The Modular Scheme - A Guide for Students

Please also consult The Modular Scheme - A Guide for Students 2009/10 (.pdf) for additional information (Updated 26 August 2009)

The document below is interactive - please click on the links below for the area you wish to read:

Introduction

This Guide is for all students registered for awards within the Bath Spa University Undergraduate Modular Scheme.

The Guide is intended to help you understand the operation of the Bath Spa University Undergraduate Modular Scheme and is intended to complement the Academic Regulations and General Regulations of Bath Spa University and the Guides to Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 Modules. It describes various issues concerned with the way the Modular Scheme works such as the processes involved in module selection and assessment. It also provides some general information about the University and its services. You will find information about the people to contact or the things to do when a particular situation arises. Any feedback from students about this handbook, and suggestions for additions and improvements, will be very welcome.

Dr Kate Davies

Deputy Registrar

August 2008

Communication

Communicating with you is vitally important. Important information is made available on the Student Services pages of the BSU website, via the Student Portal and on Minerva. Correspondence with individual students is normally via email, so it is important that you check your BSU account regularly. We record your local address and home address when you register at Bath Spa University via the Student Portal (for full-time students this is at the beginning of each year).

If this changes during the year, it is very important that you notify us using your Student Portal Account. We normally send letters to your local address during the academic year and to your home address after the end of Semester 2. If you are based at an FE College or Private Organisation letters will be sent to your home address throughout the year. You will be able to see your module results after the end of each semester, together with information of any re-assessments you may have will be on the student portal.

Help and Advice

If you ever have a query or problem, it is important to know who is likely to have the answer. The following sections summarise the responsibilities of various members of the University, and the management of the Modular Scheme. If you are studying at an associated FE College or Private Organisation, your first point of contact will be the tutor responsible for your programme; however, you are perfectly entitled to contact any of the people listed below if you have any queries or concerns.

Administrative matters

If you have an administrative problem your first port of call should be The Student Administration Service which is in Main House, Newton Park, MH.G17, just to the right of the main entrance hall. Its functions include:

You should not expect staff there to give you academic advice although they will be able to advise you about the Modular Scheme regulations. Always check with your Personal Tutor, Course Director or Subject leader if you have any doubts about a course of action you intend to take.

If you have any queries about your course or your timetable, email: mycourse@bathspa.ac.uk or timetableenquiries@bathspa.ac.uk

If you want to book a room, email:

rooms@bathspa.ac.uk

If you have a query about Admissions, email:

admissions@bathspa.ac.uk

If you need to know something about Graduation, email:

graduation@bathspa.ac.uk

You can telephone the Student Services on 01225 876115 (internally, extension 6115) or 01225 876128 (internally, extension 6128) or you can visit the Student Services in person. The Student Services offices are situation on the Ground Floor of Main House, straight off the main reception area. The Graduation & Alumni Office is situated in Stable Block.

Other important services can be contacted as follows:

University Personal Tutors

Your tutor's overall role is to ensure that you receive adequate guidance. He or she acts as a first point of contact and responsible person within the University from whom you can obtain general academic and pastoral support. Personal Tutors encounter a wide range of issues, including problems with study skills, anxiety about exams or finances, the need for guidance on progress and achievement, advice on changing programmes, career issues, and key personal issues which impact on learning. Sometimes this support will take the form of direct personal support or advice; sometimes it may involve helping you to access appropriate services.

All undergraduate students are allocated a Personal Tutor at the beginning of their first year. Your tutor will normally be a member of academic staff who is from the School in which your degree/diploma programme is based. You will be asked to attend a meeting in Induction week where the personal tutor system will be explained to you. You will also have the opportunity to have an initial short meeting with your tutor.

Your personal tutor will normally make arrangements to see you either individually or in a small group, three times a year. You can also arrange to see your personal tutor at other times if the need arises. Tutors will inform you of their "office hours", when they are normally available to see students. Tutors can also be contacted by email or by leaving a note at Reception or School Offices. There are internal telephones in the foyers of most buildings with an internal directory. The Students Union Office also has an internal telephone directory. Please check YOUR email account/pigeon holes regularly for messages. It is your responsibility to attend meetings arranged with your tutor. If for any reason you cannot attend, you should let your tutor know in advance so that alternative arrangements can be made.

You may ask to change your personal tutor if you feel that the process is not working for you. You do not need to state a reason. To do this you should obtain the appropriate form from Student Services.

Academic Matters

If you have a query concerning your academic studies, enquiries should be directed as follows:

Your Responsibilities

Whilst counselling and advice will be available, the Modular Scheme requires you to assume responsibility for selecting and managing your own programme of study.In particular, you will be expected to:

Obtaining References

You may often need to give the name of a referee when applying for jobs, for admission to other courses, etc. and you should approach your Personal Tutor to act as referee. To assist them with the writing of references, you need to do the following:

Modular Scheme Structure

What follows is a basic guide to the structure and terminology of the Modular Scheme.

Semesters and the Academic Year

The Modular Scheme operates by using two blocks of study time called semesters, each of which lasts for 15 weeks. 13 weeks are designated for teaching and 2 weeks for assessment. In addition, there is an Induction Week in the last week of September, and an Inter-Semester Week between the semesters. Semester 1 begins in the first week of October and finishes in late January. Semester 2 begins in February and ends in June. The semester system does not affect the normal vacations at Christmas, Easter and summer, which are common to the whole University.

An outline calendar for the academic year is given in Appendix 1.

The Module

In a modular scheme, your programme of studies is made up of modules, for which you earn credit. As your studies progress, you accumulate the credits needed for your award. Modules are self-contained units of study each having their own syllabus, teaching and learning styles, learning outcomes and methods of assessment.

There are different levels of module study. Level 1modules provide introductory studies in a Subject. Full-time students study them in their first year. Level 2 modules are studied in your second year and Level 3 modules in your third year. Modules taken at Levels 2 and 3 contribute towards your diploma or degree. First-year students may not study Level 2 or 3 modules.

At Bath Spa University, the standard module represents one-sixth of a full-time student's year. Each is worth 20 credits, and each is delivered and assessed in one semester. So, in any one academic year, the usual pattern of study for a full-time student is 6 standard modules, 3 in each semester.

A standard module represents a total of 200 hours of study, including teaching, directed time, independent learning, and time for formal assessment including exams. The teaching element is typically 3 hours per week (45 hours total) for classroom-based modules, and 4 hours per week (60 hours total) for laboratory- or studio-based modules, of which a minimum of 2 are lab/studio work.

Double modules (40 credits) are used mainly for advanced performance work in Music, the project in the BA Creative Arts, and Dissertations. They are invariably at Level 3, and normally taken towards the end of a student's programme of studies. Double modules last for two semesters, and are assessed at the end of the second semester.

Though the majority of modules run only once during an academic year, you will find that, to facilitate choice, some may run more than once in a semester, or may run in both Semester 1 and Semester 2. The Module Guides provide further information about the availability of modules.

Each module is identified by a unique code, e.g. EN1025, GE1010. The first and second characters identify the Subject (EN = English Literature); the third character identifies the level (1, 2 or 3); the fourth, fifth and sixth characters identify the particular module. To choose your modules, you will need to know codes as well as the module names; these will be detailed in your Guide to Modules and your subject/course handbooks.

Each module is managed by a Module Co-ordinator who, with his/her colleagues, has devised the content of the module, and the method of delivering and assessing it, and takes the lead in teaching it. You should consult the Module Co-ordinator if you require more information about how the module is organised, or are unclear about anything relating to the module. See the Module Guides for names of Module Co-ordinators.

Types of module

Depending upon the Subject (s) studied, some modules are compulsory. These are modules, which are considered to underpin later studies in the Subject, or deal with topics, which are deemed essential to studies. Obviously, when making module selections, you must ensure that all the compulsory modules are taken.

Subjects also offer a range of optional modules, though the amount of choice does vary.

The award for which you are registered will specify the minimum number of modules that must be studied in each of the Subject (s) for which you are registered (see section 4). Additionally, elective modules can be selected, up to a specified maximum. Elective modules are "free choice" modules; subject to availability, students may take extra modules in the Subject(s) for which they are registered, or outside the Subject(s) for which they are registered, to broaden their studies or pursue specific interests.

Dissertation and Project Modules

Dissertation and/or Project modules are at either Level 2 or 3. Because of the variety of work undertaken, there is not a "Modular Scheme dissertation"; instead, students will be given information about Dissertation and/or Project modules under the individual Subject listings in the Guides to Level 2 and Level 3 Modules.

It should also be noted that a dissertation or project module may be compulsory or optional for different groups of students, for example, in History the Dissertation is compulsory for Single Honours students, and optional for others. See the Guides to Level 2 and Level 3 Modules for more details.

Students registered for Combined and Single Awards may not choose more than one Dissertation module. However, some Subjects for example Psychology may permit students to study a project or independent study module as well as a dissertation module.

The place of Dissertation and/or Project modules in a Specialised Award will be specified in the Student Handbook for that award.

Employability Modules

It is expected that a vocational element should be part of every undergraduate award programme within the Modular Scheme, tailored to the particular needs of students. In most cases, an employability focussed module is required as part of your studies, during the second year for full-time students. See the Guide to Level 2 Modules for more details.

N.B Unless you obtain exemption (see below), you will not be eligible for a degree or diploma if you do not pass the specified vocational element of your programme.

