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Revised Taught Degree Regulations

07 Jul 2011

Update on developments so far and next steps.

Work so far

After a period of extensive, University-wide consultation, Senate has agreed a set of nine ‘anchor’ points that will lay the foundations for a set of revised undergraduate and postgraduate taught degree regulations for University-wide implementation from September 2012.

These anchor points were developed after consideration and discussion of the detailed comments, received as a result of the consultation, by the Teaching and Learning Group, chaired by Clive Agnew.

The anchor points complement the set of ‘Principles’ which were previously agreed by Senate and are available on the TLSO website. The website also includes comments received as part of the consultation process for information. 

Agreed

The ‘anchor points’ agreed by Senate on 22 June 2011 are as follows:

  1. PGT programmes comprise a recognized ‘taught’ element (the extent of which can vary but which is normally 120 credits) and a ‘research’ element (often called the dissertation).
  2. PGT classification for distinction to be based upon achieving the required mark (70%) in both ‘taught’ and ‘research’ elements with no failed units; merit and pass classification to be based on average mark across taught and research elements.
  3. Use of 0-100% mark range should remain, with mark descriptors produced by programmes, rather than University generic descriptors, that will inform student understanding of grades obtained.
  4. Integrated Masters to be classified as for Bachelor degrees.
  5. Where a student has failed too many course units in the compensation zone, the Examination Board will decide which course units should be available for resit.
  6. The following weightings will be used for calculation of degree classification as presented for bachelor (0/0.25/0.75) and integrated masters programmes (0/0.2/0.4/0.4).
  7. There is a need for Examination Board consideration of student performance following January assessment although this does not need to include external examiners.
  8. Where a course unit has been compensated or resat, the mark for the course unit is capped at the pass mark. This pass mark is recorded and used in classification, unless the student is in their final year of a bachelor or integrated masters degree.
  9. There is need to compensate failed units in final year of a bachelor or integrated masters degree for credit only. In the final year of a bachelor or integrated masters degree the mark will remain unchanged.

Next steps

The TLSO is working with Clive Agnew and the Teaching and Learning Group to develop a draft version of the complete set of Degree Regulations.

These regulations will give clear direction in terms of assessment, reassessment and how this relates to credit accumulation, progression, and the relationship with the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.

They will also outline how a University of Manchester award is calculated and how students are dealt with who fall into the borderline of a classification. The new regulations will also provide clarity in the areas of ‘Resit without attendance’ and the use of ‘Vivas’.

Further consultation

Once this complete set of draft degree regulations has been considered by the Teaching and Learning Group, it will be available for University-wide consultation in the autumn, prior to a revised version being presented to Senate for approval.

Any questions relating to the development of the new degree regulations should be directed to: