.)
Where credit has been achieved at UWS, a current or
former student may transfer credit into a programme, to
allow completion, greater than that allowed under 6.7.4b)
providing the learning is current, they are continuing on the
programme previously studied or, where this is not possible,
there is a direct ‘fit’ between prior and current study.
6.8.2
Recognition of Access Programmes
a)
The recognition of Access programmes is the recognition of
specified programmes for the purpose of entry into higher
education, including the recognition of qualifications
validated by other authorities, which is not based on the
credit-rating of programmes in terms of comparability with
the University's academic awards.
6.9
Re-admission on Completion of Awards
Students who have been deemed eligible for the award from the
Progression & Awards Board will not be considered for
re-admission to the same award at that level with a view to
improving their marks, the eligibility for the award of distinction or
the classification of honours.
Regulation 6
57
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
7
REGULATIONS FOR THE
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS ON
TAUGHT PROGRAMMES
Regulation 7
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
7
Regulations for the Assessment of Students on Taught
Programmes
Readers are expected to consult the University Assessment Handbook for
operational guidance and policy which directly supports the implementation of
Regulation 7.
7.1
General Requirements
7.1.1
Academic Standards
Assessment that contributes to the award of academic credit
and/or to the award of the degrees, diplomas, certificates and
other academic distinctions of the University will relate the
achievement of each candidate to the stated academic standards
of the University.
The academic standards of the University will be as stated in the
intended learning outcomes of modules and programmes of
study, as set out in the relevant module descriptors and
programme specifications.
7.1.2
Equity of Assessment
All students registered for a module (distance learning or face to
face) will be subject to the application of the same academic
standards, rules and procedures with respect to assessment and
re-assessment, irrespective of the programme of study on which
they are enrolled.
7.1.3
Assessment of WBL/PL
In line with UWS Regulation 5.8.3(b), it is the responsibility of the
academic member of staff to award final grades to the student on
placement and may not be devolved to partner employers.
7.1.4
Anonymous Marking
Procedures for anonymous marking as outlined in the
Assessment Handbook, and approved by Senate will be used in
all assessments that contribute to the award of academic credit
and/or to the award of the degrees, diplomas, certificates and
other academic distinctions of the University except where the
nature of the assessment itself renders anonymity impossible to
achieve, for example, possibly in placement observations or
practical assessment.
The Assessment Handbook provides more detailed guidance on
the operational aspects of submission and marking via Turnitin.
(Assessment handbook sections 3.2 and 3.9)
Regulation 7
58
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
7.1.5
Timing of Formal Examinations
Modules which are assessed by formal examinations will have the
first diet examinations scheduled at the end of the trimester in
which the delivery of the module is concluded.
7.2
Module Descriptors and Programme Specifications
7.2.1
Module Descriptor
The Module Descriptor for each module will:
a)
Specify the intended learning outcomes of the module and
indicate how these relate to each main component of
assessment.
b)
Indicate the range and type of the components of
assessment and how these components will be assessed.
c)
Specify – but only in the case of professional requirements
regarding the need to demonstrate specific competences –
any assignment or group of assignments that must be
passed in order to achieve an aggregate pass in the
module.
7.2.2
Programme Specification
The Programme Specification for each programme will:
a)
Specify the aims of the programme and intended learning
outcomes for each level of the programme and indicate
how these relate to the constituent modules of the
programme.
b)
Identify all of the elements (modules, supervised work
experience, placements etc) for the award.
c)
Identify which elements are compulsory, optional or
alternative.
d)
State the attendance requirements to be met by students,
where the intended learning outcomes of a programme are
such that attendance is compulsory for certain elements.
e)
State any specific assessment requirements that in
addition to the requirements of the University Assessment
Regulation must be met for progression towards or award
of a professional qualification, provided that such
requirements were approved through formal procedures for
programme approval or for change to an existing
programme.
Regulation 7
59
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
7.3
Definitions
7.3.1
Progression
Progression is defined as meeting the requirements to proceed
from a prerequisite module to a module for which it is a
prerequisite or as meeting the requirements to proceed from one
SCQF level of study to another. (See Regulation 5.2.23)
7.3.2
Pass – Module (and components of modules)
A module is regarded as having been passed for the purposes of
progression and award of credit when a grade of C or above has
been awarded and approved by the Subject Panel. The award of
a grade of C requires that:
a)
An aggregate mark of at least 40% has been achieved.
and
b)
A mean mark of not less than 30% has been attained in
each main component of assessment where the number of
components of assessment defined for each module will
not normally exceed two or exceptionally three.
and
c)
Any specific requirements set out in the module descriptor
under Regulation 7.2.1(c) are met. See also 7.4.2
NOTE
From 2015/16 the pass mark for postgraduate modules
will be 50%.1 The mean mark of 30% for each
component
of
assessment
will
be
adjusted
accordingly.
7.3.3
Pass – Award
a)
Students will be eligible to receive the University award for
which they were registered when they have passed the
core modules defined for that award in the programme
specification and accumulated the amount of credit
required for the award. Programme specifications may not
stipulate additional requirements to achieve the award in
terms of higher grades. Specific professional requirements
for the award may be stipulated where required by the
accrediting body, specifically agreed at programme
approval and made clear in the programme specification.
b)
Awards can only be conferred where the programme of
study undertaken is in accordance with an approved
programme specification and where the student has met
1 Approved in principle at Senate 6 June 2014.
Regulation 7
60
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
the requirements for the award as determined by a
Progression & Awards Board.
c)
An award will normally only be conferred within five years
of the end of the academic session in which the
programme of study was completed.
7.3.4
Progression with Credit Deficit
The Progression & Awards Board (PAB) will permit a student to
progress with credit deficit in two modules in order to enable
progression to the next level of study, provided that:
a)
The student is required to be re-assessed in (or chooses to
re-take) the module while studying at the next level.
b)
Progression with credit deficit from SCQF level 9 to level
10 is not normally permitted.
c)
Direct entrants to level 8 with a credit deficit from a 96
point HNC will be expected to make good the credit deficit
by successful completion of an additional 20 credit point
module prior to the start of their programme of study. [See
6.8.1b)i)]
d)
The student meets any mandatory pre-requisites prior to
progressing to next level of study.
7.3.5
Progression from the Diploma to the Masters Stage of a
Postgraduate Programme
Students are required to have successfully achieved the 120
credits associated with the Diploma prior to progressing to the
Masters stage of a postgraduate programme.
Progression from the Diploma to the Masters stage of a
postgraduate programme may require measured attainment in
excess of the minimum specified in Regulation 7.3.3 provided that
such requirements are set out in the Programme Specification.
7.3.6
Formal Examination
Where a final summative examination is specified as an
assessment for a module, this will take the form of a single paper
of two hours duration. Exceptionally, at level 10 or 11, an
examination of three hours will be permitted where this is
specified in the approved module descriptor.
Regulation 7
61
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
7.4
Marking and Grading
7.4.1
Marking and Aggregation
Module marks and grades are arrived at where required by
aggregation of numerical marks from a number of assessments
into a single percentage mark to which the corresponding grade is
then applied.
Where specifically validated, some modules may not have module
marks or grades. In such cases the student’s attainment will be
recorded as ‘pass’ or ‘fail’, in accordance with the assessment
criteria within the approved module descriptor.
7.4.2
Marking and Grading Scheme
All student work that contributes to a module mark and grade is
assessed according to the following standard marking and
grading scheme:
Grade
Numerical Definition
Descriptor
range (%)
A1
90-100
Exceptional
Student work is exemplary and
exceeds the threshold standard by a
significant
margin.
It
displays
exceptional
knowledge
and
understanding; insight, originality and
exceptional
ability
in
analysis,
evaluation, problem solving or other
process skills; very high ability in
professional practice skills (where
relevant) including evidence of high
degree of almost complete autonomy
and independent judgement relative to
threshold expectations.
A2
80-89
Outstanding
Student work significantly exceeds the
threshold standard. It displays a
consistently
thorough,
deep
and
extensive
knowledge
and
understanding; originality and/or very
high ability in analysis, evaluation,
problem solving or other process skills;
very high ability in professional
practice
skills
(where
relevant)
including evidence of high degree of
autonomy and independent judgement
relative to threshold expectations.
Regulation 7
62
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
A3
70-79
Excellent
Student work very much exceeds the
threshold standard. It displays a
consistently thorough, deep and/or
extensive
knowledge
and
understanding; originality and/or very
high ability in analysis, evaluation,
problem solving or other process skills;
very high ability in professional
practice
skills
(where
relevant)
including evidence of high degree of
autonomy and independent judgement
relative to threshold expectations.
B1
60-69
Very good
Student work is well above the
threshold standard. It displays a
Commendable
consistently
very
good
level
of
knowledge and understanding; high
ability in analysis, evaluation, problem
solving or other process skills; high
ability in professional practice skills
(where relevant) including exercise of
significant
independent
judgement
relative to threshold expectations.
B2
50-59
Good
Student work is clearly above the
threshold standard. It displays
Highly
generally
good
knowledge
and
competent
understanding; good ability in analysis,
evaluation, problem solving or other
process
skills;
evidences
highly
competent
performance
of
professional practice skills (where
relevant).
C
40-49
Satisfactory
Student work is at the threshold
standard.
It
displays
generally
Competent
satisfactory
knowledge
and
understanding in most key respects;
competence in analysis and most
other
process
skills;
evidences
competent
performance
of
professional practice skills (where
relevant).
D
30-39
Unsatisfactory
Student work is marginally below the
threshold standard. It displays some
knowledge and understanding but this
is incomplete or partial; limited ability
Regulation 7
63
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
in analysis and other process skills;
evidences
lack
of
or
partial
competence in professional practice
skills (where relevant).
E
1-29
Very
Student work is well below the
unsatisfactory
threshold standard. It displays very
limited knowledge and understanding;
evidences very limited or no analytical
or other process skills; very limited
competence
over
the
range
of
professional practice skills.
N
0 (at first
No work to
There is no work to be assessed at
diet)
assess
first diet, or incomplete or no
0-100 at
engagement with re-assessment.
second or
subsequent
diet
The following grades are used in exceptional circumstances where
required by professional bodies:
Grade
Definition
Descriptor
Pass
Pass
Student has met the criteria for ‘pass’ as
specifically defined in the module descriptor
Fail
Fail
Student has not met the criteria for ‘pass’ as
specifically defined in the module descriptor
The one exception to the grading scheme above is that Grade D
may be assigned to a module where the numerical value is
greater than 40% but where Regulation 7.3.2 has not been met.
7.4.3
Moderation of Marks for Assessed Work
Moderation will take place in line with the procedures set out in
the University’s Assessment Handbook.
In addition to the appointment of Module Coordinators by Deans
of Schools (Regulations 5.2.15 and 5.2.16), the latter will appoint
module moderators (Regulation 5.2.17). (See UWS Assessment
Handbook.)
Regulation 7
64
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
7.5
Classification of Honours Degrees, Distinctions, Intermediate,
Posthumous and Aegrotat Awards
7.5.1
Classification of Honours Degrees
The minimum criterion for the award of Honours degrees is a
grade of C or above in each of the modules studied at SCQF level
10 or in the final year stage of the programme (none less than
SCQF Level 9). (See 5.2.11, 5.3.4 and 5.3.15)
The following criteria will be applied by the PAB. Where modules
whose intrinsic level is lower than SCQF level 10 are taken as
part of the honours year stage, then grades for such modules will
count towards the honours classification as if these modules were
at SCQF level 10.
First class
Mean mark of 70% or
OR Mean mark of at least
above
67% and a majority of the
modules in the final year
stage at grade A
Upper second
Mean mark of 60% or
OR Mean mark of at least
class
above
57% and a majority of the
modules in the final year
stage at grade B1 or better
Lower second
Mean mark of 50% or
OR Mean mark of at least
class
above
47% and a majority of the
modules in the final year
stage at grade B2 or better
Third class
Mean mark of 40% or
above
Where core modules in the Honours year of study are assessed
using the Pass/Fail grades, then these modules will be excluded
in the calculation of the Honours classification. Modules
assessed using the Pass/Fail grades will not be permitted as
optional modules within the Honours year of study.
Where a student has undertaken a resit in one or more modules
at SCQF level 10 or in the final year stage of the programme, then
the resit mark will stand on the student’s academic record but a
mark of 40% and grade C will be used in the classification of the
Honours award.
Guidance Note
Where there are double modules (e.g. the dissertation) in the
honours level, these shall be counted as two modules for the
purposes of calculating the honours classification.
Regulation 7
65
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
7.5.2
Award of Distinction
a)
PABs
will
award
distinction
to
candidates
for
undergraduate awards other than Honours degrees
(including Certificates of Higher Education and Diploma of
Higher Education) and for taught postgraduate awards of
Graduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Diplomas where the
following criteria are met by candidates at their first
attempt.
a mean mark of 65% or above. (The student must pass the
modules at the first attempt and the mean mark to be used
in determining distinction will also be taken from the
module marks at the first attempt.)
NOTE
From 2015/16 a mean mark of 70% or above.2 (The
student must pass the modules at the first attempt and
the mean mark to be used in determining distinction
will also be taken from the module marks at the first
attempt.)
and
none of the 120 credit points (see 7.5.2(d) for Masters)
taken in the final SCQF level of the award comprises prior
credit imported from outside the University, unless the prior
credit derives from a student exchange or study abroad
programme in which a translation of the relevant grading
system into the University system has been approved by
the programme leader as part of the exchange agreement.
Guidance Note:
Modules of 10, 20, 40 and/or 60 credits in Pg programmes
will be weighted accordingly for the purpose of calculating
distinction.
b)
In programmes where the Diploma of Higher Education is
calculated on the basis of 300 credit points, the 120 credit
points on which the calculation of Distinction will be based
shall be defined in the programme specification and shall
comprise 60 points at Level 8 and 60 points at Level 9.
c)
Distinction will not be awarded where any of the modules
in the final year stage are assessed using the Pass/Fail
grades. This must be made clear to students in the
programme handbook.
d)
Distinction at Masters level will be awarded where
students have met the above criteria but will be calculated
2 Approved in principle at Senate 6 June 2014.
Regulation 7
66
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
on the basis of 180 credit points within the programme and
not solely on the taught modules or the Masters level
dissertation component of the award. [See 6.8.1(c)(iii) re
imported credit and distinction.]
7.5.3
Intermediate Awards
A student who has achieved the necessary volume and level of
credit and who has satisfied any further requirements set out in
the programme specification has the right to claim any award
intermediate to the final award for which she or he is or was
registered provided that:
a)
The student claims the award within five years of the end
of the academic session in which he or she was last
registered for the programme to which the intermediate
award relates
and
b)
No student who has obtained a final award is eligible to
receive an intermediate award (Regulation 5.2.21).
7.5.4
Aegrotat Awards
a)
Where a PAB does not have sufficient evidence of the
candidate’s performance to be able to recommend the
award for which a person is a candidate, but is satisfied
that but for illness or other valid cause the person would
have reached the standard required, the Board may,
exceptionally, recommend the conferment of an Aegrotat
award.
b)
An Aegrotat award may only be made where the candidate
has demonstrated achievement in at least 50% of the
credit from the final year stage of the award.
c)
An Aegrotat award may be made in relation to any award
from a taught programme of the University save that an
Aegrotat Honours degree will not be classified.
d)
No Aegrotat award may be made without confirmation in
writing by the candidate of his or her agreement to accept
the award.
7.5.5
Posthumous Awards for Taught Programmes
a)
Any award associated with the taught programmes of the
University may be awarded posthumously where the
normal requirements for the award have been met. (See
also Regulation 8.5.4 for Research Awards.)
Regulation 7
67
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
b)
A posthumous Aegrotat award may be made where the
normal requirements for an Aegrotat award have been
met. (See Regulation 7.5.4 (a-c) Aegrotat Awards.)
7.5.6
Joint Award (collaboration)
a)
The University of the West of Scotland will participate fully
in the decision making process with regard to assessment
arrangements.
b)
Subject Panels and PABs will take place at the University
of the West of Scotland under normal University
conditions.
c)
Students enrolled on the programme will be subject to the
progression and award criteria that apply to the
programme, and will be considered at PAB at the
appropriate point in each academic session.
d)
The arrangement for distribution or classification of
Honours or equivalent will be agreed at programme
approval and in the drafting of the collaborative agreement.
Any deviations from the University regulations must be
endorsed subsequently at Senate.
7.5.7
Dual Award (collaboration)
The two awards will be based on the same assessed student
work and can only be granted when the outcomes of the
programme have been achieved at the same point in time.
7.6
Compensation for Failure in Modules
Compensation for failure may not be applied by the PAB with
respect to any student.
7.7
Valid Reasons for Non-Attendance at, Non-Submission of or
Poor Performance in Assessment
a)
In all circumstances where it is established through
procedures laid down by Senate for this purpose that
student
non-attendance
at,
non-submission
of
or
performance in an assessment was attributable to illness
or other cause found to be valid, the student will have the
right to be re-assessed at the next available opportunity as
if for the first time (or, if the assessment is a first or second
re-assessment, as if for the second or third time,
respectively).
b)
Senate will establish one or more Mitigation Panels to
examine on the basis of written evidence major claims of
mitigating circumstances submitted by individual students.
Regulation 7
68
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
c)
Where the Mitigation Panel rules that mitigating
circumstances may have led to non-attendance at,
non-submission of or impaired performance in an
assessment, the details of the assessment or assessments
concerned will be communicated to the relevant Subject
Panel (SP). Where the module concerned has been
graded at D or E, the SP will award the right to be
re-assessed as specified in Regulation 7.7(a) above.
Where the module concerned has been graded at C or
better, the SP will permit the student to choose whether to
be re-assessed under Regulation 7.7(a).
d)
In the case where the student has passed the module and
chooses not to be re-assessed, then the original mark will
be permitted to stand. However, if in this case the student
chooses to present for re-assessment, then the Subject
Panel will consider both the original mark and the mark
obtained for the module following re-assessment, and will
confirm whichever is the higher mark.
e)
Where – prior to the exercise of the right to be re-assessed
– a PAB is able to recommend the candidate for a final
award, the candidate will be informed of the proposed
grade for any module deemed to have been affected by
mitigating circumstances and of the classification of the
final award (if relevant), and will have the right either to
confirm acceptance of the award or to be re-assessed
under Regulation 7.7(c) above.
f)
Where a candidate wishes to accept an award under
Regulation 7.7(e), this must be conveyed in writing by the
candidate to the relevant PAB Chair.
g)
An appeal against a decision of the PAB or Subject Panel
or in relation to a decision regarding student mitigating
circumstances may only be made in conformity to the
provisions of University Regulation 13 on student appeals.
7.8
Re-Assessment
7.8.1
General requirements
a)
Re-assessment is defined as the right to submit failed
assignments or attend for examination or other forms of
assessment in those categories of assessment that have
not achieved a mark of 40% and where in consequence a
grade of D or E has been achieved in a module (see also
6.9).
b)
Where a student has not submitted any work in a module
for assessment, they will be recorded as a grade N and
Regulation 7
69
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
given an RA (re-attend) decision, except where there is no
further opportunity for re-assessment where a NA (no
further attempts decision ) will be made. (See 7.4.2)
c)
The forms of re-assessment should normally be the same
as for the first attempt.
d)
Where a student is offered the opportunity to re-attend a
module, the student will have entitlement to the same
number of attempts as if taking the module for the first
time. A student may only re-attend a module once.
e)
Module marks at re-assessment will be calculated by
carrying forward marks for assessments which the student
has not been asked to resit and by aggregating these with
marks for assignments which the student was asked to
resit.
f)
The relative weightings of different assessments will
remain the same in cases of re-assessment as in the
assessment for the first time.
g)
Re-assessment shall not be permitted in modules or
components of assessments which are identified in the
module descriptor as excluded from the possibility of
re-assessment where this is a requirement of a PSRB.
h)
Students who have passed a module (or component of a
module) do not have the right to be re-assessed to improve
their marks. However this will not affect individual
student’s right to be assessed following a successful claim
of mitigation.
7.8.2
Undergraduate/Graduate Programmes
a)
A student who obtains a grade of D or E at the first attempt
will be entitled to two opportunities for re-assessment.
Failure to submit at first and subsequent diets of
assessment will result in loss of entitlement to
re-assessment (except under 5.4.1c Duration of Study and
Authorised Interruption).
b)
A first re-assessment under Regulation 7.8.2(a) will
normally be at the resit diet in the academic session in
which the module was failed.
For a second re-assessment, this will be at the next
available opportunity. In this case the “next available
opportunity” will mean the trimester in which the module is
next offered in the following academic session and NOT
the resit diet in the following academic session.
Regulation 7
70
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
c)
Unless undertaking re-assessment at the next available
opportunity is found to have been prevented by mitigating
circumstances as determined under Regulation 7.7, failure
to attend or submit work at the next available opportunity
will result in automatic loss of entitlement to that attempt.
7.8.3 Taught Masters Degrees, Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas, and
the Professional Graduate Diploma in Education
a)
A candidate for the award of a taught Masters’ Degree,
Postgraduate Diploma or Certificate, or the Professional Graduate
Diploma in Education or a candidate studying a module whose
intrinsic level is SCQF level 11, will be entitled to one further
attempt in failed elements of assessment except that there will be
no re-assessment of any Diploma or Masters project or
dissertation unless a first attempt is awarded under Regulation
7.7.
b)
Unless undertaking re-assessment at the next available
opportunity is found to have been prevented by mitigating
circumstances, as determined under Regulation 7.7, failure to
attend or submit work at the next available opportunity will result
in automatic loss of entitlement to that attempt.
7.8.4
Notwithstanding the above regulations (Regulation 7.8.1 to 7.8.3),
the PAB will have the power to limit the number of opportunities
for re-assessment and/or to withdraw a student from a
programme in the case of failure in a module entailing placement
or work-based learning or professional practice, provided that
such decisions are taken in accordance with explicit criteria that
are contained in the relevant programme specification.
7.9
Eligibility to Act as an Examiner or Moderator
a)
Any person who acts as examiner or moderator who has
any relationship other than that of a teacher or supervisor
with any candidate being assessed will notify the University
Secretary & Registrar who will draw the circumstances to
the attention of the relevant SP and PAB.
b)
No student will be a member of a SP or PAB other than
where a person who is otherwise qualified to be an
examiner is at the same time registered on a module or
programme unrelated to the Subject Panel or PAB in
question.
c)
A member of staff of an institution affiliated to or
associated with the University which provides a
programme leading to an award of the University may act
as an examiner or moderator for the programme or
module(s) concerned, as if a member of University staff.
Regulation 7
71
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
7.10
Subject Panels and Progression & Awards Boards
7.10.1
Memberships and Remits of Subject Panels and Progression &
Awards Boards
SP and PABs will have the memberships, remits and powers set
out in Regulation 14 - Progression & Awards Boards and Subject
Panels, as supplemented by the regulations below.
7.10.2
Subject Panels
Subject Panels consider the performance of students registered
for modules assigned to the Panel by the Dean of School, and
decide upon the confirmed marks and grades for each student on
each module.
7.10.3
Subject Panels and Standardisation of Marks
a)
Standardisation is the process of making adjustments to
the marks and grades attained by students in a given
module in the event of exceptional circumstances.
Standardisation is defined as taking account of
circumstances which have affected students’ performance,
either incidents during the delivery of the module or during
the assessment points within the module.
b)
Standardisation must not be applied in order to achieve a
preconceived mean mark and may take the form of such
adjustments to marks as are deemed appropriate in the
specific circumstances.
c)
Standardisation may only be applied by the relevant
Subject Panel and with the agreement of the relevant
Subject External Examiner.
d)
The application of standardisation together with details of
the adjustments made to marks and grades must be
recorded by its Chair in the Minutes of the Subject Panel
meeting.
7.10.4
Progression & Awards Boards
a)
PABs decide the eligibility of each candidate for
progression between levels of study, and for awards of the
University.
b)
Each student on a named programme of study will be
assigned to a specified PAB.
c)
A decision of the PAB that a candidate is eligible for an
award of the University will require the written consent of
relevant PAB External Examiners.
Regulation 7
72
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
d)
The decisions from each assessment diet conducted in
accordance with the University’s regulations will be
recorded by the PAB concerned and signed by the person
appointed to chair that Board and where relevant by the
PAB External Examiners.
e)
Unless otherwise provided for in the University’s
regulations, the decisions of each PAB will be final.
7.10.5
Review of a Decision of a Progression & Awards Board/Subject
Panel
In accordance with the requirements of Regulation 13 an Appeals
Group may require an SP or PAB to amend its decision(s). Please
refer to Regulation 13 for more information.
7.11
Cheating and Plagiarism
7.11.1
Definitions
a)
Cheating and plagiarism are defined by the University as
the attempt to gain an unfair advantage in an assessment
by gaining credit for work of another person or by
accessing unauthorised material relating to assessment.
b)
Plagiarism is defined further as the use of the work of other
students,
past
or
present,
or
substantial
and
unacknowledged use of published material presented as
the student’s own work. It includes the following:
the extensive use of another person’s material without
reference or acknowledgement;
the summarising of another person’s material by
changing a few words or altering the order of
presentation without reference or acknowledgement;
the substantial and unauthorised use of the ideas of
another person without acknowledgement;
copying the work of another student with or without
the student’s knowledge or agreement;
deliberate use of commissioned material which is
presented as one’s own;
the unacknowledged quotation of phrases from
another’s work;
c)
Cheating is defined further as inclusive of the following:
communication with or copying from another student
during an examination or assessment (except in so far
as
assessment
regulations
specifically
permit
communication, for instance for group assessments);
knowingly introducing any unauthorised materials
(written, printed or blank) on or near an examination
Regulation 7
73
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
desk unless expressly permitted by the assessment
regulations;
knowingly
introducing
any
electronically
stored
information into an examination hall unless expressly
permitted by the assessment regulations;
obtaining a copy of an 'unseen' written examination
paper prior to the date and time of its authorised
release;
gaining access to unauthorised material relating to an
assessment during or before the assessment;
colluding with another person by submitting work done
with another person as entirely one's own work;
collaborating with another student in the completion of
work which is intended to be submitted as that other
student's own work
knowingly allowing another student to copy one's own
work to be submitted as that student's own work;
falsifying data by presenting data of laboratory reports,
projects or other assessments as one's own when
these data are based on experimental work conducted
by another party or obtained by unfair means;
assuming the identity of another person with intent to
deceive or to gain unfair advantage;
allowing another person to assume one's own identity
with the intention of deceiving or gaining unfair
advantage to oneself;
the use of any other form of dishonest practice not
identified above;
7.11.2
Procedures
a)
Cheating and plagiarism may be regarded as substantial
academic irregularities under the University Code of
Discipline for Students (Regulation 12) and all instances
are liable to be investigated and to be given due
consideration under the terms of that Code. (Plagiarism
identified in research programmes will be dealt with under
Regulation 8.10.)
See also Appendix 2 in relation to
discovery/suspicion of cheating, plagiarism or collusion in a
formal examination.
b)
Notwithstanding the above, any suspected case of
plagiarism will be referred in the first instance by the
member of academic staff concerned to the Chair of a
Plagiarism Panel constituted in the relevant academic
School.
c)
The Chair of the School Plagiarism Panel will be appointed
by the Dean of School.
Regulation 7
74
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
d)
The membership of the School Plagiarism Panel will be:
the Chair
two members of academic staff from the School,
appointed by the Plagiarism Panel Chair
e)
The member of academic staff who refers a case of
suspected plagiarism to the Panel must not serve as a
member of that Panel for the purpose of giving
consideration to this case, but, where required, will attend
the Panel for the purpose of presenting evidence.
f)
The Plagiarism Panel Chair will inform the student in
writing of the alleged offence and of the requirement to
attend for interview.
g)
The Plagiarism Panel will determine whether an offence
has been committed and, if so, whether the offence is
minor, serious or major.
h)
Where the Panel has determined that a MINOR offence
has been committed, the Plagiarism Panel Chair will
determine and inform the student of a sanction that will be
a requirement that the affected student work is
resubmitted:
WITHOUT loss of entitlement to an attempt, and
WITH the determination that the maximum mark
assignable for the resubmitted work should be 40%.
i)
Where the Panel has determined that a SERIOUS offence
has been committed, the Plagiarism Panel Chair will
determine and inform the student of a sanction that will be
a requirement that the affected student work is
resubmitted:
WITH loss of entitlement to an attempt, and
WITH the determination that the maximum mark
assignable for the resubmitted work should be 40%.
j)
A student will have the right to appeal the decisions of the
Plagiarism Panel and its Chair taken under (h and i) above
and such appeals will be referred to the Senate
Disciplinary Committee (see Regulation 12).
k)
Where the Plagiarism Panel has determined that a MAJOR
offence has been committed, the Plagiarism Panel Chair
will refer the matter to the Senate Disciplinary Committee
for consideration under Regulation 12 and will inform the
student in writing of this action.
Regulation 7
75
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
l)
The outcome will be communicated by University student
email and 1st class post.
7.12
External Examiners
7.12.1
Principles
a)
There are two types of External Examiner appointment.
Subject External Examiners are appointed to assess groups
of related modules and are members of Subject Panels.
PAB External Examiners are members of the PAB that take
decisions on student progression and academic awards.
b)
New External Examiners should normally be nominated as
a subject external examiner. PAB External Examiners
should, where possible, be appointed from the pool of
existing subject examiners. Furthermore, External
Examiner responsibilities at a subject panel level are likely
to be reduced or removed on appointment to PAB External
Examiners. There will normally be a single PAB External
Examiner associated with a group of programmes. The
University therefore seeks to establish programme
groupings where one External Examiner would normally be
appointed per grouping. Schools must therefore take
responsibility for designating these programme groupings
and in doing so must ensure that all groupings have the
necessary external input to support their function.
c)
There will be one and only one Subject External Examiner
associated with each and every module. The same
individual may be associated with a number of modules.
School Boards are responsible for ensuring that Schools
have allocated modules to an appropriate SP and have
assigned an External Examiner to each module.
d)
No recommendation for the conferment of an award of the
University will be made without the approval of the PAB
External Examiner for the programme.
e)
Each External Examiner will provide an annual report.
f)
External examining procedures for programmes offered by a
Partner Organisation are required to be the same as, or
demonstrably equivalent to, those used within the
University. The procedure should be clearly specified and
rigorously and consistently applied. External Examiners for
collaborative arrangements will be appointed by the
University according to its normal procedures.
Regulation 7
76
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
7.12.2
Attendance at Assessment Panels
a)
Subject External Examiner(s) are expected to attend each
meeting of the SP at the end of each Trimester approving
the results for each module to which they have been
appointed.
b)
Results are approved at this stage and will be released to
students as final approved results.
c)
Since no confirmed result of the University may be
communicated to students without the approval of the
appointed Subject External Examiner, this approval
exceptionally may be obtained by written consent.
d)
The PAB External Examiner(s) will be expected to attend
the PABs at levels 9, 10 and 11 at the end of Trimesters 2
and 3 (for some areas of provision there will be a
requirement to attend a PAB after Trimester 1). This
likelihood will be communicated at time of appointment.
e)
Since no award of the University (including intermediate exit
awards) may be conferred without the approval of the
appointed
PAB
External
Examiner,
this
approval
exceptionally may be obtained by written consent.