Exemption from Employability focussed Modules

If you are a mature student, who believes that they already meet all the learning outcomes of an employability focussed module, and are not studying at the University as part of a career/personal reorientation, you may apply for exemption to your subject leader(s). They will assess a claim, and make a written recommendation to the Registrar. If approved, the exemption will be recorded in your file, and you will take an additional module in one of the Subjects for which you are registered in place of the employability focussed module.

Exemption will also normally be granted to second year students who go on an exchange programme (ERASMUS, etc.) for one semester.

All requests for exemption must be received and approved before the end of the second week of the semester in which you are scheduled to take an employability module.

In the case of Single and Combined Awards, exemption from an employability module may require modification of the rules regarding the number of modules, which you need to take in your registered Subject (s). Where exemption is granted, 7 or more modules in one Subject will constitute a Major/Minor programme; 9 or more in one Subject a Single Honours programme (see section 4 for more information).

ECTS (European Credit Transfer System)

ECTS is the acronym for the European Credits Transfer System. Students attending Bath Spa University on ERASMUS placement will receive ECTS credits for successful completion of any modules and courses taken during their visit. The credits received will appear on the student's final transcript records.

Most modules are worth 20 BSUC credits, which is equivalent to 10 ECTS. To convert BSUC modules to ECTS simply divide the credit rating by two. There are some half modules, which are worth 10 BSUC credits, which would be equivalent to 5 ECTS.

A normal workload for a full time student at BSUC would be three modules per semester. This provides 60 BSUC credits, which is equivalent to 30 ECTS. Students staying for a full year would be expected to take 6 modules, which is equivalent to 120 BSUC credits or 60 ECTS.

Pathways, Routes and Awards in the Modular Scheme

Introduction

Students are registered for a specific award, such as DipHE Geography and History or BSc Tourism Management.

Many awards contain different pathways and routes. A pathway is a grouping of modules within a Subject. A pathway may be Single, Major, Joint or Minor, depending upon the range of modules offered by the relevant Subject (e.g. English Literature Major). The modules available to each pathway are set out in the Guides to Modules. A route is the particular combination of pathways for which you are registered, and which leads to an award (e.g. BA (Honours) Cultural Studies and History (a pairing of Joint pathways), BSc (Honours) Geography with Sociology (a pairing of a Major pathway in Geography with a Minor pathway in Sociology).

The award of BA or BSc will be defined by the proportion of Level 2 and 3 modules taken at Stages 2&3 in "Science" or "Arts" Subjects. Where 50% or more of the modules studied at Stages 2 and 3 are in "Science" Subjects, the award will be BSc. Where less than 50% are in "Science" Subjects, the award will be BA. Professional and Academic Development (VS coded) modules are ignored for the purpose of determining whether the award should be BA or BSc. "Science" Subjects are: Design & Technology, Biology, Food Studies, Geography, Geographical Information Systems, Health Studies, Psychology, Sociology. If you have been granted exemption from Professional and Academic Development modules and you have studied 50% of modules in "Science" Subjects and 50% of modules in "Arts" Subjects you will be contacted to discuss whether you wish to receive a BSc or BA.

Students registered for the BA/BSc Education Specialised Programme should note that the "second registered Subject" will be used to determine whether the award should be entitled BA or BSc, according to the list in the previous paragraph (e.g. BA Education and History, BSc Education and Geography). Your Education (ED-coded) modules will be ignored for the purpose of determining whether the award should be BA or BSc.

Since the Modular Scheme is intended to embrace all the University's undergraduate provision, it accommodates different types of award. These are described in the following sections. The principal types are as follows:

Combined Awards and Single Awards

Combined and Single Awards are awards, which reflect the balance of studies taken, and name the Subject (s) which have contributed (e.g. BA (Honours) English Literature and History, BSc (Honours) Geography with Psychology, BA (Honours) English Literature).

Stage 1

To facilitate transfer between different Subjects, and between Combined and Single routes, there is a common Stage 1 ("First Year") programme, which all students taking Combined and Single Awards follow. Stage 1 consists of 6 Level 1 modules (120 credits). You will need to take a minimum of 2 modules (40 credits) in each of two Subjects (A and B) even if you are following a Single Honours programme. You also take up to 2 electives; subject to availability, you may take extra modules in the Subject (s) for which you are registered, or outside the Subject(s) for which you are registered, to broaden your studies or pursue specific interests. If you take electives outside your registered Subject(s), they may both be in the same Subject, or in different Subjects.

The following patterns of Stage 1 study will thus be possible:

Number of standard modules
Subject A Subject B Subject C Subject D
4 2 0 0
3 3 0 0
3 2 1 0
2 2 2 0
2 2 1 1

Stages 2 and 3

At Stages 2 and 3, you take a specified minimum number of modules in each of the Subjects for which you are registered, including all modules designated as compulsory. Additionally, you may take up to two electives (i.e. a total of two electives for stages 2 and 3, not two at each Stage). As in Stage 1, electives may be outside the Subject (s) for which you are registered. Selecting modules as electives will be subject to availability and timetabling constraints, and you must also ensure that you have completed any prerequisite study for the modules you wish to take.

If you wish, and subject to availability, you may include one Level 1 module as one of your Stage 2 electives, although you should be aware that the mark you obtain for this module will not count when calculating your degree classification, it will be the mark that is "dropped" from your profile (see section 6.6 for more details on degree classification).

The minimum amount of study required in each Subject of a Combined Awards programme is as follows:

Stage 1 At least 2 modules in two Subjects. A maximum of two electives in a non-registered Subject or Subjects.
Stage 2 At least 2 modules in each registered Subject. One Employability focussed module. A maximum of one elective in a non-registered Subject.
Stage 3 At least 2 modules in each registered Subject. A maximum of one elective in a non-registered Subject.

The following patterns of study to Honours Degree level are therefore permissible

Joint and Major/Minor

Award Type Registered Subject A Registered Subject B Employability Electives in non-registered Subjects
Stage 1 2 2 0 2
3 2 0 1
4 2 0 0
Stage 2 Joint 2 2 1 1
Major/Minor Joint 3 2 1 0
Stage 3 Joint 3 2 0 1
Joint 3 3 0 0
Major/Minor 4 2 0 0

The Major/Minor Award can only be achieved by taking 3 modules in your Major subject in Year 2.

The minimum amount of study required in a Single Award programme is as follows:

Single

Stage 1 Not less than 2 and no more than 4 modules in the registered Subject. Not less than 2 and no more than 4 electives in a non-registered Subject or Subjects
Stage 2 At least 4 modules in the registered Subject. One Employability module. A maximum of one elective in a non-registered Subject
Stage 3 At least 5 modules in the registered Subject. A maximum of one elective in a non-registered Subject

The following patterns of study to Honours degree level are therefore permissible:

Single

Registered Subject Employability Electives in non-registered Subjects
Stage 1 2 0 4
3 0 3
4 0 2
Stage 2 4 1 1
5 1 0
Stage 3 5 0 1
6 0 0

Specialised Awards

The pattern of modules which must be taken in a specialised award is broadly the same as for other undergraduate awards; at stage 1 you must take 6 level 1 modules (120 credits) and at each of Stages 2 and 3, you take a further 6 modules (240 credits). However as each of the specialised awards has its own regulations concerning the specific modules that may be taken, you will need to consult your award handbook for further details.

Intermediate Awards: the CertHE, DipHE and Ordinary Degree

Should your personal circumstances require you to withdraw from the University, you can take with you all the credits you have obtained and, if you qualify for it, an intermediate award: the Certificate or Diploma of Higher Education, or the Ordinary Degree. These are only awarded if you do not progress further with your studies. Claims for intermediate awards may be made either before or after withdrawing from the University, and must be notified to the Registrar at least six weeks before the meeting of the Examination Board, which is to consider them.

The CertHE and Ordinary Degree are "exit" awards - we do not register students for them, and they are only available to those who, for whatever reason, are unable to complete their studies to Honours Degree level. However, we do recruit directly to the DipHE.

The DipHE counts as a "Joint" award - if you have been accepted for the DipHE, you will be registered for two Subjects, and take them in equal proportions.

In Stage 1, like students registered for Combined and Single Awards, you will need to take a minimum of 2 modules in Subject A, and a minimum of 2 modules in Subject B. You also take 2 electives; subject to availability, these may be within or outside the Subject(s) for which you are registered.

In Stage 2, you will need to take a minimum of 2 Level 2 modules in Subject A, and minimum of 2 modules in Subject B, and an Employability focussed module. You may also take 1 elective, which may be outside the Subject(s) for which you are registered.

We do recognise that for most students the DipHE is a "staging post" towards a higher award. Most of our DipHE students successfully apply to join one of our degree awards, though some transfer to another HE institution. We should emphasise that transfer is not automatic; it is dependent upon satisfactory academic progress.

Thus successful completion of a DipHE by a student specifically registered for that award shall qualify but not entitle a student to progress to the second or third year (as appropriate) of a full-time Degree or Honours Degree or to the equivalent stage of a part-time programme.

Foundation Degrees

The pattern of modules which must be taken in a Foundation degree is the same as for other undergraduate awards; at stage 1 you must take 6 level 1 modules (120 credits) and at Stage 2 you take 6 level 2 modules (120 credits = 240 credits in total). However as each of the foundation degrees have their own regulations concerning the specific modules that may be taken, you will need to consult your award handbook for further details.

Graduate Certificates and Diplomas

The pattern of modules which must be taken for a Graduate Certificate or Diploma is as follows;

Graduate Certificate 2 x level 3 modules = 40 credits

Graduate Diploma 4 x level 3 modules = 80 credits

However as each Graduate Certificate of Diploma has its own regulations concerning the specific modules that may be taken you will need to consult you award handbook for further details.

Student Programmes

Duration of programmes of study

For a BA or BSc Honours degree, the minimum period of study is three years full-time and five years part-time; the maximum period of study is five years full-time and eight years part-time.

For a DipHE and Foundation Degree, the minimum period of study is two years full-time and three years part-time; the maximum period of study is four years full-time and six years part-time.

For a Graduate Certificate, the minimum period of study is one year full-time and two years part-time; the maximum period of study is three years full-time and four years part-time.

For a Graduate Diploma, the minimum period of study is one year full-time and two years part-time; the maximum period of study is four years full-time and five years part-time.

All of the above apply to periods of continuous registration at the University and do not take into account any breaks in study.

Choosing modules: new students

New students must make their module selections via the Student Portal. On Monday and Tuesday of Induction Week there are Subject presentations and a module choice fair, and a Guide to level 1 modules is posted on the University website for reference so that new students can find out more about the modules in which they are interested. By the Wednesday morning of Induction week students must confirm their module choices on the Student Portal.

On Friday of Induction Week you will be able to see your individual timetable on the student portal.

Choosing modules: continuing students

The process is similar to that for new students, though the timing is different. We will ask you to enter your module choices via your Student Portal account around the third week of the Summer Term. Guides to level 2 and 3 modules are posted on the University website for your reference. There will be an incentive for prompt selection; those that do so late will go to the back of the scheduling queue, however we do not operate on a "first come first served basis". (We do, however, try to give reasonable choice to direct entrants, students who are away on exchange programmes, etc.)

By the end of the Summer Term, continuing students will be able to see their individual timetable on the student portal. These timetables will only be provisional. Changes will only be made where absolutely necessary, but it must be clearly understood that some are inevitable over the summer. Final timetables will be available on the student portal in Induction Week.

Students who are planning to undertake an Erasmus or other overseas placement in Year 2/3 should consult their Subject leaders with regard to any compulsory BSU modules they may be required to take.

Making changes to your programme of study

Changes to module choices and registrations are only possible up to the end of the first two teaching weeks of the semester. This deadline is interpreted strictly.

After this time, you can drop a module, but it will be counted as a failed module, and will need to be replaced by an extra module in a subsequent semester. Since there are a maximum number of modules, which can be studied, you should only do this when absolutely necessary. You cannot join a module after the end of the second teaching week because you will already have missed a significant proportion of the module; and statistical evidence over a number of years suggests that students who join modules late have a high propensity to fail them. We also need to ensure that student choices have settled down so that we can begin assessment/exam scheduling.

Changing seminar/lab/workshop groups within a module

The University week runs from 9 am to 7 p.m, Monday to Thursday, and 9am to 6pm on a Friday. All full-time students should expect a mix of early morning, late morning, early afternoon and late afternoon/early evening sessions.

However, in the case of mature students, particularly those who have to travel a long distance, we have always tried to be responsive to cases of particular difficulty. (As a rule of thumb, we consider a journey of 20 miles or more each way to be a "long distance".) We also try to respond where students have childcare or medical problems, or physical disabilities, or where students want to participate in team sports on Wednesday afternoons. We cannot take into account the fact that a student may have a part-time job when timetabling modules and scheduling students to them. Nor is "I want to be with my friend" a good reason! It should be emphasised that, in the last resort, full-time students must be available for teaching sessions at the times specified.

Requests to change seminar/workshop groups must be made to the Student Administration Service. This will ensure that a student is not moved to a different group, which will create a clash with the other Subjects/modules being studied. It will also ensure that group sizes do not exceed the planned maxima. If you wish to apply to change seminar/lab/workshop groups within a module, you must do so before the first day of the Semester in which the module runs. Making such changes is problematic after the initial meetings have taken place because seminar presentations may have been allocated or groups of students created for collaborative work.

Where there is considered to be good reason, you will be rescheduled to a different group if there is room in the seminar/workshop/lab session to which you want to move, and it can be achieved without generating a timetable clash. If there is no room, you will have to find a fellow-student willing to swap groups and BOTH of you should go and see someone in the Student Administration Service in order to change your timetables; or, in the case of an optional/elective module, you may request a change of module.

Changing modules

Changes to modules should be requested using the Module Change Request Form, which may be obtained from the Student Administration Service. The request must be formally approved by the Subject Leader of the module, which the student wishes to join. No change will be effected until the Module Change Request Form has been received and approved.

Please note that in some circumstances changing modules may also imply a change of award or route. In such circumstances, you will need to make a successful application to transfer registration before the Module Change Form will be accepted and put into effect. (See next section.)

Transfer to a module is subject to the following constraints:

Rules and Prerequisite Study

So that your learning experience will be a coherent one, which suits your goals and interests, you may not choose modules in a random way. Some awards are necessarily more restrictive in the range of options, which they allow. Moreover, the particular pathways outlined by each Subject take account of the knowledge and skills, which you must progressively acquire in order to build competence in that discipline. Thus some pathways require modules to be studied in a particular sequence; others are more flexible, with greater choice. This depends very much upon the nature of the particular discipline.

Most rules apply to individual modules, and you will find the requirements of each module set out in the Guides to Modules.

These rules often take the form of statements about the prior study, which is required. These prerequisites usually take the form of a named module or modules; for example, Level 2 modules in English Literature require you to have studied EN1002 first. However, there are alternatives to this, which can include evidence of proven aptitude, such as a portfolio of work; a preliminary interview; or previous certificated learning outside the Scheme. Occasionally, you will find that a certain type of prior study is recommended rather than required. In such cases, we are giving advice rather than instruction; in the opinion of the Module Co-ordinator, you will have a greater chance of success if you can meet the recommended "prerequisite".

Although prerequisites are the most common rules, there are also a few modules, which must be taken together or may not be taken together. These are sometimes referred to as co-requisites and non-requisites. You will also find that some modules are compulsory for particular pathways, but perhaps optional or unavailable for others.

The Modular Scheme Timetable

As you will appreciate, timetabling the Modular Scheme is a very complex activity. A draft timetable for the following academic year is prepared before Easter, and amended over the course of the Summer Term. Late changes are only made when absolutely necessary, and we will try to ensure that they do not create difficulties for students who have already made their module choices.

To simplify the task somewhat, the Subjects in the Modular Scheme are arranged in five Groups. Students cannot be registered for two Subjects in the same group (though a few Subjects run twice in different groups to ensure that they can be combined with all other Subjects in the Scheme). Consequently, we can timetable compulsory modules for Subjects in the same Group in the same time slots, and be sure that all students can attend them.

This also means that it is unlikely that you can study electives in a Subject in the same group as one of the Subjects for which you are registered (though it may be possible where a subject offers a wide range of optional modules.) The Subject Groups are set out in Appendix 2.

The Guides to Modules give an "anchor time" for each module. This is typically a lead lecture or some other kind of activity, which the whole group of students taking the module must attend. Consequently, you will not be able to take two modules with the same anchor time. However, where you are listing alternatives to your preferred modules, you may put down more than one with the same anchor time.

Please note that there will be other teaching sessions apart from the anchor time - such as seminars, workshops, lab sessions, studio sessions, etc. These will be scheduled so as to maximise student choice, and students will be automatically scheduled to them. You will be provided with a personalised timetable listing all your classes towards the end of Induction Week (see your Induction Week Programme for further details). As noted above, if you have particular difficulty in attending at the specified times, it may be possible to move you to a different seminar/lab/workshop group. Contact the Student Administration Service for details. It is not possible to move the times of lectures or other "whole group" activities.

Changing registration

The procedure for transfer of registration from one award or route to another within the University is as follows:

Students considering internal transfer from one Bath Spa University programme to another should begin by consulting their current Course Director (Subject leaders in the case of the Combined Awards). This is not merely a courtesy; students often apply for transfer on the basis of a very incomplete understanding of their current course, and the Course Director can often correct misconceptions. (The student grapevine is a notoriously unreliable source of information!)

Please note that changing back and forth from one award programme to another is ill advised if your LEA pays some or all of your tuition fees. A growing number of LEAs will not agree to continue paying fees if you transfer more than once. Do think carefully before requesting a change. Route changes within the same award programme (e.g. within the Combined Awards) are usually less problematic. If in any doubt, you must contact your LEA.

If you wish to transfer, you must obtain an Application to Transfer Registration Form from the Student Administration Service, where it should be returned when completed.

You should then arrange a meeting with the Course Director for the programme you wish to join (Subject leaders in the case of the Combined Awards). Forms will not be accepted without their signature. Before supporting a request to change award programme, the Course Director should confirm that:

If the Registrar approves the transfer request, the student is sent a formal offer in which the conditions for admittance to the new award or route are stated. These would include a satisfactory conclusion to the present semester or year's work.

