UNIVERSITY OF WINCHESTER STUDENT GUIDE 2023/24

STUDENT GUIDE

Welcome to Winchester

A very warm welcome to the new academic year at the University of Winchester. It is a great place to be a student, with passionate and dedicated staff, a beautiful campus and a huge amount going on to support your success as a student and beyond.

This Student Guide is intended to supplement information provided to you by your Faculty or programme in order to give an overview of the academic and personal support available within the University.

You should familiarise yourself with the Academic Regulations for Taught Programmes and the Assessment Regulations. Please be advised that you agree to abide by these regulations as part of the annual enrolment and re-enrolment processes. You are subject to the regulations in force during each academic year.

We hope that you have a happy and successful year at Winchester, both professionally and personally.

YOUR UNIVERSITY EMAIL

All official communications from the University will be sent to your University email address (called Unimail). You should use your Unimail email to communicate with University staff. This is a regulatory requirement.

Along with your University emails, keep an eye on the intranet and the University app for the latest information.

Where to find out more

The University’s intranet is a source of information about all aspects of the University relevant to students and staff. It can be reached through the external website by clicking ‘Intranet log-in’ at winchester.ac.uk.

If you are accessing the Intranet from outside the University then you will need to log on using the username and password supplied to you as an applicant.

Canvas is your Virtual Learning Environment, and contains information about your programme and taught modules. Access Canvas via the Intranet or the University app and set your contact preferences via the ‘account’ settings. Please check Canvas regularly.

You can find out more at winchester.ac.uk/canvasforstudents and access 24/7 Canvas support by calling 0800 098 8878.

The University’s external website holds all the Regulations, Policies and Guidelines relevant to students and staff as well as the public. For this reason, you will often be referred to the About Us > Leadership and Governance > Policies and Procedures section of the website.

Have a question? Ask Winchester! Chat to us live on the website or the intranet. Also on the Ask Winchester page of the intranet you’ll find FAQs for many topics to help you.

Student Support and Success

Our dedicated Student Support and Success team provides information, advice, support and guidance on many aspects of student life and we are available online and on campus during Arrivals Weekend, Welcome Week and throughout the semester.

Please see our website and web portal and get in touch at any stage. winchester.ac.uk/accommodation-andwinchester-life/student-life/student-support

STUDENT ACADEMIC SUPPORT

Our Student Academic Support team are here to support all students in reaching their potential. The Academic Skills team offer academic skills workshops and one-to-one appointments, and coordinate the University’s SMART Buddy and PAL (peer-led learning) schemes. Whether you are coming straight to university from previous education, or returning to study after a break, the team can help you to refresh your existing skills and learn the new ones required for your studies. Our specialist tutors are also here to provide study skills support for students who are in receipt of Disabled Students Allowance. Find out more about all the ways Student Academic Support can help you by emailing academicskills@winchester.ac.uk

MENTAL WELLBEING

There may be times when it is helpful to seek support for your mental wellbeing or talk with someone trained to help. Our mental wellbeing service, consisting of a team of professional and approachable counsellors and mental health advisers, can provide you with a confidential space to listen and to help explore issues with you. Sessions can be provided face-to-face or online. There are also workshops and groups available throughout the year focusing on a range of topics and ways to promote your mental wellbeing.

DISABILITY AND LEARNING DIVERSITY SUPPORT

Our Disabilities and Learning Diversity team within SSAS supports students with disabilities, long term medical needs and learning differences. The Disability team can support students to set up exam arrangements. If you have disclosed a disability or a learning difference on your UCAS form or by other means, please meet with the team during your first couple of weeks and set up support with one of our Disability Advisers.

STUDENT SUPPORT AND SUCCESS ADVISERS (SSSAS)

The SSSAs are based in each faculty and work closely with academic and programme administration colleagues to

support retention, progression and student success. Their purpose is to provide guidance and supportive interventions where students experience challenges to study, engagement or wellbeing. Students might reach out or be signposted to their SSSA for academic support, wellbeing support or queries around extenuating circumstances, academic misconduct or fitness to practice.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

The International Student Officer is available to help with any non-academic issues you may face whilst at University, including welfare and visa-related enquiries. Email the International Student Officer on international.support@winchester.ac.uk

REGISTERING WITH A DOCTOR (GP) IN WINCHESTER

If you will be living in Winchester, we ask you to register with a Winchester GP in September before your programme begins. You will continue to be able to see your family GP at home during the holidays as a temporary resident. See the Checklist on pages 3 and 4. We recommend you continue to see your current dentist regularly and have a checkup before you come to University. However, should you need an emergency appointment, contact the NHS Dental Helpline on 111.

VACCINATIONS

MMR vaccinations: For lifelong protection from measles, mumps and rubella, two MMR vaccinations are necessary. Your medical records, held by your GP, will confirm your vaccination status – please check with your local surgery. If you have only had one MMR vaccination, please ensure you have the second before coming to University.

Meningitis ACWY vaccine: Meningitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease and all new students coming to University should have received the meningitis ACWY vaccine. Check with your GP and if you have not had this vaccine please do so before coming to Winchester.

Covid vaccinations: We encourage you to get your Covid vaccinations or boosters as soon as they are available to you.

Your Health and Wellbeing

As well as our department of Student Support and Success, there are many other University sources of support to improve your health and wellbeing while you are at Winchester.