7.12.3
Appointment - Terms of Office
a)
Each Subject External Examiner will normally be appointed
for a period of up to four years, which exceptionally may be
extended by up to one further year. The total period of
appointment of the PAB External Examiners (including
appointment as Subject External Examiner) should normally
be four years and would not normally exceed five years of
consecutive service as Subject and PAB External Examiner.
b)
An External Examiner (Subject or PAB) may be
re-appointed provided that five years have elapsed since
the end of the previous term of office and that the second
appointment will not exceed four consecutive years.
c)
An External Examiner (Subject or PAB) will not normally
hold more than two External Examiner appointments for
taught programmes/modules at any point in time.
d)
PAB External Examiners must
have prior experience as an
External Examiner, preferably including at least one year’s
experience as a Subject External Examiner at the University
of the West of Scotland.
Regulation 7
77
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
e)
The nominations for the appointment of an External
Examiner should be made at least six months before the
first assessment or award with which the examiner is to be
associated.
f)
The nomination must be endorsed by the School Board
concerned prior to consideration for approval by the
Education Advisory Committee. Following approval by the
Education Advisory Committee, the Secretary to the
Education Advisory Committee will confirm to the External
Examiner concerned and notify the appropriate contacts in
the School.
g)
Newly appointed External Examiners should take up their
appointments on or before the retirement of their
predecessors. They should remain available until after the
last assessments with which they are to be involved to deal
with any subsequent reviews of decisions that arise.
h)
Normally, appointments should run from the October before
the first assessments to the October after the last
assessments.
7.12.4
Criteria for the Appointment of External Examiners
a)
The criteria for the appointment of External Examiners is
intended to enhance the transparency and consistency of
institutional practice in appointing competent staff as
External Examiners who are free from potential conflicts of
interest (7.12.4d) and are therefore sufficiently independent
to fulfil the role.
b)
In line with indicator 5 of Chapter B7 : External Examining of
the UK Quality Code for Higher Education, persons
appointed to act as External Examiners for the University
must show appropriate evidence of the following:
i)
knowledge and understanding of UK sector agreed
reference points for the maintenance of academic
standards and assurance and enhancement of
quality;
ii)
competence and experience in the fields covered by
the programme of study, or parts thereof;
iii)
relevant academic and/or professional qualifications
to at least the level of the qualification being
externally examined, and/or extensive practitioner
experience where appropriate;
iv)
competence and experience relating to designing
and operating a variety of assessment tasks
appropriate to the subject and operating assessment
procedures;
Regulation 7
78
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
v)
sufficient standing, credibility and breadth of
experience within the discipline to be able to
command the respect of academic peers and, where
appropriate, professional peers;
vi)
familiarity with the standard to be expected of
students to achieve the award that is to be assessed;
vii)
fluency in English, and where programmes are
delivered and assessed in languages other than
English, fluency in the relevant language(s) (unless
other secure arrangements are in place to ensure
that External Examiners are provided with the
information to make their judgements);
viii)
meeting applicable criteria set by professional,
statutory or regulatory bodies;
ix)
awareness of current developments in the design
and delivery of relevant curricula;
x)
competence and experience relating to the
enhancement of the student learning experience;
xi)
retirees can be considered, providing they have
sufficient evidence of continuing involvement in the
academic area in question.
c)
In any event, other than in exceptional cases External
Examiners must
not normally be:
i)
a member of a governing body or committee of the
appointing institution or one of its collaborative
partners, or a current employee of the appointing
institution or one of its collaborative partners;
ii)
anyone with a close professional, contractual or
personal relationship with a member of staff or
student involved with the programme of study;
iii)
anyone required to assess colleagues who are
recruited as students to the programme of study;
iv)
anyone who is, or knows they will be, in a position to
influence significantly the future of students on the
programme of study;
v)
anyone significantly involved in recent or current
substantive collaborative research activities with a
member of staff closely involved in the delivery,
management or assessment of the programme(s) or
modules in question
vi)
former staff or students of the institution unless a
period of five years has elapsed and all students
taught by or with the External Examiner have
completed their programme(s);
vii)
involved in reciprocal arrangements involving
cognate programmes at another institutions;
viii)
succeeded by a colleague from the examiner’s
home department and institution;
Regulation 7
79
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
ix)
appointed from the same department of the same
institution as a current External Examiner.
d)
Bearing in mind that each External Examiner is required to
be impartial, potential conflicts of interest need to be
considered and particular attention paid to nominees who
have been:
i)
involved in the development of the programme or its
component parts, for example, as an external
consultant, or who have acted as a member of the
programme approval panel (or equivalent) which
approved the programme;
e)
Where a nominee has no previous experience as an
External Examiner for any institution, the nominee is
required to attend the External Examiner Induction Event
and the School must make arrangements for mentorship
with a more experienced External Examiner.
f)
Nominations must comply with the requirements of the
Home Office with regard to demonstrating eligibility to work
in the UK. Before appointments can be approved a copy of
the nominee’s passport or other appropriate documentation
must be attached to the nomination form. The externals will
be requested to provide the originals for verification at the
Induction Event.
7.12.5
Powers of External Examiners
On any matter which an External Examiner has declared to be a
matter of principle, the decision of the External Examiner
concerned must either be accepted as final by the SP or PAB in
question or be referred to the Senate.
7.12.6
Rights and Responsibilities of External Examiners
a)
The overall responsibility of each PAB External Examiner is
to ensure that each candidate for a particular award is
considered impartially and fairly in accordance with
University regulations and guidance and that the standards
of the University’s awards are maintained.
b)
The overall responsibility of each Subject External Examiner
is to ensure that each module is assessed impartially and
fairly and that the standards of the University’s awards (or
parts of awards) are maintained.
c)
Each Subject External Examiner will:
i)
have the opportunity to review and approve the form,
content and standard of the assessment instruments
Regulation 7
80
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
and, where appropriate, the distribution and balance
of coursework and other assessments. These should
be in accordance with published module descriptor;
ii)
be expected to attend meetings of the Subject Panel
as appropriate [see 7.12.2(a)] and have the right of
access to al candidates’ work;
iii)
confirm that the marks awarded by the internal
examiner(s) have been appropriately moderated in
line with expectations outlined in the assessment
Handbook;
iv)
have the right to inspect the work of all students and
to call for such papers as he or she thinks necessary
when sampling the work of students;
v)
be entitled to modify the marks proposed by internal
examiners provided that such modifications should
be applied to all students undertaking the module
unless all scripts have been reviewed by the Subject
External Examiner.
d)
Each PAB External Examiner will:
i)
attend meetings of the PAB as appropriate and, in
light of information received from Subject Panels,
approve award decisions [see Regulations 7.12.2(d)
and (e)];
ii)
be consulted about, and have the right to approve or
prevent, any proposed changes in the assessment
regulations which will directly affect students
currently on a particular programme of study;
iii)
otherwise participate, as necessary, in reviews of
progression and award decisions with respect to
individual candidates;
iv)
comment as required on aspects of cohort
performance, honours classification distribution and
any other matters pertaining to the operation of the
University’s assessment panel processes.
7.12.7
Reports
a)
Each External Examiner shall report annually to the
University on the conduct of the assessments concluded
during the year and on issues relating to those
assessments, in a form determined by the Senate.
b)
Where there is concern about standards and performance,
particularly if there is anxiety that assessments are being
conducted in a way which jeopardises either the fair
treatment of individual candidates or the standards of the
University’s awards, an External Examiner has the authority
to submit a report directly to the Principal. The external
examiner may also invoke the QAA's concerns scheme or
Regulation 7
81
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
inform the relevant professional, statutory or regulatory
body. This will be communicated to the external examiner
at the time of appointment.
7.12.8
Termination of External Examiner Contract
a)
In exceptional circumstances the University of the West of
Scotland or the External Examiner may wish to terminate
the contract prior to its normal completion.
b)
The External Examiner may withdraw from the contract by
advising the Head of QEU in writing no later than the end
of December of the year in progress.
c)
If the External Examiner resignation is over a matter of
principle,
academic
standards
or
concerns
over
maladministration, then the Head of QEU will report the
matter to the relevant School Board, Education Advisory
Committee and Senate.
d)
The University may only terminate the contract of an
External Examiner through a decision of Senate
either on
the basis of demonstrable persistent failure to meet the
requirements of the role, for example through repeated
non-attendance at assessment panels, repeated lack of
response to draft assessment instruments, or the provision
of false information in annual reports
or due to a significant
change of circumstances of the External Examiner or of
the module provision in the relevant subject area.
e)
It will be the responsibility of the Dean in the first instance
to advise the Head of QEU of any concerns under (d)
above.
f)
Notwithstanding regulations (c) to (e) above, if an annual
report that is due for submission on 30 September has not
been received without due explanation by 20 November, or
if the report has not been received after a comparable
interval in the case of another due date, he or she may be
deemed by the Chair of the Education Advisory Committee
to have resigned their appointment, and will be advised
accordingly.
g)
With respect to (d) and (f) above, where illness or other
personal reasons have been notified by the external
examiner to the Head of QEU as preventing the External
Examiner from meeting requirements of the role, the
relevant School will in the first instance seek to agree
appropriate revised arrangements such as a revised
timescale for submission of an outstanding report.
Regulation 7
82
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
APPENDIX 1
STUDENT CONDUCT IN AN EXAMINATION
Candidates who fail to abide by these instructions will be subject to disciplinary
action as set out in the University Code of Discipline for Students (Regulation
12).
These instructions shall apply to all University examinations, including those for
the purposes of continuous assessment and those held outwith a UWS
campus.
i)
Candidates must act in accordance with any instruction issued by an
Invigilator. Candidates who wish to attract the attention of an Invigilator
should raise their hand. Candidates should not leave their seats without
permission.
ii)
Articles of clothing not being worn, bags etc. should be left in the area
designated by the Invigilators. Candidates are not permitted to have any
notebooks, textbooks, loose pages, tables or similar items on or near
their desks unless specifically permitted in writing by the Examiner or as
specified in instructions issued by the Invigilator. Any such items may
be confiscated by an Invigilator. All rough workings must be made in
Examination Answer booklets.
iii)
Candidates sitting examinations should not have sight of the question
paper until the time scheduled for the exams to commence. Candidates
may not begin writing before the invigilator announces the start of the
examination and must cease writing when the invigilator announces the
end of the examination.
iv)
Mobile telephones and other electronic devices such as personal music
players and headphones should be switched off and left in candidates’
bags in the area designated by the Invigilators.
v)
No leaves may be torn out of the Examination Answer books and no
Examination Answer books may, under any circumstances whatever, be
removed from an examination room - either before, during, after or
between examinations.
vi)
When authorised by the Examiners candidates may introduce into an
examination room and make use of calculators provided that they are
portable, silent, battery operated, and not pre-programmed (apart from
the standard scientific functions built in to the calculator); a calculator
other than as specified may be deemed to be an unauthorised aid and
may be confiscated by an Invigilator. No other hand-held electronic
devices will be permitted unless authorised by the Examiner. A random
check of electronic calculators may be undertaken during the
examination.
Candidates using calculators do so at their own risk, and are responsible
for ensuring that they have spare batteries.
vii)
The use of English/first language dictionaries may be permitted in formal
examinations for international candidates whose first language is not
Regulation 7
85
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
English, except where the Module Co-ordinator for the module has
previously indicated in writing that dictionaries will not be permitted.
Electronic dictionaries will not be permitted in any examination.
Dictionaries will not be permitted in language examinations. Where
used, dictionaries may be scrutinised by Invigilators at the start of the
examination.
viii)
Candidates are required to place their student cards on their
examination desks in such a manner that Invigilators may verify each
candidate's identity. Any student who is unable to display a valid student
ID card is required to complete a "student identification form".
ix)
Candidates will not normally be allowed to enter the examination room
after the first hour has expired or to leave within the first hour or last half
hour. Candidates who wish to leave the room should raise their hand to
attract the attention of an Invigilator and seek permission to leave. Any
candidate leaving the examination before the last half hour is required to
leave both examination paper and written scripts with the Invigilators.
x)
No smoking, drinking or eating (with the exception of small sweets, small
cartons of fruit juice or small bottles of water) will be allowed during an
examination.
xi)
A candidate whose conduct is in the view of the Senior Invigilator,
disturbing to other candidates and who persists in this conduct after
receiving a warning, shall be required to withdraw from the examination
room.
xii)
At the end of the examination all candidates must remain seated until
the examination scripts have been collected. Candidates are
responsible for ensuring that scripts and other material which form part
of the examination are appropriately secured together as per the
instructions given by the Senior Invigilator.
xiii)
Candidates must not hold any communication with each other in the
examination room, even before or after the formal start or finish of the
examination.
xiv)
A candidate who requires to be absent temporarily from the room will be
accompanied by an Invigilator or member of Administrative staff.
xv)
Candidates who are in doubt as to the meaning of an examination
question should write on their scripts their interpretation of the question.
Candidates who believe they have identified a possible error in the
examination paper should raise the matter with an Invigilator, who will in
turn seek clarification from the Examiner.
xvi)
Any candidate who falls ill during an examination must inform the
Invigilator.
xvii)
Any candidate whose performance may have been adversely affected
by illness or other circumstances prior to or during the examination or
who is prevented from attending an examination because of sickness or
other valid circumstances should submit a Mitigating Circumstances
Form together with any supporting evidence. The form must be
Regulation 7
86
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
submitted to Academic Services by the deadline specified on the
mitigation claim form.
xviii) Candidates are bound by the University's Regulation concerning
cheating and plagiarism (Regulation 7.11 and 8.10).
Regulation 7
87
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
APPENDIX 2
CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM
Discovery/Suspicion of Cheating, Plagiarism or collusion
Formal Examinations
If an examination invigilator discovers or suspects a case of cheating or
plagiarism during a formal examination, he or she should note the name of the
candidate and the candidate’s desk number and report the circumstances to the
Senior Invigilator.
The Senior Invigilator should note on the candidate’s script at the point the
situation arose and the candidate should be informed that the circumstances will
be notified to the appropriate University Officer. The candidate should then be
permitted to continue the examination.
Incidents of suspected cheating or plagiarism should be referred immediately
after the examination by the Senior Invigilator to the Head of Registry. A full
report of the circumstances wil be provided in the Senior Invigilator’s Report to
the Head of Registry. The Module Co-ordinator and the Subject Panel Chair will
be informed by the Head of Registry that the examination script should be
marked but marks not confirmed pending the outcome of possible disciplinary
procedures.
The Head of Registry will make a decision (on whether or not the matter referred
to him or her is to be treated as a substantial academic irregularity) as soon as
practicable. If the Head of Registry decides that the disciplinary procedure should
be invoked, the matter will be referred to the Secretary to the Disciplinary
Committee and thereafter it will be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of
the Code of Discipline. If the Head of Registry decides that the disciplinary
process should not be invoked, this decision will be communicated to the student.
Plagiarism, as defined in Regulation 7.11, may be identified in Research
Programmes. This may be prior to submission for examination in one of the
assessed Progression Reports (including the Transfer report), or in the final thesis
before, during or after examination. Where a circumstance of plagiarism is
suspected, this will be dealt with under Regulation 8.10.
Regulation 7
88
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
8
REGULATIONS FOR RESEARCH
DEGREES
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
8
Regulations for Research Degrees
8.1
General Requirements
8.1.1
Research Degrees
a)
The degrees of Master of Research (MRes), Master of
Philosophy (MPhil), Doctor of Business Administration
(DBA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) shall be awarded to
registered research degree students who successfully
complete an approved programme of supervised research
and satisfy the University’s requirements for the standard of
the award (see Regulation 3.5.1-3.5.4).
8.1.2
The Graduate School
a)
The Graduate School has been established by Senate to
manage
all
matters
relating
to
the
registration,
administration, direction and assessment of research
degree students and candidates, except as where otherwise
provided for in the University’s Regulations.
b)
All matters relating to research degree applicants, students
and candidates shall be dealt with in accordance with the
procedures and notes of guidance issued periodically by the
Graduate School Board.
c)
The Graduate School will administer all matters relating to
postgraduate research students. The terms of reference
and membership of the Graduate School Board is included
in Regulation 14.
8.1.3
Categories of Registration
a)
A person may apply for one of the following categories of
registration:
i)
the degree of MRes only;
ii)
the degree of MPhil only;
iii)
the degree of MPhil with the intention of transfer to
PhD (MPhil/PhD); or
iv)
the degree of DBA only
v)
exceptionally the degree of PhD direct where the
candidate is considered to have appropriate
research experience.
b)
An applicant for registration for the degree of MRes or MPhil
or for the degree of MPhil with the intention of transfer to
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
89
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
PhD shall normally be expected to be the holder of a first or
second class honours degree of a university in the United
Kingdom or of the former Council for National Academic
Awards (CNAA), or of an equivalent qualification.
c)
Applications
for
registration
from
persons
holding
qualifications other than those specified in Regulation
8.1.3(b) (above) shall be considered on their merits and in
relation to the nature and scope of the programme of work
proposed. Any person submitting an application in
accordance with this regulation shall include in the
application the names of two suitable persons whom the
University may consult concerning the applicant’s
attainment and fitness to undertake research.
d)
Direct registration for the degree of DBA may be approved,
at the discretion of the University, of a person who holds an
appropriate Master’s degree of a UK University or of a
former CNAA, or an equivalent international university,
provided that the degree was in the subject of Research
Methods or equivalent.
Exceptionally candidates who have appropriate experience
at postgraduate level which has resulted in significant
publication and where evidence of accomplishment is
supplied may also be considered.
e)
Direct registration for the degree of PhD may also be
approved, at the discretion of the University, of a person
who holds an MRes/MPhil degree of a United Kingdom
University or of the former CNAA, or an MPhil degree of
equivalent standard of an international University, provided
that the MPhil degree is in a subject area which is
appropriate to the proposed programme of work.
f)
Exceptionally, direct registration for the degree of PhD
may also be approved, at the discretion of the University,
of a person who, although not the holder of an
MRes/MPhil degree, is the holder of a high quality
honours degree or taught master’s degree (or equivalent)
in an appropriate discipline, AND who has appropriate
research experience at postgraduate level which has
resulted in significant publications, and where evidence of
accomplishment is supplied.
8.1.4
Programmes of Study
a)
Programmes of supervised research may be proposed in
any field of study subject to the requirement that the
proposed programme is capable of leading to scholarly
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
90
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
research and to its presentation for assessment by
appropriate examiners.
b)
Each proposed programme of supervised research will be
considered on its merits and without reference to the
concerns or interests of any associated funding body [see
Regulation 8.1.5(b)].
c)
In considering whether to approve an application for
registration as a research degree student, the Graduate
School Board will require to be satisfied about the following:
i)
the suitability of the applicant concerned to undertake
research, including the applicant’s qualifications;
ii)
the viability of the proposed programme of research;
iii)
the
adequacy
of
the
proposed
supervision
arrangements and their sustainability (see Regulation
8.3);
iv)
the adequacy and appropriateness of the facilities
and resources available to support the proposed
research;
d)
An applicant who does not hold the normally expected
qualifications [see Regulation 8.1.3(c)], must provide
evidence of ability and background knowledge in relation to
the proposed programme of supervised research. Details of
professional experience, publications, written reports or
other appropriate evidence of accomplishment should be
submitted with the application.
8.1.5
Group and Funded Projects
a)
Where it is proposed that the work should form part of a
larger group project, each application must clearly state how
the proposed work shall in itself be distinguishable from the
larger group project for the purposes of assessment and
how it will be appropriate for the award being sought. The
applicant must indicate clearly the specific contribution to be
made and its relationship to the group project.
b)
Where a proposed programme of supervised research
forms part of a funded project, the terms of the funding must
not militate against the fulfilment of the objectives of the
programme or the University’s requirements for the award
concerned (MRes or MPhil, DBA or PhD).
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
91
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
8.1.6
Registration by Distance Mode
a)
A person proposing to undertake a programme of
supervised research outwith the University may be
registered as a research degree student on a Distance
mode provided that:
i)
there is satisfactory evidence that the facilities
available to the applicant within and outwith the
University of the West of Scotland will meet the
University’s requirements;
ii)
the arrangements for supervision are such as to
enable frequent and substantial contact between the
student and the supervisor(s) based in the University;
b)
Any person registered in accordance with this regulation
shall be expected to engage in appropriate training,
evaluation and progression events and to agree the
frequency and mode of contact with their Director of
Studies. This will normally equate to not less than six
weeks contact per year at locations appropriate to the
programme of study. As part of the delivery of the research
programme, distance students are expected to visit the
University at least once a year for a period of intensive
supervision.
Each student undertaking a programme of research by
distance supervision should normally have a supervisory
team consisting of a Director of Studies, a second
supervisor and an additional supervisor or external
collaborator in the host institution or workplace who will act
in an advisory capacity.
Candidates are normally required to attend for this oral
examination at the University of the West of Scotland.
8.1.6.1
Study as a Distance Student
All distance students and all members of the supervisory teams for
students registered on the distance mode are subject to the same
procedures and regulation as set out in the Regulatory Framework.
The following conditions also apply for distance supervision
arrangements:
a)
The supervisory team should establish the requirements for
regular and frequent contact as necessary.
Where these requirements are not adhered to, and if
student progress is considered unsatisfactory, this should
be brought to the attention of the supervisory team and, if
appropriate, the Dean of School, and subsequently to the
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
92
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
Graduate School as soon as possible. Such problems
should normally be raised as they occur and do not
constitute grounds for complaint subsequent to a decision
by Graduate School that progress is not adequate.
b)
By enrolment, the student or the student’s sponsor or host
institution accepts responsibility for:
i)
the cost of any programme of related studies;
ii)
the cost of any English language courses required;
iii)
the cost of facilities such as email and computing;
iv)
all costs associated with the visit/s to the University
of the West of Scotland and of the Viva examination;
v)
the cost of any visit approved as necessary by the
University of the West of Scotland to the host
institution or workplace by the Director of Studies;
8.1.7
External Collaboration
a)
Wherever practicable, a programme of supervised research
leading to the award of a research degree of the University
shall be undertaken in collaboration with an appropriate
external industrial, commercial, professional or research
establishment.
b)
Formal collaboration shall normally involve the research
degree student’s use of facilities and other resources in the
collaborating establishment, as well as the University.
c)
The name of any proposed collaborating establishment(s)
shall be submitted with the application for registration,
supported by a letter from each collaborating establishment,
except where collaboration is to be an integral part of the
project concerned.
8.1.8
The University’s Policy on External Co-operation
a)
It is the policy of the University to encourage co-operation
with industrial, commercial, professional or research
establishments in programmes of supervised research
leading to the degrees of Master of Research (MRes),
Master of Philosophy (MPhil), Doctor of Business
Administration (DBA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Such co-operation is intended to:
i)
encourage outward-looking and relevant research;
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
93
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
ii)
extend a research degree student’s experience and
perspectives of the work;
iii)
provide a wider range of experience and expertise to
assist in the development of the research project;
c)
Formal co-operation may be arranged with one or more
organisations outside the University. Any such external
body shall be referred to as a collaborating establishment.
The nature of the arrangements and confirmation of those
arrangements must be submitted with the application for
registration.
8.1.9
Programme of Related Studies
a)
Students registered for MRes, MPhil and PhD degrees shall
normally be required to follow a programme of related
studies where considered necessary for the attainment of
competence in research methods and the acquisition of
background knowledge to support the programme of
supervised research.
b)
Where a programme of related studies includes an
approved programme of studies leading to another award,
the research degree student concerned may be
recommended for that award on successful completion of
that programme, provided that al the University’s
requirements have been satisfied, in addition to being
recommended for the award of an MPhil or PhD, if
appropriate.
8.1.10
The Purpose of Programmes of Related Studies
a)
The purpose of the programme of related studies is
intended to provide:
i)
the student with the skills and knowledge necessary
for the pursuit of the programme of research to be
undertaken;
ii)
a body of knowledge normally associated with a first
degree in the field of study of the programme of
research to be undertaken;
iii)
a breadth of knowledge in subjects related to the
programme of research.
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
94
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
8.1.11
Programme of Integrated Studies
a)
A student registered for the degree of PhD, whether for PhD
direct [see Regulation 8.1.3(a) (iii)] or for the degree of
MPhil with the possibility of transfer to PhD [see Regulation
8.1.3(a) (ii)], may undertake an integrated programme of
work which, as well as the research element, includes a
programme of postgraduate study on which the student’s
performance will be formally assessed.
b)
Any such programme of postgraduate study must
complement the research and must not occupy more than
one third of the total approved period of registration.
d)
A person registered for the degree of MRes or MPhil only
shall not be permitted to undertake a programme of
integrated studies.
8.1.12
Concurrent Studies
a)
A person registered for a research degree may be permitted
to register for another programme of study concurrently,
provided that either the research degree registration or the
other programme of study is in the part-time mode and that
the dual registration will not inhibit the student’s undertaking
the programme of supervised research.
8.1.13
Creative Work
a)
Where an applicant for registration proposes to undertake a
programme of work in which the person’s own creative work
will form, as a point of origin or reference, a significant part
of the intellectual inquiry, the application for registration
must set out the intended form of the final submission and
of the final assessments.
b)
The creative work shall be clearly presented in relation to
the argument of the written thesis and set in its relevant
theoretical, historical, critical or design context. The thesis
itself shal conform to the University’s normal scholarly and
other requirements.
c)
The student’s final submission shal be accompanied by
some permanent record of the creative work bound, where
practicable, with the thesis.
8.1.14
Scholarly Editions of Texts
a)
An applicant for registration may propose to undertake a
programme of research leading to a research degree in
which the principal focus will be the preparation of a
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
95
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
scholarly edition of a text or texts, musical or choreographic
work, or other original artefacts.
b)
The student’s final submission must include a copy of the
edited text(s) or collection of artefact(s), appropriate textual
and explanatory annotations, and a substantial introduction
and critical commentary which set the text in the relevant
historical, theoretical or critical context. The thesis itself
shal conform to the University’s normal scholarly and other
requirements.
8.1.15
Language
a)
Normally, a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the
University’s requirements for the award of an MRes or MPhil
or PhD, DBA and the oral examination, must be written,
defended and conducted in English.
b)
Exceptionally, permission may be given for a thesis to be
presented in a language other than English; normally only
when the subject matter of the research involves languages
and related studies. In such cases this will be made clear
on the student’s transcript.
c)
Permission to present a thesis in a language other than
English shall normally be sought at the same time as the
application for registration.
8.1.16
Modes of Study
a)
A research degree student may be registered on a full-time
or on a part-time basis.
b)
A full-time research degree student shall normally be
required to devote, on average, at least 35 hours per week
to the programme of supervised research.
c)
A part-time research degree student shall normally be
required to devote, on average, at least 20 hours per week
to the programme of supervised research.
8.1.17
Confidentiality
a)
Where, because of the nature of the programme of
supervised research or for other good cause, there is a
need for a thesis to remain confidential, approval for
confidentiality should normally be sought at same time as
the submission of the application for registration.
b)
When the need for confidentiality emerges at a subsequent
stage, a special application for the thesis to remain
confidential after submission shall be made immediately.
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
96
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
c)
The period for which a thesis may remain confidential shall
not normally exceed two years from the date of the oral
examination. In exceptional circumstances, a longer period
may be approved by the University.
8.1.18
Grounds for Confidentiality
a)
An application for a thesis to remain confidential [see also
Regulation 8.11.3(b)] should only be made when the
confidential nature of the candidate’s programme of
supervised research is such as to preclude the thesis being
made freely available in the libraries of the University and of
any collaborating establishment(s) and, in the case of a
DBA or PhD thesis, the British Library.
b)
Normally, the Head of Enterprise Services will only approve
an application for confidentiality in order to enable a patent
application to be lodged or to protect material which is
commercially, or for some other good reason, sensitive.
The University will not approve confidentiality in order to
protect research leads.
c)
Although approval will normally be given for the thesis to
remain confidential for a maximum of two years [see
Regulation 8.1.17(c)], the Graduate School Board may, in
exceptional circumstances, approve a longer period of
confidentiality. Conversely, where a shorter period would
be adequate, Graduate School Board shall not automatically
approve a two-year period.
8.1.19
Research Degrees by Publication
8.1.19.1
Eligibility
a)
Candidates who are currently members of full or part-time
academic staff of the University of the West of Scotland,
may, at the discretion of the Graduate School Board, be
allowed to register for the award of the PhD degree by
research publications.
b)
Candidates must be members of academic staff (full or
part-time) of the University of the West of Scotland of not
less than three years’ standing at the date of application for
registration.
c)
Candidates should be active researchers in their field of
expertise and they should not normally submit material
published more than ten years prior to the date when they
are given permission to register for the degree.
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
97
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
d)
Candidates will be allowed to register for the degree only
with the approval of the Graduate School Board to which all
applications must be made.
e)
Permission to register will not normally be granted to
candidates who already possess a PhD.
8.1.19.2
Application procedure
The application should consist of a list of the public outputs on
which the candidature is based, a preliminary statement giving
details of where and when the work was carried out together with
an outline discussion (of not more than 3,000 words) of the
contribution of the published output to the advancement of
knowledge in the field of study. Where the application is based on
jointly published work a statement should be included making clear
the contribution of the candidate to the outputs included.
8.1.19.3
Review of Applications
It is expected that all applications will be reviewed by a full
meeting of Graduate School Board which will establish more
detailed criteria in determining application outcomes. Where it
deems necessary Graduate School Board will seek external
advice on the application.
8.1.19.4
Supervision
On registration, an adviser (corresponding to the 'Director of
Studies' in the conventional PhD programme) from within the
University will be appointed to advise the candidate on the
selection, coherence and quality of the portfolio of research work
to be submitted and on the nature of the accompanying abstract
and critical review. The research adviser will be an active
researcher with PhD examining experience.
8.1.19.5
Submission and examination
a)
Candidates must normally submit within twelve months of
the date of registration.
b)
Each candidate will be examined by at least two examiners
external to the University appointed according to the
regulations (8.6) pertaining to the conventional PhD route,
an internal examiner may also be appointed. Co-authors,
advisers or supervisors may not act as examiners.
c)
The grounds for the award of PhD by research publications
are the submission of a portfolio of published work judged
satisfactory by the examiners and a satisfactory
performance at an oral examination.
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
98
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
d)
The submitted portfolio of published research must add up
to a substantial and coherent body of work which would
have taken a diligent student the equivalent of three years
of full-time study to accomplish, which makes a significant
and original contribution to knowledge in, or understanding
of, the candidate’s field of study, and which is of a
scholarly standard normally expected of a candidate who
submits and is awarded a PhD.
e)
The portfolio of published work must consist of:
All items of public work on which the application is based,
a critical review of 10,000 to 25,000 words (see Regulation
8.1.19.6 below), where jointly authored works are included
a declaration must be attached indicating the role of the
candidate and where possible this statement should be
endorsed by co-authors, an abstract of approximately 300
words. The total submission, including the critical review
should not normally exceed 100,000 words.