A request to transfer registration may be made at any time; however, it is anticipated that most requests will be made:

Transfers normally come into effect immediately the Registrar approves them. However, please note the following points:

Modifying a student's records will only commence after written authorisation has been received from the Registrar. Depending upon the volume of work in hand, it can take some time before the process is completed.

Whilst a request is under consideration or is being processed, a student may need to make module selections to suit the new award programme. In such cases, students should always make their selections (and be scheduled on to modules) on the assumption that the change will be approved.

Withdrawing from the University

If you are considering leaving the University, please do not make a hasty decision

Sleep on it; remember it can take time to adjust to a new way of life. Go and talk to someone- see your Personal tutor or any other tutor who you have got to know. Talk to a fellow student or someone at the Students' Union or go and see a Welfare advisor. If you receive a contribution towards your fees from an LEA or a loan from the Student Loans Company you should check the financial regulations, to find out what the implications of leaving your course might be.

However, if you do decide to leave the University, please do not just walk out. Tell your Personal Tutor and write to the Registrar informing him of your decision. Complete a Withdrawal Form, available from the Student Administration Service as this will ensure that the Student Services, Finance and the LEA are informed of the exact date of withdrawal. And of course students leaving the University should return any books or other resources to the Library.

You should always remember that there are alternatives to withdrawal. These include going part-time, suspending registration or intercalating (taking a break from study). However, it is University policy to only allow a maximum break/intercalation of 1 year. Also, students are unable to claim benefit when on a break from studies, so if a benefit claim is to be made students will normally need to withdraw from the University. Students who do withdraw under these circumstances can be assured that should they reapply in the future; every effort will be made to reinstate them. However, since a course may close or be subject to major change, reinstatement cannot be guaranteed.

Attendance requirements

Whilst we understand students' family and financial pressures, University commitments must always be given priority.

It is a University regulation that you must familiarise yourself with the University Calendar, and are available for classes, fieldwork, placements and other programme commitments throughout the University semesters.

You must also complete the Registration process at the appointed time and place (normally during the Induction Programme at the start of each academic year). Exceptionally, you may be allowed to complete your Registration at other times if an application in writing is approved by the Registrar.Unless your application is on medical grounds (when it should be supported by evidence from a GP, consultant or hospital), an administration fee of £25 will be charged.

IT IS A UNIVERSITY REGULATION THAT STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND ALL THE CLASSES FOR WHICH THEY ARE SCHEDULED. You should always inform the tutor if you cannot attend a session for good reason, and should be aware that non-attendance frequently leads to poor work or even failure. Persistent non-attendance will be reported to the Registrar and may jeopardise any financial assistance and your place at Bath Spa University.

If you have genuine reasons for non-attendance, they should be properly documented. See the section in this guide on Mitigating Circumstances.

If you are unable to make the commitment to regular attendance at the times required by the University, you should consider transferring to a part-time programme of study.

Following the end of Semester 1, there is an Inter-Semester Week, which provides an important opportunity for academic staff to complete assessment of Semester 1 and prepare for Semester 2. Please note that full-time students are deemed to be in residence for this week. Inevitably, some students may interpret this as an opportunity for time off. However, you should make good use of the time ‑ preliminary reading/work for your Semester 2 modules will prove of considerable benefit.

Occasionally due to staff illness, timetabled sessions have to be cancelled. This can sometimes be at short notice and for students who have travelled long distances to attend this can be very frustrating. If this is a concern, you are advised to check the BSU website or Minerva, where any messages to students will be displayed. If you do not have access to the internet at home then you should make your concern known to your tutor(s) who will arrange for the appropriate School Office to hold your telephone number and contact you if the need arises.

Inter-site Travel

To ensure that we can deliver a workable timetable and keep track of programmes of study, students are not allowed to follow programmes of study which involve simultaneous enrolment at BSU and an FE partner College. Nor are they allowed to follow programmes of study which involve simultaneous enrolment at more than one associated FE College.

However, some students may follow programmes which involve study at both Newton Park and Sion Hill.

The majority of Subjects within the Modular Scheme are based at the main Newton Park campus. However, Art and Textile Design Studies modules are based at Sion Hill. We will endeavour to ensure that inter-site programmes of study operate smoothly. However, if students are registered for Subjects on both sites they may find that the range of electives available to them is limited by timetabling constraints. Equally, if both a student's registered Subjects are on one site, there may be constraints on their ability to select elective modules, which are taught at the other site.

Free Transport is provided to students with lectures or seminars on BOTH sites.

This service is provided by Alison Cox in the Transport Office (Main House - Top Floor) MH.216.

In order to claim free transport between the sites you must complete the Intersite Transport Request Form available from the Transport Office (please also see Appendix 3 of this handbook). This must be handed to the Transport Office at the beginning of each Semester with a copy of your timetable to support your claim.

Using the information given on this form, taxis will be provided to transport you between the sites at times to suit your lecture/seminar requirements.

The taxis collect from and drop off at Newton Park Student Union and Somerset Place (by the letter boxes at the end of the Crescent).

You will be asked for your name by the driver to ensure that the right person is being collected.

PLEASE NOTE THAT TAXIS ARE BOOKED HALF AN HOUR BEFORE THE LECTURE STARTS AND HALF AN HOUR AFTER THE END OF THE LECTURE. Most taxis therefore run on the hour and half hour. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes - depending on the traffic at certain times of the day.

TAXIS DO NOT WAIT - IF YOU MISS YOUR TAXI YOU WILL HAVE TO BOOK AND PAY FOR A REPLACEMENT.

If you live at one site but all your lectures are at the other then you are NOT entitled to free transport.

If you do not need any of the taxis that are booked specifically for you then you MUST let the Transport Office know so that the taxi can be cancelled. Failure to do so may result in a charge being made to you.

Special Needs

If you have a disability or condition, which causes you difficulties with your studies, it may be possible for the University to make arrangements to help.

Examples of help, which has been available in the past, include: extra time in examinations for students with documented dyslexia; large‑print written material; arrangements for an amanuensis or scribe.

It is not possible for us to actively seek out students who may be facing problems. In order for us to help you, therefore, you must contact the Welfare Office, to let us know the nature of your difficulties and the special arrangements you would like us to make.

Please note that it may not be possible to comply with all requests, and some special arrangements may take time to accommodate. It is therefore in your own interests to contact us as early as possible in your studies. You should also contact the University before the start of each semester and before each assessment round to discuss and resolve any problems that may occur. This is essential because your needs may change from one semester to another, depending on the modules you wish to take.

Assessment

Assessment Framework

When you enrol, you accept the regulations then in force. If any changes are made to the regulations that might affect you during your studies, you will be informed in writing of the amendments, either through a reissue of this Guide or through a separate letter.

The assessment of students registered on Modular Scheme programmes is in accordance with the current Academic Regulations of Bath Spa University.

These regulations apply to all forms of assessment included within programmes of study. The design of assessment strategies is the responsibility of individual Module Co-ordinators, and relates directly to the learning outcomes of modules. Module documentation includes explanations of all elements of assessment.

Assessment regulations must take into account the University's commitment to Equal Opportunities. If you are unable through disability to be assessed by the methods specified in the assessment regulations, you will be assessed by arrangements agreed by the Examination Board.

A Guide to Marking Criteria

The following assessment criteria have been adopted for all assessment items (essays, seminars, exams, etc.) in the Modular Scheme. They will be amplified and/or refined by more specific criteria, which will be set out in the documentation for each programme of study.

