Our Academic Regulations define the rules, procedures and requirements governing successful progress in BA(Hons) and MA programmes from initial registration through to final award, explaining how you achieve the academic credits leading to your award.

The regulations also specify a range of other details including for example our expectations for your attendance, how you can apply for extenuating circumstances, penalties for late submission of work, what constitutes academic misconduct (and the penalties involved which, in the extreme can lead to withdrawal from studies).

Assessment and feedback

Assessment takes place in two ways and this is detailed in the Assessment and Feedback pages:

Extenuating Circumstances (EC)

We understand that during the course of your studies, you may encounter unexpected illness or misfortunes which go beyond the normal day-to-day challenges. Hopefully, such occurrences will have little or no impact on your academic performance. However, we recognise that there may be serious circumstances of a medical or personal nature which are beyond your control and which may affect your ability to complete a module or may adversely affect the results you are able to achieve. If you feel your work is or has been affected in this way, you may be able to ask for extenuating circumstances to be taken into account.

It is your responsibility to ensure that the College is notified of any extenuating circumstances and to provide supporting documentation such as medical evidence. Extenuating circumstances must be submitted as soon as possible after the onset of the circumstances, and no later than 5 working days after the date of the first assessment affected (except where the circumstances themselves mean that you are unable to do so, but in these circumstances we would advise you to make contact with your Programme Leader as soon as possible).

Your application will be considered by the Extenuating Circumstances Panel which meet regularly throughout the year. It is important that you read the Academic Regulations and Extenuating Circumstances Procedure on the portal carefully to make sure you understand what evidence you will need to submit and the process for completing the application. To submit a claim for EC you need to complete the EC form

Referrals

If you have received a referral you will fall into one of the following categories:

• • Extenuating Circumstances.

  • Non submission of work.

  • Received less than 40% (50% for MA)

Degree classifications

There are four degree classifications:

• • First class honours (a 'first')

  • Upper second class honours (a '2:1')

  • Lower second class honours (a '2:2')

  • Third class honours (a 'third')

The classification is worked out on a basis of 1/3 of marks from the second year and 2/3 of marks from the third year.

• • 70% and above is a 'first'

  • 60-69% is a '2:1'

  • 50-59% is a '2:2'

  • 40-49% is a 'third'

Results

Results and transcripts will not be released until they are confirmed by the Final Examination and Progression Board. These are held in September for MA Students and in July for BA students; these are the meetings where your end of year outcomes will be decided. If you require your results to be posted to a specific address other than that on SoMIS, please contact the Registry. If you have not received your results letter one week after the scheduled posting date (for UK addresses) please contact the Registry.

Appeals

Every student has the right to appeal against a final grade following the annual Assessment Board (on receipt of the formal results letter) and where necessary subsequent Resit Assessment Boards. Appeals must be based on evidence noted in the Academic Regulations. All students are provided with a link to the Appeals Procedure and appropriate dates on the formal results letter. The Academic Regulations also cover assessments.

Further details on appeals are available on the Complaints and Appeals page.