8.1.19.6
Portfolio
The portfolio could, for example, consist of one or two books plus
several refereed journal articles or research papers, which are
already in the public domain.
a)
Candidates must either be the sole author of the portfolio
of published work or must be able to demonstrate in the
critical review of the submitted work that they have made a
major contribution to all of the work that has been
produced by more than one author. In such cases a
declaration must be appended as above and, where
possible, endorsed by co-authors.
b)
The portfolio of published work must be accompanied by
an abstract and also by a general critical review of all the
submitted work. This critical review should summarise the
aims, objectives, methodology, results and conclusions
covered by all the work submitted in the portfolio. It should
also indicate how the publications form a coherent body of
work, what contribution the candidate has made to this
work, and how the work contributes significantly to the
expansion of knowledge. It should be at least 10,000
words, but not more than 25,000 words in length.
c)
At the conclusion of the examination the examiners may
recommend to Graduate School Board that:
i)
the degree of PhD be awarded;
ii)
the degree of PhD be awarded subject to
amendments to the final report;
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
99
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
iii)
the degree be not awarded;
d)
All submissions must include a statement, signed by the
candidate, confirming that the work has not been submitted
in full or in part for the award of another degree.
e)
Submissions should, as far as is practicable, be bound in a
way that confirms to the regulatory standards (Regulation
8.12.4) for the format and binding of theses. Material other
than books must be bound in the usual way. Books may
be submitted as published.
f)
Three bound copies of each submission, containing an
abstract and critical review, should be lodged with the
Graduate School. All three copies of the submission shall
remain the property of the University.
g)
With the approval of Graduate School Board a candidate
may be allowed to revise or re-submit for this degree after
a prescribed period, normally not less than five years.
8.2
Periods of Registration
8.2.1
General Requirements
a)
The normal and maximum periods of registration of
research degree students shall normally be:
MRes
full-time
12 months
24 months
Part-time
24 months
36 months
MPhil
full-time
12 months
24 months
part-time
24 months
36 months
MPhil/PhD
full-time
36 months
48 months
(Including
part-time
72 months
84 months
PhD direct)
DBA
part-time
48 months
60 months
b)
A full-time research degree student shall normally be
required to complete the programme of supervised research
for the degree of MRes/MPhil within 12 months and for the
degrees of DBA/PhD within 36 months of the effective date
of registration.
c)
It may be possible to complete a programme of study within
a shorter duration than the normal duration listed in 8.2.1a.
The minimum duration of studies will be 2/3 of the normal
duration, subject to the fees being paid to cover the normal
duration.
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
100
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
d)
Registration may be backdated by up to six months from the
date of enrolment.
e)
Normal durations of study are listed above at 8.2.1a.
Exceptionally, a student may apply for an extension,
justifying their request on academic grounds, up to a
maximum period of registration. Students will be able to
apply for a single 12 month full-time or part-time extension.
f)
A student that exceeds the initial maximum period of
registration and has their registration extended shall be
subject to an annual Completion Fee, as set and published
annually in the Fee Schedule.
g)
Periods of authorised interruption of studies will not be
included in the calculation of the period of registration.
h)
Students may move between full-time and part-time modes
of registration. Normal and maximum periods of
registration will be governed by 8.2.1a, and the expected
end date of studies will be calculated and advised to the
student at the point of change. Time extended on either
full-time or part-time study will be calculated on a pro-rata
basis and totalled, and a single maximum 12 month
extension permitted.
i)
Where an applicant has previously undertaken research as
a registered research degree student, a shorter period of
registration than that normally required [see Regulation
8.2.1 (a) above], which takes account of all or part of the
time already spent by the applicant on that research, may
be approved.
j)
Where a student registered on a PhD or on an MPhil/PhD
having completed a transfer to PhD, subsequently
decides to submit their thesis to be examined for an MPhil
qualification and has exceeded the maximum period of
registration as listed in 8.2.1 (a), the Graduate School may
approve on request an extension to the period of
registration of six months.
8.2.2
Changes in Registration
a)
Where there is evidence that a programme of supervised
research is proceeding exceptionally well, the period of
registration may be shortened from that normally required.
b)
Where a research degree student is prevented, by ill-
health or other good cause, from making progress with the
programme of supervised research, the registration may
be interrupted. The authorised interruption shall not
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
101
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
exceed any single period exceeding one year, and will not
normally include an accumulated duration exceeding two
years over the entire programme of study.
c)
The period of registration of a research degree student may
be extended, at the discretion of the Graduate School
Board. Any such extension shall not normally be for more
than one year but may be reviewed at the discretion of the
Graduate School Board.
d)
Any change in the programme of supervised research being
undertaken by a registered research degree student must
be notified. Where any change is substantial, approval
must be obtained before any such change be implemented.
e)
Where a research degree student discontinues the
programme of supervised research, the withdrawal of
registration must be reported.
f)
Where the Graduate School Board considers that progress
has been inadequate and that the research programme is
unlikely to lead to a successful outcome within a reasonable
time, registration may be terminated.
8.2.3
Shortening of the Period of Registration
a)
Any application for a shortening of the period of registration
to less than the normal required, shall be submitted at the
same time as the application for approval of the examination
arrangements.
8.3
Supervision
8.3.1
Supervisors: Criteria for Appointment and Responsibilities
8.3.1.1
It is the responsibility of the Dean of School or nominee to allocate
a Director of Studies and Supervisor and the proposed supervision
arrangements must be submitted for approval with the application
for registration.
18.3.1.2
a)
One member of the supervisory team shall have:
(i)
A research degree equivalent to, or exceeding, the
degree being supervised.
(ii)
Experience of supervision of at least one
postgraduate
research
student
to
successful
completion at a UK University.
b)
At least one member of the supervisory team shall be
experienced in research in the general area of the
1Approved by Senate on 28 March 2007
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
102
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
candidate’s thesis and have experience as a specialist in
the topic(s) to be investigated.
c)
Where the supervisory team is deemed to have insufficient
experience in the supervision of postgraduate research
students at a UK university, and of the procedures and
regulations of the University of the West of Scotland, an
additional supervisor with knowledge of standards expected
for a higher degree by research at a UK university, and with
knowledge of the procedures and regulations of the
University of the West of Scotland, shall be appointed.
8.3.1.3
Each registered research degree student shall normally have at
least two, but not more than three, supervisors.
8.3.1.4
One Supervisor shall be designated as the Director of Studies (first
supervisor) with the responsibility for supervising the student on a
regular and frequent basis. There will be a statement of an
agreement at confirmation of registration between the Director of
Studies and the student as to an appropriate specified frequency of
contact.
8.3.2
a)
It is expected that the supervisory team will give
consideration to the time allocated to a research student.
This should normally be approved prior to the issue of any
offer.
b)
For students studying on a distance-learning basis one
member of the supervisory team or a designated adviser will
normal y be based in the student’s local area.
8.3.3
Advisers
a)
In addition to the supervisors, an adviser or advisers may be
appointed to contribute particular specialist knowledge or a
link with an external organisation.
8.3.4
Eligibility
a)
A registered research degree student either in the university
or in another university or organisation may be eligible to act
as the Director of Studies or supervisor where it can be
clearly shown that there is no conflict of interest. The
contribution to knowledge of the student and of the Director
of Studies should be clearly defined.
8.3.5
Changes in Supervision Arrangements
Approval must be obtained from the Graduate School for any
changes in the supervision arrangements.
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
103
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
8.3.6
Training Programme
8.3.6.1
Research students should normally attend all relevant training
sessions.
8.3.7
Ethics and Research Code of Practice
8.3.7.1
All staff and students involved in research are required to abide by
the University’s policy on ethics in research and by the Research
Code of Practice.
8.3.8
Monitoring on Student Progress
a)
The
Graduate
School
has
established
monitoring
procedures which support students to achieve successful
completion of their studies. Students are required to submit
a number of progress reports in conjunction with their
Director of Studies and to attend an annual progress panel
interview which will be formally assessed.
b)
Students who have exceeded the normal period of
registration will not be required to undertake a panel
interview but an annual progression report should still be
completed. In such cases, Director of Studies will be
required to confirm to the Graduate School that the student
is still actively engaged in their studies and is maintaining
regular and frequent contact with the supervisors and that
they are likely to complete their studies.
c)
All progression reports will address the issues of ethical
approval, attendance monitoring and training.
d)
Where, after obtaining a progression report, the Graduate
School is dissatisfied with student progress, it may take
such action as it deems necessary including, after
investigation and consultation, the withdrawal of the
student’s registration. The Chair of the Graduate School
Board shall consult the supervisory team and the Dean of
School.
e)
The University may be required to use data collected to
report to the Home Office on international students’
attendance.
8.3.9
Assessor
8.3.9.1
General Requirements
a)
Each research degree candidate shall be appointed an
independent, internal assessor at the 12 week reporting
stage. The Assessor will be appointed for the duration of
the research programme and will assess the transfer of
registration from MPhil to PhD at the review stage.
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
104
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
b)
The Assessor may not normally be any member of the
candidate’s approved supervisory team.
c)
The Assessor is responsible for considering the submitted
progression reports and discuss the candidate’s progress
at an annual panel review arranged by the Director of
Studies.
d)
The Assessor will report to Graduate School Board on the
candidate’s progress and continued registration.
8.4
Transfer of Registration
8.4.1
Application for Transfer of Registration from MPhil to PhD
a)
A research degree student registered initially for MPhil/PhD
[see Regulation 8.1.3(a)(ii)] who wishes to transfer
registration to the degree of PhD must demonstrate that
sufficient progress has been made on the programme of
supervised
research
to
provide
evidence
of
the
development of the project to the standard required of a
PhD.
b)
A research degree student registered initially for the degree
of MPhil only [see Regulation 8.1.3(a)(i)] may be permitted
to apply for transfer of registration, subject to the above
requirements [see also 8.4.3(c)].
8.4.2
a)
An application for the transfer of registration from MPhil/PhD
to PhD should normally be submitted between 12 and 18
months of full-time study, or at an equivalent stage in the
case of a part-time research degree student.
8.4.3
Progress Report
a)
An application for the transfer of registration from MPhil to
PhD shall be supported by a progress report on the work
undertaken prepared by the research degree student.
b)
The progress report shall include:
i)
a review and discussion of the work already
undertaken; and
ii)
a statement of the intended further work, including
details of the original contribution to knowledge which
is likely to emerge.
c)
In the case of an application for the transfer of registration
by a student registered for MPhil only, the progress report
shall be more substantial stating clearly the grounds for
seeking the transfer of registration.
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
105
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
8.4.4
Assessment of Progress and Potential
a)
Before approving the transfer of registration of a research
degree student, the Graduate School Board will need to be
satisfied that the student has made sufficient progress and
that the proposed future programme of research will provide
a suitable basis for work at the level of a PhD which the
student is capable of pursuing to completion.
b)
In addition to considering the student’s progress report (see
Regulation 8.4.3), the Graduate School Board will normally
arrange an oral assessment as part of its evaluation of the
case for a transfer. This oral assessment will normally be
made by an assessor appointed by the Graduate School
Board. The Dean of School or delegate will normally also
attend.
c)
Where a student fails to satisfy the Graduate School Board
of either progression and/or potential of the project will have
their registration confirmed to be MPhil. The student will
receive detailed feedback relating to the performance of the
Transfer Event and will be given the opportunity to
represent at a second Transfer Event within a maximum of
3 months.
d)
A student who satisfies the Graduate School Board of
progress and of the potential of the project at the Transfer
Event will have their registration confirmed to be PhD.
8.4.5
Transfer of Registration from PhD to MPhil
a)
A student who is registered for the degree of PhD, whether
direct or following a transfer of registration, who is unable to
complete the approved programme of supervised research
may, at any time prior to the submission of proposed
examination arrangements, apply for the registration to be
transferred to that for the degree of MPhil.
8.5
Assessment
8.5.1
General Requirements
a)
The assessment of a candidate for the degree of MRes or
MPhil or DBA or PhD shall normally be in two stages:
i)
the assessment of the thesis;
ii)
the candidate’s defence of the thesis by an oral or
approved alternative examination.
Exceptionally examiners may recommend that assessment
is by thesis only. See Regulation 8.7.3.
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
106
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
b)
A candidate whose approved programme of supervised
research included a formally assessed component of
integrated studies shall not be permitted to proceed to a
further stage in the assessment for the research degree
until the integrated work examiners are satisfied with the
candidate’s performance of that work. The result of that
assessment must be notified to the examiners of the
research programme.
c)
It is expected that candidates would normally be offered the
opportunity to participate in a mock viva, in preparation for
their formal examination.
8.5.2
Examination Procedures
a)
No examination of a research degree candidate shall be
held until the arrangements, including the appointment of
examiners and Chair Person, have been approved in
accordance with the procedures established by the
Graduate School Board.
b)
Each candidate shall be informed of the procedure to be
followed for the submission of the thesis and of any
conditions to be satisfied before the candidate may be
presented for examination.
c)
The Graduate School is responsible for ensuring that all
assessments and examinations of research degree
candidates are conducted in accordance with the
University’s Regulations and procedures.
d)
It is the responsibility of the Director of Studies to propose to
the Dean of School the arrangements, including nominating
the examiners and Chair Person, for the assessment and
examination of a research degree candidate. The
nomination of examination arrangements of research
degrees should be submitted to the Dean of School for
endorsement and thereafter to the Graduate School for
approval at least three months before the expected date of
the examination.
e)
The examination team should be selected to ensure that the
whole breadth of experience, knowledge and skills required
is represented.
In relation to practice-based studies, at least one of the
examining team must have the capacity to examine creative
outputs.
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
107
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
e)
No assessment of the thesis or examination of the candidate
shall take place until the proposed arrangements have been
approved by the Graduate School Board.
g)
The Director of Studies shall consult with the examiners,
Chair Person and the student to arrange the date of the oral
examination.
h)
The Secretary to the Graduate School Board shall confirm
to the candidate and the examiners the date of the oral
examination (see Regulation 8.5.3) and shall send to each
examiner a copy of the thesis and of the University’s
Regulations and procedures, and shall ensure that all the
examiners are fully briefed on their duties and
responsibilities.
i)
In any instance where the Graduate School Board becomes
aware of a failure to comply with all the University’s
requirements relating to assessment and examination
process, it may declare the examination null and void (see
Regulation 8.5.5) and require that new examiners be
proposed and that a new assessment and examination be
held.
j)
Whilst a candidate would be unwise to submit the thesis for
assessment against the advice of the supervisors, it is the
candidate’s right so to do. Conversely, a candidate should
not assume that the supervisors' agreement to the
submission of the thesis guarantees the award of the
degree for which it is submitted [see Regulation 8.5.6 (b)].
8.5.3
Oral Examination
a)
A candidate for MRes, MPhil, DBA and PhD shall normally
be examined orally on the programme of supervised
research and on the field of study in which the programme
lies.
b)
The oral examination of a research degree candidate shall
normally be held on campus. Exceptionally, approval may
be given for the oral examination to be held elsewhere.
Approval may also be given for the use of technology during
the oral examination to allow an appropriate examiner to
access the event remotely provided the quality and rigour of
the examination can be maintained.
c)
One supervisor may, with the consent of the candidate,
attend the oral examination in the role of an observer and
will withdraw prior to the deliberations of the examiners on
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
108
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
the outcome of the examination and their recommendation
to the University.
d)
Where for reasons of sickness, disability or comparable
valid cause the University is satisfied that a candidate would
be under serious disadvantage if required to undergo an
oral examination, an alternative form of examination may be
approved. Such approval shall not be given on the grounds
that a candidate’s knowledge of the language in which the
thesis is presented is inadequate.
8.5.4
Posthumous and Aegrotat Awards
a)
The degree of MRes, MPhil, DBA or PhD may be awarded
posthumously on the basis of a thesis completed by a
candidate which is ready for submission and where there is
evidence that the candidate would have been likely to have
been successful had the oral examination been held.
b)
Where the Graduate School Board does not have sufficient
evidence of the candidate’s performance to be able to
recommend an award of MRes, MPhil, DBA or PhD, but is
satisfied that but for illness or another valid cause the
person would have reached the required standard, it may
exceptionally recommend the conferment of an Aegrotat
award.
8.5.5
Procedural and other Irregularities
a)
Where there is evidence of procedural or other irregularity in
the conduct of the assessment, the examination may be
declared null and void with the appointment of new
examiners, if necessary.
8.5.6
The Candidate’s Responsibilities
a)
It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that the
thesis is submitted in accordance with the procedures
established by the Senate before the expiry of the period of
registration [taking account of any approved extension(s)].
b)
The submission of the thesis for assessment and
examination shall be at the sole discretion of the research
degree candidate concerned.
c)
A candidate for a research degree shall take no part in the
arrangement of the examination and shall have no formal
contact with the external examiner(s) between their
appointment and the holding of the oral examination.
d)
Each candidate shall confirm, through a declaration bound
into the thesis, that the thesis has not been submitted for a
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
109
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
DBA
or
PhD
or
comparable
academic
award.
Notwithstanding, a candidate shall not be precluded from
incorporating in a thesis, covering a wider field, work which
has already been submitted for a research degree, provided
that it is clearly indicated, in the thesis, which work has been
so incorporated and the extent of this work.
e)
A candidate shall ensure that the format and binding of the
thesis accords with the University’s requirements before
submitting the thesis for examination.
f)
The thesis for the degree of MPhil and PhD shall be
presented in a permanent binding in accordance with the
University’s requirements (see Regulation 8.12.4) before the
degree may be conferred.
g)
The thesis for the degree of MRes shall be presented in a
spiral binding in accordance with the University’s
requirements before the degree may be conferred.
8.6
Examiners and Chair Person
8.6.1
General Requirements
a)
Each research degree candidate shall be examined by at
least two, but normally not more than three, examiners
[subject to the requirements of Regulations 8.7.2(c), 8.7.2(d)
and 8.8.1(b)] of whom at least one shall be an external
examiner.
b)
An internal examiner may not normally be any member of
the candidate's approved supervisory team.
c)
Where the candidate to be examined and the internal
examiner are members of the permanent staff of this
University, a second external examiner should be
appointed.
d)
A Chair Person shall be appointed by the Graduate School
Board in conjunction with the School to convene the oral
examination and to report on the agreed recommendations
of the examiners to Graduate School Board.
The Chair Person will be responsible for the following:
a)
Conducting the whole examination and ensuring that it is
conducted in a fair manner and is of a reasonable
duration;
b)
Assisting the examiners to reach a consensus.
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
110
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
c)
A rranging for the joint examiner report stating the
recommendation of the examiners and submitting this to
Graduate School Board.
8.6.2
Exemption from Need for a Second External Examiner
a)
Any person who is employed by the University on a short
fixed term contract, such as a research assistant, shall be
exempt from the requirement that a second external
examiner be appointed (see Regulation 8.6.1(c) above).
8.6.3
Eligibility and Criteria for Appointment
a)
Each examiner shall satisfy the University’s normal
requirements for the appointment of examiners and shall, in
particular, be experienced in research in the general area of
the candidate’s thesis and, where practicable, have
experience as a specialist in the topic(s) to be examined.
b)
Where the external examiner is inexperienced in the
examination of postgraduate research students, an
additional external examiner with knowledge of standards
expected for a higher degree by research in the UK shall
normally be appointed.
c)
In accordance with the University’s general requirements for
the independence of external examiners (see Regulations
7.12.4(d) and (e), each external examiner shall:
i)
be independent of the University and of any
collaborating establishment(s) and shall not have
acted previously as the candidate’s supervisor or
adviser;
ii)
not normally be either a supervisor of another
candidate or an external examiner on a taught
programme in the same School of the University;
iii)
not normally have been a member of staff of the
University during the past five years;
iv)
not have acted as an external examiner of research
degree candidates so frequently in a given School
that the examiner’s objective judgement might be
prejudiced.
d)
The Chair Person will be an academic member of staff of
the University with knowledge of the University’s Research
Degree Regulations. The Chair Person shall:
i)
be an active researcher with experience of
examining research students;
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
111
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
ii)
be independent of the student’s work
8.6.4
Examiners and Chair Person will normally have experience of DBA
or PhD study, including their own completion of a DBA or PhD or
supervision of PhD students.
8.7
Examinations
8.7.1
Assessment of the Thesis
a)
Each examiner shall assess the thesis in advance of the
oral examination [see also Regulation 8.5.3(d)]. Each
examiner shall submit a preliminary report to the Secretary
of the Graduate School Board in advance of the oral
examination [see also Regulation 8.7.4(b)], or in exceptional
circumstances, on the day of the oral examination. The
Secretary will forward preliminary examiner reports to all
examiners, and the Chair prior to the examination.
b)
Where an examiner does not consider that the thesis
satisfies the University’s requirements for the degree of
MRes or MPhil or DBA or PhD, as appropriate (see
Regulations 3.5.1, 3.5.2 and 3.5.3) and does not wish to
proceed to an oral examination, the University must be
informed, in writing. In any such case, the examiners shall
provide the University with written guidance for the
candidate concerning the deficiencies of the thesis.
c)
Where the examiners are of the opinion that the thesis is
so unsatisfactory that no useful purpose would be served
by conducting an oral examination, they may recommend
that the University dispense with the oral examination
and refer the thesis for further work. In any such case, the
examiners shall provide the University with written
guidance for the candidate concerning the deficiencies of
the thesis.
d)
Following the oral examination, the examiners shall:
i)
where they are in agreement, submit a joint report
and recommendation relating to the award of the
degree;
ii)
where they are not in agreement, submit separate
reports and recommendations;
8.7.2
Recommendations
a)
Following the completion of the assessment and
examination of a research degree candidate, the examiners
may recommend that:
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
112
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
i)
the candidate be awarded the degree for which
examined;
ii)
the candidate be awarded the degree for which
examined, subject to minor amendments being made
to the thesis (see Regulation 8.7.2(b) below);
iii)
the candidate be permitted to re-submit for the
degree and be re-examined, with or without an oral
examination (see Regulation 8.8);
iv)
the candidate not be awarded the degree for which
examined and be not permitted to be re-examined
(see Regulations 8.7.2(f), (g) and (h));
v)
in the case of an examination for the degree of PhD,
the candidate be awarded the degree of MPhil
subject to the presentation of the thesis being
amended to the satisfaction of the examiners;
b)
Where a candidate is required to make revisions to the
submitted thesis, the examiners will set a deadline for
resubmission, between two and six months for minor
corrections and between six and twelve months for
significant revisions.
c)
Where the examiners are satisfied that the candidate has in
general reached the standard required for the degree for
which examined, but consider that the candidate’s thesis
requires some minor amendments and corrections not so
substantial as to call for the submission of a revised thesis,
and recommend that the degree be awarded subject to the
candidate amending the thesis to the satisfaction of the
internal and/or external examiners(s) (see Regulation
8.7.2(a)(ii) above), they shall indicate to the candidate in
writing the amendments and corrections required.
d)
Where the examiners are not unanimous in their
recommendations, the University may:
i)
accept a majority recommendation provided that the
majority recommendation is made by at least one
external examiner;
ii)
accept the recommendation of the external
examiner(s);
iii)
appoint an additional external examiner;
e)
An additional external examiner appointed in accordance
with Regulation 8.7.2(d)(iii) above shall prepare an
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
113
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
independent report on the basis of the thesis and, if
considered necessary, may conduct a further oral
examination. That examiner shall not be informed of the
recommendations of the other examiners.
f)
A further examination in addition to the oral examination
may be requested by the examiners. Where such a request
is approved by the University following the oral examination,
it shall normally be held within two calendar months of the
oral examination. Any such further examination shall be
deemed to be part of the first examination of the candidate
concerned.
g)
The examiners shall not recommend that a candidate fail
outright [see Regulation 8.7.2(a)(iv)] without holding an oral
examination or other alternative examination.
h)
Where the University determines that the degree be not
awarded and that no re-examination be permitted, the
examiners shall prepare an agreed statement of the
deficiencies of the thesis and the reason for their
recommendation to be forwarded to the candidate in
accordance with the procedures established by the Senate.
8.7.3
Assessment for an MRes by thesis only
Exceptionally examiners for the award of the degree of MRes may
recommend that assessment is by thesis only.
The nominated internal examiner shall inform the University of the
recommendation not to hold a viva and the reasons for this
recommendation. Following approval of the recommendation by
Graduate School Board, the procedure outline in 8.7.1 and 8.7.2
shall apply.
8.7.4
Examiners’ Reports and Recommendations
a)
The decision as to whether to accept the reports and
recommendations of the examiners of a research degree
candidate and to forward those recommendations
concerning the award of the degree of MRes, MPhil or PhD,
as appropriate, to the Senate shall rest with the Graduate
School Board (see Regulation 8.7.2).
b)
All formal communications by the examiners at each stage
of the assessment and examination process must be sent to
the Secretary to the Graduate School Board.
c)
The joint recommendation made by the examiners
submitted following the holding of the oral examination
should provide sufficiently detailed comments on the scope
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
114
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
and quality of the programme of supervised research
undertaken by the candidate to enable the Graduate School
Board to satisfy itself of the basis of the recommendations
[see Regulations 8.7.1(c)(ii) and 8.7.2(a)].
d)
The examiners should indicate informally to the candidate
the recommendations they propose to make on the result of
the examination (see Regulation 8.7.2) but they shall make
it clear to the candidate that the final decision rests with the
University.
e)
Where the examiners request that a further examination in
addition to the oral examination be held [see Regulation
8.7.2(e)], that request should be submitted to the Graduate
School for approval without delay.
8.8
Re-assessment
8.8.1
General Requirements
a)
One re-examination may be permitted, subject to the
following requirements:
i)
a candidate who fails to satisfy the examiners at the
first examination including, as applicable, the oral or
approved alternative examination [see Regulation
8.5.3(d)], or any further examination required under
Regulation 8.7.2(e), shall be permitted to revise the
thesis and be re-examined;
ii)
the examiners shall provide the candidate, in
accordance with the procedures established by the
Senate, with written guidance on the deficiencies of
the first submission; and
iii)
the candidate shall submit for re-examination within
one calendar year from the date of the latest part of
the first examination; where the oral examination has
been dispensed with in accordance with Regulation
8.7.2(f), the re-examination shall be held within one
calendar year of the date of that dispensation.
Where there is good cause, an extension of the
period for re-submission and/or re-examination may
be approved;
b)
At its discretion, the University may appoint an additional
external examiner for the re-examination.
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
115
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
8.8.2
Form of Re-examination and Recommendations
a)
The form of re-examination shall be that approved by the
University on the recommendation of the examiners at the
first examination (see Regulation 8.7.2).
b)
The examiners shall make one of the recommendations
provided for under Regulation 8.7.2(a), save that Regulation
8.7.2(a)(iii) shall not apply.
c)
Regulations 8.7.2(b) to 8.7.2(h) shall apply to any
re-examination as if it were a first examination.
8.8.3
Form of Re-assessment and Re-examination
a)
The form of re-examination shall be essentially that required
for a first examination, with the proviso that the examiners
may not recommend a further examination be held [see
Regulation 8.8.2(b)]. It should be noted that the Graduate
School Board may require an additional external examiner
to be appointed [see Regulation 8.8.1(b)].
b)
The detailed requirements for the form of the re-examination
of a candidate must, therefore, accord with Regulation 8.7.2
and be:
i)
where the candidate’s performance in the first oral or
approved
alternative
examination
or
further
examination was satisfactory but the thesis was
unsatisfactory and the examiners on re-examination
certify that the thesis as revised is satisfactory, the
candidate may be exempted by the University from
further examination, oral or otherwise;
ii)
where the candidate’s performance in the first oral or
approved
alternative
examination
or
further
examination was unsatisfactory and the thesis was
also unsatisfactory, any re-examination shall include
a re-examination of the thesis and an oral or
approved alternative examination;
iii)
where on the first examination the candidate’s thesis
was so unsatisfactory that the oral examination had
been dispensed with, any re-examination shall
include re-examination of the thesis and an oral or
approved alternative examination;
iv)
where on the first examination the candidate’s thesis
was satisfactory but the performance in the oral
and/or other examination(s) was unsatisfactory the
candidate shall be re-examined in the oral and/or
other examination(s);
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
116
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
v)
where on the first examination the thesis was
satisfactory but the candidate’s performance in
relation to the other requirements for the award of the
degree was unsatisfactory, the examiners may
propose a different form of re-examination to test the
candidate’s abilities recommended by the examiners
at the first examination and approved by the
University;
c)
Following completion of the re-assessment of the candidate,
the examiners may recommend that:
i)
the candidate be awarded the degree for which
examined;
ii)
the candidate not be awarded the degree for which
examined and be not permitted to be re-examined;
iii)
In the case of an examination for the degree of PhD,
the candidate be awarded the degree of MPhil
subject to the presentation of the thesis being
amended to the satisfaction of the examiners.
d)
The examiners may agree jointly, after examination of the
resubmitted thesis, that the thesis is so deficient to render a
second oral examination redundant, and may advise the
Graduate School Board that they do not wish to proceed
with the oral component of the assessment. This will only
occur when the thesis is so deficient that it cannot be
corrected within the bounds of Regulation 8.7.2aii), the
examiners shall detail the deficiencies in Joint Examiners’
Final Report.
e)
No re-examination in whatever form, shall be held without
the approval of the Graduate School Board.
8.9
Academic Appeals
8.9.1
General Requirements
a)
An academic appeal is defined as a request to review a
decision of an academic body charged with decisions on
student assessment, progression and awards.
b)
A student must submit their academic appeal in writing to
the Secretary of the Research & Enterprise Advisory
Committee (REAC) within 10 working days from the
notification date which informed them of the decision
against which they are appealing.
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
117
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
c)
A student will have the right to request a review of the
handling of their appeal case on procedural grounds only.
The student must make this request (in writing) to the Chair
of Senate within 10 working days of receiving the outcome
letter from REAC.
d)
An academic appeal may be made only by the individual
directly affected; they may NOT be lodged by a third party
such as a parent or other representative. The only
exception to this would be a student with enabling support
requirements which precludes them from submitting the
appeal independently.
e)
Where an academic appeal also contains within it a
complaint and vice versa, it is possible for the appeal or
complaint to be reclassified either by the student or the
University (at whatever stage they may have reached) and
processed under the most relevant regulation or procedure
if this is likely to lead to a more appropriate outcome for the
person(s) appealing or complaining.
Appeal of the Examiners’ Decision
8.9.2
General Requirements
a)
Any request for an appeal of the decisions of the examiners
submitted by a candidate for the degree of MRes or MPhil
or DBA or PhD shall be considered in accordance with the
procedures established by the Senate.
8.9.3
Grounds for an Appeal
a)
The only grounds on which an appeal shall be approved
shall be:
i)
that there were circumstances, such as illness or
other factors, adversely affecting the candidate’s
performance of which the examiners were unaware
at the oral examination and which the candidate was
unable, or for valid reasons unwilling, to divulge
before the examiners reached their decision,
provided that the candidate’s request is supported by
contemporaneous medical certificates or other
documentary evidence acceptable to the Senate or
Appeal Panel;
ii)
that there is evidence of administrative, procedural or
other irregularity in the conduct of the examination of
such a nature as to cause doubt as to whether the
result might have been different had there not been
such irregularity;
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
118
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
b)
The following shall not constitute grounds for an appeal:
i)
any complaint or grievance made by the candidate
for alleged inadequacy in the supervision or other
arrangements during the period of registration shall
not constitute grounds for appeal since procedures
exist for such complaints and grievances (see
Reg8.13 and 8.14) which should be instigated during
the period of registration and before submission;
ii)
any disagreement with the academic judgement of
the examiners in assessing the merits of the thesis
and the programme of supervised research or in
reaching any assessment decision based on the
candidate’s performance in the oral or approved
alternative form of examination;
8.9.4
Appeal Procedures
a)
If the person designated to determine whether there is a
case for an appeal (normally the Secretary to REAC)
considers that the request made by a candidate to be
clearly frivolous, vexatious or outside the permitted grounds,
the request will be referred to the University Secretary &
Registrar and to the Chair of REAC.
b)
If it be determined that on those grounds there is no case,
the candidate will be notified of that decision immediately
and the candidate will be allowed to make further
submissions to the Secretary of REAC within 14 days of
being notified. Following the expiry of that period, the
recommendation of the Secretary to the Committee, with
any other submissions made by the candidate, shall be
submitted to the Chair of REAC for decision.
c)
If it be agreed that there is no case for an appeal, that
decision shall be submitted to the Chair of REAC for a final
decision to decide whether to confirm the finding or whether
there should be further investigation or action on the request
for an appeal. There shall be no appeal against the
decision of the Chair of REAC.
d)
If it is found that there is a case for an appeal, REAC shall
gather such evidence as considered necessary to assist an
Appeal Panel [see Regulation 8.9.4(b)] to review the case.