GREEN SPACES

Get outdoors and enjoy the green spaces around our campuses. We have a mosaic of different habitats, including grassland, hedgerows, ponds and woodland which are havens for wildlife. You’ll spot everything from nesting swifts and mining bees outside St Grimbalds, to the rare white helleborine orchid by St Elizabeth’s. These green spaces in and around the University are the perfect place to take a break from your studies.

REPORT AND SUPPORT

Equality, diversity and inclusion are paramount to us at the University of Winchester. Whatever your background, culture or outlook, you are a welcomed and valued member of our community. As an institution, we are always working to advance our processes and practices to support all our students and staff. You may like to read our anti-racist statement for one example of the focused work we are prioritising. Despite University being a positive experience for most students, we know that there are regrettably occasions where students may face bullying, harassment or

other inappropriate behaviour. This is never okay and is why we have a ‘Report and Support’ page on our intranet which allows any student to easily and quickly report to us any unacceptable behaviour so we can act where necessary, including through making systematic changes where appropriate.

STUDENT UNION ADVICE CENTRE (SUAC)

SUAC offers free, independent and impartial support and guidance for students, specialising in supporting students through the academic processes of appeals, misconduct or complaints. They can also provide support on issues covering wellbeing, money, and housing. Visit winchesterstudents.co.uk/advice for toolkits and to find out more.

Knowledge and Digital Services

The University has a variety of study spaces including two libraries and our multimedia area, many of the spaces are open 24/7.

The Libraries – Martial Rose Library (on the King Alfred Quarter) and West Downs Library (in the West Downs Centre), provide a huge range of digital and physical content to help you get the most from your studies. These include e-books, articles, streaming film, physical books, the School Resources Collection and more. Most of our resources can be found using OneSearch. You will also have access to online resource lists to help guide you in your studies and we provide online and in person training in accessing our resources.

We have a wide range of group and individual study spaces.

We are also able to facilitate access to other University Libraries via the Sconul scheme. Our Multimedia Centre (in the Fred Wheeler building) has dedicated design and production computers and you can borrow equipment to make your own movies, music and other creative outputs.

CANVAS AND MICROSOFT TEAMS

Canvas is our Virtual Learning Environment. As a Winchester student you will use it to access your course information and curriculum materials. It’s also where you will submit your assignments. If you are a distance learning student, Canvas will be the central hub of activity for your course. At Winchester, we use Microsoft Teams as a way to collaborate. Your programme will let you know how you can expect to use Teams but most students will be in a Team for each module.

MOBILE APP

Our mobile app is an essential tool which gives you access to a range of useful resources. The most important of these is the attendance tile which you can use to register your presence at lectures and seminars.

Our app is available for both iPhone and Android devices. You can download it from your App Store by searching for ‘University of Winchester’.

This is how you set up the app:

• Select either student or staff

• Read and accept the terms of use

• Enter your University user name and password

You’ll find further settings and options at the bottom of the screen.

When you start using the attendance mobile service, it will automatically link with your timetable. It has been set up to

send you an alert notification 30 minutes in advance of your class, although you can opt to disable these alerts via the app settings menu.

• Key features

• Campus ID Card

• Attendance – use this to check into your timetabled events

• Finding a PC free in the Martial Rose Library

• Timetable info

• Other Library services

• Laundry availability

• Catering information

• Maps

• Student Union

• Sports

• Environment

• News

GETTING HELP

We have team members ready to help you in the Martial Rose Library and the Multimedia Centre. We provide online help and in person training to help you use our services, find the right type of resource for your research, and support with software and media equipment.

Our support times are on the intranet. For all IT and Library queries you can drop an email to servicedesk@winchester.ac.uk and the team will get back to you as soon as we can.

Alf is our online chat tool which is a great way to get answers for any non-subject questions. Alf is available to help you on Teams, the intranet and, if Alf can’t help we have our other Enquiries points.

Your Faculty Contacts

All students are assigned to a home Faculty based on your programme of study. You can find your faculty details in My Record under ‘Academic Information’ Business and Digital Technologies (BDT)

BUSINESS AND MEDIA TECHNOLOGIES (BDT)

Dean: Sarah Moore-Williams

If you have any questions about your programme, contact: BDTenquiries@winchester.ac.uk

EDUCATION AND THE ARTS (EDA)

Acting Dean: Paul Marchbank

If you have any questions about your programme, contact: EA.enquiries@winchester.ac.uk

HEALTH AND WELLBEING (HWB)

Dean: Professor Simon Jobson

If you have any questions about your programme, contact: HWBenquiries@winchester.ac.uk

HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES (HSS)

Dean: Professor Michael Bradshaw

If you have any questions about your programme, contact: HSSenquiries@winchester.ac.uk

LAW, CRIME AND JUSTICE (LCJ)

Dean: Bill Davies

If you have any questions about your programme, contact: LCJEnquiries@winchester.ac.uk

Registry and Academic Quality

CENTRALLY ORGANISED EXAMS

Registry is responsible for timetabling centrally organised exams and these are held during the Semester 1 assessment weeks in January and in late May/early June. The timetable is published on the Intranet approximately four weeks beforehand.

Students with exam support requirements (e.g. extra time) must meet with Student Support and Success and confirm their Learning Agreement by no later than the end of Reading Week in the semester of their first exam/s. After that, arrangements will only be made for valid medical or other emergencies. A timetable specific to each student with exam support arrangements will be published on My Record approximately 5 days before the start of each exam period. If you are unable to view your timetable then please email exams@winchester.ac.uk

Assessments organised locally (e.g. presentations, timed essays, performances), will be arranged by your faculty and they will notify you of the details.

If you are unable to attend any form of assessment, you should advise your Programme Administrator at the earliest opportunity and provide appropriate medical or other evidence. Where you cannot provide evidence in advance, you must provide it within five working days of the exam.

Students who require a leave of absence for exams in order to meet their commitments for religious observance should notify their programme administrator by no later than Week 4 of the semester in which the exam is running. When Ramadan falls during the May exams period Registry will, wherever possible, schedule centrally organised exams in the morning for participating students who have informed the Registry Exams Officer via unimail of this need by Week 4 of Semester 2.

Please refer to the Exam Regulations and the Assessment Regulations. These can be found on the Policies and Regulations section of the website

RESIT AND DEFERRED EXAMS

Resit and deferred exams for Semester 2 are usually held in late July. Please do not book your summer vacation until you have received your progression and award board results and are sure that you will not be required to return to University during this period. The July exam timetable will be published on the Intranet approximately one week before the exams are due to be held.

PROGRESSION AND AWARD BOARDS AND THE ISSUING OF RESULTS

Below is a table of the Progression and Award Boards normally held each year:

PERIOD BOARD TYPE

February In-year assessment and progression review

Early Summer Progression and award boards

Late Summer Deferrals and resit boards

Additional professional, postgraduate and doctoral award boards take place throughout the year

The decision of the Progression and Award Board about whether you are eligible to proceed/graduate will be posted on My Record within 7-10 working days of the Board, and an email will be sent to your Unimail account to confirm their release. You will be able to see your module results on your Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) thereafter. Results cannot be collected in person or issued over the telephone.

AWARD CEREMONIES

University of Winchester award ceremonies are normally held during the Autumn each year. Students whose award has been confirmed before the end of the third week in August of that year will be eligible to attend the award ceremonies in Autumn of the same year. Students who have work to complete or whose award is not confirmed by this date (e.g. Master’s students whose results are normally confirmed in November) will be eligible to attend the ceremony in the Autumn of the following year. Please note that receiving an award does not depend on attending a ceremony.

Please note that admittance to the Graduation ceremony will be denied for any student with a debt to the University. Students who receive an exit award of a Certificate of Higher Education or Diploma of Higher Education will not be invited to attend a Graduation ceremony.

WORK/EXAMS TO BE (RE)SUBMITTED/(RE)SAT DURING THE SUMMER

The precise date for submitting outstanding first or second attempts for coursework will be confirmed with your results. This is normally mid-July for students considered at the early July Progression and Award Boards. Resit exams are also normally held in late July. Results for summer (re) submissions and deferred/resit exams and confirmation of whether you are eligible to proceed or graduate will be posted on My Record and a notification emailed to your Unimail address approximately 10 days after the Progression and Award Board.

CHANGES TO TIMETABLES OR MODULE SELECTIONS OR PROGRAMME OF STUDY

Please note that it may be necessary to amend the modules that are on offer or the times they are taught (for example, if there are last-minute staff changes). You should therefore consult Canvas, Scientia, or the app for any changes to timetables. You may apply to change your modules via your programme administrator but the deadline for changes is the end of the second week of the Semester in which the module is being run.

If you wish to change your programme of study, you will need to complete the Internal Programme Transfer form (available from the Registry Intranet page) and have it approved by your current programme leader, and the programme leader for the programme you wish to change to. You will then need to submit the form to us at Registy. Enquiries@winchester.ac.uk. The deadline to request to change programmes is the end of week 2 of the semester in which you wish to change. Please note that any transfer request may be subject to a number of conditions which will be stipulated on the application form. A request to transfer is carefully considered and always subject to approval.

WITHDRAWING/INTERRUPTING STUDIES

If, for any reason, you are uncertain about whether to continue your programme, please seek advice from a member of staff, for example your Programme Leader, Personal Academic Tutor or Student Support and Success. If you subsequently decide to withdraw, interrupt study or transfer to another programme, please contact Registry immediately to obtain and complete the necessary form. Until the relevant form is completed, and approved, you will continue to be registered as a student of the University on your current programme. If you are living in University accommodation then you must also contact the Housing team to confirm your leaving arrangements.

As part of your contractual agreement with the University, you must complete the relevant withdrawal/interruption form, otherwise you will be deemed to be still in attendance and you will continue to be liable for tuition fees (and rent,

where applicable). Please note, this also applies to your liability to the Student Loans Company.

Please note that if you wish to interrupt before completing a year of study, marks for modules that you complete or repeat following your return will normally be capped, unless you have relevant evidence of valid extenuating circumstances. Withdrawal/interruption of studies may affect your entitlement to University Financial Support Please refer to our website winchester.ac.uk/studentsandmoney or email studentsandmoney@winchester.ac.uk for more information.

The Finer Details

WHO TO INFORM IF YOU . . .