Grade Indicative Criterion
Mark Range
A 80-100 An outstanding firstWork of outstandingly high quality and originality.
77 - 79 An excellent firstWork, which fulfils all the criteria of the A, grade, but at an exceptional standard for the level concerned. Substantial originality and insight, very few minor limitations.
74 - 76 A good firstWork of distinguished quality, which is based on extensive research and/or strong technical and creative competence. Clear and logical organisation; consistent scheme of references, used entirely appropriately. An authoritative grasp of concepts, methodology and content appropriate to the subject/discipline and to the assessment task will be demonstrated. There is clear evidence of originality and insight and an ability to sustain an argument and/or solve discipline‑related problems, based on critical analysis and/or evaluation. The ability to synthesise material effectively and the potential for skilled innovation in thinking and practice will be evident.
70 - 73 A firstThe qualities of an A grade but with more limitations.Work of very good quality which displays most, but not all, of the A grade characteristics for the level concerned.
B 67 - 69 A high upper secondWork, which clearly fulfils all the criteria of the B grade for the level concerned, but shows greater insight and/or originality.
64 - 66 A good upper secondWork of good quality, which is based on a wide range of properly referenced sources and/or creative input, demonstrating a sound and above average level of understanding of concepts, methodology and content appropriate to the subject/discipline and to the assessment task. There is clear evidence of critical judgement in selecting, ordering and analysing content to construct a sound argument based on responses which reveal occasional insight and/or originality. Ability to solve discipline‑related problems will be effectively and consistently demonstrated. Draws on an appropriate range of properly referenced sources.
60 - 63 An upper secondWork of good quality, which contains most, but not all, of the B grade characteristics for the level concerned.
C 57 - 59 A high lower secondWork, which clearly fulfils all the criteria of the C grade for the level concerned, but shows a greater degree of critical analysis and/or insight.
54 - 56 A good lower secondWork of sound quality which is based on satisfactorily referenced sources and/or creative input and which demonstrates a grasp of relevant material and key concepts, together with ability to structure and organise arguments or materials effectively. The work may be rather standard, but will be mostly accurate, clearly communicated and provide some evidence of ability to engage in critical analysis and/or evaluation. There will be no serious omissions or irrelevancies. In dealing with solutions to technical problems, appropriate methods will be chosen. Coherent organisation in general with effective use of references and acknowledgement of sources.
50 - 53 A lower secondWork of sound quality, which contains most, but not all, of the C grade characteristics for the level concerned.
D 47 - 49 A high thirdWork of a satisfactory standard demonstrating a reasonable level of understanding, and competent organisation, but lacking sufficient analysis and independence to warrant a C grade at the level concerned.
44 - 46 A good thirdWork of satisfactory quality, which covers the basic subject matter adequately and is appropriately organised and presented, but which is primarily descriptive or derivative rather than analytical or creative. Study may be limited and narrowly focussed. There may be some misunderstanding of key concepts and limitations in the ability to select relevant material or techniques, and/or in communication or other relevant key skills, so that the work may be flawed by some errors, omissions or irrelevancies. There will be some evidence of appropriate research and ability to construct an argument, but it may be narrowly focused. In dealing with solutions to technical problems, established and appropriate methods will generally be chosen, but these may be applied uncritically.
40 - 43 A thirdWork of bare pass standard demonstrating some familiarity with relevant subject matter and application of relevant academic capabilities, but only just meeting threshold standards in research, analysis, organisation, focus or other skills essential to the assessment task, and/or with significant errors or omissions.
F 30 - 39 A failWork which indicates some evidence of engagement with the subject material and learning process, but which is essentially misinterpreted, misdirected, misunderstood or poorly organised and sketchy or otherwise just failing to meet threshold standards at the level concerned.
20-29 A clear failWork which indicates little engagement with the subject material and learning process; which contains substantial errors or irrelevancies; which shows minimal evidence of planning and hardly any use of references and acknowledgement of sources; which clearly fails to meet threshold standards at the level concerned.
10-19 A bad failWork of poor quality, which is based on only minimal effort and/or contains little of relevance. It will offer hardly any evidence of familiarity with subject materials or skills appropriate to the discipline or task at the level concerned.
1-9 A very poor failSome work submitted, but containing virtually nothing of any relevance, depth or merit.
0 Nothing submitted, and extension not agreed before due date; or work containing nothing of any relevance or merit.
L 0 Late submission; extension granted before due date.
UP 0 Work failed due to unfair practice.

Submission of Work

For each module you take, you will be informed of deadlines by which coursework associated with it must be submitted. In some modules, all the assessment occurs at the end of the module; in others, assessment takes place as studies progress.

You will also be told where you should hand in coursework. This can differ from module to module and you should note carefully the arrangements made for submission. If for any reason you cannot submit an assignment to the designated place, it can be left at the Student Administration Service in Main House, Newton Park. It will be date-stamped and a receipt provided. It is your responsibility to submit work in the manner prescribed.

Putting work under a tutor's door, in a pigeonhole, or getting a friend to hand it in is extremely unwise.

The Modular Scheme uses a standard assessment report sheet for all coursework assignments. You should complete and attach one of these report sheets to all pieces of work that you submit. The report sheets can be obtained from the Student Administration Service. When the tutor returns the assignment after marking, the assessment report will have comments and a grade. The marking tutor also retains a copy, so a record is kept of all the assignments which you complete.

Bath Spa University's Modular Scheme continues to accept the principle that all coursework will be marked anonymously unless the nature of the work makes this impossible.

Please note that you must keep a backup copy of all the assessed work submitted, unless the nature of the work makes this completely impossible. Any piece of assessed work may be sent off for scrutiny by the External Examiner; and thus may not be returned to you in time for revision.

Submission of work by fax is not permitted. Exceptions to this rule may only be made in highly exceptional circumstances, and must be agreed in writing by the appropriate Module Co-ordinator or Subject Leader. Where an exception has been agreed, the work must also be submitted in hard copy, by an agreed date, to the tutor concerned.

It is the University's policy that both electronic and hard copy versions of course work must be submitted by the deadline specified by the module co-ordinator. The only exception to this is where the means of assessment make this impractical. In such cases the module handbook or module co-ordinator will make this clear to you.

Electronic submission is via Minerva, and text is automatically checked for plagiarism by TurnitinUK. If you fail to submit an electronic version of your work, you will fail the assessment item and be referred for a re-sit.

If, on the due date for the assignment, Minerva/Turnitin is unavailable for any reason (e.g. technical problems), then you must submit the electronic version of your work as soon as possible thereafter. Your tutor will be aware of the situation and may well have informed you of such problems, so you won't risk penalties. You should submit the hard copy of your work as normal by the deadline.

Please note that coursework submitted to Minerva via TurnitinUK must comprise a single file of no more than 10MB. TurnitinUK will only accept files in the following formats: Word, Text, Postscript, PDF, HTML, and RTF. If your work is in another format e.g. PowerPoint, then please see your tutor about how to proceed.

We may make and may authorise third parties to make copies of any work submitted by you for assessment but only for the following purposes:

We will not make any more copies than are necessary for these purposes, will only use copies made for these purposes and will only retain such copies as remain necessary for those purposes. Where copies are made and retained for the purposes identified in the clauses above, we shall ensure that no personal data is made available to any third party.

Subjects may require that coursework assignments should be word processed, and are empowered to refuse to accept handwritten work provided that due notice has been given at the commencement of the module.

Dissertations must be word-processed. Two copies of each dissertation must be submitted.

The following regulations and procedures govern the late or non-submission of work for all assignments apart from formal examinations.

If you intend to submit coursework by post, we strongly advise you to send it by recorded delivery and to ensure that you post it early enough for it to be received by the submission date.

Exceptions may however be made when:

In such cases, an extension will be allowed up to a specially agreed date. Work submitted by the agreed date will be assessed normally. Work not submitted by the agreed date will receive a mark of zero.

The appropriate Module Co-ordinator or Subject Leader must agree extensions in writing. Where an extension has been agreed, the work must be submitted with an extension form bearing the signature of the Module Co-ordinator or Subject Leader who agreed the extension.

A growing number of students claim that problems with computer hardware and software, or with access to the required equipment, prevent them from submitting work on time. Such claims will only be accepted if accompanied by a letter from an appropriate IT professional, which confirms the existence of the problem.

Examinations

The time and place of formal examinations will be published on the Student Services pages of the University website and on appropriate notice boards. Any clashes or errors should be reported to the Student Administration Service immediately.

BSU conducts formal examinations at its Newton Park and Sion Hill campuses, and at associate FE Colleges. It cannot normally make arrangements for students to sit examinations at other locations. Arrangements cannot be made for students to take examinations at times other than those specified for that semester.

Candidates will be admitted to the room five minutes before the examination is due to commence. On entering the examination room they must deposit all bags and unauthorised sources of information in a place indicated by the invigilator. Mobile phones must be switched off. During the five minutes before the commencement of the examination, candidates may read the question paper, but may not write until the Chief Invigilator announces the commencement of the examination. Normally, the Chief Invigilator shall be the sole person to make announcements in the examination room.

Only candidates for whom English is not their first language are permitted to use a dictionary to help with language problems (e.g. French/English). Electronic dictionaries cannot be used. They are not permitted to use a dictionary solely in their first language.

Course texts are not permitted unless the examination paper explicitly permits them to be used.

The Chief Invigilator shall be responsible for ensuring that:

The Chief Invigilator will announce the length and end time of the examination at the start and warn students when there are fifteen minutes of examination time left and will announce the termination of the examination at the proper time. Candidates should be asked to check that cover papers are correctly completed and the scripts numbered according to instructions.

In order to maintain their anonymity, students are asked only to enter their BSUC student registration number on the cover papers.

Candidates are permitted to leave the room for a short period for urgent reasons only, and must be accompanied by one of the Invigilators. Invigilators may require a candidate to leave the examination room if his or her conduct is disturbing other candidates.

Invigilators shall not discuss the content of the examination paper with any candidate.

It shall be the prime duty of the Invigilators to ensure that no improper practices occur within the examination room. Invigilators shall:

Candidates must remain seated until an invigilator collects their scripts.

Module Assessment

The module is the basic unit of credit within the Modular Scheme. Modules may be assessed by:

The form of the coursework items (essay, negotiated assignment, seminar presentation, seminar folder, practical work, etc.) and the examination (unseen, open, documentary, performance, exhibition, etc.) is agreed by the University's Academic Quality & Standards Committee and published in the Guides to Modules and in Module Handbooks. Where more than one item of assessed work is required, the weighting attached to each item is identified.

Additionally, Module Co-ordinators are responsible for notifying students of the nature and aims of each assessment item.

Assessed work is double-marked on a sample basis. No assessed piece of work is failed without reference to a second marker, unless the nature of the work makes this impossible.

Failed work in Level 2 and 3 modules will be referred to the External Examiner, unless the nature of the work makes this impossible.

Both examinations and coursework are subject to external moderation.

The pass grade for all modules is 40%.

If you register for a module, you will be deemed to have attempted the module unless notice of withdrawal has been given in writing by the end of the second week of the semester in which the module is running.

You will not be deemed to have been registered for a module unless and until you have satisfied the formal prerequisites for registration or have received formal permission from the appropriate Subject Leader if an alternative to these prerequisites is offered.