That evidence may include written or oral testimony by the
examiners, by other persons present at the oral
examination, by supervisors or other members of the
academic
staff,
or
further
evidence
or
statements/elucidations from the candidate.
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
119
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
8.9.5
Stages of the Review
a)
The first stage shall be to determine whether there is a case
for an appeal. At its discretion, the University may
designate an appropriate person to undertake an initial
investigation to determine, the validity of the case and to
advise the candidate(s) accordingly; notwithstanding such
advice, provided that the grounds for the request satisfy the
University’s requirements (see Regulation 8.9.2), the
appellant shall have the right to decide whether to put the
case to the Appeal Panel constituted in accordance with the
procedures established by the Senate.
b)
If it is considered that there is a case for Appeal, a Panel
shal be established specifical y to review the examiners’
decision. The members of the Appeal Panel shall be
persons who have had no direct involvement with the
candidate, the programme of supervised research or the
examination of the candidate. No student or research
degree candidate shall be a member of any such Appeal
Panel.
c)
The panel shall normally consist of:
Dean of School from outwith the appel ant’s School;
A member of REAC, also from outwith the appel ant’s
School;
If any of those designated has a direct involvement with the
candidate, the Chair of the REAC may nominate a
substitute.
8.9.6
The Role of an Appeal Panel
a)
It should be noted that an Appeal Panel is not to be
constituted as an examination nor does it have the authority
to recommend the award of a degree.
8.9.7 Recommendations
a)
Where it concludes that there are grounds for an appeal, the
panel may recommend:
i)
that the examiners be required to reconsider their
decision; or
ii)
that new examiners be appointed to re-assess the
thesis and re-examine the candidate.
b)
There shall be no appeal against the decision of the Appeal
Panel.
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
120
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
8.10
Cheating and Plagiarism
8.10.1
Definitions
a)
Cheating and plagiarism are defined by the University as
the attempt to gain an unfair advantage in an assessment
by gaining credit for work of another person or by accessing
unauthorised material relating to assessment.
b)
Plagiarism is defined further as the use of the work of other
students, past or present, or substantial and acknowledged
use of published material presented as the student’s own
work. It includes the following:
The extensive use of another person’s material without
reference or acknowledgement;
The summarising of another person’s material by
changing a few words or altering the order of
presentation without reference or acknowledgement;
The substantial and unauthorised use if the ideas if
another person without acknowledgement;
Copying the work of another student with or without the
student’s knowledge or agreement;
Deliberate use of commissioned material which is
presented as one’s own;
The unacknowledged quotation of phrases from
another’s work.
c)
Cheating is defined further as inclusive of the following:
Colluding with another person by submitting work done
with another person as entirely one’s own work;
Falsifying data by presenting data of laboratory reports,
projects or other assessments as one’s own when
these data are based on experimental work conducted
by another party or obtained by unfair means;
Assuming the identity of another person with intent to
deceive or to gain unfair advantage;
Any form of research malpractice including falsification
of research data;
The use of any other form of dishonest practice not
identified above.
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
121
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
8.10.2
Procedures
a)
Candidates are responsible for their own work and all
progression reports and the thesis must be submitted
through Turnitin.
b)
Cheating and plagiarism may be regarded as substantial
academic irregularities under the University Code of
Discipline for Students (Regulation 12) and all instances are
liable to be investigated and to be given due consideration
under the terms of that Code.
c)
Where evidence of cheating or plagiarism in the preparation
of any progression report, transfer report or other assessed
work is alleged, the matter shall be reported to the Graduate
School Board but shall be considered by the appropriate
Plagiarism Panel, and if necessary referred to the Senate
Disciplinary Committee.
d)
The membership of the School Plagiarism Panel will be:
the Chair;
two members of academic staff from the School,
appointed by the Plagiarism Panel Chair to include a
member of the Supervisory team.
e)
The member of academic staff who refers a case of
suspected plagiarism to the Panel must not serve as a
member of that Panel for the purpose of giving
consideration to this case, but, where required, will attend
the Panel for the purpose of presenting evidence.
f)
The Plagiarism Panel Chair will inform the student in
writing of the alleged offence and of the requirement to
attend for interview.
g)
The Plagiarism Panel will determine whether an offence
has been committed and, if so, whether the offence is
minor, serious or major.
h)
Where the Panel has determined that a MINOR offence
has been committed, the Plagiarism Panel Chair will
determine and inform the student of a sanction that will
include a requirement that the affected student work is
resubmitted.
i)
Where the Panel has determined that a SERIOUS
offence has been committed, the Plagiarism Panel Chair
will determine and inform the student of a sanction
that will include a requirement that the affected student
work is resubmitted.
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
122
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
j)
A student will have the right to appeal the decisions of
the Plagiarism Panel and its Chair taken under (h and i)
above and such appeals will be referred to the Senate
Disciplinary Committee (see Regulation 12).
k)
Where the Plagiarism Panel has determined that a
MAJOR offence has been committed, the Plagiarism
Panel Chair will refer the matter to the Senate Disciplinary
Committee for consideration under Regulation 12 and will
inform the student in writing of this action.
l)
The outcome will be communicated by University student
email and 1st class post.
m)
Where evidence of cheating or plagiarism in the
preparation of the thesis or other irregularities in the conduct
of the examination come to light subsequent to the
recommendation of the examiners, the Graduate School
Board shall consider the matter if necessary in consultation
with the examiners, and take the following action:
In the case of there being evidence of cheating or
plagiarism the matter shall be brought to the attention of
the Chair of the Graduate School Board;
If the Chair of the Graduate School Board determines
that there is a case to be answered, procedures shall be
put in process as determined under the University Code
of Discipline for Students.
n)
The above shall not apply where the student is also a
member of academic staff. In such a case the matter
shall be pursued according to the Staff Disciplinary Code of
Practice. The results of any investigation shall be
reported to the Graduate School Board.
o)
If the case is heard under the University Code of
Discipline for Students, and after all appeal procedures
have been exhausted, the Disciplinary Committee shall
report its findings to the Graduate School Board.
p)
Where a candidate has been found not guilty the Graduate
School Board shall take no further action but shall confirm
the original decision of the examiners.
q)
Where a candidate has been found guilty the Graduate
School Board shall follow the findings of the Disciplinary
Committee.
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
123
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
8.11
Amendment of a Thesis
8.11.1
Authorised Amendments
a)
Following the submission of a thesis for assessment and
examination for the degree of MRes or DBA or MPhil or
PhD, the thesis shall only be amended as required or
agreed by the examiners.
b)
Any candidate who makes any unauthorised amendment,
addition or deletion in a thesis either before or after the
candidate's oral examination may, at the discretion of the
University, be deemed to have rendered the assessment
and examination null and void and, where applicable, shall
not be awarded the degree recommended by the
examiners.
8.11.2
Authorised Amendments
a)
It shall be the responsibility of a candidate's Director of
Studies to ensure that no unauthorised changes have been
made in the thesis following its final submission and before
it is deposited in the University in a permanently bound
form.
8.12
The Thesis
8.12.1
General Requirements
a)
There shall be an abstract of approximately 300 words
bound into the thesis which shall provide a synopsis of the
thesis stating the nature and scope of the work undertaken
and, in the case of a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of
the University’s requirements for the degree of PhD, of the
original contribution to knowledge of the particular subject.
b)
The thesis shal include a statement of the candidate’s
objectives and shall acknowledge published and/or other
sources of material consulted (including an appropriate
bibliography) and any assistance received.
c)
The thesis shall include a declaration by the candidate that it
has not been submitted for another comparable academic
award.
d)
Where the candidate’s programme of supervised research
has been part of a collaborative group project [see
Regulation 8.1.5(a)], the thesis shall indicate clearly the
candidate’s individual contribution and the extent of the
collaboration.
e)
Any material published by the candidate in advance of the
submission of the thesis must be referred to in the thesis
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
124
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
and copies of all such published material must be included,
either securely bound into the thesis or placed in a secure
pocket at the end of the thesis.
8.12.2
Length of Thesis
a)
The text of a thesis in Science, Technology, Engineering
and Mathematics should, excluding any ancillary data,
normally not exceed:
i)
for the degree of MRes
15,000 words
ii)
for the degree of MPhil
20,000 words
iii)
for the degree of PhD
40,000 words
b)
The text of a thesis in the all other disciplines should,
excluding any ancillary data, normally not exceed:
i)
for the degree of MRes
20,000 words
ii)
for the degree of MPhil
40,000 words
iii)
for the degree of DBA or PhD
80,000 words
c)
Where the thesis is accompanied by material in other than
written form or the research involves creative writing or the
preparation of a scholarly edition (see Regulations 8.1.11
and 8.1.12), the written thesis may be reduced by an
appropriate proportion but should not, normally, be less than
40,000 words.
8.12.3
Copies of the Thesis and Copyright
a)
Following the award of the degree:
i)
one copy of the thesis shall be lodged in the
University’s Library and one in the School in which
the programme of research was undertaken;
ii)
in the case of a thesis submitted for the degree of
DBA or PhD, an electronic copy shall be deposited in
the British Library.
b)
Where, because of the nature of the research, approval has
been given for the thesis to be treated as confidential (see
Regulation 8.1.18), the thesis shall be deposited only in the
University’s Library with access restricted to those directly
involved in the research until the expiry of the period of
confidentiality.
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
125
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
c)
Each copy of the thesis shall remain the property of the
University, but the copyright of the thesis shall be vested in
the candidate.
8.12.4
Format of the Thesis
a)
The format of a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the
University’s requirements for the award of the degree of
MRes or DBA or MPhil or PhD shall conform with the
fol owing, with reference to the British Standards Institution’s
Specification BS 4821 (1990):
i)
the thesis shall normally be in A4 format; approval
may be given for a thesis to be submitted in another
format where it is established that the contents will be
better accommodated in that format;
ii)
in accordance with Regulation 8.5.6(e), each copy of
the thesis submitted shall be presented in a
permanent and legible form either in typescript or
print;
iii)
the thesis shall be printed on both sides or on the
recto side of the paper; the paper shall be white and
within the range 70 g/m2 to 100 g/m2;
iv)
the margin of the left-hand binding edge of the page
shall not be less than 40 mm; other margins shall not
be less than 15 mm;
v)
double or x 1½ spacing shall be used in the
typescript except for indented quotations or footnotes
where single spacing may be used;
vi)
pages shall be numbered consecutively through the
main text including photographs and/or diagrams
included as whole pages;
vii)
the title page shall give the following information,
presented as specified by the University:
1
the full title of the thesis;
2
the full name of the author;
3
the degree for which the thesis is submitted in
partial fulfilment of its requirements;
4
that the degree is awarded by the University;
5
the
name(s)
of
any
collaborating
establishment(s); and
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
126
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
6
the month and year of first submission to the
Graduate School, unless there is a substantial
delay before the final submission (more than
twelve months) when the date of the final
submission shall be the accepted date.
b)
The copy of the thesis for the degree of MPhil or DBA or
PhD deposited in the University's Library and the School
office shall be bound as follows:
i)
the binding shall be of a fixed type so that the leaves
cannot be removed or replaced; the front and rear
boards shall have sufficient rigidity to support the
weight of the work when standing upright; and
ii)
in at least 24 pt the outside of the front board shall
bear the title of the programme of supervised
research, the name and initials of the candidate, the
degree for which submitted, and the year of
submission; the same information (excluding the title
of the programme of work) shall be shown on the
spine of the binding, reading downwards.
c)
Two copies of the thesis for the degree of MRes shall be
spirally bound and deposited in the University Library and
the appropriate School office.
8.12.5
Format of the Thesis
a)
Where a candidate desires fuller guidance on the format of
the thesis than that given in the University’s Regulations,
reference may be made to the British Standards Institution’s
Specification BS 4821 (1990) [see Regulation 8.12.4(a)].
Where the University’s Regulations differ from BS 4821 in
points of detail, the candidate may follow either.
b)
A candidate using a format larger than A4 should note that
the production of microfiche copies and full-sized
enlargements may not be feasible [see Regulation
8.12.4(a)(i)].
c)
Where copies of a thesis are produced by photocopying
processes, those shall be of a permanent nature; where
word processor and printing devices are used, the printer
shall be capable of producing text of a satisfactory quality;
the size of character used in the main text, including
displayed matter and notes, shall not be less than 2.0 mm
for capitals and 1.5 mm for x-height (that is, the height of
lower-case x).
d)
A specimen title page is appended to these regulations.
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
127
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
8.13
Complaints Procedure
8.13.1
Al research students should consult the University’s Complaints
Handling procedure if they wish to raise a complaint regarding
dissatisfaction within the standard of service, action or lack of
action by or on behalf of the University. A copy of the University’s
Complaints Handling procedure can be accessed via the
University’s Court & Senate Office website, Student Link on all
campuses and the Students’ Association.
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
128
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
[Specimen thesis title page]
A POLITICAL-ECONOMY OF SAFETY AND HEALTH IN THE BRITISH
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO FATAL
INJURIES IN THE WEST OF SCOTLAND
ERIK WILLIAM HUGH SUTHERLAND
Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements
of the University of the West of Scotland
for the award of Doctor of Philosophy
Regulation 8
2014/15 Edition
129
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
9
REGULATIONS FOR HIGHER
DOCTORATES
Regulation 9
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
9
Regulations for Higher Doctorates
9.1
Awards
9.1.1
Higher Doctorates
a)
The University may award the following Higher Doctorates:
Doctor of Letters (DLitt)
Doctor of Science (DSc)
Doctor of Technology (DTech)
9.2
Applicants
9.2.1
Criteria
a)
The applicant must have undertaken work of high distinction
which constitutes an original and outstanding contribution to
the advancement of knowledge or to the application of
knowledge or to both.
b)
The work undertaken must establish that the applicant is a
leading authority in the field(s) of study concerned.
9.2.2
Eligibility
a)
An applicant for a Higher Doctorate awarded by the
University must normally be:
i)
the holder, of at least seven years' standing, of a first
degree at Honours level awarded by an approved
University or the holder of some other qualification
specially recognised by the Senate as equivalent for
that purpose, provided that the holder has held for a
period or periods totalling at least three years such
office or officers in the University of the West of
Scotland or in an institution affiliated to, or in
association with, the University as the Senate may
approve; or
ii)
the holder, of at least four years' standing, of a higher
degree awarded by an approved University or the
holder
of
some
other
qualification
specially
recognised by the Senate for that purpose, provided
that the holder has held for a period or periods
totalling at least three years such office or offices in
the University of the West of Scotland or in an
institution affiliated to, or in association with, the
University as the Senate may approve.
Regulation 9
130
2014/15Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
9.3
Submission
9.3.1
General Requirements
a)
The contents of the submission must be in the English
language unless specific permission to the contrary has
been given by the University.
b)
An applicant must state whether any part of the submission
relates to work which has been submitted as part of the
requirements for any other academic award. No work will
normally be considered which has been presented for a first
degree or a taught Master's degree programme.
c)
An applicant must submit three copies of the work on which
the application is based.
d)
The submission may take the form of books, contributions to
journals, patent specifications, reports, specifications and
design studies. It may also include other relevant evidence
of original work.
e)
All material, other than books, must be secured in the form
prescribed from time to time by the University.
9.3.2
Copies
a)
The applicant must submit three copies of each of the
following in the form prescribed from time to time by the
University:
i)
a statement of not more than one thousand words
setting out the applicant’s view of the nature and
significance of the work submitted;
ii)
a signed ful statement of the extent of the applicant’s
contribution to any of the work submitted which
involves joint authorship or any other collaboration;
and
iii)
a list of all works published by the applicant whether
included in the submission or not.
b)
Two copies of the submission shall remain the property of
the University unless the application be unsuccessful in
which case only one copy of the statement (see Regulation
9.3.2(a) (i) above) and a record of the items submitted shall
be retained.
c)
One of the copies retained by the University shall be
deposited in the Library.
Regulation 9
131
2014/15Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
9.4
Assessment
9.4.1
Preliminary Consideration
a)
On receipt of an application for a Higher Doctorate, the
University will consider whether a
prime facie case for
proceeding to a formal examination of the submission has
been established, taking whatever advice it shall deem to be
appropriate.
9.4.2
Examination and Examiners
a)
If satisfied that a
prima facie case has been established, the
University will submit the application to not less than three
examiners, of whom at least two shall be external, and one
shall be an internal. Each examiner will be required to
make an independent report to the University. In the event
of any disagreement between the External Examiners, the
University may appoint an additional External Examiner.
b)
All External Examiners shall be wholly independent of the
University.
c)
The decision of the examiners shall be final.
9.4.3
Re-submission and Re-examination
a)
No person may apply to the University to be a candidate for
a Higher Degree awarded by the University on more than
two occasions and no person may apply for re-examination
until at least five years have elapsed from the date of the
original submission to the University.
9.5
Confidentiality
9.5.1
General Requirements
a)
All applications shall be treated in strict confidence.
b)
Any canvassing by, or on behalf of, an applicant shall
automatically disqualify the applicant concerned.
9.6
Honorary Doctorates
9.6.1
General Consideration
a)
The conferment of Honorary Doctorates by the University
shall not be subject to these regulations governing the
requirements for the award of the University’s Higher
Doctorates.
Regulation 9
132
2014/15Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
Procedures Relating to the Award of Higher Doctorates
1
Preamble
1.1
These procedures have been established in accordance with the
University's Regulations for Higher Doctorates, to which they are
subject (see Regulation 9 of the Regulatory Framework).
2
Application
2.1
An application for the award of a Higher Doctorate of the University
shall be addressed to:
The Office of the Vice Principal & Pro-vice Chancellor for
Research, Enterprise & Engagement
University of the West of Scotland
Paisley
PA1 2BE
2.2
Three copies of the full submission must accompany the
application (see Regulation 9.3.2).
3
Submission
3.1
An application shall take the form of a submission which shall meet
the following requirements:
a)
A statement naming the Higher Doctorate which is being
sought [see Regulation 9.1.1(a)] in the following manner:
An application submitted in partial fulfilment of the
requirements of the University of the West of Scotland for
the Degree of Doctor of ............
by
James Robert William Baxter PhD BSc etc
(Full name and Degree Qualifications)
b)
A statement indicating the grounds of eligibility for the award
of a Higher Doctorate of the University of the West of
Scotland [see Regulation 9.2.2(a)];
c)
A statement indicating the nature and significance of the
work on which the application is based [see Regulation
9.2.2(a) (i)];
d)
Where appropriate, a statement signed by the applicant on
joint authorship [see Regulation 9.3.2(a) (ii)];
e)
A list of works published by the applicant [see Regulation
9.3.2(a) (iii)]; and
Regulation 9
133
2014/15Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
f)
A table of contents of the submission;
3.2
The submission consisting of (a) to (f) above, shall be permanently
bound in accordance with the University's requirements for a thesis
submitted in partial fulfilment of the University's Research Degrees
[see Regulation 8.12.4(b)].
3.3
The Office of the Vice Principal & Pro-vice Chancellor for
Research, Enterprise & Engagement shall formally acknowledge
an application for the award of a Higher Doctorate within one week
of its receipt.
4
Preliminary Consideration
4.1
The determination of whether a
prima facie case for the award of a
Higher Doctorate can be established shall be undertaken by the
Research & Enterprise Advisory Committee as a matter of
reserved business.
4.2
None of the persons (assessors) involved in the assessment to
determine whether a
prima facie case for the award of a Higher
Doctorate can be established shall have been involved in any way
with the work which forms the part of the submission.
4.3
The REAC shall make a recommendation that may be either:
a)
a
prima facie case has been established; or
b)
no
prima facie case has been established.
4.4
The candidate shall be informed of the decision of REAC that
either the next stage of the assessment of the submission shall be
implemented, or that no
prima facie case has been established, as
appropriate. In the latter case, the attention of the applicant shall
be drawn to Regulation 9.4.3(a) setting out the conditions for re-
submission, and copies of the submission shall be returned in
accordance with Regulation 9.3.2(b).
4.5
The decision of REAC shall be final.
5
Full Assessment
5.1
Where a
prima facie case has been established for the award of a
Higher Doctorate of the University, the submission shall be fully
assessed.
5.2
The first step shall be the appointment of at least three examiners
[see Regulation 9.4.2(a) and (b)]. The identification of appropriate
examiners shall be undertaken by:
a)
the Vice Principal and Pro-vice Chancellor for Research,
Enterprise & Engagement;
Regulation 9
134
2014/15Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
b)
The Dean of the appropriate School;
c)
The Depute Principal;
provided that none has been involved in any way with the work
which is the subject of the submission, or in any other way which
might be deemed prejudicial to the interests of impartiality. Where
there is any doubt, the Vice Principal & Pro-vice Chancellor for
Research, Enterprise & Engagement shall ask the Principal and
Vice Chancellor to nominate an alternative appropriate senior
member of the academic staff to undertake the responsibility of (a),
(b) and/or (c) above, as necessary.
5.3
The Office of the Vice Principal & Pro-vice Chancellor for
Research, Enterprise & Engagement shall send one copy of the
submission and of the University's Regulations and Procedures
relating to the award of Higher Doctorates to each of the
examiners.
5.4
Each examiner shall report independently to the University and
shall send his/her report and recommendation to the Office of the
Vice Principal for Research & Commercialisation. An examiner
may recommend that:
a)
the Higher Doctorate be awarded; or
b)
the Higher Doctorate be not awarded.
5.5
The Office of the Vice Principal & Pro-vice Chancellor for
Research, Enterprise & Engagement shall forward the respective
recommendation of the examiners to the Principal and Vice
Chancellor (as the Chair of Senate and the Chief Executive of the
University), and inform the initial assessors (see 4.1).
5.6
Where the recommendation of the examiners be unanimous, the
Principal shall confirm the recommendation and the Office of the
Vice Principal & Pro-vice Chancellor for Research, Enterprise &
Engagement shall inform the candidate of the outcome of the
application. Where the decision is that the Higher Doctorate be not
awarded, the attention of the applicant shall be drawn to
Regulation 9.4.3(a) setting out the conditions for re-submission,
and copies of the submission shall be returned in accordance with
Regulation 9.3.2(b).
5.7
Where the recommendations of the examiners be not unanimous
and where the majority of the examiners recommend that the
Higher Doctorate be awarded the Principal shall consult with the
officers identified in 5.2 and take such further independent internal
and/or external advice as necessary in order to arrive at a decision
whether the award be confirmed or not. Where the decision is that
the Higher Doctorate be not awarded the attention of the applicant
Regulation 9
135
2014/15Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
shall be drawn to Regulation 9.4.3(a) setting the conditions for
resubmission and copies of the submission shall be returned in
accordance with Regulation 9.3.2(b).
5.8
Where the recommendations of the External Examiners be not
unanimous and the majority of the examiners recommend that the
Higher Doctorate be not awarded the Principal shall confirm this
recommendation. The attention of the applicant shall be drawn to
Regulation 9.4.3(a) setting out the conditions for resubmission and
copies of the submission shall be returned in accordance with
Regulation 9.3.2(b).
6
The Senate
The Office of the Vice Principal & Pro-vice Chancellor for
Research, Enterprise & Engagement shall ensure that each
confirmation of the recommendation to award a Higher Doctorate
of the University shall be reported to the Senate.
Regulation 9
136
2014/15Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
10
LIBRARY REGULATIONS
Regulation 10
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
10
Library Regulations
In these regulations the powers of the University Librarian in relation to students
are to be interpreted as subject to the limitations imposed by the University Code
of Discipline (Regulation 12). Otherwise these regulations apply equally to all
Library users.
10.1
Hours of Opening and Service
The hours of opening of the library facilities will be published by the
Head of Library and e-Learning
10.2
Membership
10.2.1
Membership of the Library is open to all members of staff and to all
students of the University. Members of the public may use the
Library for reference purposes at the discretion of the University
Librarian.
10.2.2
Members of the libraries of other universities are entitled to access
under the terms of current reciprocal agreements.
10.2.3
Other persons or corporate bodies may be eligible for membership
on application to the Head of Library and e-Learning and on
payment of a fee determined by the Library Management Team.
10.2.4
All persons joining the Library do so on the express understanding
that they grant the University of the West of Scotland the right to
store information relevant to their membership and use of the
Library in an electronic, or other, database.
10.2.5
Loss of a Library card (student ID card in the case of student
members) must be reported immediately to Library staff.
10.3
Borrowing
10.3.1
Only current members of the Library may obtain material on
personal loan. Loan entitlements will be as determined from time
to time by the Library Management Team in consultation with the
Vice Principal (Education).
10.3.2
When borrowing items all members must present their Library
card. Nobody may borrow an item from the Library other than on
his/her own card. Responsibility for any transaction on a Library
card remains with the user to whom the card was issued, unless or
until loss of the card is reported to the Library.
10.3.3
Loan periods will be as determined from time to time by the Library
Management Team in consultation with the Vice Principal
(Education).
Regulation 10
137
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
10.3.4
A statutory fine, reviewed annually by the Library Management
Team, will be imposed on any member who fails to return an item
by the date due. Fines may be waived if failure to return was
occasioned by illness or other unforeseen circumstances subject to
the provision of appropriate evidence.
On failure to return Library materials, cost recovery procedures will
be initiated and Library privileges withdrawn. Persistent offenders
may be dealt with under the University Code of Discipline
(Regulation 12).
10.3.5
Certain categories of works may be restricted to the Library, and
access to others may be restricted to comply with teaching,
archival or conservational needs, or the contractual conditions of
supply.
10.3.6
Items obtained on inter-library loan are subject to these regulations
and to the conditions imposed by the lending library. Limits on the
number of concurrent inter-library loan requests will be set by the
University Librarian in consultation with the Research & Enterprise
Advisory Committee.
10.3.7
It is an offence to remove any material from the Library without it
being formally issued or to leave the Library except by the
authorised exit, save in case of emergency. Any member of the
University staff may require any person to open any package,
case, bag or receptacle in his/her possession, to establish that they
have no Library material which has not been borrowed in
accordance with these regulations. Breach of this regulation may
be dealt with under the University Code of Discipline (Regulation
12).
10.4
Loss and Damage
Members may not write in or otherwise mark any Library item. If
any such damage is discovered the member may be required to
either pay for or replace the damaged item. Members borrowing
items should report any apparent damage to the Library staff. Loss
of items should be reported to Library staff immediately. In the
case of loss the member will be required to pay for or replace the
lost item.
10.5
Conduct in the Library
10.5.1
Users of the Library are cautioned at all times to keep their
valuables on their person and not to leave them unattended as the
Library can accept no responsibility for them.
10.5.2
Users of the Library must not cause disturbance to other users or
damage to stock, furnishings or equipment. Strict silence must be
observed in designated silent study areas. Breach of this
Regulation 10
138
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
regulation may be dealt with under the University Code of
Discipline (Regulation 12).
10.6
Electronic Resources
In using software and electronic services supplied through the
Library, users must respect all licensing agreements and any
regulations or codes of conduct agreed by the Library as part of the
service or product. The Library will supply on request copies of
such regulations or codes of conduct and will highlight important
regulations such as restrictions on copying. Beyond that, the
Library makes available such services in good faith and will accept
no further responsibility for misuse by users of such services.
10.7
Copying
Copying will only be permitted to authorised users within the terms
of licenses (CLA, NLA and other agencies or specific products)
held by the Library on behalf of the University, or to all users in
terms of the current copyright legislation regarding fair dealing and
commercial research.
10.8
Absence of Head of Library and e-Learning
In the absence of the
Head of Library and e-Learning such powers
as he/she exercises under these regulations shall devolve upon
the Campus Librarians for their respective campus libraries. If one
or more Campus Librarians are also absent the remaining Campus
Librarians shall act collectively to cover all the campus libraries.
Regulation 10
139
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
11
COLLABORATIVE PROVISION
Regulation 11
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
11
Collaborative Provision
11.1
General Requirements
a)
The
University's
requirements
in
respect
of
the
management,
programme
approval/collaboration,
monitoring and review of programmes shall apply to any
programme or module, offered in partnership with the
University by an associated or affiliated institution, or other
organisation leading to an award of the University of the
West of Scotland. The University’s approach is informed by
the QAA Quality Code for Higher Education: Chapter 10.
b)
Schools have authority in principle to develop proposals for
collaborative provision or delivery at a new site/by on-line
learning. A Quality Enhancement Unit (QEU) organised
approval/collaborative event will be required together with a
University Collaborative Agreement, with final approval
residing with the Collaborative Forum.
c)
International collaborative ventures should be aligned with
the University’s International Strategy prior to the detailed
proposal being considered by the School Board.
d)
The commitment and support of both the University of the
West of Scotland's Senate and the partner organisation's
central authority must underpin any arrangement which will
be kept under review by the Collaborative Forum.
e)
The University’s QEU will maintain a register of all approved
collaborative arrangements.
f)
The University will inform any professional or statutory body
which has approved or recognised a programme which
becomes the subject of a possible or actual collaborative
arrangement of its proposals and of any final agreements
which involve the programme.
g)
The issues of award certificates and transcripts will remain
under the control of the University and in keeping with the
requirements of the QAA Quality Code for Higher
Education: Chapter 10.
h)
The Collaborative Forum will oversee the operation of
collaborative arrangements.
i)
QEU can advise on approval arrangements for collaborative
provision and holds the University templates for
Collaborative Agreements.
Regulation 11
140
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
11.2
Selection of Collaborative Partner
a)
Any new programme involving collaborative provision with
another institution should be brought to the attention of
Academic Planning Group (APG) at an early stage of the
proposal. APG will then report to the Executive Group.
b)
Early discussions should ensure that the financial aspects of
the proposed arrangement satisfy any statutory and funding
body requirements. There should be adequate safeguards
against financial temptations to compromise academic
standards. QEU will provide guidance on the issues to be
addressed with regard to the QAA Quality Code for Higher
Education: Chapter 10.
c)
The University’s Due Diligence procedure must be
followed.
d)
The University will wish to satisfy itself about the good
standing and financial stability of a prospective partner
organisation. The mission and objectives of a partner
organisation should be compatible with those of the
University.
e)
The legal status of the prospective partner organisation and
its capacity to contract with the University should be
examined, together with its ability to provide the
infrastructure and the learning resources necessary to
ensure that the required quality and standard of the planned
provision will be achieved.
f)
Where a prospective partner organisation is known to have
a current, or has had a previous, relationship with another
UK Awarding Institution, enquiries will be made of that
Awarding Institution as to the standing and effectiveness of
the proposed partner organisation.
g)
Where a UK Awarding Institution has withdrawn from an
arrangement with a partner organisation it should to the
extent permitted by law and the contract(s) signed with such
partner organisation make a frank disclosure of any
concerns which led to its withdrawal in the event that
enquiries are made from another UK Awarding Institution
proposing to enter into a collaborative arrangement with the
same partner organisation.
11.3
Collaborative Agreements
a)
The collaborative arrangement must be set out in a formal
Collaborative Agreement approved by the University and
Regulation 11
141
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
the associated or affiliated institution, or other organisation,
confirming the respective responsibilities of both parties and
in particular:
i)
that the University retains ultimate responsibility for
the maintenance of quality and academic standards,
of all awards granted in its name;
ii)
that the academic standards of all awards made
under a collaborative arrangement are equivalent to
those of comparable awards delivered by the
University and compatible with any relevant
benchmark information recognised within the UK and
that the quality of the programmes provided through
the partnership is appropriate and comparable with
similar programmes provided by the University itself;
iii)
the extent to which authority is delegated to the
affiliated or associated institution for modifying an
approved programme and exercising discretion in the
operation of the programme, including any changes
in the programme specification;
iv)
the ways in which academic standards are to be
maintained;
v)
the extent to which authority is delegated for the
programme approval/collaboration and review of any
programme offered in partnership with the University;
vi)
the procedures and responsibilities in connection
with
initial
programme
approval/collaboration,
approval and subsequent monitoring and review of
any programme, including providing for the
implementation of changes required as a result of the
programme
approval/collaboration,
review
and
monitoring of the programme concerned and the
proficiency of staff engaged with the collaborative
programme;
vii)
the University must determine the admission
requirements for students admitted to the awards,
the size of cohorts and it will monitor application of
these requirements and information on student
progression;
viii)
the procedures and responsibilities in respect of
programme management, designated points of
contact and communication channels and monitoring,
including specifying the ways in which those are to
Regulation 11
142
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
be assigned between the University and the partner
institution(s) or organisation(s).
ix)
the arrangements for the teaching and assessment
of students;
x)
the procedures for determining the financial
arrangements and the provision of physical and
human resources and facilities;
xi)
the allocation between the University and the
affiliated
or
associated
institution,
or
other
organisation, of responsibilities for the administrative
arrangements,
including
student
recruitment,
registration and enrolment, the location and general
welfare of students, decisions on student progression
and assessment, the appointment, role, briefing and
remuneration of external examiners, graduation,
issue of certificates and transcripts, publicity material
and intellectual property considerations;
xii)
the procedures for resolving any differences which
might arise between the University and the affiliated
or associated institution, or other organisation.
Provision to enable the University to suspend or
withdraw from the agreement if the partner
organisation fails to fulfil its obligations. The residual
obligations to students on termination of the
agreement;
xiii)
the duration of the agreement and review
arrangements.
xiv)
the information given to students or prospective
students by the partner organisation should define
clearly the relationship between the collaboration and
outline their responsibilities. This information should
be approved by the University and monitored
regularly.
xv)
the language of Teaching and Assessment.
b)
Where a programme leads to the conferment of an award
by both institutions, whether the affiliated or associated
institution or other organisation in the United Kingdom or
overseas, the relationship between the award conferred by
the University and that conferred by the affiliated or
associated institution, or other organisation, shall be defined
in the Collaborative Agreement (further details on Joint and
Dual awards are detailed in Regulation 7).
Regulation 11
143
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
c)
Formal,
legal
agreements
with
other
institutions/organisations must fol ow the University’s
template and can only be signed by the University Secretary
& Registrar on behalf of the University having first been
scrutinised by the Quality Enhancement Unit.
Regulation 11
144
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
12
CODE OF DISCIPLINE FOR STUDENTS
Regulation 12
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
12
Code of Discipline for Students
12.1
General Introduction
12.1.1
Students are expected to maintain at all times a high standard of
personal conduct in their relations with staff, other students and
visitors to the University. They are expected to co-operate with all
members of staff, including those responsible for the safety and
security of the University and its community. They are expected
to acquaint themselves with the provisions of all the University’s
regulations.
12.1.2
Senate has adopted this Code of Discipline so that there exists a
proper mechanism, known to all students and accepted by them
at first registration, for dealing with cases of misconduct. The
essence of misconduct under this Code is, improper interference,
in the broadest sense, with:
the proper functioning or activities of the University,
or those who work or study in the institution;
or action which otherwise damages the University.
12.1.3
This Code is not an Act of Parliament or part of the law of the land
and it does not therefore seek to reflect or incorporate the
approach of the criminal law in defining criminal offences with
great precision. The purpose of the Code is to regulate students’
behaviour, as students of the University in order to secure the
proper working of the University in the broadest sense.
12.1.4
In all proceedings under this Code, procedures shall be
conducted according to the principles of justice and fairness but it
shall not be a requirement to follow procedural rules of evidence
applicable in a court of law nor shall any particular burden of proof
be imposed.
12.2
Definitions – General
12.2.1
In this Code the following shall be the meanings of expressions
used:
(i)
“Working day” shal mean Monday to Friday inclusive,
excluding public and University holidays;
(ii)
“Material” shall include any printed or electronic material,
computer file, audio or video tape or photograph;
12.2.
“Secretary of the Senate Disciplinary Committee” and “Secretary
of the Appeal Committee” shall be members of the senior
Regulation 12
145
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
administrative staff assigned this duty by the University Secretary
& Registrar;
12.3
Definitions of Misconduct
12.3.1
The following shall (subject to the above) constitute misconduct.
The list is intended to be demonstrative only and shall in no way
limit or restrict the jurisdiction of the disciplinary process.
(i)
disruption of, or improper interference with, the academic,
administrative, sporting, social or other activities of the
University, whether on University premises or elsewhere;
(ii)
obstruction of, or improper interference with, the functions,
duties or activities of any student, member of staff or other
employee of the University or any authorised visitor to the
University;
(iii)
violent, indecent, disorderly, threatening or offensive
behaviour or language (whether expressed orally or in
writing, including electronically) whilst on University
premises or engaged in any University activity, including
the use of University IT systems while off campus;
(iv)
distributing or publishing material, electronically or
otherwise1, which is offensive, intimidating, threatening,
indecent or illegal or makes them fearful, anxious or
apprehensive;
(v)
fraud, deceit, deception or dishonesty in relation to the
University or its staff or in connection with holding any
office in the University or in relation to being a student of
the University;
(vi)
action likely to cause injury or impair safety on University
premises, or in the course of any University activity outwith
University premises;
1WEB 2.0
Insofar as staff or students of the University use, view or access (whether at the University or otherwise) social
networks, online resources, tools, services or websites which involve any element of user generated content such as
the posting of material or information by users, (including but not limited to facilities know as Facebook, Bebo, MySpace
and Twitter), they acknowledge and agree that by posting or contributing any material that falls into any of the following
categories, they are committing misconduct under the University's Code of Discipline for Students:
material that is unlawful, including under intellectual property law or data protection legislation;
material that is harmful, threatening, defamatory, obscene, infringing or harassing;
material that facilitates illegal activity or promotes unlawful violence, or discrimination based on current equality
law or other legislation;
material that is deliberately intended to upset other users or any content which is technically harmful, to equipment
or software owned or used by the University, including but not limited to spam and viruses;
material that they have access to because of or as a consequence of their affiliation with the University, and where
such material or information ought reasonably to be considered as confidential.
Regulation 12
146
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
(vii)
discrimination against or harassment of any student,
member of staff or other employee of the University or any
authorised visitor to the University on grounds that are
protected under current equality legislation and other laws,
including the Scotland Act;
(viii) possession,
use, abuse or
touting
of
controlled
substances;
(ix)
breach of the provision of any Code or University rule or
regulation which provides for breaches to constitute
misconduct under this Code;
(x)
activities including cheating and plagiarism which
constitute substantial academic irregularity (see Regulation
7.11);
(xi)
knowingly pass a piece of work to a fellow student to
submit (partially or in its entirety) as their own work;
(xii)
damage to, or defacement of, University property or the
property of other members of the University community, or
property of third parties, when engaged in University
activities,
caused
intentionally
or
recklessly,
and
misappropriation of such property;
(xiii) misuse or unauthorised use of University premises or
items of property, including computer misuse;
(xiv) conduct which constitutes a criminal offence where that
conduct:
a)
took place on University premises, or
b)
affected or concerned other members of the
University community, or
c)
damages the good name of the University, or
d)
itself constitutes misconduct within the terms of this
Code,
e)
is an offence of dishonesty, where the student holds
an office of responsibility in the University; or
f)
where that conduct brings into question issues of
professional practice.
(xv)
behaviour which brings the University into disrepute, but
not including any behaviour which constitutes the exercise
Regulation 12
147
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
within the law of free expression or academic freedom and
is not otherwise included in paragraph 12.3;
(xvi) failure to disclose name and other relevant details to an
officer or employee of the University in circumstances
when it is reasonable to require that such information be
given;
(xvii) failure to disclose any criminal charges or convictions;
(xviii) failure to comply with a previously-imposed penalty under
this Code.
12.4
General Principles to be followed in determining Disciplinary
Cases
Where the University proposes to take action against a student
under this Code the student is entitled to be treated fairly: in
particular:
12.4.1
To be given the opportunity, both orally and in writing, to respond
to any charge or charges laid against him or her and to present
evidence on his or her behalf.
12.4.2
To have his or her case considered impartially by a member of
staff or in serious cases by a Disciplinary Committee who or the
members of which has or have no previous involvement in the
matters forming the basis for the charge or charges.
12.4.3
Within the limits set out in this Code, to appeal to a higher
authority in writing or in person on grounds of procedural defect or
unfairness against any finding of guilt and against any penalties
imposed.
12.5
Authority to take Immediate Action and Suspension
12.5.1
Authorised Officers (as defined in 12.7 below) have the authority
temporarily to suspend, without prejudice, and with immediate
effect, pending action under this Code. The Officers can
temporarily suspend from any area of the University or any
University activity, any student, whom they consider to be
engaged in behaviour which poses a threat to either persons or
property.
12.5.1.1
When away on University field trips or during evening/weekend
activities, the senior member of the university staff in attendance
shall have that authority.
12.5.1.2
Any such temporary suspension shall be reported on the same or
the next working day to the University Secretary & Registrar who
may authorise the continuation of the suspension where the
Regulation 12
148
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
alleged behaviour constitutes in his or her opinion a threat to
either persons or property. Such suspension shall be notified in
writing, shall specify the activities from which the student is
suspended and shall be subject to confirmation at monthly
intervals by the Chair or Vice Chair and one other member of the
Disciplinary Committee.
12.5.2
A student against whom a criminal charge is pending or who is
the subject of police investigation, may be suspended by the
University Secretary & Registrar pending the trial or conclusion of
the investigation. Such suspension shall be reviewed and subject
to confirmation at intervals of no more than one month by the
Principal and the Chair or Vice Chair of the Disciplinary
Committee. The student will have the right to provide written
representation.
12.6
Offences also Constituting Criminal Offences
Where a matter reported for action under this Code would also
constitute an offence under the criminal law, if proven in a court of
law, the member of staff receiving the report shall as soon as
reasonably practicable inform the University Registrar.
The University Secretary & Registrar shall then determine which
of the following procedures shall apply:
12.6.1
Where the offence under the criminal law is considered to be not
serious i.e. would be unlikely to attract a custodial sentence on
conviction, action under this Code may continue, but such action
may be deferred pending any police investigation or prosecution.
12.6.2
In the case of all other offences under the criminal law, no action
(other than suspension pursuant to paragraph 12.5) may be taken
under this Code until the matter has been reported to the police
and either prosecuted or a decision not to prosecute has been
taken.
12.6.3
Once due legal process has been completed, the Principal will
decide whether disciplinary action under this Code should be
taken in the interests of the well-being and discipline of the
University community.
12.6.4
Where a finding of misconduct is made under this Code and the
student has also been sentenced by a criminal court in respect of
the same facts, the court’s penalty shall be taken into
consideration in determining the penalty under this Code.
12.7
Authorised Officers
12.7.1
The members of staff listed below are Authorised Officers whose
function is to take procedural decisions and disciplinary action
under this section and to impose penalties within the limits set out
Regulation 12
149
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
in paragraph 12.8.10 and 12.8.11; the student is entitled to appeal
against these decisions and penalties to the extent provided in
paragraphs 12.9.
Non-Academic Irregularity
12.7.2
For alleged offences occurring within academic areas of activity
whether or not within the precincts of the University, the relevant
Dean of School (or, in his or her absence or prior involvement, the
person deputising for him or her).
12.7.3
For alleged offences occurring in or relating to the use of:
the Library (including breach of copyright regulations), or any
other area under his or her general control or direction, the
University Librarian (or, in his or her absence or prior
involvement, the relevant Campus Librarian);
University ICT laboratories, ICT open Access Areas, the
computer network (including breach of the Code of Conduct
for the Use of Software and Datasets and the Acceptable Use
Policy) or any other area under his or her general control or
direction, the Director of Information Services or Depute;
Students’ Union Premises or any other area under the general
control or direction of the Students' Association, the relevant
Chair of the Students’ Association Disciplinary Committee or
the Students' Association President;
12.7.4
For alleged offences occurring in residential accommodation or
any other area under his or her general control or direction, the
Head of Commercial Services or Depute;
12.7.5
For alleged offences relating to any activity elsewhere on
University premises covered by this Code or while engaged in
any other University activities outwith University premises, the
Dean of Students or designated nominee.
Academic Irregularity
12.7.6
In the case of alleged collusion or plagiarism in assessed
coursework the Chair of the School Plagiarism Panel, to be dealt
with in accordance with the procedures laid down in Regulation 7.
It should be noted that any appeal against penalties imposed by
Plagiarism Panels, should be raised via Regulation 12.9 below.
12.7.7
In all other cases, including misconduct in exams, the Head of
Registry shall determine whether the alleged irregularity is
substantial. If substantial, he or she shall refer it to the Senate
Disciplinary Committee. If not substantial, the matter will be
remitted to the Dean of School to provide advice to the student(s)
Regulation 12
150
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
regarding their future behaviour. The Dean of School does not
have the power to enforce further action.
12.7.8
Fitness to Practise
12.7.8.1
The University has a policy which determines the arrangements
and sanctions in place in relation to Fitness to Practise for
professional awards. The requirements in relation to Fitness to
Practise must be made clear to students within programme
handbooks.
12.7.8.2
A copy of the University’s Policy for addressing Professional
issues relating to Conduct, Competence and Fitness to Practise is
available from School Offices.
12.8
Disciplinary Action by Authorised Officers
12.8.1
On receipt of a report of an alleged offence, the Authorised
Officer shall decide whether to deal with the matter summarily or,
if he or she considers that if proved the penalties available to him
or her are inadequate, to refer it to the Senate Disciplinary
Committee for action under paragraph 12.10. The Authorised
Officer may rule that the matter should not be the subject of
further action under this Code, but such a ruling shall not preclude
informal action by way of caution or otherwise if appropriate.
If the matter is to be dealt with summarily by the Authorised
Officer:
12.8.2
The student shall be informed as soon as reasonably practicable
of the alleged offence or offences and given reasonable notice of
the date and time at which the matter will be dealt with by the
Authorised Officer.
12.8.3
In cases where the alleged offence or offences involve more than
one student, the Authorised Officer may deal with all or any of the
cases at the same time.
12.8.4
The Authorised Officer shall interview the student(s) involved in
the presence of a third party who shall normally be a member of
staff of the University. The student shall be entitled to be
accompanied by
one person, a friend, relative, a sabbatical
officer or student representative from the Students' Association
(not being a legal representative) and to present such oral or
written evidence and make any statement as he or she wishes;
Whenever possible, the meeting shall be held at the student’s
home campus. In addition, if a student has any additional support
requirements,
they
should
arrange
additional
suitable
representation, i.e. Signer for student with hearing problems.
Regulation 12
151
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
12.8.5
If the matters giving rise to the alleged offence or offences involve
consideration of any document or documents, the student shall
have the opportunity to inspect the document or all or any of the
documents when the Authorised Officer deals with the case and
shall be entitled to question the accuracy of such document or
documents.
12.8.6
Provided that personal information, including (for the avoidance of
doubt) the names, addresses, and registration numbers of any
other students mentioned in the document or documents shall not
be disclosed in compliance with provisions in current legislation;
12.8.7
If the Authorised Officer receives any oral evidence from any
person not called by the student, the student shall be allowed to
question that person through the Authorised Officer and not
otherwise.
12.8.8
Failure by the student to attend at the time and place specified by
the Authorised Officer in terms of Clause 12.8.1 hereof shall not
preclude the Authorised Officer from considering the matter and
reaching a decision.
12.8.9
The decision of the Authorised Officer shall be communicated to
the student by the Authorised Officer as soon as reasonably
practicable and confirmed in writing; the notice confirming the
decision shall give reasons for the decision and give details of the
right of appeal. All correspondence to be copied to Academic
Services within the Court & Senate Office.
12.8.10
If the offence or offences are proved the Authorised Officer shall
issue a reprimand to the student(s) in the form of an official letter
to student(s), warning them of the consequences of similar future
behaviour).
and
in addition
12.8.11
If applicable, a request for compensation for damage done to
University or private property, within or outwith University
premises, without financial limit, to be paid to the Director of
Finance within 10 working days of receipt of invoice.
12.9
Appealing against decision of Authorised Officer or
Plagiarism Panel
A student may appeal in writing to the Secretary of the Senate
Disciplinary Committee within 21 days following notification
against the decision of the Authorised Officer or Plagiarism Panel
on the following grounds:
(i)
That it was made in excess of the jurisdiction conferred on
the Authorised Officer or Plagiarism Panel by this Code;
Regulation 12
152
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
(ii)
That there was a defect in the procedures employed by the
Authorised Officer or Plagiarism Panel such as to render
the decision unfair;
(iii)
That the decision of the Authorised Officer was
unreasonable, in that the Authorised Officer in reaching a
decision took into consideration something which he or she
ought to have disregarded or disregarded something which
he or she ought to have considered;
and may appeal against any penalty imposed by the
Authorised Officer on the following grounds:
(iv)
That the compensation levied was unreasonable or that
the penalty imposed by the Plagiarism Panel was
excessive.
The Disciplinary Committee (as an Appellate Body) shall consider
the written appeal (see Regulation 12.12).
12.10
The Senate Disciplinary Committee
12.10.1
The Senate Disciplinary Committee (hereinafter referred to as the
Disciplinary Committee) shall have the constitution, terms of
reference and standing orders prescribed in University Regulation
14.
Where a matter has been referred to the Disciplinary Committee:
12.10.2
The student shall be informed in writing as soon as reasonably
practicable by e-mail (UWS student email account) and 1st class
post of the alleged offence or offences. The student shall be
given at least 10 working days’ notice of the date and time at
which the matter will be dealt with by the Disciplinary Committee
and will be required to respond in writing a minimum of five
working days before the date set for the meeting.
12.10.3
Wherever possible, the meeting of the Disciplinary Committee will
be held on the student’s home campus but where a meeting has
to consider a number of cases, this may not be possible. If
student confirms attendance at Hearing, he/she will receive
copies of documentation forwarded to Committee members. The
student should also enclose copies of any documentation he or
she intends to present. If the student opts to attend the meeting,
he/she should give notice of any issues which require to be
addressed in order to enable the student to participate in the
Hearing without unfair disadvantage (e.g. hearing impairment,
need for translation facilities);
12.10.4
In cases where the alleged offence or offences involve more than
one student, the Disciplinary Committee may deal with all or any
of the cases at the same time.
Regulation 12
153
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
12.10.5
If the matters giving rise to the alleged offence or offences involve
consideration of any document or documents, the student shall
have a reasonable opportunity prior to the meeting to inspect the
document or all or any of the documents and shall be entitled to
question the accuracy of such document or documents.
12.10.6
Personal information, including (for the avoidance of doubt) the
names, addresses, and registration numbers of any other
students mentioned in the document or documents shall not be
disclosed in compliance with provisions in current legislation;
12.10.7
The Secretary of the Disciplinary Committee shall produce a
summary of the proceedings but not otherwise take part in them.
12.10.8
The University’s case against the student shall be presented by
the relevant Authorised Officer, or their nominee. The Committee
has the right to invite any relevant member of staff to attend the
Hearing if it is believed their input could aid deliberations.
12.10.9
The University’s representative may present such written or oral
evidence in support of its case as he or she wishes; if witnesses
are to be called the names of such witnesses shall be made
available to the student at least five working days before the
meeting of the Disciplinary Committee.
12.10.10
The student shall be entitled to appear in person, accompanied
by
one person (see Para 12.8.4). The University’s
representative may question any witness called by the student; if
witnesses are to be called the names and addresses of such
witnesses shall be made available to the University’s
representative at least five working days before the meeting of the
Disciplinary Committee, along with the name and status of any
representative who will be present.
12.10.11
If the Disciplinary Committee receives any oral evidence from any
person not called by the student, the student and student
representative shall be allowed to question that person.
12.10.12
The Chair or any member of the Disciplinary Committee shall
have the right to question the student, the student representative,
any witness called or the University representative in order to
seek clarification.
12.10.13
The University’s representative may at any time during the
Disciplinary Committee’s consideration of the matter elect not to
proceed with the whole or any part of the matter and the
Disciplinary Committee shall then dismiss the whole or the
relevant part of the matter as appropriate.
Regulation 12
154
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
12.10.14
Failure by the student to attend at the time specified shall not
preclude the Disciplinary Committee from considering the matter
and reaching a decision.
12.10.15
The Disciplinary Committee shall consider the matter and reach
its decision in private: the decision may be communicated to the
student by the Chair or Vice Chair of the Disciplinary Committee
at the meeting, giving reasons for the decision and giving details
of the right of appeal. The outcome shall also be confirmed in
writing as soon as reasonably practicable after the meeting; the
notice communicating the decision shall give reasons for the
decision and give details of the right of appeal.
12.11
Penalties
12.11.1
The penalties which may be imposed by the Disciplinary
Committee if the offence or offences are proved shall be:
(i)
A reprimand in the form of an official letter to the
student(s), warning them of the consequences of similar
future behaviour; and, in addition, if applicable, a
requirement for the student to:
Write a formal letter of apology for their behaviour;
If the student refuses to apologise for their behaviour, the
Committee will have the power to determine an appropriate
penalty, which may include ii) below.
(ii)
Exclusion from the University, from defined areas of the
University or from defined activities for a period not
exceeding one academic session;
(iii)
Expulsion from the University;
and
in addition
(iv)
if applicable, a request for compensation for damage done
to University or private property, within or outwith
University premises, without financial limit, to be paid to the
Director of Finance within 10 working days of receipt of
invoice;
12.11.2
In cases of academic irregularity which are referred to the
Disciplinary Committee by the Authorised Officer under paragraph
12.7.6, the following procedure will apply:
12.11.2.1
The case will be considered by the Disciplinary Committee as in
section 12.10; The Disciplinary Committee shall decide which of
the following two options is appropriate:
(i)
That no further action be taken;
Regulation 12
155
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
(ii)
That the student be deemed to have failed the whole or a
specified part of the examination or assessment
concerned, with loss of attempt.
12.11.2.2
The academic decision, and the reason for the decision, will also
be reported to the Subject Panel Chair and Registry, which will:
(i)
Record the decision and the reason for it on the student’s
record;
(ii)
In cases where the Disciplinary Committee has decided
that an academic penalty should be applied the Committee
will in addition impose a supplementary penalty as outlined
in 12.11.1.
12.11.3
The final outcome of the disciplinary and assessment processes
may be communicated to the student by the Chair or Vice Chair
of the Disciplinary Committee at the meeting, giving reasons for
the decisions. The student shall be advised of the right of appeal
to the Appeal Committee. The outcome shall also be confirmed
in writing as soon as reasonably practicable after the meeting; the
notice communicating the decision shall give reasons for the
decision and give details of the right of appeal.
12.12
Appealing against decisions
12.12.1
Appealing against decision of Authorised Officer or
Plagiarism Panel (Senate Disciplinary Committee as an
Appellate Body)
If the appeal is to be dealt with by the Disciplinary Committee:
(i)
The student shall be given at least 10 working days’ notice
by e-mail and 1st class post of the date and time at which
the matter will be dealt with by the Disciplinary Committee;
(ii)
The Secretary of the Disciplinary Committee shall produce
a summary of the proceedings but not otherwise take part
in them;
(iii)
The student shall be entitled to appear in person, to be
accompanied by a friend and to be represented by any
person, but the Disciplinary Committee may proceed in the
student’s absence: the student shall notify the Secretary of
the Disciplinary Committee at least five working days
before the meeting of the name and status of any
representative who will be present; the student shall also
give notice of any additional support requirements which
require to be addressed in order to enable the student to
participate in the Disciplinary Committee Hearing without
unfair disadvantage (e.g. hearing impairment, need for
translation facilities);
Regulation 12
156
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
(iv)
The University shall be represented by the Authorised
Officer or Plagiarism Panel Chair who concluded the case
in line with Regulations 12.7 and 12.8. In his/her absence,
the Authorised Officer will appoint a nominee to represent
him/her,
(v)
The Disciplinary Committee shall consider the written
appeal together with the notice giving reasons for the
decision of the Authorised Officer and shall permit the
student or his or her representative if present, to address
the Committee;
(vi)
The Disciplinary Committee shall consider the matter and
reach its decision in private: the decision on finding and on
penalty shall be communicated to the student by the
Secretary to the Disciplinary Committee in writing as soon
as reasonably practicable after the meeting; the notice
communicating the decision shall give reasons for the
decision;
(vii)
The decision of the Disciplinary Committee (as an
Appellate Body) shall be final.
If the Disciplinary Committee (as an Appellate Body) allows
the appeal, any penalty imposed, or recommendation
made under paragraphs 12.8.10 and 12.8.11 (Authorised
Officer) or Regulations 7.11.2 h) and 7.11.2 i) (Plagiarism
Panel), shall be quashed.
If the Disciplinary Committee (as an Appellate Body)
rejects the appeal, it shall review the level of penalty
imposed and may confirm it, reduce it or increase it within
the limits set out in paragraphs above. If the Disciplinary
Committee (as an Appellate Body) allows the appeal on
penalty alone, it may reduce it within the limits set out in
penalties available to Authorised Officer via paragraphs
12.8.10 and 12.8.11 respectively or penalties available to
Plagiarism Panel via 7.11.2 h) and 7.11.2 i);
12.12.2
Appealing against decision of Disciplinary Committee or the
Fitness to Practise Committee (The Court Appeal Committee)
The Appeal Committee shall be appointed by the Court. It shall
consist of:
(i)
A Chair appointed from among the members of the
University Court, not being a student or employee of the
University; and
Regulation 12
157
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
(ii)
Two members of the University Court nominated by the
University Court, not being students or employees of the
University, one of whom shall be Vice Chair; and
Two staff members of the Senate, drawn from a panel
approved for this purpose by the Senate, who are not
current members of the Disciplinary Committee; and
Two students nominated by the Council of the Students’
Association from among its members.
12.12.3
The quorum for a meeting of the Appeal Committee shall be four
including the Chair or Vice Chair. The same membership shall be
maintained throughout the meeting and any continuation thereof.
12.12.4
The Chair (or in the absence of the Chair, the Vice Chair) shall
have both an original and a casting vote.
12.12.5
A student may appeal in writing to the Court Appeal Committee
against the decision of the Disciplinary Committee or the Fitness
to Practise Committee on the following grounds:
(i)
That it was made in excess of the jurisdiction conferred on
the Disciplinary Committee or the Fitness to Practise
Committee by this Code;
(ii)
That there was a defect in the procedures employed by the
Disciplinary Committee or the Fitness to Practise
Committee such as to render the decision unfair;
(iii)
That the decision of the Disciplinary Committee or the
Fitness to Practise Committee was unreasonable; in that
the Committee in reaching its decision took into
consideration something which it ought to have
disregarded or disregarded something which it ought to
have considered; and may appeal against any penalty
imposed by the Disciplinary Committee or the Fitness to
Practise Committee on the following grounds:
(iv)
That the penalty levied was in excess of the limits set out
in paragraph 12.11;
(v)
That the penalty levied, or the recommendation made
under paragraph 12.11, was unreasonable.
12.12.6
The appeal must be submitted to the Secretary of the Disciplinary
Committee or the Fitness to Practise Committee within 10
working days of receipt of notification of the final decision of the
Disciplinary Committee or the Fitness to Practise Committee.
The appeal must state the grounds for appeal as per 12.12.2
above. The University Secretary & Registrar will determine
Regulation 12
158
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
whether the written appeal discloses
prima facie grounds for
appeal.
12.12.7
If it is determined that there are no prima facie grounds for
appeal, the student’s appeal against the decision of the
Disciplinary Committee or the Fitness to Practise Committee can
be dismissed. The student shall be advised of this decision as
soon as practicable.
12.12.8
If it is determined that there are prima facie grounds for appeal
against (i) penalty or (ii) finding and penalty then in either case
the operation of the penalty will be suspended pending the
determination of the appeal.
12.12.9
If the matter is to be dealt with by the Appeal Committee:
(i)
The student shall be given at least 10 working days’ notice
by e-mail and 1st class post of the date and time at which
the matter will be dealt with by the Appeal Committee;
(ii)
In cases of appeals on the same issue involving more than
one student, the Appeal Committee may deal with all or
any of the cases at the same time;
(iii)
The Secretary of the Appeal Committee shall produce a
summary of the proceedings but not otherwise take part in
them;
(iv)
The student shall be entitled to appear in person, to be
accompanied by a friend and to be represented by any
person, but the Appeal Committee may proceed in the
student’s absence: the student shall notify the University
Secretary & Registrar at least five working days before the
meeting of the name and status of any representative who
will be present; the student shall also give notice of any
additional support requirements which require to be
addressed in order to enable the student to participate in
the Appeal Committee Hearing without unfair disadvantage
(e.g. hearing impairment, need for translation facilities);
(v)
The University shall be represented by a member of the
academic or senior administrative staff nominated by the
University Secretary & Registrar: except that where the
student is legally represented the University Secretary &
Registrar may appoint a legal representative to act for the
University;
(vi)
The Appeal Committee shall consider the written appeal
together with the notice giving reasons for the decision of
the Disciplinary Committee and shall permit the student or
Regulation 12
1
59
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
his or her representative if present, to address the
Committee;
(vii)
In its sole discretion and in the interests of justice and
fairness, the Appeal Committee may hear evidence on the
part of the student not tendered at the Disciplinary
Committee: the University’s representative may question
any witness called by the student; if witnesses are to be
called the names and addresses of such witnesses shall
be made available to the University’s representative at
least five working days before the meeting of the Appeal
Committee;
(viii) The Appeal Committee shall consider the matter and reach
its decision in private: the decision on finding and on
penalty shall be communicated to the student by the
Secretary to the Appeal Committee in writing as soon as
reasonably practicable after the meeting; the notice
communicating the decision shall give reasons for the
decision;
(ix)
The decision of the Appeal Committee shall be final. If the
Appeal Committee allows the appeal, any penalty
imposed, or recommendation made under paragraph
12.11, shall be quashed. If the Appeal Committee rejects
the appeal, it shall review the level of penalty imposed and
may confirm it, reduce it or increase it within the limits set
out in that paragraph, except that the Appeal Committee
may not of its own account impose the penalty set out in
paragraph 12.11.1.iv) in substitution for any other penalty.