Intend to withdraw/interrupt your programme of study

There are many services available for advice, including Student Support and Success, the Student Union and Registry, and you are strongly advised to speak to your programme leader, Personal Academic Tutor, or Student Support and Success Advisor. Contact Registry to make a formal application.

Are sick or need to be absent from a teaching session or an exam

Intend to change your programme

Contact your Programme Adminstrator. If your absence is because of Covid, please also report this via the appropriate form on the intranet.

To discuss your options, contact the Programme Leader for your current programme and for the programme you want to transfer to. Contact Registry to make a formal application.

Intend to change your mode of attendance, e.g. full-time to part-time

Intend to change one or more modules

Intend to transfer to another institution

Require support for your study/exams

Require proof of student status (for Council Tax exemption where applicable, a bank account, etc)

Want to withdraw from University-managed accommodation

Want to report the misconduct of or harassment by a student or staff member

Change your term-time and/or home address

Change your name/gender/personal details (original proof required for some changes)

Contact your Programme Leader or Registry to discuss the implications and the application process.

Contact your Programme Administrator.

Contact Registry.

Contact Student Support and Success (disability@winchester.ac.uk)

Print a Certificate of Student Status from ‘My Record’ on University Intranet (go to Forms and Documents)*.

Contact Student Housing (housing@winchester.ac.uk)

Email report@winchester.ac.uk

Update your personal details in My Record.

Contact Registry (registry.enquiries@winchester.ac.uk)

* If you are an international student then you will need to request a bank letter here: https://unimailwinchesterac.omniacloud.net/start/student-support/international-home-page/bank-account

DATA SHARING

There may be occasions where information the University of Winchester holds on you will need to be shared between its own departments. When the University needs to do this it will always rely upon the lawful bases set out in the General Data Protection Regulation 2016 and the Data Protection Act 2018. No sensitive personal data will be routinely transferred between University departments.

POLICIES, GUIDELINES AND REGULATIONS

You are expected to read all relevant polices, guidelines and regulations. A full range of University policies, guidelines and regulations, including the Terms and Conditions, can be found on the external website: winchester.ac.uk/about-us/leadership-andgovernance/policies-and-regulations

Below is a list of some of the key documents:

• Academic Appeals Regulations, Form and Guidance

• Academic Regulations for Postgraduate Research Programmes

• Academic Regulations for Taught Programmes

• Accessible and Inclusive Learning Policy

• Assessment Regulations

• Complaints Policy

• Conduct Policy for Students

• Disciplinary Procedures for Students

• Distance Learning Policy

• Equality and Diversity Policy

• Exam Regulations

• Gender Identity and Reassignment Policy and Guidance

• ICT Acceptable Use Policy

• Intellectual Property Policy

• Masters Dissertation – Presentation Guidelines

• Payment of University Fees - Regulations

• Policy on Student Use and Misuse of Social Media

• Pregnancy, Adoption and Becoming a Parent while Studying Guidelines

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy

• Sexual Harassment, Misconduct and Violence Policy

• Student Academic Integrity Procedure

• Student Voice and Representation Policy

• Supporting Students to Succeed

• Student Visa Compliance Policy

COMPLAINTS

The University aims to provide a high standard and quality of service in respect of its academic programmes, services and facilities but recognises that occasionally things can go wrong. When they do, complaints will be properly and promptly addressed and any lessons learned applied

to enhance the student experience. Further information, including a link to the Complaints Policy and a Guidance Leaflet, is at: https://bit.ly/32AWJxE

Independent academic advice (including advice on complaints, academic appeals, academic integrity and extenuating circumstances) is available to all students from the Student Union Advice Centre, who can help support and guide you through the processes and policies. Visit winchesterstudents.co.uk/advice to get in touch with the Student Union Advisor.

ATTENDANCE/ENGAGEMENT WITH TEACHING

You are expected to attend all scheduled sessions and actively engage in all learning opportunities within your programme. Material covered in these taught sessions forms the basis for your understanding of the subject and the successful completion of your modules. Our expectations are outlined in the Attendance and Engagement Policy available on the website: see About Us > Leadership and Governance > Policies and Regulations.

You must use the University of Winchester Mobile App to “check-in” within the first 15 minutes of the start of class. If you can’t attend, you must notify your module tutor as soon as possible in advance and speak with your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) or Student Support and Success Adviser (SSSA) if you are finding it difficult to attend regularly.

The University will monitor student engagement on modules. If your attendance is poor, we will contact you to offer support and may ask that you meet with your PAT or SSSA to discuss how we can support you to attend class. If you are still not attending class, you may not be allowed to repeat failed modules and you may be required to leave your programme and the University.

Your academic success and wellbeing are of utmost importance to us. We will therefore be monitoring your engagement in order to offer support and guidance as required. As part of this process, if we are unable to reach you after a variety of outreach attempts over a period of time, and we have concerns for your wellbeing, we may use the details you provide here to contact your trusted adult.

Please also note that your programme may have specific attendance requirements (and penalties) over and above the general University regulations. Please make sure you know what these are – if in doubt, ask your Programme Leader. You should use the Supporting Students to Succeed Procedures to request an authorised leave of absence from specific programme attendance requirements if needed.

STUDENT VOICE

The University takes your feedback seriously and there are a number of ways where you can feedback on your experience.

