Undergraduate regulations for assessment

The University’s Policy and Procedure on Assessment, Policy on Academic Integrity and Procedures on Poor Academic Practice and Academic Misconduct accompany these regulations.

Assessment

Academic Integrity 

45. Students are required to adhere to the Academic Integrity Policy and by submitting a piece of work for assessment, a student is stating that it is their own work.

46. A student must not make use of unfair means in any assessment, or do anything prejudicial to the good conduct of an assessment.

Assessment attempts

47. A student is permitted a maximum of two assessment attempts per module.

48. Failure to comply with published requirements counts as an assessment attempt.

Components of assessment

49. Each module's descriptor specifies the elements of assessment for that module, the assessment criteria, and the weight of each component to the module as a whole.

Common Marking Scheme

50. A student's level of achievement is denoted by the mark (a whole number in the range 0 – 100) achieved under the University's Common Marking Scheme:

Mark	Equivalent Grade	Result	Descriptor of Attainment of Learning Outcomes
90+	1st	Pass	Meets all the requirements to attain 80 – 89 but in addition demonstrates an exceptional degree of originality and exceptional analytical, problem-solving and/or creative skills.
80 -89			Meets all the requirements to attain 70 – 79 but in addition demonstrates outstanding quality evidenced by an ability to engage critically and analytically with source material, exhibits independent lines of argument, is highly original and uses an extremely wide range of relevant sources where appropriate.
70 - 79			Excellent range and depth of attainment of intended learning outcomes, secured by discriminating command of a comprehensive range of relevant materials and analyses, and by deployment of considered judgement relating to key issues, concepts or procedures
60 - 69	2:1	Pass	Attainment of virtually all intended learning outcomes, clearly grounded on a close familiarity with a wide range of supporting evidence, constructively utilised to reveal an appreciable depth of understanding.
50 – 59	2:2	Pass	Attainment of most of the intended learning outcomes, some more securely grasped than others, resting on a circumscribed range of evidence and displaying a variable depth of understanding.
40 – 49	3rd	Pass	Acceptable attainment of most intended learning outcomes, displaying a qualified familiarity with a minimally sufficient range of relevant materials, and a grasp of the analytical issues and concepts which are generally reasonable, albeit insecure.
30 - 39	Fail - Marginal	Fail	Appreciable deficiencies in the attainment of intended learning outcomes, perhaps lacking a secure basis in relevant factual or analytical dimensions.
0 - 29	Fail - Clear	Fail	No convincing evidence of attainment of intended learning outcomes, such treatment of the subject as is in evidence being directionless and fragmentary.
X	Fail	Fail	Failure to comply with published module requirements

51. A student registered on a module will be given a mark for each element of assessment.

52. The overall mark for the module is calculated from the sum of weighted component marks, rounded to the nearest whole number; a pass is not required in each component. This module mark represents a summary of performance on that module.

53. Some modules are assessed on a pass or fail basis only, due to the nature of content and the learning outcomes and competencies to be assessed.

Submission of work

54. Students are responsible for ascertaining and meeting submission deadlines.

55. If a student fails to submit a piece of coursework on time, work will be accepted up to seven calendar days after the submission date (or expiry of any agreed extension) but the mark will be lowered by three marks per day or part thereof.

56. After seven calendar days, the piece of work will be deemed a non-submission and will be given a mark of 0 (zero).

Attendance for examination

57. Students are responsible for ascertaining final examination dates, times and locations, and for attending at the appropriate point.

58. Deferred examinations can only be authorised for students whose absence is on acceptable grounds.

59. Deferred examinations can only be authorised if all required prior components of assessment have been submitted (where the deadline is in the past), and any class attendance requirements have been met.

60. If a student fails to attend a compulsory examination without formal approval for deferral, the student will be deemed to have failed the module, due to failure to comply with published requirements.

Extenuating circumstances

61. If a student's academic performance has been affected by personal circumstances, a case for extenuation may be submitted for consideration by the appropriate Board of Examiners.

62. Extenuating circumstances for each module must be submitted at least 14 days before the meeting of the Boards of Examiners.

Re-Assessment

Principles

63. A student who has achieved a module mark of 40 or higher will not be allowed to repeat that module or be re-examined in that module.

64. A student who fails a module upon re-assessment will not be awarded a lower mark than that awarded at the first attempt.

65. The faculty will determine the nature of the re-assessment required. It will be equivalent to the original in terms of both difficulty and educational benefit.

Second Assessment Attempt

66. Where a module is failed, the student has the option to be re-assessed through a further attempt. This includes a dissertation (or equivalent).

67. The dissertation (or equivalent) second attempt will be unsupervised and must be resubmitted within three months from confirmation of failure. The minimum level of support students should be given is feedback and one meeting with their supervisor (or an appropriate alternative member of staff if the supervisor is not available).

68. The second attempt of a module must be taken at the next scheduled offering.

69. The maximum mark for the module that can be awarded for a second attempt is 40.

Repeating the module

70. Having failed a module following two attempts, a student has the option to repeat the module in its entirety. This has financial, visa and progression implications.