A recommendation under 12.11.2 shall similarly be
reviewed within the limits set out in paragraph 12.11.2.1. If
the Appeal Committee allows the appeal on penalty, it may
reduce it within the limits set out in paragraphs 12.11.1 and
12.11.2.1 respectively;
12.13
Records and Publication
12.13.1
Each Authorised Officer and the Secretaries to the Disciplinary
Committee and Appeals Committee shall keep a record of
disciplinary action taken. With regard to summarily cases, all
correspondence and notes shall be copied to Academic Services
within the Court & Senate Office for information.
Regulation 12
160
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
13
APPEAL BY A STUDENT AGAINST A
DECISION OF A SUBJECT PANEL, A
PROGRESSION & AWARDS BOARD
OR A DECISION RELATING TO
WITHDRAWAL ON
ATTENDANCE/ENGAGEMENT
GROUNDS
Regulation 13
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
13
Appeal by a Student against a decision of a Subject Panel (SP), a
Progression & Awards Board (PAB) or a decision relating to
withdrawal on Attendance/Engagement Grounds
13.1
Principles of academic appeals
13.1.1
Definition of an Appeal
An academic appeal is defined as a request to review a decision
of an academic body charged with decisions on student
assessment, progression awards, and engagement.
13.1.2
Regulation 13 covers the regulations related to an academic
appeal made by a student against a decision of a Subject Panel
(SP), a Progression & Awards Board (PAB) or a School Panel.
13.1.3
An academic appeal may be made only by the individual directly
affected; they may NOT be lodged by a third party such as a
parent or other representative. The only exception to this would
be a student with disabilities which precludes them from
submitting the appeal independently.
13.1.4
The privacy and confidentiality of a student will be respected at all
stages of the appeals process. The circulation of personal or
medical evidence provided by a student submitting an appeal will
be restricted to staff directly involved in the appeal decision
process.
13.1.5
Where an academic appeal also contains within it a complaint
and vice versa, it is possible for the appeal or complaint to be
reclassified either by the student or the University (at whatever
stage they may have reached) and processed under the most
relevant regulation or procedure if this is likely to lead to a more
appropriate outcome for the person(s) appealing or complaining.
13.2
Advice
Any student intending to lodge an appeal against a decision of an
SP, or PAB or School Panel in accordance with these regulations
will, without prejudice, be able to obtain appropriate advice and
counselling within the University. In particular, a student can seek
advice from staff in the funding and advice section of Student
Services, or the Campus President and the Student
Representation Co-ordinator at the Students' Association.
13.3
Grounds for an Appeal
13.3.1
A student can appeal a decision of a Subject Panel or Progression
& Awards Board if:
Regulation 13
161
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
There is evidence that there has been a computational or
administrative error in the recording or processing of their
marks;
An examination or assessment related to the decision was not
conducted in accordance with the University’s regulations;
They can provide additional mitigation circumstance
information which was not originally available to the Mitigation
Panel.
Where a student could have reported this additional information to
the Mitigation Panel prior to its meeting, the mitigating
circumstances cannot then be cited as grounds for appeal unless
there is a compelling reason why these were not disclosed in the
first instance.
13.3.2
The following will
NOT be considered grounds for an appeal
against a decision of an SP:
A student questions the academic or professional judgement
of the examiners;
A student is disappointed with a result where marks have
been accurately recorded, assessment regulations correctly
followed and there is no evidence of material irregularity;
A student’s mitigation circumstances were made known to the
Mitigation Panel, were fully considered and the outcome
passed to the SP for implementation.
13.3.3
A student can appeal a decision of a School Panel to remove
them from a module or programme for non-engagement if:
There is evidence of a procedural irregularity in relation to the
implementation of the University’s Student Engagement
Policy;
They can provide additional mitigating circumstance
information which was not originally available to the School
Panel.
Where a student could have reported this additional
information to the School Panel prior to its meeting, the
mitigating circumstances cannot then be cited as grounds for
appeal unless there is a compelling reason why these were
not disclosed in the first instance.
13.3.4
The following will
NOT be considered grounds for appeal against
decision of a School Panel:
A student has not achieved the minimum level of attendance
and engagement set out in the University’s Student
Engagement Policy and the student cannot provide mitigating
evidence;
Regulation 13
162
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
A student has not responded to any of the University’s
attempts to contact them regarding poor attendance, as set
out in the University’s Student Engagement Policy.
13.4
Submission of an Appeal
13.4.1
A student must submit their academic appeal in writing on the
relevant form within 10 working days from the notification date
which informed them of the decision against which they are
appealing.
The
form
can
be
obtained
on-line
at
http://www.uws.ac.uk/current-students/rights-and-
regulations/academic-appeals-and-mitigation/ or from the Student
Link on any campus.
The student must submit the form to Academic Services within
the
Court
&
Senate
Office
including
any
supporting
documentation. If the student is posting their appeal, it is
advisable to get a Certificate of Posting at the Post Office. A
student
can
submit
their
appeal
electronically
to
xxxxxxx@xxx.xx.xx, scanning any supporting documentation.
13.4.2
An academic appeal submitted in one trimester must relate to a
decision from an SP, PAB or School Panel from the same or the
previous trimester.
13.4.3
If a student fails to submit an academic appeal within the
timescales noted in 13.4.1 and 13.4.2, the appeal may
exceptionally be considered at a later date provided there are
compelling reasons why it could not be submitted on time and
these are detailed in full with supporting evidence at the time of
submission.
13.4.4
An academic appeal may
NOT be lodged against a ‘Defer’ decision
of an SP or a ‘Defer Chair’ decision of a PAB since this is not a
final decision on progress or status.
13.5
An academic appeal may not be lodged subsequent to the
conferment/receipt of a University award.
13.5
Appeals Group of the Education Advisory Committee
13.5.1
The Appeals Group of the Education Advisory Committee will
comprise the Chair and two staff members of the Education
Advisory Committee who have had no involvement with the
appellant or with the decision which is the subject of the appeal.
Only those members of the Education Advisory Committee who
have been trained in the appeals procedure are permitted to sit
on the Group.
13.5.2
The Appeals Group will meet when required each trimester to
consider the academic appeals cases submitted by students.
Regulation 13
163
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
13.5.3
A member of staff from Academic Services shall serve as
Secretary to the Appeals Group.
13.6
Procedures for the Consideration of an Academic Appeal
13.6.1
All documentation relevant to each appeals case, including the
appeal form and supporting evidence from a student, will be
copied to members of the Appeals Group. Where appropriate,
the documentation will also include:
Written statements or evidence from relevant staff in a
School/Department or Chair of an SP, PAB or School Panel;
A copy of the student’s transcript.
13.6.2
A copy of all relevant documentation will also be provided to the
student submitting the appeal for information, prior to the meeting
of the Appeals Group.
13.6.3
A student has the option to attend the Appeals Group meeting to
make a statement to the members of the group. The student can
be accompanied to the meeting.
The person accompanying the student is there to support the
student and as such would not be expected to make any
statement, or to answer questions, on behalf of the student.
Where it would help the Group to make a decision on a particular
appeals case, the Chair of the Appeals Group can invite any
member of staff to attend a meeting of the Group to discuss the
case.
13.6.4
Given the multi-campus nature of the University, meetings will be
scheduled across campuses. The Group will also make use of
electronic meetings, e.g. video conferencing and conference call
facilities.
13.6.5
In making its decision on each individual academic appeal, the
Appeals Group will judge the case on the basis of the grounds of
Appeal (noted in Regulation 13.3), the conditions for submission
(noted in 13.4) and the narrative and evidence provided by the
student.
13.7
Notification of the Result of the Appeal
13.7.1
A student will be notified of the result in writing within five working
days after the Appeals Group has met.
The letter will include a form indicating whether or not the student
accepts the outcome. This form must be returned to the
University within five working days; if it is not returned within five
Regulation 13
164
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
days it will be assumed that the outcome is acceptable to the
student and the file will be closed.
13.7.2
If an academic appeal against a decision of an SP or PAB is
upheld, the Chair of the appropriate SP or PAB will be informed
that the case has been upheld and requested that the original
decision for the assessments in question be re-considered
accordingly.
In situations where a decision of an SP is subsequently modified,
the relevant PAB will be required to reconsider any decision
previously made on the basis of the original decision of the SP.
Consultation with the external examiner may be required at this
stage.
If an academic appeal against a decision of an SP or PAB is
NOT
upheld, the Chair of the appropriate SP or PAB will be informed
that the case has been rejected and the original decision of the
SP or PAB is upheld.
13.7.3
If an academic appeal against decision of a School Panel is
upheld, the Chair of the Panel will be informed that the case has
been upheld and requested that the original decision be
re-considered accordingly.
If an academic appeal against decision of a School Panel is
NOT
upheld, the Dean of School will be informed that the case has
been rejected and the original decision of the Dean of School is
upheld.
13.8
Options available to the student following the decision of the
Appeals Group
13.8.1
A student will have the right to request a review of the handling of
their appeal case on procedural grounds only. The student must
make this request (in writing) to the Chair of Senate within 10
working days of receiving the outcome letter from the Appeals
Group.
13.8.2
The Chair of Senate will appoint an academic member of Senate
to review the procedures and report back to the Chair of Senate
within four weeks. The appointed person will have had no
previous involvement with the appellant or with the decision which
is the subject of the appeal.
The Chair of Senate shall then determine whether or not the
decision of the Appeals Group was procedurally correct. The
Chair of Senate’s view on this shall be final.
Regulation 13
165
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
13.8.3
The Chair of Senate will notify the student of the outcome in
writing within five working days of receiving the review report from
the senior member of staff.
13.8.4
The review process marks the end of the University’s appeals
procedures. When the outcome is notified to the student, it will
include information on the student’s right to refer their case to the
Scottish Public Service Ombudsman. Further information can be
found a
t www.spso.org.uk.
13.9
Status of a Student during an Academic Appeal
13.9.1
If a student submits an academic appeal part way through the
level or year, they may continue provisionally until such time as a
decision has been reached. This is to ensure that the student is
not academically disadvantaged if the appeal is subsequently
upheld. Continued attendance on placements will be at the
discretion of the relevant School.
13.9.2
If a student submits an academic appeal at the end of a level or
year of study:
a)
The student will be permitted to enrol on the next level but
only on a conditional basis. If their appeal is subsequently
upheld, the student’s enrolment would be confirmed. If
their academic appeal is not upheld the student’s
enrolment would be terminated immediately.
b)
The only exception to (a) is where a student is progressing
from Level 9 to Level 10 (Honours) where progression with
credit deficit is not normally permitted. In these cases, the
assessment regulation specifying progression to Level 10
will take precedence over the appeal regulation.
If under these circumstances a student continued with their
studies they will be informed that, pending the outcome of any
appeal, they may be required to withdraw from their programme
or from the University.
13.9.3
If the student is deemed to be eligible for an award and they
subsequently submit an appeal they will be permitted to graduate
and to receive the award agreed by the appropriate Progression
& Awards Board. If the student’s appeal is successful and results
in achieving a different award, they will be required to return any
degree parchment before the new award is sent to them.
13.9.4
Once an award is conferred, either in person or in absentia, the
student may not appeal against the award.
Regulation 13
166
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
13.10
Records
13.10.1
All original documents will be kept centrally in Academic Services
within the Court & Senate Office for five years after the date of the
last action in the case and in accordance with the Data Protection
Act.
Regulation 13
167
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
14
SENATE AND ITS COMMITTEES
Regulation 14
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
CONTENTS PAGE
COMMITTEE STRUCTURE CHART
1
THE COURT
2
THE SENATE
3
SCHOOL LEADERSHIP TEAM
4
SCHOOL BOARDS
5
PROGRAMME BOARDS
6
SCHOOL EDUCATION FORUM
7
SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL FORUM
8
SCHOOL RESEARCH & ENTERPRISE FORUM
9
SCHOOL ETHICS COMMITTEES (under review)
10
PROGRESSION & AWARDS BOARDS
11
SUBJECT PANELS
12
SCHOOL PLAGIARISM PANELS
13
UNIVERSITY MITIGATION PANEL(under review)
14
STUDENT/STAFF LIAISON GROUP
15
EXECUTIVE GROUP
16
SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM
17
LEADERSHIP FORUM
18
INFORMATION SERVICES ADVISORY GROUP
19
ACADEMIC PLANNING GROUP
20
INCIDENT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
21
EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
22
ACADEMIC QUALITY COMMITTEE
Regulation 14
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
23
ASSESSMENT POLICY & PRACTICE COMMITTEE
24
APPEALS GROUP
25
STUDENT EXPERIENCE COMMITTEE
26
INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
27
COLLABORATIVE FORUM
28
UKVI COMPLIANCE OVERSIGHT GROUP
29
RESEARCH & ENTERPRISE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
30
GRADUATE SCHOOL BOARD
31
UNIVERSITY ETHICS COMMITTEE
32
DUE DILIGENCE
33
DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE
34
REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Regulation 14
2014/15 Edition
n
itio
d
t/
n
s
e
n
p
E
e
ff
u
fic
d
ta
o
S
iaiso
/15
tu
S
L
Gr
Of
14
e
20
nat
e
e
ls
e
n
s
s
n
S
a
e
o
s
mm
P
n
rd
d
s
&
ct
l li
ra
a
ssi
rd
g
o
je
b
rra
u
L
re
war
a
B
g
ro
A
o
ourt
m
fe
P
ro
B
C
ru
S
e
DS
&
P
l
o
to
r
F
e
l in
OO
R
e
n
e
1
rise
n
ltipl
A
6
a
l
o
P
m
a
rp
u
m
ru
e
te
e
P
CH
o
m
ru
o
n
itt
s
o
tion
S
l F
BO
ch
t
rism
E
m
ls
S
ia
te
F
a
a
&
m
g
a
jec
e
n
n
iti
b
n
lag
ic
tio
u
a
tio
P
a
rch
d
pendix
a
M
n
S
P
ca
u
rn
se
ics Co
m
i
o
p
d
te
e
th
e
fr
b 1 s
u
A
e
l E
l In
l R
l E
ts
lin
h
l
o
o
o
o
u
d
c
o
o
o
o
o
tp
l S
te
a
o
te
ch
ch
ch
ch
u
o
it
h
S
S
S
o
S
1
* O
Dot
h
r e
mm
fo
Sc
Disciplinary
c
S
o
C
Committee (as
required)
Regulations
Committee (as
required)
Due Diligence
Group
e
t
c
e
n
te
University
e
d
rien
e
Ethics
tu
mmit
S
p
x
o
Committee
*
E
C
y
n
168
l
E
rsit
e
tio
e
id
a
n
a
T
W
itig
P
RT
M
A
Unive
U
c
e
N
E
mi
te
e
lity
d
a
CO
a
mmit
SE
TION
ORY
c
Qu
o
A
ITTE
A
C
ls
C
IS
M
p
V
a
e
u
p
o
DU
D
p
Gr
t
A
E
A
COM
n
e
e
e
te
m
&
s
y
tic
s
lic
c
e
s
o
ra
mmit
s
P
P
o
C
A
L
e
m
A
tiv
n
ro
ip
c
E
ra
m
o
u
o
f
l
s
o
b
ti
g
o
rsh
m
mi
ing
p
p
e
n
e
a
e
n
u
lla
For
c
rti
ch
d
e
d
o
x
o
S
a
T
a
e
lan
TION
ORY
o
E
c
Gr
ITTE
C
L
A
P
A
Rep
IS
M
V
D
A
e
t
nd
COM
c
la
I
p
V
igh
lian
u
ot
INTERN
K
rs
o
c
IVE
P
nt
p
p
U
e
m
Gr
S
T
e
hi
o
or
m
m
Ov
s
m
C
t of
U
e
s
OU
ni
g
ea
der
e
Se
T
Foru
W
na
GR
a
Lea
M
the
4
EXEC
1
of
&
E
E
n
ity
H
tio
rs
l
a
C
e
t
ORY
te
v
)
R
ITTE
a
o
u
o
n
gul
ni
s
t
e
e
d
IS
d
h
e
A
U
tion e ry p
n
o
m
te ire
M
a c
it
S
R
a
ic
u
e
u
E
V
is
o
ide
g
q
rm
rv
v
D
Gr
c
a
e
d
mm
fo
Gr
S
A
In
n
o
re
ES
NTERPRIS
s
A
a
In
C
M
(a
R
E
COM
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
1
University Court
University Court is the supreme governing body of the University. It is
responsible for the appointment of both the Chancellor and the Principal and
Vice Chancellor. It oversees the general strategic direction of the University
and is responsible for its administration, employment (including safety),
financial, property and all legal matters. The Court arranges for the Principal to
discharge its functions relating to the organisation and management of the
University. The Powers of Court are set out in Schedule 1 of the University of
the West of Scotland Order of Council 2009.
The Court is required to delegate to Senate certain functions relating to the
academic work of the University. The Court is assisted in discharging its
functions under the University constitution and the Financial Memorandum with
the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) by its committees.
Please refer to the Court website
(http://www.uws.ac.uk/about/structure/court/index.asp) for further information.
2
The Senate (under review)
A
Membership
1
The Senate shall consist of the following persons:
a)
Ex-officio Members
The Principal and Vice Chancellor; the Depute Principal; the
Vice Principals; Deans of the Faculties; Heads of Schools;
President of the Students' Association.
Such Heads of Support Services as may be determined by
the Senate on the recommendation of the Chair of Senate.
b)
Co-opted Members
Such number of persons, not exceeding four, as have been
co-opted by Senate.
c)
Elected Members
i)
Three members of academic staff elected by and
from among the academic staff in each Faculty.
ii)
Three
members
elected
by
and
from
the
Professoriate.
iii)
Three members of the academic staff of the
University elected from among the academic staff of
the University.
Each of the elected members shall be so elected in accordance
with the arrangements by the Senate from time to time.
Regulation 14
169
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
d)
Student Representation
i)
The President of the Students’ Association;
ii)
One matriculated student from each campus
nominated by the Students’ Association in a manner
to be specified in a scheme made by the Students’
Association and approved by Court.
It shall not be competent for one individual to be a member of the
Senate in more than one of the capacities listed in paragraph 1 at
any given time.
2
Elected members from among the academic staff of the University
and co-opted members shall hold office for a period not exceeding
four years. Members nominated from among the matriculated
students of the University in accordance with paragraph 1(d)(ii)
shall hold office for such period as has been approved by the Court
prior to their nomination.
3
In paragraph 1(a) each of the expressions ‘heads of school’ and
‘heads of support services’ includes such other staff as the Court
deems of equivalent standing or otherwise appropriate, whether by
virtue of their holding a successor office or title or otherwise.
4
Elected and co-opted members of Senate may be further elected
and/or co-opted to the Senate (as the case may be) on expiry of
their period of office.
5
The Principal and Vice Chancellor shall be the Chair of Senate.
Proceedings
6
The proceedings of Senate shall be regulated by a scheme made
by the Senate and approved by the Court and the scheme may
provide for:
a)
The appointment by the Senate of such committees, as they
consider appropriate; and
b)
The co-option, subject to paragraph 1(b) [above], by the
Senate of additional members (including where they
consider it appropriate, representatives of the students in
attendance at the University) of Senate, or of any committee
thereof, for specific purposes and for any other matters
connected with the functions of the Senate.
7
Any scheme made and approved under paragraph 6 shall include
provision for:
a)
The appointment of a Vice Chair of the Senate; and
Regulation 14
170
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
b)
A minimum number of meetings of the Senate in each year.
B
STANDING ORDERS
STANDING ORDERS FOR SENATE AND SENATE COMMITTEES
CONSTITUTED 1 APRIL 1993
The Standing Orders are supplemental to the University’s constitution (the
"
Constitution”) which is contained in a statutory instrument of 1993, as
amended (the most recent amendments having been made by the University of
the West of Scotland Order of Council 2009) and shall always be interpreted in
accordance therewith.
1
Ordinary Meetings
Ordinary meetings of the Senate shall occur at such dates, times
and places as the Senate shall determine. Currently this is four
times per year.
2
Extraordinary Meetings
Extraordinary meetings may be called on the instructions of the
Chair or on a requisition signed by not less than one-third of the
membership.
3
Notice of Meetings
The Secretary to the Senate shall issue members notices of
meetings of Senate at least five days before the day of the
meeting, specifying the time, place, day and hour of the meeting
and the business to be considered.
4
Agenda
The Agenda of ordinary meetings of the Senate shall commence
with "Apologies for Absence" followed by "determination of other
competent business" under which the Senate shall determine
whether to include under "Other Competent Business" such items
as are notified for this purpose to the Secretary to Senate at least
24 hours before a meeting.
5
Order of Voting
Where a proposal is amended, voting will take place on the
amendment against the proposal, or the series of amendments, in
the order of last amendment first, until a single amendment is put
against the proposal. Thereafter voting will take place upon the
proposal or the proposal amended.
6
Dissent from Decision
No one shall be entitled to enter his or her dissent from any
decision, except at the meeting at which it has been passed; but
Regulation 14
171
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
any member not present may at the next meeting have his or her
dissent recorded.
7
Rescission of a Decision
No proposal, nor any amendment to any such proposal, shall be
moved if it involved a reconsideration of any question or proposal
which has been decided or adopted by the Senate at any time
within the preceding six months unless - (a) it is moved by the
Chair or (b) in addition to being signed by the proposer, it is signed
by at least one-third of the total members of the Senate.
8
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The minutes of the previous meeting shall be sent to members of
Senate along with the notice calling the next meeting; and shall be
submitted for approval as a correct record.
9
Quorum for Senate
The quorum for meetings of the Senate shall be one-third of the
total membership.
10
Chair and Vice Chair
The Principal shall be the Chair of Senate, the Depute Principal
shall be the Vice Chair. In the absence of the Principal the Depute
Principal will preside as Chair at any meeting.
11
Casting Vote
The Chair shall have a deliberative vote and casting vote and shall,
subject to the Standing Orders, decide all questions of order.
12
Election of Members of Senate
The Constitution provides for the following elected members of
Senate:
(i)
Three members of academic staff elected by and from
among the academic staff in each Faculty.
(ii)
Three members elected by and from the Professoriate.
(iii)
Three members of the academic staff of the University
elected from among the academic staff of the University.
The election of such members of Senate shall be in accordance
with the following scheme:
a)
The Secretary to Senate shall oversee the operation of this
scheme and be the Returning Officer.
Regulation 14
172
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
b)
Ex-officio members of Senate are not eligible for
nomination to elected posts nor can they nominate or vote
in any of these elections. Ex-officio membership of Senate
includes Deans of Faculty and Heads of School. Members
of the Professoriate are not eligible for nomination to
elected posts under (i) nor can they nominate or vote in
these elections.
c)
In respect of (i) nominations will be sought from among the
staff on academic terms and conditions in the Faculty. If
the number of nominations exceeds the number of
vacancies an election will be required. All nominations
must be supported by 10 members of the Faculty
electorate with not more than six from one School. Each
nominee should submit on the back of the nomination form
a statement in support of their candidacy (to a maximum of
200 words). This will form the basis of a statement which
will be circulated with the voting forms.
In respect of (ii) nominations will be sought from among the
professorial staff on academic terms and conditions in the
University. If the number of nominations exceeds the
number of vacancies an election will be required. All
nominations must be supported by four members of the
electorate. Each nominee should submit on the back of
the nomination form a statement in support of their
candidacy (to a maximum of 200 words). This will form the
basis of a statement which will be circulated with the voting
forms.
In respect of (iii) nominations will be sought from among
the staff on academic term and conditions in the University
excluding members of the Professoriate. If the number of
nominations exceeds the number of vacancies an election
will be required. All nominations must be supported by 10
members of the electorate of whom not more than six
should be from any one Faculty. Each nominee should
submit on the back of the nomination form a statement in
support of their candidacy (to a maximum of 200 words).
This will form the basis of a statement which will be
circulated with the voting forms.
The call for nominations under (iii) will follow the
conclusion of the arrangements set out for (i) and (ii).
d)
All elections shall be on a "first past the post" basis.
e)
Not less than fourteen days will be between the issue and
return of nomination forms. Not more than twenty-eight
Regulation 14
173
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
days will elapse between the close of nominations and
election day (if required).
f)
Voting papers will be circulated by internal post with a return
by a specific date/time.
g)
Votes will be counted at the end of poll under the
supervision of the Secretary to the Senate.
h)
In the event of a tie, the names of the candidates will be
placed in a box and drawn out by the Secretary to the
Senate in the presence of the candidates. The name
selected will be declared to be the successful candidate.
i)
The Chair of Senate shall be empowered to rule on any
procedural matters or questions arising from the
arrangements for the appointment and election of members
to the Senate, subject to report of the matter and its
outcome to the next scheduled meeting of the Senate.
NOTE:
The Secretary to the Senate may call on the support of Faculty
Managers in connection with the arrangements for Faculty
elections.
13
Ordinary Business
The ordinary business of the Senate shall be composed of such
items as are deemed necessary by the Senate to fulfil its statutory
functions.
14
Committees of the Senate
a)
Senate may from time to time set up such standing
committees, "ad hoc" committees and working parties as it
deems necessary.
b)
Any committee set up by the Senate shall, in so far as they
are relevant, conduct their business under the same
standing orders as the Senate.
15
Reserved Business
Where any meeting of the Senate or any Senate Committee
receives business which is to consider the salary, conditions of
service, appointment, promotion, suspension or dismissal of any
member of staff, student members of the Senate shall withdraw
from the meeting unless invited to remain by a resolution of the
other members of the Senate or committee present at the meeting.
Any member of Senate who has a personal interest, or an interest
of kinship, in any matter and is present at a meeting at which the
matter is being considered, must disclose the interest to the
Regulation 14
174
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
meeting. Declarations of interest shall be noted in the minute of
any meeting at which they are raised. Where there is a declared
interest in respect of any matter under consideration at a meeting,
the meeting must decide whether there is a conflict of interest and
whether the member concerned shall be present during the
discussion, receive papers on the matter or speak or vote on it.
16
Suspension of Standing Orders
In case of urgency any one or more of the standing orders may be
suspended at any meeting. As regards any business at such
meeting, provided that no less than two thirds of the members of
the Senate are present, then voting shall so decide.
C
POWERS AND FUNCTIONS
1
To discharge the functions of the Court relating to the overall
planning, co-ordination, development and supervision of the
academic work of the University.
2
To oversee the academic work of the University including the
approval of programmes, the admission of students, teaching,
examinations, appointment of External Examiners and awards.
3
To maintain and enhance academic standards.
4
To maintain the regulatory framework for the maintenance of
quality and standards of programmes leading to awards of the
University.
5
To promote the academic development of the University and the
efficient use of resources.
6
To promote research and consultancy and other scholarly activity.
7
To promote the professional development of staff.
8
To establish such Boards, Committees and ad hoc working parties
having such membership and terms of reference as the Senate
may prescribe and to delegate to such Boards and Committees
and working parties the power to act on its behalf as appropriate.
9
To receive reports on the proceedings of Faculty Executives*,
Committees and other academic bodies of the University. To give
direction to and to consider recommendations from such Boards
and Committees and bodies.
10
To regulate the discipline of the students of the University.
Regulation 14
175
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
11
To report to Court on any academic matter and on any matter
referred to the Senate by Court.
*Note: (or Faculty Boards as appropriate)
Regulation 14
176
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
3
School Leadership Team
Membership
Chair
Dean of School
Ex-officio
Assistant Dean (Education)
Assistant Dean (Research & Enterprise)
Assistant Dean (International)
School Executive Manager
Attending members
Additional members may be invited to attend
required.
Administrative support
A member of administrative staff appointed by the
School Executive Manager
Quorum
Normally one-third of the total membership.
Remit
To allocate the resources required to ensure effective delivery of the
School’s performance objectives across the policy portfolios of:
Education; Research and Enterprise; and International;
Working with and through School Board, the School Education Forum,
the School Research and Enterprise Forum and the School International
Forum, to secure the above;
To monitor and manage the School’s budget, ensuring effective delivery
of all financial targets and objectives;
To monitor and manage the school’s staff resources, ensuring that
effective appointment, recruitment, and leadership succession plans are
in place across all areas of School activity, and that effective
performance management systems and process are secured;
To ensure that the School meets all University and external planning and
reporting requirements.
Frequency of meetings
Bi-weekly
Reporting
The School Leadership Team will report on an exception basis to the Executive
Group.
Regulation 14
177
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
4
School Boards
Membership
Chair
Dean of School
Ex-officio
Assistant Dean (Education)
Assistant Dean (Research & Enterprise)
Assistant Dean (International)
School Executive Manager
Appointed members
Programme Leaders representation;
Student representatives (two elected from a
School-wide constituency);
School Research Institute, Centre or Group Leads;
School academic staff representatives (two elected
from a School-wide academic staff constituency);
Attending members
School service delivery staff (two elected from a
School-wide service delivery staff constituency).
Additional members to be co-opted as required.
Administrative support
A member of administrative staff appointed by the
School Executive Manager
Quorum
Normally one third of the total membership.
Remit
The School Board oversees the development, performance and delivery of all
academic provision. The remit of the Board shall include:
Advising the Dean and the School Leadership Team on matters of
academic policy.
Overseeing academic provision in the School relating to both taught
programmes and research activity;
Overseeing implementation of the University’s Corporate Strategy
across the School;
Deliberating on any matters relating to the School and any matter
referred to it by Senate with the purpose of conveying its views and
recommendations thereon to Senate;
Working with and through the School Education Forum to co-ordinate
and formally approve all issues and documents relating to the annual,
and ongoing quality and standards of the School’s provision across its
undergraduate, taught postgraduate and postgraduate research
Regulation 14
178
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
portfolios, including the management and forward planning of
professional accreditation of School programmes;
Working with and through the School Education Forum to oversee new
programme approvals including approval of reports and monitor of
progress in addressing conditions and recommendations;
Working with and through the School Education Forum to recommend
for approval the appointment of external examiners to the School’s
modules and programmes;
Working with and through the School Education Forum to oversee
external examiner reports and responses across the School’s
programmes;
Working with and through the School Research and Enterprise Forum to
approve the plans, strategies and objectives of the School’s Research
Institutes, Centres or Groups and ensure that all aspects of the School’s
formulation and delivery of the research and enterprise strategy are
properly managed;
Working with and through the School Research and Enterprise Forum to
ensure that all elements of the School’s postgraduate research student
experience are delivered in line with objectives, including matters
relating to student support, progression and completion;
Working with and through the School International Forum to ensure that
all aspects of the School’s formulation and delivery of the international
strategy are properly managed, including international recruitment,
partnerships, curriculum issues, outward and inward staff and student
mobility, marketing, promotion and recruitment.
Frequency of meetings
Four times per academic year.
Reporting
The School Board will report to Senate.
Regulation 14
179
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
5
Programme Boards
Membership
(Note that particular roles on each Board may vary according to the size and
focus of the Programme)
Chair
Programme Leader
Vice Chair
Depute programme leader (for large Programmes)
Ex-officio
Assistant Dean (Education)
Year Leaders (Where appropriate)
Representatives from contributing disciplines
Admissions Officer
Assessment Officer
Employability/Placements Lead
Internationalisation and Global Citizenship Lead
Learning and Teaching Lead
Student representatives (one for each level of the
Programme)
Appointed members
Additional members to be co-opted as required,
including representatives of external partners.
Administrative support
A member of School Administrative staff appointed
by
the
School
Education
Service
Delivery
Co-ordinator
Quorum
Normally one third of the total membership.
Remit
All undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are located within Schools.
Programme Boards will be
represented via Programme Leaders on the School
Education Forum and are through this mechanism accountable to the Assistant
Dean (Education).