Whilst studying at Winchester, you may want to feed back about your course, or comment on what could be developed to improve your learning experience. One way you can do this is through the ‘StAR’ system (Student Academic Representatives). Being a StAR offers students the opportunity to collect opinions from classmates and feedback to University and Union staff through Student Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC) meetings. This allows the student voice to be heard, and can make a real change within the courses that we offer. The changes and opinions are discussed within these meetings, and then are distributed back to their cohort by said StARs to keep the students informed of the responses to their concerns and questions.

StARs are elected in Semester 1 after an introduction given to the students by The Student Union - The Vice President, Education & Welfare (VP). The VP will then carry out training sessions, in collaboration with the University to ensure that StARs are equipped properly to carry out their responsibilities. The VP will also be the StARs main point of contact for support and guidance throughout their time as a StAR.

Insightful, student representation on committees, module evaluations, cohort meetings and questionnaires are examples of other ways in which you provide feedback to the University, either as part of the student group or as an individual. Additionally, the Student Fellows Scheme (SFS) provides an opportunity for students to design and carry out a research project with the aim of enhancing the student experience. Students will work in partnership with staff from across the university, developing their skills as researchers in a structured and supportive community. Student Fellows will also receive a bursary in recognition of their work on the project.

Another method is through student satisfaction surveys, one of which is conducted by programmes in Level 5, and which asks questions which have been identified by students as important to their overall experience at the University. It not only asks questions about the academic side of your time at Winchester but also about a wide range of other services which the University provides. Feedback from the survey and the steps the University intends to take to remedy any dissatisfaction are publicised through the intranet.

The Government also collects feedback from undergraduate final year students via the National Student Survey (NSS) and from postgraduates via the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey or the Postgraduate Research

Experience Survey Although the University takes no direct part in the NSS itself, we strongly encourage students to complete it because it enables us to respond to students’ comments and measure our performance against other institutions.

SUBMISSION OF ASSESSMENTS, FEEDBACK AND DEADLINES

Deadlines are set for the submission of assessments so that work can be marked and returned to you within an appropriate timescale to provide you with feedback on your progress. This feedback should help you to identify both strengths and weaknesses in your work and, where necessary, enable academic staff to advise you on how best to address any weaknesses or, indeed, to further build on your strengths.

You will be penalised for work submitted later without prior agreement. Please see section B and Appendix 5 of the Assessment Regulations, available on the website: see About Us > Leadership and Governance > Policies and Procedures, for details of these.

If you have extenuating circumstances that are likely to affect your ability to meet the deadline you should apply for an extension or deferral. (See ‘Extenuating Circumstances’ below)

EXAMS

If your programme includes exams as part of your assessment, you will be notified of the time and place of your exam(s) near the time. Centrally organised formal exams take place during the Semester 1 assessment weeks in January or in the Semester 2 assessment period (usually May/June). Locally organised exams may be held at any time during either semester and your Faculty will notify you of the details. The exam timetables for centrally organised exams are published by Registry and posted on the intranet (for details of resit exams, please refer to Failure of modules/assessments overleaf). Please note that it is your responsibility to check the days/times/locations of your assessments/exams. You should also read the Exam Regulations on the external website.

EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES

If your attendance and/or performance are being affected by personal circumstances, then you should ensure the University is informed as soon as possible so that the University can provide support and advice. Details may be found in the • Supporting Students to Succeed (Extenuating Circumstances and Support to Study) Policy on the website see About Us > Leadership and Governance > Policies and Regulations.

These documents explain the process which allows students, with valid extenuating circumstances, to apply for an extension to the deadline for submission of a piece of work or deferral of a practical assessment or exam. Please note that retrospective applications are permitted up to 5 working days after the assessment deadline.

The application form for extenuating circumstances is available from the website see About Us > Leadership and Governance > Policies and Regulations and should be completed and returned to the appropriate Faculty Office. Please note that extensions will only be permitted for good reasons (illness, for example) and that you must have some form of independent supporting evidence to back up your application. Extensions will not be granted for problems arising from personal computer failure, unless these relate to specialised hardware or software supplied via a DSA or equivalent to support learning.

Students may also ‘Self Certify’ twice a year, to receive a 5-day extension without providing corroborating evidence. Further details can be found in the Self Certification for Extenuating Circumstances Policy.

Finally, it is important to note that the same marking standards are applied to all students, regardless of circumstances, so the outcome of an application will not result in a mark change or change in marking practice. Instead the University will normally give you more time to enable you to complete the work.

For details of the Supporting Students to Succeed (Extenuating Circumstances and Support to Study) Policy please go to the external website: About Us > Leadership and Governance > Policies and Regulations.

GRADE DESCRIPTORS AND MARKING CRITERIA

The University has a set of university marking criteria, aligned to learning outcomes which are applied in the assessment of your work. These are interpreted locally in the context of your modules and assessments. Programmes may enhance these with specific marking criteria to meet their specific requirements set by professional, statutory and regulatory bodies. These will be detailed on the Canvas pages for your modules/programme.