71. A student must repeat the module at the next scheduled assessment period. Not every module is delivered each academic year.

72. A student repeating a module in its entirety (i.e. both teaching and assessment) is subject to the same attendance and participation requirements as a student taking the module for the first time.

73. A module can be repeated on a teaching and assessment basis on one occasion only; both first and second attempts at the assessment can be undertaken.

74. The full range of marks is available for the first attempt of a module repeated (i.e. there is no restriction to the mark awarded).

Compensation

Principles

75. A student who has marginally failed a module may be eligible for compensation and the award of credits for that module. A marginal fail is one where a mark for the module is in the range  30 to 39.

76. A marginal fail in a dissertation (or equivalent) is not eligible for compensation.

77. A student with passes in fewer than 80 credits for each 120 credits is not eligible for compensation.

78. Compensation will be applied systematically based on a student's overall profile in line with the provisions of the Policy and Procedure on Assessment that relate to compensation

Progression

Progression to next year of study

79. To progress to the next year of study, a student must meet the following requirements for progression:

A student must achieve passes in at least two-thirds of credits required by their degree programme for the current year.

In order to progress to the next year of study, a full-time student studying a diploma, degree or honours degree must, therefore, have attained a minimum of:

• 80 credits by the end of year 1
• 200 credits by the end of year 2
• 320 credits by the end of year 3

In addition a student must:

• achieve a pass in modules within their current year of study which are compulsory prerequisites for modules in the next year of study of their degree programme.
• have taken and satisfied the published requirements for modules within their current year of study which are module content prerequisites for modules in the next year of study of their degree programme.

80. Where a student does not meet the requirements to progress to the next year of study, at least half of the credits required by the degree programme table must be passed in order to be eligible to repeat part of the year of study.

81. If a student has not passed at least half of the credits in any year of study, the University is likely to terminate studies.

82. A student must have achieved credits (passed) all required modules prior to the academic year of their study abroad period.

Awards

83. University of Stirling programmes adhere to the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework for the purposes of the level of named programmes and credit accumulation.

84. A student who has passed a module (e. has achieved a module mark of at least 40, or has been awarded a Pass) will be awarded the credits for that module.

85. A student following a programme of study which does not lead to a qualification (a credit-only programme) may be provided with an award of completion, in addition to a transcript of credits achieved.

86. Students who study abroad will be awarded block credit for the successful completion of the study abroad period. Individual grades are not translated or included in the calculation of the final degree classification.

87. A student who has accumulated sufficient credits for a qualification, and meets all of the regulatory requirements (including financial and disciplinary) will become eligible to be awarded the qualification.

88. With the exception of the unnamed Ordinary Degree, the Certificate in Higher Education and the Diploma in Higher Education, qualifications can be awarded with named subject(s). Degree programme tables define the curricula and conditions to be met in order to be eligible for an award in named subject(s), subject to satisfying all regulatory requirements.

89. Where a minimum number of credits are stipulated for distinction or merit, these are applied on a pro rata basis where some modules are assessed on a pass/fail basis only.

Certificates

90. For the award of a Certificate, a minimum of 120 credits must be achieved.

91. Where the student is not registered on a Certificate with named subject(s), the award designation will be 'in Higher Education'.

With Distinction

92. For the award of a Certificate with distinction, a mark of at least 70 must be achieved for 40 credits, and a mark of at least 50 in a further 80 credits.

With Merit

93. For the award of a Certificate with merit, a mark of least 60 must be achieved in 40 credits, and a mark of at least 50 in a further 80 credits.

Diplomas

94 For the award of a Diploma, a minimum of 240 credits must be achieved.

95. Where a student is not registered on a Diploma with named subject(s), the award designation will be 'in Higher Education'.

With Distinction

96. For the award of a Diploma with Distinction, a mark of at least 70 must have been achieved for 80 credits, and a mark of at least 50 in a further 140 credits. At least 20 credits must be achieved as SCQF level 9 or above.

With Merit

97. For the award of a Diploma with Merit, a mark of at least 60 must have been achieved for 80 credits, and a mark of at least 50 in a further 140 credits.

First Degrees

Ordinary Degree

98. For the award of an Ordinary degree, a minimum of 360 credits must be achieved, with a minimum of 60 credits at SCQF level 9 or above and, in addition, a minimum of 90 credits at SCQF level 8 or above.

99. For the award of an Ordinary degree in named subject(s), a student must meet the requirements as set out in the equivalent Degree Programme Table of the honours programme (3 years for full-time, equivalence for part-time).

100. Where unnamed, the ordinary degree of 'Bachelor of Arts' will be awarded where the primary subject is arts, the ordinary degree of 'Bachelor of Science' where the primary subject is science.

With Distinction

101. For the award of an Ordinary degree with distinction, a mark of at least 70 must be achieved in 120 credits (of which at least 60 credits must be at SCQF level 9 or above), and a mark of at least 50 achieved in a further 200 credits.

With Merit

102. For the award of an Ordinary degree with merit, a mark of at least 60 must be achieved in 120 credits (of which at least 60 credits must be at SCQF level 9 or above), and a mark of at least 50 achieved in a further 200 credits.