Programme Boards will work with the School Education Forum and
discipline groups to ensure high standards of delivery relating to
academic leadership and strategy, marketing, recruitment, induction,
quality enhancement, progression and retention, student experience,
student engagement, internationalisation, employability and strategic
development of the programmes;
Programme Boards will manage the process of approving new modules
and module and programme amendments. Programme Boards will
report on these to the School Education Forum;
Regulation 14
180
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
To receive reports from Subject Panels and Progression & Awards
Boards (PABs on student success and progression;
To oversee annual programme health checks and report to School
Education Forum on actions;
To receive reports from Student & Staff Liaison Groups (SSLGs).
Frequency of meetings
Four times per academic year
Reporting
Programme Boards will report to the School Education Forum/School Board
Regulation 14
181
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
6
School Education Forum
Membership
Chair
Assistant Dean (Education)
Ex-officio
Programme Leaders
School Enhancement Developer(s)
Appointed members
Student representatives (one per programme up to
a maximum of four)
Attending members
Service Delivery Officer: Education
Additional members to be co-opted as required
Administrative support
A member of administrative staff appointed by the
Service Delivery Officer: Education
Quorum
Normally one third of the total membership.
Remit
Support the Assistant Dean (Education) in the discharge of the duties
identified for Schools in the LTAS;
Secure effective development and delivery of University policies and
strategies relating to all aspects of learning and teaching, pedagogies,
programmes,
student
experience
and
quality
assurance
and
enhancement (including matters relating to employability, placements
and professional practice);
Oversee of academic provision in the School relating to both taught and
research programmes;
Scrutinise recruitment, progression and retention data and ensure
effective action plans are put in place to maximise attainment;
Co-ordinate across the School’s portfolio of Programmes all matters
relating to induction;
Oversee and recommend to School Board for approval all
Programme/Subject Reviews and enhancement developments including
preparation of the documentation, engagement with recommendations
and reports and progress on post review action plans;
Oversee and recommend to School Board for approval new programme
initiatives;
Regulation 14
182
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
Manage and forward plan for professional accreditation of the School’s
programmes;
Co-ordinate all responses to student feedback;
Develop and implement School level co-ordination of student surveys
(across undergraduate and taught postgraduate programmes) ensuring
via Programmes the effective management of the gathering of
responses, the analysis of results, and the co-ordination of the action
plans;
Recommend to School Board for approval external examiners for
appointment to all modules and Programmes;
Oversee and recommend for approval all external examiners’ reports
and responses;
Receive from Programme Boards and approve all recommended
module and programme amendments;
Receive reports from the School Plagiarism Panel on the volume and
types of plagiarism and implement strategies to address poor academic
conduct;
Ensure consistency in approach across the School in matters relating to
RPL/APL;
Ensure that all School Programmes have in place efficient and effective
arrangements for employer engagement;
Ensure that arrangements are in place to secure equity of experience for
students across all campuses.
Frequency of meetings
Four times per academic year
Reporting
The School Education Forum will report to the School Board.
Regulation 14
183
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
7
School International Forum
Membership
Chair
Assistant Dean (International)
Appointed members
Programme Leaders
School Erasmus Co-ordinators
Attending members
Service Delivery Co-ordinator: International
Additional members to be co-opted as required
Administrative support
A member of Administrative staff appointed by the
Service Delivery Co-ordinator: International
Quorum
Normally one-third of the total membership.
Remit
To assist the Assistant Dean (International) in the discharge the duties
identified for Schools within the UWS International Plan;
To facilitate the creation and implementation of School and Programme
level strategies relating to international recruitment, partnerships,
curriculum issues, outward and inward staff and student mobility and
marketing, promotion and recruitment;
To monitor performance in relation to all of the above against School and
Programme plans, targets and objectives.
Frequency of meetings
Four times per academic year.
Reporting
The School International Forum will report to the School Board
Regulation 14
184
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
8
School Research & Enterprise Forum
Membership
Chair
Assistant Dean (Research & Enterprise)
Ex-officio
Directors/Leads
of
Centres/Institutes/Research
Groups
Postgraduate Research Student Co-ordinator
Appointed members
Professoriate
School Research Ethics Lead;
Business Development/External Engagement Lead
Two
Postgraduate
Research
Student
Representatives
Attending members
Service
Delivery
Co-ordinator:
Research
&
Enterprise
Additional members to be co-opted as required.
Administrative support
A member of administrative staff appointed by the
Service
Delivery
Co-ordinator:
Research
&
Enterprise
Quorum
Normally one third of the total membership.
Remit
To assist the Assistant Dean (Research & Enterprise) in the discharge of
the duties identified for Schools within the UWS Research & Knowledge
Exchange Strategy:
- Confirming, on an annual basis, the research structures and associated
staffing.
- Co-ordinating the allocation of staff into Research Institutes, Centres and
Groups.
- Monitoring the quality of research in Schools on a rolling basis.
- Annual reporting and monitoring of research outputs against plan.
- Stimulating and facilitating opportunities for staff to engage in cross- and
inter-disciplinary research and knowledge exchange activities.
To oversee and co-ordinate common practices across the constituent
Research Groups, Centres and Institutes within the School, particularly in
relation to matters of governance and policy implementation;
To facilitate the creation and implementation of strategies across the
School’s constituent research bodies which maximise performance in
relation to all objectives for research income generation, production of high
quality research outputs, demonstrable research impact, and research
Regulation 14
185
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
underpinning for the School’s teaching, internationalisation and business
development agendas;
To co-ordinate the monitoring of Postgraduate Research Student
experience, including the provision of resources and support, career
development opportunities, and ensuring year on year improvements in
progression and completion rates;
Manage the postgraduate research student survey, including the gathering
of responses, the analysis of results, and the co-ordination of the action
plans;
To facilitate the creation and implementation of strategies which maximise
performance in relation to business development and external engagement.
Frequency of meetings
Four times per academic year.
Reporting
The School Research & Enterprise Forum will report to School Board
Regulation 14
186
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
9
School Ethics Committee(s)
Preamble
All Schools will be mindful of the need to consider ethical issues in
undergraduate and postgraduate projects, in postgraduate research student
programmes and in staff research activities, and to operate within the
University’s Ethics Policy. Each School shall have a School Ethics Committee,
or should make arrangements with a partner School to have a joint School
Ethics Committee.
The School Ethics Committee will operate within the framework set out by the
University Ethics Committee, and where projects involve complex issues or
vulnerable human subjects, shall refer matters to the University Ethics
Committee for consideration.
Membership
Chair
To be appointed by the Dean of School
Vice Chair
To be appointed by the Committee
Ex-officio Members
Chair of the University Ethics Committee
Assistant Dean (Research and Enterprise)
Appointed Members
At least one member of the School professoriate
External or Lay Members
At least two members external to the School, with
experience of ethical issues and, preferably, at
least one lay member
Co-opted Members
The Committee may co-opt additional members
for a period specified by the Committee.
Administrative Support
A member of administrative staff appointed by the
Service Delivery Co-ordinator: Research and
Enterprise
Quorum
The quorum shall be one-third of the total membership, with at least one
external in attendance per meeting
Regulation 14
187
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
Terms of Reference
To consider general ethical issues relating to School activity, specifically,
but not exclusively, undergraduate student projects, postgraduate taught
and research student projects, and staff research activity;
To implement the University Policy & Procedures for Ethical Research;
To refer high risk or complex applications to the University Ethics
Committee, including projects where risks may be posed to the
researchers themselves, e.g. in laboratory or field;
To monitor the quality of ethical applications and ensure that the
approval process is conducted in a fair and independent manner;
To provide an annual report to the University Ethics Committee and to
provide a summary of applications and minutes of meetings, quarterly;
To ensure that students and staff are aware of the importance of
considering ethical issues and of the appropriate channels for seeking
ethical approval.
Frequency of Meetings
The Committee shall meet at least four times per annum, but may meet as
often as required, particularly at peak periods (Masters dissertations etc).
Reporting
The Committee shall report to the School Board, and shall provide an Annual
Report to the University Ethics Committee.
Regulation 14
188
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
10
Progression & Awards Boards
Membership
Chair
A senior member of academic staff (an Assistant
Dean of School or other senior academic as
approved by the Dean)
Ex-officio Members
Dean of School
Programme Leader(s) (or nominee) for the
programme(s) being considered
Progression & Awards Board external examiner
Other external staff where required for purposes of
professional accreditation
Co-opted Members
Representative of any collaborating institution, at
the discretion of the Dean of School
Any other academic staff with an input to the
delivery and operation of the programmes being
considered, ensuring cross-campus representation
Administrative Support
Progression and award decisions will be recorded
by administrative staff allocated by Registry
Quorum
The quorum shall be the Chair and the programme leader(s) (or nominee) for
the programme(s) being considered.
Remit
The function of the Progression & Awards Board is to review the performance
of students on a programme of study and to determine the students’ eligibility to
progress or gain an award from the University.
Key responsibilities will include:
To determine the eligibility for each candidate for progression to the next
level of study and/or for the award in accordance with the University
Regulatory Framework;
To make recommendation for the conferment of an award of the
university (with distinction or classification, as appropriate) on the
delegated authority of Senate (see Regulation 3.1.2);
To take appropriate cognisance of the opinions and views of the
Progression & Awards Board External Examiner in making decisions
which are fair, consistent and equitable for all students (see Regulation
7.12.6a);
Regulation 14
189
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
To assist the Progression & Awards Board External Examiner in
commenting on the trends and comparison of standards across different
cohorts and campuses (see Regulation 7.12.6d);
To record in its report the discussions and decisions taken in
accordance with University regulations and guidance;
Frequency of Meetings
Progression & Awards Boards are convened by the Deans of School (or
nominee) at least twice per academic session at the end of Trimesters 2 and 3.
Additional meetings may be required for programmes where progression and
award points occur at other times in the academic session. (See Regulation
7.12.2d.)
The dates of the meetings will be set by Registry, in consultation with the Chair
of the Progression & Awards Board and the School Executive Manager. These
are agreed early in the academic session and the responsibility for consulting
on the dates of the meetings with the members of the Progression & Awards
Board (including external examiners) lies with the Chair of the Board. The
School Office will have responsibility for advising all members of the
Progression & Awards Board, including External Examiners, of the confirmed
dates of meetings early in the session.
Operation
The production of the results paperwork for the Progression & Awards Board is
the responsibility of Registry. The production of student academic transcripts
showing results from previous academic sessions is the responsibility of the
School Office.
Normally the decision of a Progression & Awards Board shall be the unanimous
decision of all members of the Board but where, in the course of reaching a
decision on a particular student, a vote is taken, each member of the
Progression & Awards Board shall be entitled to only one vote; provided that the
special position of the Progression & Awards Board External Examiner shall be
respected. (See Regulation 7.12.5.)
All relevant submitted information will be available at statutory meetings of the
Progression & Awards Board and members of the Board whose attendance is
essential at a particular statutory meeting will be informed of the fact that their
attendance is mandatory, and that the University’s standard Progression &
Awards Board agenda is followed.
All acts and decision of the Progression & Awards Board will be fully recorded
and minutes will be presented to the relevant Programme Board. Guidance on
the format of the minutes will be provided to the Chairs of the Progression &
Awards Boards by Registry.
Regulation 14
190
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
Reporting
The report from the Progression & Awards Board should be sent to the relevant
Programme Board.
Approval of Awards by Progression & Awards Board External Examiner
A decision of a Progression & Awards Board which leads to an award of the
University must have the written consent of the relevant Progression & Awards
Board external examiner (see Regulation 7.10.4c). This may be obtained
either when the external examiner is in attendance at the meeting or
exceptionally (due to unforeseen absence from the Board meeting) by other
means after the meeting of the Progression & Awards Board. (See Regulation
7.12.2e.)
Regulation 14
191
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
11
Subject Panels
Membership
Chair
A senior member of academic staff on the
recommendation of the Dean of School)
Ex-officio Members
Assistant Dean: Education for the School
Module co-ordinator (or nominee) for each module
being considered
Subject External Examiner(s)
Co-opted Members
Representative of any collaborating institution, at
the discretion of the Dean of School
Any other academic staff with an input to the
delivery and operation of the modules being
considered
Administrative Support
Support staff from within the School, as determined
by the School Executive Manager
Quorum
The quorum shall be the Chair and the module co-ordinator (or nominee) for
each module being considered.
Remit
The function of the Subject Panel is to consider and approve the results from a
group of subject-related modules. Each module will be allocated to a subject
panel and to a subject external examiner. The allocation of the modules to the
subject panel is the responsibility of the Dean of School. (See Regulation
7.10.2.)
Key responsibilities will include:
To confirm marks and grades for the modules assigned to the Subject
Panel and to submit these to Registry for consideration (where
applicable) by a Progression & Awards Board;
To assist the subject external examiner in their responsibilities to ensure
that each module is assessed fairly and impartially and that standards of
awards (or parts thereof) are maintained (see Regulation 7.12.6b);
To provide evidence to the subject external examiner to confirm that
internal and external moderation have taken place and to ensure that
double/sample marking and (where appropriate) standardisation have
been undertaken in accordance with University procedures;
Regulation 14
192
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
To approve the recommendation of the module co-ordinator as to the
method of re-assessment for those students deemed not to have passed
the module;
To take appropriate account of the outcome of the Mitigation Panel (see
Regulation 7.7b);
To take appropriate cognisance of the opinions and views of the Subject
External Examiner;
To record within its report the discussions and decisions taken in
accordance with University regulations and guidance;
Frequency of Meetings
Subject Panels are convened by the Dean of School (or nominee) at the end of
each trimester of the academic session.
The dates of the meetings will be set by the School in accordance with the
University Calendar and notified to all members of the Subject Panels early in
the academic session by the School Office.
The Subject External Examiner is expected to attend each meeting of the
Subject Panel in order to confirm the results for each student on each module
being considered by the Subject Panel. Arrangements for the attendance of
the Subject External Examiner are the responsibility of the School.
Approval of Marks by Subject External Examiner
All Subject Panel results must be signed off by the appointed Subject External
Examiner, either when in attendance at the panel meeting or exceptionally (due
to unforeseen absence from the Subject Panel) by other means after the
meeting of the Subject Panel (see Regulations 7.12.2a and 7.12.2c).
Operation
The production of the results paperwork for the Subject Panel is the
responsibility of the School, in consultation with staff in Registry.
Reporting
Minutes of the deliberations and outcomes of the Subject Panel will be
forwarded to the next meeting of the appropriate Programme Board. Guidance
on the format of the report will be provided to the Chairs of the Subject Panel
by Registry.
Regulation 14
193
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
12
School Plagiarism Panels
Terms of Reference
A suspected case of plagiarism will initially be considered at School level
through a Plagiarism Panel. Each School will have a single Plagiarism Panel
which will consider all cases of plagiarism in the modules assigned to the
Subject Panels in the School.
Membership
The panel will consist of three members:
Chair
Appointed by Dean of School, normally Assistant
Dean (Education) for each School
Two members of academic staff from the School,
appointed by the Plagiarism Panel Chair
Administrative Support
Support Staff within the School, as determined by
the School Executive Manager
Note: The member of academic staff who refers a case of suspected
plagiarism to the Panel must not serve as a member of that Panel for
the purpose of giving consideration to this case, but will attend the
Panel for the purpose of presenting evidence. The Panel may hear
multiple cases hence academic staff would be expected to present
their evidence for their module then retire from the meeting, i.e. it is
expected that after presenting the evidence they would not have any
say in deciding the outcome of the deliberations of the Panel.
Remit
The School Plagiarism Panel is required:
To decide if an offence has occurred and if so, whether it could be
regarded as a minor, serious or major offence;
If the Plagiarism Panel decides a minor or serious offence has occurred,
the Panel Chair will apply a suitable sanction (as outlined in 7.11.2) and
inform the student of the decision;
a student does not accept the proposed sanction for minor and serious
offences, the case will be referred to the Senate Disciplinary Committee
(see UWS Regulation 12);
If the Plagiarism Panel decides an offence has occurred and the offence
is major, the case will be referred to the Senate Disciplinary Committee.
Thereafter, it will be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the
University’s Code of Discipline (Section 12);
Regulation 14
194
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
Frequency of Meetings
The Panel will meet at least two days prior to the Subject Panels and consider
all suspected plagiarism offences related to the modules assigned to the
Subject Panels in the School.
Reporting
School Plagiarism Panels will report to appropriate School Education Forum
which will take an overview of the volume and types of plagiarism cases and
any implications for School practices as part of the School Board’s oversight of
quality and standards.
Regulation 14
195
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
13
University Mitigation Panel (under review)
Terms of Reference
The function of the Mitigation Panel is to provide a consistent university - wide
forum for the consideration of evidence of mitigating and personal
circumstances submitted by students, and to advise the relevant Subject Panel
as to the extent to which these circumstances have affected assessments
undertaken by the student.
Membership
Chair
Appointed by Vice Principal (Education)
Vice Chair
Appointed by Vice Principal (Education)
Ex-officio Members
Assistant Deans (Education) for each School or
nominee
A senior member of Registry
Attending Members
In exceptional circumstances, the Mitigation Panel
may call upon other academic and academic
support staff (for example, personal tutors or
representatives of Student Services) to assist in
their deliberations. Such staff would attend in an
advisory capacity
Administrative Support
A member of Academic Services appointed by the
Head of Academic Services to act as Secretary to
the University Mitigation Panel
Quorum
The quorum shall be one-third of the total membership.
Remit
The Mitigation Panel is required:
To consider evidence of and written claims relating to mitigating
circumstances submitted by students with regard to assessments,
ensuring that all students are treated in a fair and equitable manner and
according to the University’s Regulatory Framework;
To determine the extent to which the mitigating or personal
circumstances have materially affected a student’s performance in
attendance at, or submission of, specific assessments;
To inform the Subject Panel where grounds for mitigation have been
established, and to advise such Panels of specific rights to resit or
resubmit assessments that follow from the establishment of such
grounds;
Regulation 14
196
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
To produce a record of the claims for mitigation considered by the Panel
and of the outcome of the Panel’s deliberations and provide this to the
Subject Panel;
To keep a record of discussions and decisions to support case law and
precedence.
Frequency of Meetings
A meeting of the Mitigation Panel will be convened after each diet of
assessment, namely after the Trimester examinations diet, and after the resit
diet and before the first Subject Panel. Reports will be provided to the Subject
Panel which in turn reports to the School Board. Additional meetings of the
Panel may be convened as required.
Reporting
Mitigation Panels will report to the Subject Panel and also to the Dean as
required.
The Mitigation Panel will submit an annual report to the Education Advisory
Committee.
Regulation 14
197
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
14
Student/Staff Liaison Group (SSLG)
Membership
Chair
The Student/Staff Liaison Group (SSLG) will
normally be chaired by a student but may be
chaired by a member of staff from the relevant
Programme Board. If appropriate, it may be a
student and a member of staff co-chair the SSLG
Ex officio Members
There should be appropriate representation of
students and staff from the programme(s) covered
by the SSLG including the programme leader(s) and
additional staff and/or students should be invited as
necessary to deal with specific items of business
Membership should be balanced to ensure a
majority of members from the student body
Staff Support
Each School should appoint an academic member
of staff to be responsible for SSLGs within the
School
Administrative Support
Support staff from within the School, as determined
by the School Executive Manager
Quorum
Both student representatives and staff should be present at meetings.
Remit
The SSLG is a forum for students and staff to discuss student-led agendas on
learning and teaching issues and to consult with students on its future plans for
curriculum development. SSLGs are not "complaint shops" although it is
accepted that students may bring issues of concern to the SSLG. For each
Programme Board, the member of staff nominated to be responsible for SSLGs
will:
Organise the structure of SSLGs within the SDG area taking into
consideration multi-campus issues;
Co-ordinate the identification of student reps;
Organise the meetings of SSLGs;
Liaise with SAUWS regarding the content and timing of training for
student reps;
Liaise with the Student Chair of the SSLG with regard to the setting of
agendas for meetings;
Regulation 14
198
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
Ensure that steps are taken to inform the wider student body of the
actions taken following SSLG meetings;
The following are indicative of the issues that could be discussed at an SSLG:
Issues raised in student feedback/module questionnaires and the actions
planned as a result of questionnaires/SSLGs etc;
Learning and teaching methods including volume of work and delivery/pace
of the programme and use of VLE;
Communication with students assessment issues including timing of
courseworks and provision of feedback;
Resources/facilities;
Issues of concern;
New programme proposals/module and programme changes;
Subject Health Review, Self Evaluation Document and opportunities for
student input;
Accessibility of the curriculum and its inclusiveness
Personal Development Planning and Student Guidance and support;
Work-based Learning;
International exchange opportunities;
Programme and annual reports;
Success and progression rates of their modules and programmes;
Multi-campus issues;
Discussion of new initiatives and strategies at School or University level;
Frequency of Meetings
At a minimum, there should be at least one meeting of each SSLG per
trimester. (Trimester 3 as required.)
The dates of the SSLG meetings should be published and made available to all
students either through notice boards or electronically.
Reporting
All SSLGs proceedings should be formally recorded by a member of
administrative staff. While this record may be a minute of the meeting, it is
imperative that as a minimum a list of action points together with an indication
of the action taken is produced following each meeting. Information on the
action taken following an SSLG should be made available to the wider student
body either electronically or through notice boards.
The appropriate Programme Boards(s) will receive reports from the SSLGs.
The Chair of the SSLG will be a member of the Programme Board.
Regulation 14
199
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
15
Executive Group (EG)
Terms of Reference
The Group is the executive decision-making body in the University. It advises
the Principal and Vice-Chancellor, and takes decisions, on matters relating to
the strategic direction and executive-level management of the University. It
also ensures that there is accountability and clear action points for those
decisions.
The Group will be the initial forum for regular, collective discussion of high-level
items of business and for the discussion and preparation of documentation for
consideration through established governance structures.
Membership
Ex-officio Members
Principal and Vice-Chancellor (Chair)
Depute Principal
Vice-Principal (Education)
Vice-Principal (International)
Vice-Principal (Research, Enterprise and
Engagement)
University Secretary & Registrar
Chief Finance and Information Officer
Attending
Director of Strategic Planning and Development
Executive Adviser to the Principal (Secretary)
The Group will invite other colleagues to attend as required.
Remit
The Group provides leadership and takes executive-level decisions on
academic, strategic, developmental and budgetary aspects of the University’s
operations. This is informed by its consideration of policy, funding and
environmental analyses.
Informed by real time data and performance management information, the
Group identifies opportunities for academic and professional service units to
maximise their contributions towards the fulfilment of the University’s Corporate
Strategy.
The Group will consider any business relevant to the leadership and
management of the University.
The Group will have operational responsibility for budgets and financial
management, estates and buildings projects and human resource management
and capital and recurrent expenditure.
The Group will have oversight of all staffing matters.
Regulation 14
200
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
The Group will act as, and manage, the business connection between the
Executive and Court.
The Group also provides the forum for the Principal and Vice-Chancellor to
receive advice from, and consult with, Executive members.
Agendas
Agendas will be circulated in advance of meetings.
Frequency of Meetings
The Group will normally meet on a weekly basis.
Reporting
The Principal and Vice-Chancellor will provide regular update reports to Senate
and Court on relevant issues arising from the Executive Group. In addition, the
Senior Management Team will also receive updates on any relevant specific
issues arising from the Group’s discussions.
Regulation 14
201
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
16
Senior Management Team (SMT)
Terms of Reference
The Senior Management Team will focus on academic matters and academic
planning as they input to the strategic direction of the University, and the
fulfilment of the Corporate Strategy.
Membership
Ex-officio Members
Principal and Vice-Chancellor (Chair)
Depute Principal
Vice-Principal (International)
Vice-Principal (Research, Enterprise &
Engagement)
Vice-Principal (Education)
University Secretary & Registrar
Chief Finance and Information Officer
Deans of School (x6)
Director of International Centre
Dean of Students/Director of Student Engagement
Director of People & Organisational Development
Director of Strategic Planning & Development
Director of Finance
Director of Information Services
Director of Learning & Innovation
SAUWS President
Attending
Executive Adviser to the Depute Principal
(Secretary)
Executive Adviser to the Principal
The Team will invite other colleagues to attend as required. Alternates may
attend as appropriate.
Remit
The Team provides a forum for discussion of academic and developmental
aspects of the University’s operations.
This will be informed by information from the Executive Group on policy,
funding and environmental issues. In addition, the Senior Management Team
will be used as a forum for external speakers to provide presentations and
prompt discussion and workshop activity on the external environment.
The Team also provides the forum for Executive Group members to receive
advice and feedback from, and consult with, Senior Management Team
members.
Agendas
Agendas will be circulated in advance of meetings.
Regulation 14
202
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
Frequency of Meetings
The Team will normally meet on a monthly basis, and have at least one
residential meeting per year.
Reporting
The Senior Management Team will provide reports to Executive Group on
relevant issues on an exception basis.
Regulation 14
203
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
17
Leadership Forum (LF)
Terms of Reference
The Leadership Forum will focus on how Schools and Professional Service
Departments support the strategic priorities of the University, and the fulfilment
of the Corporate Strategy.
Membership
Ex-officio Members
Depute Principal (Chair)
Vice-Principal (International)
Vice-Principal (Research, Enterprise &
Engagement)
Vice-Principal (Education)
University Secretary & Registrar
Chief Finance and Information Officer
Deans of School (x6)
Director of International Centre
Dean of Students/Director of Student Engagement
Director of People & Organisational Development
Director of Strategic Planning & Development
Director of Finance
Director of Information Services
Director of Learning & Innovation
Assistant Deans of School (x17)
Head of International Partnerships
Head of International Recruitment
Head of Student Services
Head of Library and e-Learning
Head of QEU
Head of Learning Development
Head of Strategic Planning
Head of Estates Development
Head of Widening Participation & Admissions
Head of Marketing & Communications
Head of Commercial Services
Head of Graduate School
Head of Research Services
Head of Enterprise Services
Head of External Engagement
Head of Estates Management
Head of Sports Project
Head of Academic Services
Head of Registry
Head of Health & Safety
Head of Internal Audit Service
SAUWS Representative
Regulation 14
204
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
Attending
Principal and Vice-Chancellor
Executive Adviser to the Depute Principal
(Secretary)
Executive Adviser to the Principal
The Forum will invite other colleagues to attend as required.
Remit
The Forum provides an opportunity for discussion and information sharing in
relation to the broad spectrum of the University’s operations.
The Forum will provide an opportunity for Deans/Assistant Deans and
Directors/Heads of Professional Support Departments to demonstrate how their
activities will support the academic and strategic priorities of the University and
will, in particular, provide an opportunity for discussion and workshop activity in
support of the University’s annual Operational Planning process.
Agendas
Agendas will be circulated in advance of meetings.
Frequency of Meetings
The Forum will normally meet once per trimester.
Reporting
The Leadership Forum will provide reports to Senior Management Team on
relevant issues on an exception basis.
Regulation 14
205
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
18
Information Services Advisory Group
Membership
Ex-officio members
Chief Finance & Information Officer (Chair)
Director of Information Services
Head of Library Services
Head of School of Engineering & Computing
Director of Strategic Planning & Development
Director of Finance
Director of People & Organisational Development
University Secretary & Registrar
Appointed members
Three staff members (nominated by Senate)
Attending
A member of Administrative staff appointed by the
Chair
Remit
The group will be empowered by the Executive to, review and
understand the IS strategic direction then give advice, guidance and
steering as appropriate to the Director of Information Services on behalf
of the Executive to aid the advancement of Information Services
University wide;
The Chair, the Director of Information Service, at least one of the 3
Senate nominees and any other member as is needed or appropriate
will raise any major concerns around governance, direction or conflict of
interest to the Executive Group;
The IS strategic plan progress will be reported monthly by written
update. It will also be reported quarterly for Executive review. This
Group will meet monthly and in advance of the quarterly Executive
Group review;
To give impartial advice, good council and where needed, steering on
the IS strategic direction, to the Information Services Director, in the use
of information at an institutional level to enhance the University's
financial and operational performance;
To provide support to the IS leadership and strategic plan by promoting
consistent standards for Information Services including governance,
security and industry best practice across the university, enabling
ethical, legal and policy issues to be appropriately dealt with;
To identify priorities and commission responses/action from any working
groups, sub-committees or University departments on strategic
information Service issues including: information security, governance,
Regulation 14
206
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
business continuity, information systems development, archiving and
records management;
To support the Information Services Director by advising and making
recommendations to the Executive Group as necessary on resources
and funding issues relating to such activities;
To ensure that activities related to the implementation of the Learning,
Teaching and Assessment, Research & Knowledge Exchange and
Internationalisation strategies are undertaken within a coherent
framework that takes account of and supports the principles of the
Information Strategy;
To give guidance, advice, steering, support and where necessary
promotion of services and systems to bring about step changes in
processes, behaviours and working practices university wide.
Reporting
The Information Services Advisory Group will report to the Senate’s Executive
Group.
Regulation 14
207
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
19
Academic Planning Group (APG)
Membership
Ex-officio Members
Vice Principal (Education) (Chair)
Vice Principal (International)
Vice
Principal
(Research,
Enterprise
&
Engagement)
Deans of Schools
Director of Student Engagement
Head of Strategic Planning
Head of QEU
Director of Finance
Appointed Members
Director of Strategic Planning & Development
Administrative Support
A member of administrative staff appointed by the
Chair will act as Secretary to the Group
*Quorum
The quorum shall be two-thirds of the total membership.
Remit
The remit of APG is to take a strategic overview of taught academic provision
to ensure coherence between programme changes proposed by School, the
UWS Academic Plan, and the strategic and economic imperatives of the
University;
APG will assess all new programme proposals, in line with the criteria set out in
the annual Academic Plan, and make recommendations for approval to the
Executive Group. APG will also make recommendations to the Executive
Group in respect of the shape and delivery of the academic portfolio, the
performance of programmes in terms of recruitment retention and progression
and the distribution of funded places. APG will also agree targets for, and
monitor, annual School student intakes and overall student populations, and
make recommendations to the Executive Group.
Frequency of Meetings
At least four times per year, and additional meetings as required.
Reporting
APG will report to the Executive Group and make recommendations for
endorsement.
APG will also report to each meeting of Senate on new programme proposals
and student populations.
Regulation 14
208
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
20
Incident Management Committee
Membership
The membership will be determined by the nature of the incident but will be
drawn from:
Joint Chair
Depute Principal
University Secretary & Registrar
Ex Officio Members
Business Continuity Co-ordinator
Chief Finance & Information Officer
Director of Strategic Planning & Development
Head of Registry
Head of Estates Management
Head of Health & Safety Services
Head of Marketing & Communications
Co-opted Members
In such numbers as may be determined by the
nature of the incident
Administrative Support
Appointed by the Court & Senate Office
Periods of Office
i)
“Ex Officio” members shall remain members as long as they hold the
office by virtue of which they are members
Terms of Reference
The Incident Management (Emergency) Committee is responsible for the
management of any major incident affecting the University’s operations and
co-ordination of the recovery programme.
The framework for how the University will manage its response to major
incidents is set out in the Incident Management and Business Continuity Policy
& Procedure.
A major incident will include, but is not restricted to, serious injury, death,
terrorist attack, bomb scare, fire, flood, loss of utilities, structural damage to
buildings, severe adverse weather conditions, industrial action, sustained loss
of critical ICT services, failure of third party suppliers and loss of transport
infrastructure.
