14 - England - Progression of students

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.

Institutions:

 

Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA)
Southgate House Southgate Street Gloucester GL1 1UB England
Tel.:+44 (0)1452 557000
Fax:+44 (0)1452 557070
E-mail:  comms@qaa.ac.uk
Website:  http://www.qaa.ac.uk/


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Date: 2009
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