Each institution has its own regulations governing student progression
within a programme. The 'Code of Practice for the Assurance of Academic
Quality and Standards in Higher Education. Section 6: Assessment of
Students' , developed by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher
Education (QAA, 2006x), sets out how such regulations support good
assessment practice:
Institutions
publicise and implement clear rules and regulations for progressing
from one stage of a programme to another and for qualifying for an
award. Guidance at institutional and programme levels that includes
references to the following can support the implementation of this
precept:
The extent
to which a student's overall success in a programme can include failure
in part of the programme, where this is permitted by institutional
rules and regulations.
Defining which marks contribute to the decision about whether a student receives an award.
On
what basis re-takes or re-submissions can occur, making clear the
number and timing permitted and the accompanying procedures; for
example, re-taking examinations; re-submitting a dissertation;
repeating a work-based or other type of practical assessment; or
repeating an oral examination.
The
rules for deferring or not completing an assessment, together with any
special assessment conditions or penalties that may apply, including
any restriction on the marks, grades or levels of award that can be
obtained on the basis of retaken or deferred assessments. It is helpful
if such rules cover a wide range of circumstances, including any
progression permitted or awards conferred because of a student's
absence due to illness or other personal circumstances.
To progress from a bachelors degree to a
postgraduate
programme, a student must apply for a specific programme. Each
institution has its own application procedure, and each programme has
its own entry requirements. However, a degree graded at 2:2 or above
would be a typical minimum requirement for many programmes and a degree
graded at 2:1 or above would be a typical minimum requirement for entry
to a masters programme.