Frequency of Meetings
The Committee shall meet as required. Members of the Incident Management
(Emergency) Committee will be notified and must attend on the advice of the
Business Continuity Co-ordinator.
Regulation 14
209
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
Reporting
The Committee will report to the Executive Group and, depending on the nature
of the incident, the Health, Safety & Environmental Committee.
Regulation 14
210
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
21
Education Advisory Committee
Membership
Chair
Appointed by Senate – normally Vice Principal
(Education)
Ex-officio Members
Assistant Deans (Education) for each School
Director of Student Engagement
Director of Information Services
Director of Learning & Innovation
Head of Library & e-learning
Head of Quality Enhancement Unit
Head of Student Services
Head of Learning Development
University Secretary & Registrar
Depute President Education & Welfare (SAUWS)
Chair of Academic Quality Committee
Chair of Student Experience Committee
Chair of Appeals Group
Chair of Assessment Policy & Practice Committee
Appointed Members
Vice Chair – appointed by the Committee
Two
students
nominated
by
the
Students’
Association of the University of the West of Scotland
One programme leader from each School to
represent all programme leaders in that School
Co-opted Members
In such numbers as may be determined by the Chair
and may include external representation
Attending Members
As determined by the Chair
Administrative Support
A member of the Quality Enhancement Unit who
shall act as Secretary to the Committee
Quorum
The quorum of the committee shall be one-half of the total membership.
Remit
The Education Advisory Committee is a Standing Committee of Senate.
The remit of the Education Advisory Committee is to be proactive in the
strategic development and enhancement of teaching, learning and assessment,
to oversee the development and effective implementation of the University’s
Learning, Teaching & Assessment Strategy (LTAS). The Committee is also
responsible for the quality enhancement strategy of the University.
Regulation 14
211
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
The Education Advisory Committee shall lead the University on all matters
pertaining to the learning and teaching strategy and its role in supporting
delivery of the aims of the Corporate Strategy.
Develop and monitor the implementation of the University’s Learning and
Teaching Strategy and report annually to Senate;
To lead on improvements to the student learning experience through
effective programme leadership;
To lead on implementation of the Quality Enhancement Themes to
encourage good practice and innovation in curriculum development,
research-teaching linkages, teaching methods, and assessment,
To make recommendation to Senate on the University's strategic direction
and framework for the quality management of University programmes;
To put in place and review policies and procedures to safeguard standards
of awards;
To recommend new and amended regulations to Regulations Committee;
To oversee:-arrangements for external (QAA) Enhancement-led Institutional
Review (ELIR), outcomes of institution-led internal review; and all external
requirements for quality management, including the Quality Code);
To approve the appointment of external examiners for taught programmes
on the recommendation of the School;
Receive and approve recommendations for applications for accreditation of
external provision.
The Education Advisory Committee oversees four sub committees which will
report to the Committee. These are:
Academic Quality Committee
Appeals Group
Assessment Policy & Practice Committee
Student Experience Committee
The Committee will also receive reports from the Collaborative Forum as
appropriate.
In addition, the Education Advisory Committee will also oversee the
establishment of short-life working and/or practitioner groups to address key
issues.
Frequency of Meetings
Education Advisory Committee shall meet as required by Senate and normally
at least four times per year.
Regulation 14
212
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
Reporting
Education Advisory Committee will report to Senate.
Education Advisory Committee will receive annual reports from:-
Schools, on the implementation of the Learning, Teaching & Assessment
Strategy
the University Mitigation Panel
School Plagiarism Panels
Appeals Group
Periods of Appointment
“Ex-officio” members shal remain members as long as they hold the office by
virtue of which they are members.
Appointed members shall hold office for a period of three years and shall
thereafter be eligible for re-appointment.
Regulation 14
213
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
22
Academic Quality Committee (AQC) - Sub-committee of the
Education Advisory Committee
Membership
Chair
Head of QEU
Ex-officio Members
Head of Registry or nominee
Depute Head of QEU
Depute President SAUWS
Appointed Members
One member of academic staff from each School
Co-opted Members
In such numbers as may be determined by AQC
Administrative Support
A member of the Quality Enhancement Unit who
shall act as Secretary to the Board
Chair
The Chair shall be appointed by the Education Advisory Committee.
Quorum
The quorum of the Committee shall be one-third of the total membership.
Terms of Reference
AQC is a sub-committee of Education Advisory Committee which advises and
makes recommendations on the operation and development of the University's
quality assurance framework. The Committee shall make recommendations and
report on all matters relating to the establishment of new or amended procedures
and regulations for quality based on institutional self-reflection and evidence
arising from Holistic Review, institution led internal review, external examiners,
programme approvals and sector-wide best practice and will subject these to a
process of ongoing critical review.
The Committee shall,
Review and make recommendations to the EAC on the development of
the quality framework;
Ensure that matters requiring attention arising from the external quality
and enhancement agenda are incorporated into University Regulations
and quality procedures;
Monitor the outcomes of institution-led internal review on behalf of
Education Advisory Committee;
Regulation 14
214
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
Scrutinise and recommend approval of external examiner nominations on
behalf of the Education Advisory Committee;
Make recommendations to Education Advisory Committee based on
annual analysis of programme approval reports, external examiner reports
institution-led internal review and PSRB reports
Reporting
AQC will report to Education Advisory Committee.
Meetings
The Committee shall meet four times per year.
Regulation 14
215
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
23
Assessment Policy and Practice Committee – a Sub-committee of
the Education Advisory Committee
Membership
Appointed Members
Chair appointed by Education Advisory Committee
One or two members from each School nominated
by the Dean of School
One member from Learning & Innovation nominated
by the Director
One member from QEU, nominated by the Head of
Quality Enhancement Unit
One member from Registry, nominated by the Head
of Registry
One student nominated by the Students’ Association
One member from Student Services, nominated by
Head of Student Services
One member of staff from one or more Schools with
responsibility for RPL
One member from the Court & Senate Office,
nominated by University Secretary & Registrar
Co-opted Members
In such numbers as may be determined by the
Committee
Secretary to Committee
A member of the Quality Enhancement Unit who
shall act as Secretary to the Committee
Quorum
The quorum of the group shall be one third of the members.
Terms of Reference
The Assessment Policy & Practice Committee is a sub-group of the Education
Advisory Committee which advises on issues relating to assessment.
The Committee shall,
Provide a forum for discussion and consideration of issues related to
assessment;
Review and, where appropriate, make recommendations for changes to
assessment policy, practices, procedures and regulations for the
attention of Education Advisory Committee;
Develop strategies to support the dissemination of innovation and
effective practice;
Regulation 14
216
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
Develop, maintain and review the University’s Assessment Handbook in
line with sector best practice and expectations;
Maintain oversight of arrangements for Recognition of Prior Learning;
Conduct periodic open meetings for discussion of assessment matters.
Meetings
The Committee will meet four times per year.
Reporting
The Assessment Policy & Practice Committee will report to the Education
Advisory Committee.
Periods of Appointment
Appointed members shall be appointed for three years and thereafter may be
re-appointed.
Regulation 14
217
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
24
Appeals Group – a Sub-group of the Education Advisory
Committee
Membership
Ex-officio Members
Chair appointed by the Education Advisory
Committee
Any two staff members of the Education Advisory
Committee
(Only those members of the Education Advisory
Committee who have been trained in the appeals
procedures are permitted to sit on the Group)
The members of the Appeals Group must:
Be independent of the School of the appellant;
Neither have been involved with the examination, assessment or
progression decision which is the subject of the appeal nor have been a
member of the Progression & Awards Boards concerned;
Administrative Support
A member of Academic Services appointed by the
Head of Academic Services who shall act as
Secretary to the Group
Quorum
There must be three ex-officio members present to enable the Appeals Group
to confirm decisions.
Terms of Reference
The purpose of the Appeals Group is to review the appeal case in line with the
Appeals Policy and make a decision to confirm or amend the decision of a
Subject Panel (SP) or School Panel on attendance monitoring or to agree some
other course of action.
Decisions reached would include:
Uphold student’s appeal and amend the decision of SP or School Panel
on attendance;
Reject student’s appeal and inform them that decision of SP or School
Panel has been upheld;
Defer decision to enable additional information to be sought from
appellant/School and consider at a future meeting of the Appeals Group;
Regulation 14
218
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
Frequency of Meetings
Meetings will be arranged as and when required. The Appeals Group may be
convened to consider more than one case.
Reporting
The Appeals Group will report annually to the Education Advisory Committee
on number of appeals submitted, number of appeals upheld/refused. The
Group may also make recommendations to the Education Advisory Committee
for changes in procedure.
Regulation 14
219
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
25
Student Experience Committee (SEC)
Membership
Co-Chairs
President of Students’ Association and
Director of Student Engagement
Ex-Officio Members
Deans of School or nominee
SAUWS Depute President, Education & Welfare
SAUWS Sports President
SAUWS Campus President, Ayr
SAUWS Campus President, Hamilton
CUCSA student representative
School Student Enhancement Developers
Student Representation Co-ordinator
Representatives from Schools/Professional Support
Departments as appropriate to be determined by the
Committee
Appointed Member
Vice Chair, appointed by the Committee
Administrative Support
A member of staff from QEU who shall act as
Secretary to the Committee
Alternative Members
Any ex-officio member unable to attend a particular meeting may send a
nominee from the School/Professional Department.
Quorum
The quorum shall be one-third of the total membership.
Remit
The purpose of the Student Experience Committee (SEC) is to maintain a
holistic overview of the student learning experience at UWS. It will monitor
student feedback from internal and external student surveys and will provide a
forum in which Schools and professional services can make recommendations
on measures to improve the student experience at the University of the West of
Scotland.
SEC will report to the Education Advisory Committee:
To keep under review the impact of professional services on student
experience at UWS;
To consider issues raised by the Students’ Association;
Consider outcomes from Student Evaluation/Feedback (NSS, PTES,
PRES, NSSE) and make recommendations for action to the Education
Advisory Committee;
Regulation 14
220
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
Monitor and report to the Education Advisory Committee on the
adequacy and appropriateness of the student support in place to meet
the needs of a diverse student body and to make recommendations on
enhancements;
Receive professional service annual updates on enhancements to the
student experience;
To maintain an oversight of follow-up actions arising from the SEC
enhancement seminar;
To oversee the development and enhancement of arrangements for
student representation and feedback;
To oversee enhancements to admissions, enrolment and induction
procedures and other aspects of the student journey;
To keep an overview of initiatives which support and develop the student
experience, such as volunteering, HEAR, global citizenship.
Frequency of Meetings
The Committee shall meet at least three times per year.
Reporting
The Group will report to the Education Advisory Committee.
Period of Appointment
“Ex-officio” members shall remain members as long as they hold office by
virtue of which they are members.
Regulation 14
221
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
26
International Advisory Committee – a Standing Committee of
Senate
Membership
Chair
Appointed by Senate – normally the Vice Principal
(International)
Ex-officio Members
Assistant Deans (International) for each School
SAUWS President or nominee
Director of Strategic Planning & Development
(Co-Chair of Compliance Oversight Group) or
nominee
Director of Student Engagement (Co-Chair of
Compliance Oversight Group) or nominee
University Secretary & Registrar
Director of Finance
Director of People & Organisational Development
Director of Information Services
Director of International Centre
Head of International Partnerships
Head of International Recruitment
Head of Widening Participation & Admissions
Appointed Member
Vice Chair, appointed by the Committee
Co-opted Members
In such numbers as may be determined by the
Committee
Administrative Support
Appointed by the University Secretary & Registrar
Quorum
The quorum of the Committee shall be one third of the members.
Periods of Office
i)
“Ex-officio” members shall remain members as long as they hold the office
by virtue of which they are members.
ii) Appointed members shall hold office for a period of three years. Retiring
members shall be eligible for re-appointment.
Terms of Reference
The International Advisory Committee is a Standing Committee of Senate.
The remit of the Committee is to be proactive in the strategic development of
UWS’s approach to internationalisation and global citizenship and to drive the
implementation of the University’s International & Global Citizenship
Regulation 14
222
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
Strategy/Global Reach Enabling Plan and its periodic review and update. The
Committee is responsible for the performance management of the key targets
under the Strategy Action Plan. The Committee will make recommendations to
Senate as appropriate.
Responsibility
Report as required to Senate and Court on the implementation and impact
of the Strategy with an annual report on performance against strategic
objectives;
Monitor Home Office requirements and impact on UWS and ensure robust
arrangements are in place to protect the University’s Highly Trusted
Sponsor status;
Monitor the conformity of University policies, e.g. Equality & Diversity,
Assessment Handbook, guidance and other relevant policies, with regard to
the University’s Internationalisation Strategy and Global Reach Enabling
Plan and to seek to inform such policy development in terms of international
activities;
Ensure clear briefings and communication to staff and students across the
university on international activities;
Student Experience
Liaise with the Student Experience Committee on issues affecting
International students in particular;
Ensure the provision of programmes of professional and personal support
and development in the context of cultural diversity and globalisation;
Ensure a diverse student population through the monitoring of international
recruitment targets.
International Activity
Ensure that proposals for new international partnerships and activities,
including student exchange, fit with the University’s Global Reach Enabling
Plan and School Plans;
Monitor the management of international partnerships including the use of
external agents for international recruitment.
Maintain an overview of ERASMUS and other international exchange
programmes and other outward mobility opportunities.
Regulation 14
223
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
Learning and teaching
Monitor the development of flexible distance learning taught and research
provision and the use of “flying faculty”, liaising with the Collaborative
Forum;
Liaise with the Education Advisory Committee on Internationalising the
Curriculum
Monitor the resource allocation system and income generation associated
with international activities;
Secure engagement and assurances from all Schools and Departments of
the University in the delivery of the Global Reach Enabling Plan.
Research
Liaise with the Research & Enterprise Advisory Committee on
internationalising research and knowledge exchange.
Frequency of Meetings
The Committee shall meet as required by Senate normally four times per year.
Reporting
The Committee will report to Senate and may report to Court.
Regulation 14
224
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
27
Collaborative Forum
Membership
Chair
Vice Principal (International)
Ex-Officio Members
University Secretary &Registrar or nominee
Assistant Dean (International) for each School or
nominee
Director of Finance or nominee
Head of Quality Enhancement Unit
Head of International Partnerships
Head of Research Services or nominee
Head of External Engagement
Head of Student Services or nominee
Head of Registry or nominee
Appointed members
Representatives from each School with involvement
in collaborative programmes, as required
Administrative Support
A member of the Quality Enhancement Unit who
shall act as Secretary to the Forum
Quorum
The quorum shall be one-third of the total membership.
Remit
The Collaborative Forum provides an institutional overview of all collaborative
provision and monitors the effective implementation of the University’s
Collaborative Agreements with its partners for those programmes which lead to
the award of UWS and are subject to the expectations of the QAA Quality Code
for Higher Education: Chapter B10 on collaborative provision. The
Collaborative Forum in conjunction with the Quality Enhancement Unit provides
expert advice and support for the development of collaborative proposals,
ensures rigorous scrutiny of proposals to maintain high standards and quality of
student experience and advises the International Advisory Committee,
Education Advisory Committee and Research & Enterprise Advisory Committee
on all aspects of the University’s collaborative activity.
The Forum shall,
Support the development and submission of collaborative proposals,
subjecting them to the rigour and scrutiny of the university’s due
diligence and quality assurance arrangements;
Co-ordinate the various requirements for development of collaborative
proposals including: - due diligence; quality assurance, business
case/financial model and development of Collaborative agreement, and
make approval decisions;
Regulation 14
225
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
Develop effective approaches and share good practice in implementing
collaborative agreements;
Maintain the overview of the University's official register of collaborative
programmes;
Oversee the cycle of Collaborative Review for each collaborative
partnership and receive the report and action plan from each such
review. Monitoring the timely follow-up action indicated in these reports
and plans, identifying common issues for wider dissemination;
Receive regular reports from Schools on collaborative activities including
an annual report from each School on its collaborative partnerships;
Maintain an overview of the QAA Quality Code for Higher Education:
Chapter 10 on Collaborative provision (2010) and any subsequent
updates and ensure that collaborative agreements are in alignment with
it and Schools and Professional Service Departments are provided with
appropriate information and guidance in this regard;
Frequency of Meetings
The Forum shall meet as required to enable responsive actions and
recommendations.
Reporting
The Collaborative Forum will report to IAC, EAC or REAC as appropriate.
Period of Appointment
“Ex-officio” members shall remain members as long as they hold office by
virtue of which they are members.
Regulation 14
226
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
28
UK Visa & Immigration Compliance Oversight Group (UKVI COG)
Membership
Chair
University Secretary & Registrar
Ex-officio members
Vice Principal (International)
Head of Widening Participation and Admissions
(Home Office Key contact)
Director of International Centre
Director of Strategic Planning & Development
Director of Student Engagement
Head of the Graduate School
Head of Registry
Assistant Director (Operations) People &
Organisational Development
Co-opted membership
In such numbers as may be determined by the Chair
Administrative Support
Court & Senate Office Compliance Officer
Terms of Reference
The Compliance Oversight Group will have responsibility for all aspects of
ensuring UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) compliance to ensure that the
university retains highly trusted status. This will include:-
Oversight of all actions to ensure UKVI compliance;
The management and implementation of the Home Office Points Based Audit
(PBA).
Reporting
The Group will report to each meeting of the International Advisory Committee
and to Court twice per year in June and December (Court report to be
approved by Executive Group prior to submission).
In addition the Group will provide a summary report to the Depute Principal
(Home Office Authorising Officer) and the VP (International) following each
meeting.
An exception report will be provided to the Executive Group.
A written summary report on Home Office Compliance will be provided to the
Executive Group prior to submission to Court.
Frequency of Meetings
COG will meet bi-monthly.
Regulation 14
227
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
29
University Research & Enterprise Advisory Committee (REAC)
Membership
Ex-officio Members
Appointed by Senate – normally Vice Principal
(Research, Enterprise & Engagement)
Chair of the Ethics Committee
Assistant Deans for each School (Research &
Enterprise)
University Secretary & Registrar
Head of Research Services
Head of Enterprise Services
Head of the Graduate School
Head of Library & e-learning
One Student member nominated by the Graduate
School
Appointed Members
Vice Chair appointed by the Committee
Two members from the Professoriate
One Research Assistant, appointed by the Chair
Co-opted Members
The Board may co-opt up to two additional members
for periods specified by the Board
Administrative Support
A member of administrative staff appointed by the
Head of Research Services who shall act as
Secretary to the Committee
Terms of Reference
The Research & Enterprise Advisory Committee shall be constituted to ensure
that the membership:
a)
Is active in research, enterprise or both and has relevant experience and
expertise, including completed research degree supervision and research
degree examination.
b)
Has a commitment to transferring the outputs of research to the wider
community.
Quorum
The quorum shall be one-third of the total membership.
Remit
Research & Enterprise Advisory Committee is a Standing Committee of Senate.
The remit of the Research & Enterprise Advisory Committee is to be proactive in
the strategic development of research and enterprise, to ensure achievement of
the University’s Corporate Plans, compliance with the University’s Code of
Practice for Research and alignment with external quality standards, and to
Regulation 14
228
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
ensure that the Graduate School oversees compliance with Research Degree
Regulations. The Committee will make recommendations on regulatory changes
to the Regulations Committee which reports to Senate.
Research and Enterprise Strategy and Implementation
To provide regular reports to Senate on its activities and make
recommendations on matters relating to research and enterprise;
To support, stimulate and encourage a dynamic research and enterprise
culture within the University and promote research and enterprise
achievements internally and externally;
To implement, monitor and review the University's Research &
Enterprise Strategy;
To promote the interests of the University’s research and enterprise
communities;
To support a vibrant culture of enterprise within the University, where
knowledge transfer, exchange and enterprise opportunities are
maximised for economic, social and cultural benefit of the University’s
wider communities;
To ensure that the University’s Research and Enterprise Strategy
provides opportunities for a wide range of staff to engage in these
activities;
To consider annual research and enterprise reports from each School;
To receive regular reports from its sub-committee – the Graduate School
Board;
To agree, implement and monitor appropriate strategies and responses
to research and knowledge exchange metric collection exercises,
including annual SFC cycles and the Research Excellence Framework;
To establish time-limited working committees as deemed necessary;
To authorise the Chair to act on its behalf in appropriate circumstances;
Research Quality and Standards
To ensure that all research conducted under the auspices of the
University is in accordance with the University’s Code of Practice; to
monitor and evaluate the Code of Practice and approve any
amendments;
To monitor and report to Senate on standards and quality of research
awards;
Regulation 14
229
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
To oversee research ethics, research institutes, research training and
the allocation of research funding;
To ensure alignment with the QAA Quality Code for Higher Education:
Chapter B11 Postgraduate Research Programme of Academic Quality
and Standards in Higher Education (Section 1) and to monitor the
continuing development of the research environment;
To ensure compliance with the Research Degree Regulations and that
the standard of awards is maintained;
To recommend modifications to the University’s Research Degree
Regulations to the Regulations Committee;
To consider research examination appeals and ensure these are
processed through appropriate channels and in line with the regulations;
Enterprise
To oversee the growth and sustainability of an enterprising culture in the
university through staff training, engagement, recognition, reward and
incentives.
Frequency of Meetings
The Board will meet four times per annum.
Reporting
The REAC will report to Senate.
Periods of Appointment
“Ex-officio” members wil remain members as long as they hold the appropriate
office.
Appointed members will normally be appointed for a period of three years and
will be eligible for re-nomination. Appointments will be made by the Deans of
School.
Research Assistants will normally be appointed for one year and this
membership will rotate annually across Schools.
Regulation 14
230
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
30
Graduate School Board – a Sub-group of the Research & Enterprise
Advisory Committee (REAC)
Membership
Chair
Head of the Graduate School
Ex Officio
Vice Principal (Research, Enterprise &
Engagement)
Chair of the University Ethics Committee
One senior member of staff responsible for
Research per School
PGR Recruitment and Progression Officer
Appointed Members
One person per School appointed by the Head of
School with responsibility for the research student
experience
Programme Leader - Research Methods
Programme Leader – Research Degree Supervision
One student member from amongst the PGR
population
Co-opted members
in such numbers as may be determined by the
Board
Administrative Support
A member of administrative staff appointed by the
Head of the Graduate School who shall act as
Secretary to the Board
Frequency of Meetings
The Board will meet four times a year.
Reporting
The Board will report to the Research & Enterprise Advisory Committee.
Constitution
The appointed members must have:
Appropriate experience of completed research degree supervision;
Appropriate experience of examining research degrees;
Has familiarity with the University's regulations for research degrees.
A wide range of research experience and research-based publications;
Subject expertise to reflect the range of disciplines in which students are
registered as far as it is reasonable practicable;
Regulation 14
231
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
Other than the two student members, no person who is registered for a
research degree shall be a member of the Graduate School.
Terms of Reference
To ensure alignment with the QAA Quality Code for Higher Education:
Chapter B11 Postgraduate Research Programmes of Academic Quality
and Standards in Higher Education (Section 1) and to monitor the
continual improvement of the research student environment;
To monitor submission of students’ annual reports and assessor reports
following student review meetings and thus confirm that candidates
progress to the next level of study, i.e., to function as a progression
advisory board and confirm students are eligible to enrol/progress;
To approve programmes of work proposed in applications to register for
the University's degree of Masters of Research, MPhil or MPhil with
possibility of transfer to PhD or PhD direct;
To ensure that appropriate and effective training programmes are
provided and that supervisors monitor student engagement in the
training programmes;
To approve modifications to a candidate's registration;
To ensure compliance with the Research Degree Regulations and that
the standard of awards is maintained;
To ensure all students are being effectively supervised;
To ensure that students and supervisors are informed of sector-wide
issues/developments and relevant policies;
To recommend modifications to the University’s Research Degree
Regulations to the Research & Enterprise Advisory Committee which
would in turn suggest changes to the Regulations Committee;
To foster and encourage development of the research student
community.
Research Student Matters
To coordinate responses and deal appropriately with issues relating to
research raised through the School Student/Staff Liaison Groups
(SSLGs);
To deal with all matters relating to the registration, direction and
progression, assessment of research degree students and candidates,
including the approval of School Board nominations of External
Examiners;
Regulation 14
232
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
To satisfy itself that the conditions under which a candidate will work are
satisfactory and that facilities and funding deriving from sponsoring,
collaborating or granting establishments will be adequate for the
programme proposed;
To make recommendation for the conferment of an award of the
University by research on the delegated authority of Senate;
To consider applications for confidentiality of thesis;
The Committee may authorise the Chair to act on its behalf in appropriate
circumstances.
Periods of Appointment
‘Ex-officio’ members will remain members as long as they hold the office by
virtue of which they are members.
Appointed members will normally be appointed for a period of three years and
will be eligible for re-nomination. Appointments will be made by the Chair of
the Graduate School Board.
All appointees shall be eligible for re-appointment on the expiry of their terms of
office.
Regulation 14
233
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
31
University Ethics Committee
Membership
Chair
To be appointed by the Senate
Vice Chair
To be appointed by the Committee
Ex-officio Members
Chair of the REAC
University Secretary & Registrar
SAUWS President or nominee
Appointed Members
Chair of each School Ethics Committee or nominee
to include at least three members from the
professoriate
External or Lay Members At least three members external to the University,
with experience of ethical issues
Co-opted Members
The Committee may co-opt additional members for
a period specified by the Committee
Administrative Support
A member of Court & Senate Office who shall act as
Secretary to the Committee
Quorum
The quorum shall be one-third of the total membership, with at least one
external in attendance per meeting
Terms of Reference
To consider general ethical issues relating to University activity,
specifically, but not exclusively, research activity;
To oversee the operation, monitoring, evaluation, dissemination and
review of the University Policy & Procedures for Ethical Research;
To provide formal guidance and advice to Academic Schools on ethics
issues in line with the policy;
To consider and approve proposed School Ethics Committee
membership & procedures;
To consider high risk or complex applications referred from School
Ethics Committees, and also where risks may be posed to the
researchers themselves, e.g. in laboratory or field;
To monitor the quality of ethical applications and ensure that the
approval process is conducted in a fair and independent manner;
Regulation 14
234
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
To receive annual reports from the University Secretary;
To receive annual reports from School Ethics Committees;
To ensure that students and staff are aware of the importance of
considering ethical issues and of the appropriate channels for seeking
ethical approval.
Frequency of Meetings
The Committee shall meet four times per annum.
Reporting
The Committee shall report to the Senate
Periods of Appointment
“Ex-officio” members will remain members as long as they hold the office by
virtue of which they are members.
The Chair and other appointed members will be appointed for a period not
exceeding three years.
All appointees shall be eligible for re-appointment on the expiry of their terms of
office.
Regulation 14
235
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
32
Due Diligence Group
Membership
Chair
University Secretary & Registrar
Director of Finance or nominee
Head of Quality Enhancement Unit or nominee
Director of Strategic Planning & Development
Administrative Support
A member of the Court & Senate Office
Terms of Reference
The Due Diligence Group convened by the University Secretary & Registrar will
consider new academic partnerships and collaborations. Documentation will
be provided according to a University template which meets the expectations of
Chapter B10 of the Quality Code for Higher Education. The Group will
scrutinise the following areas within the guidance of the Due Diligence Policy.
Financial Information
Director of Finance or nominee
Legal
University Secretary & Registrar
Quality Assurance
Head of Quality Enhancement Unit or nominee
Reputational
Director of Strategic Planning & Development or
nominee
There may also be consideration of employment and ethical issues and Equality
Impact Assessment during the due diligence stage.
Frequency of meetings
Meetings will be held virtually where possible to expedite responsive and timely
decisions on proposals.
The Group will meet once per year to review an annual report, and will make
recommendations as appropriate.
Reporting
The Group will report to the Senate and other committees as required.
Due Diligence reports will be signed off by the Chair of the Due Diligence
Group.
Regulation 14
236
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
33
Disciplinary Committee
Membership
Chair
Appointed by Senate
Vice Chair
Appointed by Senate from amongst the membership
Ex-officio Members
President of the Students' Association or nominee
Appointed Members
Two members of academic staff from each School
nominated
by
the
Dean
of
School
for
recommendation to Senate
Two members of staff from within professional
support services
Co-opted Members
The Committee shall have the power to co-opt a
legal adviser from outwith the University
Administrative Support
A member of the Court & Senate Office appointed by
the University Secretary & Registrar who shall act as
Secretary
No appointed or elected member shall be the Principal or the University
Secretary & Registrar or an Authorised Officer as defined in the University Code
of Discipline.
Quorum
The minimum attendance at any meeting of the Disciplinary Committee shall be
the Chair, a student representative and three others drawn from the pool of
members. No academic member shall have taught the student or acted as
their personal tutor. No professional services staff member on the Committee
shall have formally advised or counselled the student.
Terms of Reference
To deal with alleged cases of misconduct as defined in the Code of
Discipline on the recommendation of Authorised Officers or School
Plagiarism Panels;
To advise Senate on matters pertaining to discipline within the University,
especially with regard to the operation of the official Codes of Discipline;
To deal with appeals against the decisions of an authorised officer or a
School plagiarism panel.
Reporting
The Committee will report annually to Senate.
Regulation 14
237
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
Periods of Appointment
"Ex-officio" members will remain members as long as they hold the office by
virtue of which they are members.
The Chair will be appointed by the Senate for a period not exceeding four years.
All appointed members will be appointed for a term not exceeding five years.
The student member will be elected by the Students' Representative Council
annually by the Council.
All appointees and shall be eligible for re-appointment or re-election on the
expiry of their terms of office.
Regulation 14
238
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
34
Regulations Committee – a Standing Committee of Senate
Membership
Chair
Appointed by Senate
Ex-Officio Members
University Secretary & Registrar
Depute President Education and Welfare (SAUWS)
Head of QEU or nominee
Head of Registry or nominee
Head of Research Services
Chair of Assessment Policy & Practice Group
Chair of Appeals Group
Chair of Disciplinary Committee
Chair of Graduate School Board
Appointed Members
Chair appointed by Senate
Two student representatives nominated by the
Students’ Association
One academic representative from each School
Co-opted Members
In such numbers as may be determined by the
Regulations Committee
Administrative Support
A member of the Court & Senate Office appointed by
the University Secretary & Registrar who shall act as
Secretary to the Committee
Quorum
The quorum shall be one-third of the total membership.
Terms of Reference
The Regulations Committee is a Standing Committee of Senate which advises
on the operation and development of the University's regulations. The
Committee shall make recommendations and report to Senate on all matters
relating to the establishment of new or amended regulations and will subject
these to a process of ongoing critical review.
The Committee shall:
Review and make recommendations on the development of the University
Regulatory Framework;
Ensure that matters arising from internal strategies and the external
environment are incorporated into University Regulations;
Ensure that appropriate consultation has taken place with staff and
students on proposed amendments/new regulations;
Regulation 14
239
2014/15 Edition
University of the West of Scotland
Court & Senate Office
Communicate with staff and students annually on regulatory changes.
Frequency of Meetings
The Committee shall meet as required by Senate but normally at least once or
twice per year.
Reporting
The Committee will receive recommendations from Education Advisory
Committee/Research & Enterprise Advisory Committee/International Advisory
Committee and report to Senate.
Period of Appointment
"Ex-officio” members shal remain members as long as they hold office by virtue
of which they are members.
Regulation 14
240
2014/15 Edition
Printed by Printing Services, University of the West of Scotland
University of the West of Scotland is a registered Scottish charity. Charity number SC002520