If registered for a module you must, where an invigilated examination forms a component of the module's assessment, present yourself for the examination at the time appointed. Failure to do so will constitute failure in that assessment item unless some cause is found valid on production of acceptable evidence.

Where an item of assessment for a module is not invigilated, and you fail to submit work for assessment at the time appointed, you will normally be deemed to have failed that assessment item unless some cause is found valid on production of acceptable evidence.

When all the marks for the assessment items within a module have been collected, the module result will be calculated, using the assessment weightings described in the Guides to Modules. Module results may be P (Pass), D (Decision deferred ‑ for whatever reason) or F (Fail). Additionally, you will be informed of the overall percentage and grade for the module. Module grades may be A, B, C and D (if passed), L (Late Assessment), R (reassessment permitted), QF (reassessment permitted), and F (fail, reassessment not permitted ‑ typically a second attempt).

Some modules are assessed on a pass/fail only basis. Here, the grades will be S (Satisfactory) or U (Unsatisfactory). In a few cases a module has a mixture of graded and pass/fail assessment items. (For example, an Education module may have a graded essay and a school experience placement, which is assessed on a pass/fail only basis and must be passed.) In such cases, the exact mark and grade will be given provided the pass/fail element has been passed. Where it has been failed, the exact mark for the graded elements will be given together with a result of U (Unsatisfactory). In this case credit would therefore not be awarded for the module.

Stage and Award Requirements

The class of degree follows the established percentage bands:

>=70% First Class

60-69% Upper Second Class

50-59% Lower Second Class

40-49% Third Class

<40% Fail

(To be precise, all overall percentages are calculated and printed to two decimal places. The exact bands are:

69.50% and above First

59.50-69.49% Upper Second

49.50-59.49% Lower Second

39.50-49.49% Third

39.49% and below Fail

Classification is determined as follows:

NB This rule describes how we determine the classification of your award.

You will not be entered for the Honours Degree unless you have passed 360 credits at the correct levels, as described above.

The Examination Board will recommend the classification of the Honours Degree award within the following guidelines:

First Class

A percentage, determined by the overall mark for the best 5 Level 2 modules and the best 5 Level 3 modules, studied at Stages 2 and 3, weighted 40:60, of 70% or above.

Upper Second Class

A percentage, determined by the overall mark for the best 5 Level 2 modules and the best 5 Level 3 modules, studied at Stages 2 and 3,weighted 40:60, of 60-69%.

Lower Second Class

A percentage, determined by the overall mark for the best 5 Level 2 modules and the best 5 Level 3 modules, studied at Stages 2 and 3, weighted 40:60 of 50-59%.

Third Class

A percentage, determined by the overall mark for the best 5 Level 2 modules and the best 5 Level 3 modules, studied at Stages 2 and 3, weighted 40:60,of 40-49%.

Students who only study part of their programme at Bath Spa University will ONLY be judged on their performance in modules taken here. Credit for prior learning at other institutions is regarded solely on a pass/fail basis, as is credit awarded for exchange programmes. A minimum of 6 modules must be passed at level 2 or 3 to gain a BSU award. Where the minimum number of modules has been passed, the degree classification will be based on the marks gained in all 6 modules.

In addition;

Students who have not passed sufficient modules to gain an Honours Degree may be offered the opportunity to retake failed modules or to take new modules for reconsideration for Honours, subject to constraints on the maximum time of study and the maximum number of modules which can be taken.

Graduate Certificate:

In order to satisfy the requirements for the award of Graduate Certificate you must have passed and been awarded credit for work equivalent to 2 modules at level 3 (40 credits), with no more that 3 (60 credits) having been attempted (including those passed at resit).

Graduate Diploma:

In order to satisfy the requirements for the award of Graduate Diploma you must have passed and been awarded credit for work equivalent to 4 modules (80 credits), with no more than 5 (100 credits) having been attempted (including those passed at resit).

Ordinary Degrees:

Students who do not fulfil the criteria for the award of the Honours degree, but have passed a minimum of 15 modules (300 credits), of which at least 8 (160 credits) are at Levels 2 and 3, including 3 at Level 3 with no more than 18 (360 credits) having been attempted, may be considered for the award of an Ordinary Degree (unclassified).

An Ordinary Degree, sometimes referred to as a "Pass Degree", is an exit award, which means that it can be only awarded to a student who has no intention of returning to their course, and as such it marks the end of their course. You are unlikely to be accepted for further study at this University once you have accepted an Ordinary Degree.

The regulation regarding the maximum number of credits attempted may be waived by the Examination Board in the case of students applying retrospectively for the award of Ordinary Degree.

You should note that an Ordinary Degree counts as lower than an Honours degree of any class. Ordinary Degrees are unlikely to be acceptable for a range of professions; for example, students with an Ordinary Degree are unlikely to be accepted for teacher training. You are therefore advised that it is likely to be in your best interests to continue to seek an Honours degree wherever possible and are strongly advised only to accept an Ordinary Degree if you are absolutely certain that you are unable to complete your course.

Compensation and Reassessment

In the case of unsatisfactory performance in a module, a student is referred, and will be offered a further opportunity to retake part or all of the assessment. Referred performances are considered as reassessments - second attempts following initial failure. However, where an Examination Board accepts that there are mitigating circumstances to explain why a student has failed to pass a module, the result may be deferred, allowing a further opportunity to undertake the assessment. Deferred performances are considered as first attempts (i.e. late assessment rather than reassessment). See the section on Mitigating Circumstances.

Where a module has more than one assessment item contributing to its overall assessment, compensation between assessment items will only be permitted if the mark for each assessment item is > =35.0% and an overall pass mark of >=40% is achieved for the module. Where a module has a single assessment item, compensation for a mark of <40% will not be possible.

In the event that any assessment item for a module is awarded a mark of <35.0%, the student will be referred, pending a further opportunity to retake that item of the assessment.

Where a student is referred in one or more assessment items, the original mark(s) will be replaced by the mark(s) for the reassessed work, and the module result recalculated. Students will be permitted to compensate between assessment items providing that the mark for each assessment item is > =35.0% and an overall pass mark of >=40% is achieved for the module. A failed module which is passed on referral is awarded a mark of 40% D.

Students do not have an automatic right to reassessment. Where the Examination Board believes it appropriate, no opportunity for reassessment need be given.

Normally, all referred/deferred work from semester 1 and semester 2 will be required to be submitted in late August and will be considered by the September examination board.

Where the nature of the assessment (seminar presentations, ensemble playing, etc) cannot readily be duplicated at the time of referral, an equivalent form of assessment may be substituted.

Only one attempt to redeem a failed assessment is permitted.

A module or assessment item, which has been passed, cannot be retaken in order to gain further credit or achieve a higher mark. You may not study extra modules or repeat modules already passed to improve your Honours classification.

The regulations permit compensation within a module, but do not allow for failure in one module to be compensated for by success in another. However, at the discretion of the Examination Board, a student who has failed one or more modules:

A full-time student who has failed one module or equivalent (20 credits) without further right of reassessment will normally be allowed to proceed to the next stage or academic year. He/she will need to make good the credit deficit by taking an extra module (as described above).

A full-time student will not be allowed to retake modules (or take replacement modules) where this would involve taking more than 140 credits (seven modules or equivalent) in an academic year. However, he/she may be offered the opportunity to either transfer to a part-time mode of study to redeem the outstanding deficit before progressing to the next stage of study. The deficit should be redeemed within the space of one academic year.

A candidate for reassessment may not demand reassessment in modules or assessment items, which are no longer current within the programme. However, the Examination Board may exercise its discretion in providing special arrangements where it is not practicable for students to be reassessed in the same modules/items or by the same methods as at the first attempt. Such arrangements shall be subject to the principle that an award is only made when a candidate has fulfilled the objectives of the programme and achieved the required standard.

A candidate who has failed to satisfy the examiners in the first attempt at an assessment for an award, but has, in the examiners' judgement, satisfied the requirements for a lower award, may, at the examiners' discretion, be offered the choice of accepting the lower award or reassessment for the higher award. If the student fails at reassessment, he/she may claim the lower award previously offered. In such cases, the regulations concerning the maximum number of modules, which may be studied towards an award, may be relaxed.

Where a student's failure is deemed to be serious, the Examination Board is required to advise on a future course of action for that student. Recommendations may include withdrawing completely from the registered programme of study, to re-take the failed modules, or to transfer to some other course of study. In the event of a very weak performance a student may be excluded from the course on academic grounds.

You should bear in mind the possibility that you will need to take a resit examination or resubmit coursework in late August/early September to be able to continue as a full-time student. Personal holidays, expeditions, work experience, etc. will not be accepted as reasons for missing a resit examination or not submitting reassessed coursework.You should not plan to be away on holiday during late August and early September until you are sure that you will not need to attend exams or submit work over the summer. You should also make sure that the Student Administration Service has your correct home address.

Students not completing their courses by the expected date

If you have not completed your course by the expected date you will be advised by the Examination Board what work you need to do to complete your course. In the case of referred or deferred work, you will be told what work you need to complete and when it must be completed. Students who fail modules without right of reassessment will usually be allowed to return as part-time students at their own expense in the following academic years in order to take the necessary modules to achieve their qualification. This means in practice that a student expecting to complete their course in June/July but who does not pass all their assessments will have to submit or resubmit work at the resits stage in August, in the case of deferred or referred work; or will be expected to take additional modules in the following academic year, in the case of outright failures.

IF YOU ARE EXPECTING TO ACHIEVE YOUR QUALIFICATION AT THE END OF SEMESTER 2 YOU SHOULD NOTE THAT IF YOU ARE REFERRED/DEFERRED IN OR FAIL MODULE ASSESSMENTS IN SEMESTER 1 THEN YOU WILL BE OFFERED THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE REASSESSED IN JUNE SO THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO ATTEND YOUR GRADUATION CEREMONY IN JULY OF THE SAME YEAR.

Mitigating Circumstances

Mitigating circumstances are any circumstances that may have affected your ability to achieve intended outcomes. Mitigating circumstances may include illness, domestic distress or a variety of other circumstances that may have prevented you attending an examination, submitting a piece of coursework on time, achieving the standard in assessment that might otherwise have been expected or otherwise affected performance.

It is YOUR responsibility to inform the Registrar's office in writing, prior to the meeting of the relevant Examination Board, of illness or other circumstances which may have prevented attendance at examinations, delayed submission of assessed work, or otherwise affected performance.

All claims to mitigating circumstances must be supported by independent documentary evidence. In cases of illness, a medical certificate or doctor's letter must be submitted. In cases of domestic distress a letter from an appropriate third party, such as a solicitor, should be submitted. Letters from other family members confirming domestic distress will also be considered, and in the case of bereavement students will be expected to provide a photocopied death certificate.

The University will not be responsible for contacting medical services, third parties or outside agencies for verification of mitigating circumstances. It is YOUR responsibility to provide such evidence. In the absence of supporting evidence the Examination Board reserves the right to dismiss the claim to mitigating circumstances.

Students should note that unsupported medical self-certification will not be accepted under any circumstances, and nor will word-of-mouth or anecdotal evidence. Informing tutors of mitigating circumstances does not constitute the making of a claim, and the Examination Board will not consider mitigating circumstances on the basis of the comments of tutors alone.

In submitting mitigating circumstances evidence, you are requesting the Examination Board, should it prove necessary, to ignore non-submission or a failed attempt, and to allow them to take the assessment at a later date than normal, without penalty. You must be aware of the following points:

The Modular Scheme Examination Board will consider claims to mitigating circumstances in its meetings after week 15 of Semester 1 and 2, and in the second week of September (when the Board will consider all deferred or referred work from Semesters 1 and 2)

It is the YOUR sole responsibility to ensure that mitigating evidence is submitted in time to be considered by the relevant Board, i.e. by the end of week 15 of Semester 1; by the end of week 15 of Semester 2; or by the end of the first week in September. If you are unable to submit a claim to mitigating circumstances at the appropriate time for good reason, e.g. because a medical condition was only diagnosed after the deadline for submitting claims, you may submit an appeal against any subsequent decision. You will be expected to prove at the Appeals stage the reason why you were unable to submit the claim at the appropriate time, providing independent documentary evidence as appropriate.

If it is established to the satisfaction of the Examination Board that a student's absence, failure to submit work, or poor performance in all or part of the assessment was due to their proven illness or other valid and documented cause, the Examination Board shall act under the following regulations:

A student shall be assessed in the usual way at a later date as if for the first time, with the full range of marks available; if an assessment affected by illness was itself a second attempt, reassessment will be permitted as if for the second time and the mark will remain capped at 40%.

The Examination Board may prescribe whatever form of assessment it considers suitable for the circumstances.

Where there is insufficient evidence to determine the recommendation of an award, but the Board is nevertheless satisfied that the student would have passed if it had not been for illness or other valid and documented cause, an Aegrotat award (CertHE, DipHE or Degree) may be recommended. An Aegrotat degree is unclassified. Before the Board makes a recommendation for an Aegrotat award, the student must have signified their willingness to accept the award

Under these terms, and must have understood that this involves waiving their right to any further assessment under a) above.

Poor attendance where there are mitigating circumstances

While the Examination Board is likely to be sympathetic where there are mitigating circumstances, it may not offer an assessment or reassessment opportunity even where mitigating circumstances have been established where the student's attendance has been so adversely affected that they are unlikely to be able to pass an assessment without further study. In such cases the student is unlikely to benefit from deferred assessment, and the Examination Board will consider alternative solutions. This may involve a student having to retake a whole module, alongside their other modules ("trailing a module") during the next academic year, or may even require a student to go part-time for a period of study in order to complete outstanding modules. Where such a decision is taken, it is taken in the interests of the student and should not be seen as being punitive in any respect.

Severe disruption to studies caused by mitigating circumstances

Where a student's studies are severely disrupted by mitigating circumstances the Examination Board may recommend a period of repeat study, either a semester or a whole academic year, possibly alongside a period of intercalation. In such cases the Registrar will contact the student after the Examination Board has met to discuss options for continuing study.

Unfair Practice

Unacceptable academic practice, particularly in assessment, is known as Unfair Practice. Unfair Practice may take a variety of forms, which cannot all be covered in detail here, but the most common are cheating in formal examinations, the plagiarism of coursework and collusion with other students. Others include "double counting" (submitting the same work for more than one assessment), impersonation in examinations, and submission of fraudulent mitigating circumstances evidence. The penalties for unfair practice are severe (see below), and if students are in any doubt about what constitutes acceptable academic practice they must consult their tutors for advice.

Students should never resort to unfair practices as a means of resolving academic, personal or medical difficulties.

Student Conduct in Examinations

Students should only take essential equipment, such as writing implements, into the examination room. Where calculators or other electronic equipment are required, students must ensure that they do not contain, or enable access to, inappropriate information. Where set texts or source books are permitted, you must ensure that you use appropriate editions, which do not contain any handwritten or other notation. If you are in any doubt about what is appropriate, they must seek advice from tutors or invigilators. Any such equipment or documentation may be checked at any time, and students may be asked to remain behind after the examination for further checks to be undertaken.

Students should always bring their student ID cards to examinations. A student who does not bring their student ID card may not be allowed to take the examination.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is defined in the Oxford English Dictionary as "the taking and using as one's own of the thoughts, writing or inventions of another". It does not matter whether the source was an original document, a book or article, or a fellow student.

There are two common forms of Plagiarism:

You are expected to present your own words, your own analysis and your own argument. It is acceptable to use the work of others to support arguments and analysis, and tutors will be able to inform students as to what constitutes good practice and to give help with subjects such as referencing and the provision of footnotes. If you are in any doubt about what constitutes good practice rather than plagiarism, you must consult your tutors for advice.

All assessed work will normally be submitted electronically, and is subsequently submitted for checking via the online Turnitin system, the leading plagiarism prevention system available worldwide, which checks work for evidence of plagiarism against all material available online or previously submitted via Turnitin. You should be aware that the Turnitin system is highly sophisticated and is extremely effective in detecting plagiarism, even when the amount of plagiarised work is relatively small. All plagiarism is therefore likely to be detected.

Students should be in no doubt that plagiarism is CHEATING, and is a very serious offence in higher education. Pleas that a student was not aware of the offence or its consequences, or did not understand what constitutes plagiarism, will not be accepted under any circumstances. Plagiarism will result in a penalty even when it is unintended or unwitting.

Collusion

Collusion can be defined as working together with others in order to deceive or cheat. In academic terms, collusion usually refers to students working together to produce work that is not wholly original to one student.

There is a distinction between collusion and collaboration. Some assignments may encourage or even require students to collaborate with fellow students and submit joint work, and this is perfectly acceptable. The majority of assignments, however, assess individual work, and do not permit collaboration. Students should never submit joint work unless it is clearly required by the module's written documentation, and if in any doubt you should always seek clarification from their tutors as to the level of collaboration that is acceptable.

You should ensure that your work (whether paper-based or on computer disk or memory stick) is not made available to other students. Failure to secure work adequately can mean that you may be implicated in an accusation of plagiarism (see Penalties for Unfair Practice below)

'Double Counting' (submitting the same piece of work more than once)

It is unacceptable to submit the same piece of work for different assessments or modules, nor may a student re-use work originally submitted at another institution for which credit has already been obtained. This constitutes "double counting". A student may legitimately draw on the same body of material for more than one assignment, but it is never acceptable to submit the same work, wholly or in part. If in any doubt about acceptable practice, students should consult their tutors for advice before submission.

Procedures for dealing with Unfair Practice

Where unfair practice is suspected, the following procedures apply:

This procedure is not intended to prevent preliminary meetings between students and tutors. However, at least two members of staff must be present at such meetings, and a written record made.

Penalties for Unfair Practice

Where an accusation of unfair practice has been substantiated to the satisfaction of the Unfair Practice subcommittee, the accusation is said to be established. The subcommittee shall judge the seriousness of the offence and exercise its discretion in applying an appropriate penalty. In determining the appropriate level of penalty to be applied the subcommittee will consider the extent of the Unfair Practice; the degree of deception involved; whether the student has been subject to a previous accusation of Unfair Practice; and any admission and explanation by the student of the Unfair Practice.

Students should note that in cases of collusion the subcommittee will not normally make a judgement as to how the work originated. This means that two students colluding, even if one student effectively copied another student's work, will be treated as equally responsible for collusion and the same penalty applied. It will normally be necessary for a student to prove the deliberate theft of work by another student for this not to be the case.