MARK RECORDS

Canvas, the virtual learning environment, contains information about your programme and taught modules including details regarding assignment submission, return and feedback. You will normally be required to submit coursework electronically, it is your responsibility to ensure work has uploaded correctly, by checking for the submission confirmation message in the top right region of the screen. In addition to confirming whether the

submission was completed successfully you will be able to view anything that has been submitted or uploaded, and verify that there are no file format or corruption issues. You are very strongly advised to do this for every assignment and to take a screen shot of the screen as evidence. If you have any problems with submission please contact Canvas support and your tutor before the deadline, recording any call reference numbers that you are provided. If you are required to submit coursework in hard copy either instead of or as well as an electronic submission, you will be required to attach a Cover sheet. If the work is returned to you in hard copy, the marker’s comments as well as the mark will be recorded on the Cover sheet and you should keep these hard copies safely filed as they provide proof of the work you have undertaken and marks received during the year.

All marks are provisional until they are confirmed at the Progression and Award Boards held at the end of each academic year. Following the Progression and Award Board you will be contacted via your Unimail account with the decision of the Board. This will confirm if you are eligible to continue with your programme or graduate (as appropriate).

MARKING PROCESS AND MODERATION

The University defines the mark scheme used by all programmes. Within that scheme, programmes can use a single marker, two markers or a team of markers depending on the nature of the assessment and size of the cohort. In order to ensure assessments are marked in line with the expressed aims and learning outcomes and the grade descriptors and marking criteria, programmes will also use moderators to review samples of work and the marks awarded. Finally, the University appoints an External Examiner for each programme who will provide external scrutiny of all aspects of the programme including marking. All of which provides assurance for students of fairness and equality of marking and assures internal consistency of assessment within a module and a programme. For a full explanation, please refer to Section C and Appendix 6 of the Assessment Regulations, which can be found on the external website see About Us > Leadership and Governance > Policies and Regulations.

ACADEMIC APPEALS

Queries about marks, feedback, transcription errors or marking procedures should be raised at the time of the assessment or as soon as possible after assessments are returned. This enables the programme to resolve any problems quickly and minimise any confusion, distress or worry students may be experiencing. Complaints should be raised promptly, in accordance with the Complaints Policy. Academic Appeals may only be lodged after the University Progression and Award Board has confirmed the mark(s).

While a student may disagree with the academic judgement of the Progression and Award Board, Panel of Examiners/Assessors or individual member of staff, they cannot complain or appeal with reference to academic judgement. Please note that students cannot ask for work to be remarked or viewed by the External Examiner.

Please refer to Section 2 of the Academic Appeals Regulations on the website, see About Us > Leadership and Governance > Policies and Regulations, for further details about possible grounds for appeal and deadlines for submitting an appeal.

Independent academic advice (including advice on complaints, academic appeals, academic integrity and extenuating circumstances) is available to all students from the Student Union Advice Centre, who can help support and guide you through the processes and policies. Visit winchesterstudents.co.uk/advice to get in touch with the Student Union Advisor.

PROGRESSION AND CONFIRMATION OF AWARD

At the end of the academic year, a University Progression and Award Board will consider your academic profile and decide whether you are eligible to progress to the next stage of your programme or graduate with your intended award. Details of progression and award criteria may be found in Sections C and F of the Academic Regulations for Taught Programmes on the website, see About Us > Leadership and Governance > Policies and Regulations.

Most students complete their programme with no difficulty. In a small number of cases students are required to resubmit work or resit exams in order to meet the requirements of their programme/award. Please note that, should you be required to re-sit an exam during the summer vacation, it is expected that you will attend; it is not acceptable to cite holiday plans or vacation work as a reason for non-attendance. Please ensure that you are aware of the dates before making holiday or other arrangements which would affect your ability to attend. The resit-deferred exam period in 2023/24 is likely to be in the week commencing 22 July 2024. If you have any queries, please contact Registry.

Your results will be published on My Record around midJuly (for most programmes) and an email will be sent to your Unimail account to confirm their release. Your HEAR record will also be updated and you will also receive an email notification to your Unimail account to confirm this. Please note that results cannot be given over the telephone or be given to a third party. Students who receive their results in July and require advice should contact the University during Student Advice Week after receiving notification of the Progression and Award Board’s decision.

During this time the University ensures that staff are available to assist you.

FAILURE OF MODULES/ASSESSMENTS

Should you fail a module at the first attempt, you will normally be permitted a second attempt to pass the failed assessment(s) for the minimum pass mark (i.e. a maximum mark of 40% for modules at levels 3-6 or 50% for modules at level 7).

Usually the second attempt will take the form of, and often duplicate, the original assignment. In some cases, an alternative assessment may be set although the purposes of the original assignment will be maintained. One such example might be where the original assignment included group work. The deadlines for second attempts for coursework for Semester 1 modules are normally scheduled during Semester 2; second attempts for coursework for Semester 2 modules are normally due in early/mid July. Resit exams for Semester 2 are normally held in mid-July. Students should check with the Faculty office for the module(s) concerned to find out when and how details of second attempts/resits are confirmed. Further details concerning second attempts may be found in section B12 of the Assessment Regulations.

PLAGIARISM, CHEATING AND OTHER FORMS OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Cheating, lying and taking unfair advantage, whether deliberately or unintentionally, is not deemed acceptable conduct in society and the same applies to your academic conduct at University too. The terms used may be different but the outcome is the same and the University has a responsibility to protect the reputation of its students, graduates and staff by penalising those who breach the expected standards of academic conduct.