Degree with Honours

103. For the award of an Honours degree, a minimum of 480 credits must be achieved, with a minimum of 180 at SCQF levels 9 and 10, including a minimum of 90 credits at SQCF level 10 as defined by the Degree Programme Table.

104. Honours degree classifications are determined in line with the Determination of Honours Degree Classifications Policy.

First Class (1st)

105. A mean mark of 70 or greater (when rounded to the nearest whole number) ie a mean mark of 69.5 would be rounded up to 70.

Second Class, Upper Division (2:1)

106. A mean mark of between 60 and 69 (when rounded to the nearest whole number) ie a mean mark of 59.5 would be rounded up to 60.

Second Class, Lower Division (2:2)

107. A mean mark of between 50 and 59 (when rounded to the nearest whole number)ie a mean mark of 49.5 would be rounded up to 50.

Third Class (3rd)

108. A mean mark of between 40 and 49 (when rounded to the nearest whole number) ie a mean mark of 39.5 would be rounded up to 40.

Aegrotat and Posthumous Awards

109. A board of examiners may recommend to Academic Council that an aegrotat award be conferred in respect of an undergraduate programme.

110. Aegrotat awards may be considered where no degree award may be made within the regulations, and the student is close to completing the award but is prevented from doing so because of illness.

111. In recommending an aegrotat award, a board of examiners should be satisfied that: the student's prior performance clearly demonstrates that the student would have satisfied the requirements for the award, but for the illness experienced; and the student is very unlikely to be able to return to complete their studies at a later date.

112. A board of examiners may recommend to Academic Council that a posthumous award be conferred in respect of an undergraduate programme.  

113. A posthumous award can be considered where a student has died and has either; completed the programme of study, including the required assessments, and has satisfied the requirements of the award; or has not completed the programme of study but the board of examiners is satisfied that the student would have been able to complete or satisfy the requirements for the award.

114. In making a recommendation for a posthumous award where the programme has not been completed, the board of examiners shall consider the evidence of the student’s academic performance overall and in respect to any coursework submitted or assessments completed.

Exceptions to regulations for individual programmes

115. Exceptions to the general regulations are detailed below.

Nursing, Bachelor of Science

116. Study Duration. A student must complete the programme within 6 years of programme commencement (inclusive of periods of leave of absence).

117. Compensation. A student cannot be awarded compensation.

118. Progression during the Academic Year. A student can progress within an academic year carrying one 20 credit module as a fail (academic or practice), however, any failed modules must have been passed and the credit for the modules achieved by the end of the academic year to enable progression to the next academic year of study.

119. Progression to the Next Academic Year. A student must satisfy the requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Council standards in order to progress to the next year of study. In keeping with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (2018) Future Nurse Standards, a student must evidence within the practice learning environment, achievement of all proficiencies within the seven platforms in order to progress to the next year (part) of the programme. To progress to year (part) two of the programme, 120 credits must be achieved and to progress to year (part) three of the programme, 240 credits must be achieved.

Professional Practice, Bachelor of Science

120. Recognition of Prior Learning. A minimum of 60 credits must be obtained through study at the University of Stirling; recognition of prior learning of up to 300 credits can be awarded.

121. Study Duration. A student must complete the programme within five years of programme commencement (inclusive of periods of leave of absence).

122. Ordinary Degree with Distinction. A mark of at least 70 must be achieved in the 60 credits studied at University of Stirling.

123. Ordinary Degree with Merit. A mark of at least 60 must be achieved in the 60 credits studied at University of Stirling.

Initial Teacher Education Programmes 
(programmes of study leading to the award of a teaching qualification)

124. Progression to Year Two of Study. To progress to the second year of study, a student must meet the following criteria achievement of 120 credits, Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme clearance, satisfactory completion of a professional interview, completion of a two week self-arranged placement with submitted evidence in support of this.

125. Progression to Year Four of Study. To progress to the fourth year of study, a student's professional performance must be deemed satisfactory, and a student must have achieved an average of at least 50 in their best 160 credit of SCQF level 9 and 10 modules.

126. Students who wish to/or are required to drop the professional element of their degree programme are permitted to study an additional 20 credit module in Semester 8 and therefore exceed the typical maximum credit load allowed for a semester by 10 credits.

BA Hons Social Work

127. Progression. A student must be registered as a social work student with the Scottish Social Services Council, including clearance under the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme in order to progress to Semester 2. Registration must be maintained throughout the entire programme of study.

128. Progression. Any leave of absence of one year or more will require the student to complete a readiness to return to studies assessment prior to recommencing the programme.

129. Assessment. Some modules may contain elements of assessment that are assessed on a pass/fail basis and these assessments require to be passed in order to achieve a pass in the module. Where a module contains such an assessment the module mark will not be calculated on a weighted average basis.

130. Study Duration. A student must complete the programme within 6 years of programme commencement (inclusive of periods of leave of absence).

LLB Accelerate Graduate Programme

131. Module Registration. Students will be registered for 90 credits per semester.