Brief description of the paper 

Report of meeting held on 13 May 2011.

Action Requested 

Items for approval

1. Masters regulations

ARSC is proposing to combine current generic regulations for the MRes with those for PGT programmes. A draft set of the new regulations is presented for approval. ASC is asked specifically to consider:

 

• Whether a minimum number of taught credits should be stipulated;
• Whether on programmes where the credits are obtained from predominantly research-based courses the standard required for award of the masters should be an average of at least two-thirds of the credits at C3 or above.

2. Code of Assessment 2011-12

A full copy of the Code of Assessment for inclusion in the University Calendar 2011-12 is presented. ASC's approval is required in relation to the regulations covering:

• Reassessment;
• reporting of all results as primary grades/secondary bands;
• joint honours examination boards;
• assessment of study abroad (reflecting the contents of a Learning and Teaching Committee working group report).*
*Apart from this item, ASC has already agreed the principles reflected in the new regulations.

 

Items for discussion

ASC's view is invited on ARSC's interpretation of regulations concerning:

3. Incomplete Assessment and Good Cause

 

• on whether good cause can justify grade adjustments being made;
• on alternative assessments being made available to honours students affected by good cause.

4. Counting of courses

 

• on the implications for a PGT student of obtaining a CR result.

Items for noting

ASC is invited to note the following:

5. Duration of Examinations

ARSC reports that the vast majority of areas of the University appear to be in compliance with the regulations concerning duration of examinations.

6. Discretion in the award of honours classification

ARSC offers further observations on the proposals concerning exam board discretion.

Recommended Person/s responsible for taking action(s) forward 

Senate Office will take forward incorporation of regulatory changes into the University Calendar 2011-12 and the development and dissemination of supporting guidance.

Resource implications 

None known.

Timescale for Implementation 

Publication of 2011-12 Calendar and accompanying guidance in summer 2011.

Equality implications 

None.