All forms of cheating or activity which result in students gaining an unfair academic advantage are defined as Academic Misconduct. Examples include self-plagiarism, collusion, falsification, contract cheating, impersonation or ghosting, false declaration and unethical conduct, but this list is not exhaustive and where the University deems an offence to fall within the definition of academic misconduct, it will be addressed via the Student Academic Integrity Procedure.

The most common form of academic misconduct is plagiarism, which the University defines as ‘the verbatim or near-verbatim copying or paraphrasing without acknowledgement, from published or unpublished material which is the intellectual property of another, including the work of other students regardless of whether the work was used with or without permission from the author’.

Plagiarism is a very serious matter within academia. It is, basically, cheating-using someone else’s ideas and passing them off as your own, regardless of whether you do so intentionally or unintentionally. These ideas may be from published sources, obtained through the internet or from fellow students.

Common errors that students make, and less serious faults and/or a first offence will likely be classified as ‘poor academic practice’ and you can expect marks to be deducted from the assessment in question because they indicate a poor or careless writing style and may mean the student has failed to meet the marking criteria, which could result in failure of that module. For examples of the sort of errors that fall into this category, please refer to the Student Academic Integrity Procedure.

More serious offences or a second or subsequent offence will be classified as plagiarism, and can lead to failure of an entire module, but possibly your year of study, and even your entire programme. Even failure of one module may affect your ability to graduate, so you are strongly advised to read the following ‘Student’s Guide to Plagiarism, Collusion

and Poor Academic Practice”. If you have ant concerns about the issue, please seek advice from academic staff.

The University takes any breach of academic integrity extremely seriously, and the penalties listed above apply to all forms of academic misconduct, not just plagiarism.

The University take any breach of academic conduct extremely seriously and the penalties listed above apply to all forms of academic misconduct, not just plagiarism.

For further details, please refer to the Student Academic Integrity Procedure on the external website: About Us > Leadership and Governance > Policies and Procedures.

Independent academic advice (including advice on complaints, academic appeals, academic integrity and extenuating circumstances) is available to all students from the Student Union Advice Centre, who can help support and guide you through the processes and policies. Visit winchesterstudents.co.uk/advice to get in touch with the Student Union Advisor.

Fees and Finance

Our Finance Team are here to help with any queries about fees or finance.

Get in touch at credit.control@winchester.ac.uk or +44 (0) 1962 827536. You may also find the answer you need in our full Regulations for Payment of University Fees winchester.ac.uk/feeregulations

BURSARIES AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Have you checked if you’re eligible for any of our scholarships and bursaries? We have a range available for full-time undergraduates, including income-based bursaries and Academic Achievement Awards. Find out more at winchester.ac.uk/studentsandmoney

FEES

University fees enable us to provide a high-quality student experience both on campus and online. As a charity, all our income is used to fulfil our principal objectives – to provide higher education and conduct research. The fees you pay depend on whether you are a full-time or part-time student. Full information on fee amounts is available at winchester.ac.uk/studentsandmoney

If you are a UK student, please apply to the relevant Student Finance organisation as soon as possible for a tuition fee loan. They will send you a Financial Notification letter to confirm your loan. If you apply for a partial tuition fee loan, the letter will tell you how much you will need to pay. If you have applied for Student Finance support, we will receive notification electronically from Student Finance. If we have not received notification of your funding, we will contact you

from mid-September to request further information.

If you are experiencing delays with your funding application, please let us know on +44( 0) 1962 827265 or credit.control@winchester.ac.uk If you do not have your Financial Notification letter by enrolment, you will be regarded as a self-financing student liable for the full tuition fee and will need to make appropriate payment arrangements at enrolment. We will reimburse you, where appropriate, as soon as you give us a copy of your Financial Notification letter. If you need help with your Student Finance application or the evidence required, please call +44 (0) 1962 827008 or email studentsandmoney@winchester.ac.uk

If a sponsor (like your employer) is paying some or all of your tuition fees, we will invoice them directly for the appropriate amount. Your sponsor will need to contact us on credit.control@winchester.ac.uk to inform us they will be paying your fees, attaching a letter containing the following information: their full billing address, your name, the name, address and contact details (including email) of the sponsor, the date of the letter and the amount the financial sponsor will pay towards your course fees, or a statement that all of the tuition fees will be covered.

If you do not have a tuition fee loan, you will need to pay your own tuition fees in accordance with the Regulations for Payment of University Fees: winchester.ac.uk/feeregulations

Winchester Student Union

Student Led – Student Delivered – Student Empowered

Winchester Student Union is run for students, by students. We are an independent organisation from the University itself, and we are dedicated to representing and supporting you as students, as well as providing a wide range of opportunities, activities and events for all students.

This includes a huge range of sports, societies and representational networks. As a student at the University of Winchester you automatically become a member of Winchester Student Union*, meaning you can access all of our opportunities, seek support and vote in our elections.

WELFARE

Your welfare is a priority for all of us at Winchester Student Union and we understand the range of pressures students have on their plate. Look out for different welfare support services and activities run by the Student Union, including:

Winchester Student Union Advice Centre

We offer free, independent, impartial, and confidential support and guidance on a range of issues that may impact your university experience. We specialise in supporting you through the processes of academic appeals, academic misconduct allegations, or if you need to make a complaint, as well as supporting on topics such as wellbeing, money and housing

Visit winchesterstudents.co.uk/advice to find out more and view our online resources.