The subcommittee will apply a penalty in the following range:

In cases of unwitting plagiarism only, that is when it is agreed that the student cannot reasonably be expected to have realised that plagiarism had occurred:

  1. A maximum mark of 40% shall be applied for the assessment item, and a warning letter will be issued. Where unfair practice which is not unwitting plagiarism is established:
  2. Failure in the assessment item, leading to a referral. There will be a maximum mark of 40% for the module on reassessment.
    1. Failure in the module without right of reassessment. There will be a maximum mark of 40% for the module on retake.
  3. Failure in the assessment item, leading to a referral. There will be a maximum mark of 40% for the module on reassessment, to be counted for degree classification purposes.
    1. Failure in the assessment item, leading to a referral. There will be a maximum mark of 40% for the module on reassessment, to be counted for degree classification purposes and it will be noted on transcript.
  4. Failure in the assessment item, leading to a referral. There will be a maximum mark of 0 (zero) for the module on referral, to be counted for degree classification purposes.
  5. Failure in the module without right of reassessment. There will be a maximum mark of 0 (zero) applied, to be counted for degree classification purposes. Students will be able to take an additional module as a part-time student at their own expense in order to redeem credit, but the mark of 0 (zero) to remain.
  6. Failure in the module without right of reassessment. There will be a maximum mark of 0 (zero) applied, to be counted for degree classification purposes. There will be no right to redeem credit. Under this penalty, the student will be unable to achieve their intended course outcome, but may be entitled to a lesser award (e.g. Ordinary Degree, DipHE, CertHE).
  7. Failure in programme of study. There will be no right to redeem credit or progress. Students will be entitled only to the appropriate exit award for the amount of credit earned before failure (e.g. Ordinary Degree, DipHE, Cert HE).
  8. Failure in programme of study. There will be no right to redeem credit or progress. No award of any kind will be made.

In cases 3b - 8 above, a note will be placed on the student's academic record that an accusation of unfair practice was established, and this will appear on any transcript the University is asked to produce for job references, entry to other Higher Education Institutions etc.

Students should note that where evidence becomes available subsequent to the recommendation of the Examination Board, a case may be reopened at any time.

Students are advised to take particular note of the provisions of this section of the Modular Scheme Guide. Unfair Practice has increased in recent years, partly due to the accessibility of information on the Worldwide Web, but tools for detecting plagiarism have also become increasingly sophisticated. Students should not assume that cases of Unfair Practice will not be detected. If you cheat, the likelihood is that you will be found out. Every case of Unfair Practice, however minor the scale of the case, is taken very seriously by the University and the above procedures will be applied in all cases, with no exceptions.

Students are advised to take a particular note of the provisions of this section. Plagiarism in particular has increased in recent years, partly due to the accessibility of information on the Internet. Students should not imagine that cases of Unfair Practice will not be detected. Every case of Unfair Practice, however minor the scale of the case, is taken very seriously by the University and the above procedures will be applied in all cases.

Publication of Results

Results are published as soon as possible after Examination Boards have completed their deliberations. This is usually approximately three weeks after the conclusion of the semester to which they relate. The Student Administration Service publishes the exact date.

You will be able to see your module results, together with information of any re-assessments you may have after the end of each semester on the student portal.

You must not ask the Student Administration Service, University Personal Tutors or Module Co-ordinators for marks before their publication. Also please note that we are unable in any circumstances to give marks over the phone or by fax or by email.

For each module taken, you will be informed of the overall mark and grade. You will not be informed of the marks for each individual assessment item, though you can usually work these out.

At present, the graduation ceremony only takes place once a year, in July. Consequently if you complete your studies in September or February you will be offered the opportunity to attend the next graduation ceremony. However, you may obtain a transcript of your marks and a certificate as soon as the results are published.

The University's Academic Regulations provide that results may be withheld where students are in bad financial standing, or subject to disciplinary proceedings. In such cases, the Student Administration Service will not release results until authorised by the Director of Finance or the Deputy Vice-Chancellor responsible for disciplinary matters.

Appeals and Complaints

The University regulations and practices for appeals and complaints apply to all students registered for awards under the Modular Scheme, and to all Associate Students. The procedures are described in annexes to the University's Academic Regulations, which may be found on the University's website (www.bathspa.ac.uk). Copies are also available in associated FE Colleges.

Considering an appeal or complaint

The appeals procedure is restricted to the conduct of assessment and Examination Boards; the complaints procedure is broader, and covers any aspect of the student experience at BSU or on a BSU-validated course.

If you are considering making an appeal or complaint, help and guidance may be sought from the Students' Union or from a tutor.

Grounds for appeal

A student may appeal on one or more of the following grounds only:

A student may not appeal on the following grounds:

Late reporting of mitigating circumstances which a student might reasonably have been expected to disclose to the Examination Board at the appropriate time

You should be particularly clear that dissatisfaction with an academic judgment - such as a mark less than one per cent below a class boundary - is not grounds for appeal. It is important to appreciate that the Modular Scheme operates on the basis of automatic rules. As these rules are automatic rather than discretionary, you must appreciate that you are very unlikely to be upgraded if you remain the lower side of a class boundary.

Submitting an Appeal

Appeals should be submitted within the timescale allowed for the submission of appeals following the decision against which the student is appealing. Appeals should be submitted in writing to:

The Secretary to the Appeals Committee,
Bath Spa University,
Newton Park,
Newton St Loe,
Bath, BA2 9BN.

Consideration of Appeals

All appeals will initially be scrutinised by the Chair of the Appeals Committee in consultation with the Registrar. Where an appeal is deemed to be invalid, that it is that it does not meet the criteria for appeals laid down in the regulations, it shall be dismissed and that appellant will be advised accordingly.

Valid appeals will be referred to an Appeals Committee for consideration. Students making an appeal will be invited to address the meeting of the Appeals Committee and may be accompanied by a friend.

If the Appeals Committee concludes that an appeal should be upheld, it will ask the Chair of the Examination Board to review its original decision in the light of the opinion of the Appeals Committee.

Making a complaint

Before making a written complaint you should ensure that all other, less formal avenues have been fully explored. Many concerns can be swiftly addressed when they are brought to the attention of appropriate staff or brought to the notice of the Students' Union. You should only make a formal written complaint when all other avenues have been exhausted.

The University's complaints procedure is the responsibility of a member of the Directorate who is nominated as the Complaints Officer. At present the Complaints Officer is Dr. Alun Thomas, Deputy Vice-Chancellor. All formal complaints should be addressed in writing to:

The Complaints Officer,
Bath Spa University,
Newton Park,
Newton St Loe,
Bath , BA2 9BN.

Students in associated Further Education Colleges or Private Organistation

Students studying in associated FE Colleges or Private Oragnisations, who wish to lodge an appeal, should follow the procedures detailed above and in the Appeals Regulations. Students studying in associated FE Colleges or Private Organisations, who are considering making a complaint, should, wherever possible, discuss it with their own tutors. FE Colleges and Private Organisations have clearly laid out procedures for dealing with complaints, and in most cases can ensure that issues are swiftly addressed. Where complaints have not been satisfactorily addressed by an FE College or Private Organisation, a student may invoke the University's complaints procedure.

In exceptional cases - perhaps of a confidential nature - or where a student feels it important to avoid delay, a student may invoke BSU complaints procedure without prior involvement of the FE College or Private Organisation.

Glossary of Terms

Module

Level

Stage

Award

Programme of study

Subject

Pathway

Route

Mode of study

Prerequisites

Co-requisites

Non-requisites

Assessment item

Appendices

Appendix 1 Subject Groups

Appendix 2 Transport Request Form

Appendix 3 Academic Year Calendar

Appendix 1

The subjects offered are arranged in five groups. Students can only take one subject from each group (though some subjects operate twice in two groups to increase the choice available). During the week, each group of subjects has one 9-11am block, one 11am-2pm block, one 2-4pm block and one 4-6pm block on the timetable.

(+) indicates that this subject is offered in more than one Group

Appendix 2

Intersite Transport Guidance Notes

Free Transport is provided to students with lecturers or seminars on BOTH sites.

This service is provided by Alison Cox in the Transport Office (Main House - Top Floor) MH.216.

In order to claim free transport between the sites you must complete the Intersite Transport Request Form (.pdf). This must be handed to the Transport Office at the beginning of each Semester with a copy of your timetable to support your claim.

Using the information given on this form, taxis will be provided to transport you between the sites at times to suit your lecture/seminar requirements.

The taxis collect from and drop off at Newton Park Student Union and Somerset Place (by the letter boxes at the end of the Crescent).

You will be asked for your name by the driver to ensure that the right person is being collected.

PLEASE NOTE THAT TAXIS ARE BOOKED HALF AN HOUR BEFORE THE LECTURE STARTS AND HALF AN HOUR AFTER THE END OF THE LECTURE. Most taxis therefore run on the hour and half hour. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes - depending on the traffic at certain times of the day.

Taxis do not wait - If you miss your taxi you will have to book and pay for a replacement.

If you live at one site but all your lectures are at the other then you are NOT entitled to free transport.

If you do not need any of the taxis that are booked specifically for you then you MUST let the Transport Office know so that the taxi can be cancelled. Failure to do so may result in a charge being made to you.

Appendix 3

The Academic Year Calendar can be found here: Academic Year Calendar