Student Listeners

A peer support scheme run for you by students who have been trained in listening and support schemes. From homesickness or difficulties with housemates, sometimes we all need a listening ear. The student Listener’s Wellbeing

Café runs every Wednesday during term time from 2-4pm. Join us for a free Costa, to play games, meet new people, and chat to a Student Listener

Campaigns

From University Mental Health Day to Let’s Talk About Sex week, your Student Union is regularly involved in campaigns focused on supporting all elements of your wellbeing

Recharge days

The Student Union hosts several events during the year aimed at providing you with an opportunity to unwind, relax and reflect on how best to take care of yourself alongside

the rigours of life and study. Keep an eye on the Student Union website and Instagram (winch_su) to see what’s coming up

The Freebie Bin

The Freebie Bin offers free products to all students. Including, period products, condoms and lube, and personal safety items. You can find the Freebie Bin outside the Student Union Offices by the Food Hall.

Cost of Living Support – The Bookcase

The Bookcase is a place where students can pick up, and donate, free packaged foods, and toiletries (including shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, and toilet roll). For further cost of living support see our online portal: www.winchesterstudents.co.uk/costoflivinghub

ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES

Winchester Student Union provides a vast array of extracurricular activities and social events with the purpose of rounding out your student experience and providing opportunities to bond with fellow students.

Events

Our venues, The Vault, The Terrace Bar and The Lounge, all located within the King Alfred Centre, host a huge range of events across the academic year –visit our website to see more: winchesterstudents.co.uk/events

Sports teams

Over 40 different teams are available, so whether you’ve played for years or just fancy trying something new, we’ve got a team for you winchesterstudents.co.uk/sport

Societies

Over 40 different groups are available, representing a huge variety of interests. Our student-led societies are a perfect way to explore your passions and be part of a community winchesterstudents.co.uk/societies

Representational Networks

With a focus on advocating equality, diversity and accessibility within specific under-represented student groups, each representational network is directly supported by the Student Union to improve the experience of students from the background they represent winchesterstudents.co.uk/networks

EDUCATIONAL REPRESENTATION AND SUPPORT

We believe students can be powerful change agents in shaping their own academic experience at University and we encourage you to get involved with activities and programmes we run through our Education Zone, including our Student Academic Representative Scheme (StARs). Be the voice of your cohort and represent your course mates at Student Staff Liaison Committees.

FRESHERS WEEK

Winchester Student Union’s Freshers Week is designed to give you a wonderful welcome to Winchester, and runs throughout Welcome Week (10-18 September). With over 75 events across the week, we’re confident you’ll find something of interest within the programme of events and welcome sessions to help you settle into university life. Activities range from large evening entertainments in the Vault (the Union’s purpose-built venue), to wellbeing and relaxation workshops, to tours of Winchester and a Silent Disco! Visit the Student Union website for the latest Freshers information throughout the Summer. winchesterstudents.co.uk/freshers

Be aware that the Student Union website is the only place to book onto official Student Union events, so be wary of other sites or social media accounts claiming to provide ‘official’ Freshers events.

FRESHERS FAYRE – SATURDAY 16 SEPTEMBER

Don’t miss this! Freshers Fayre gives you a great opportunity to discover extracurricular activities and groups, local businesses and employment opportunities. Find out more at winchesterstudents.co.uk/freshers and see you there.

YOUR STUDENT UNION

The President, Vice President Education & Welfare, and Vice President Activities & Services, along with five Student Officers have all been elected by students to lead your Student Union and to help ensure your University experience is as great as it can be. Across the year they will campaign and fight for the issues that matter to you as students. Having pop up stands, events, chances to give feedback and plenty of opportunities for you to get involved. Every month the Student Union send out a newsletter with all of our updates for the month so keep an eye on those as well as our social media channels! A

*If for any reason you do not wish to be a member, or at any point you wish to opt out of membership, please email SU_pres@winchester.ac.uk

SU Facebook SU Twitter SU Instagram

Careers and Opportunities Hub

From day one, there is a huge range of ways to get involved and make the most of your time at University with a range of activities to enhance your employability. There are also many ways to get support during your time as a Winchester student (and for life!) to help explore all your options and launch you into a great graduate job. Our Careers and Opportunities Hub offers you:

• An easy way to browse the range of extra-curricular opportunities provided to you by your University and the Student Union through the Get Involved button

• First-rate employability support and advice for life, including one-to-one advice with a Careers Adviser, workshops, support with finding and applying for parttime and graduate jobs, and finding a volunteering opportunity or placement

• Access to CareerConnect winchester.jobteaser.com, your careers and opportunities platform where you can find and apply for part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, placements and graduate-level jobs. You can also register to attend employer, recruitment and careers events and access resources

• Professional Careers staff linked to your course teams, helping you to understand your options after your course and the range of skills and experiences you are gaining

• A Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR): your online, University-verified record of your academic transcript

• The Winchester Employability Fund to support you to volunteer or complete unpaid work experience or an internship

• Study Abroad opportunities as many of our courses give you the chance to study in America, Canada or Europe

We know your future matters, so from day one we are here to help support you. email us on careers@winchester.ac.uk with any questions, we’d love to hear from you.

Social media guidance for students

This guidance should be read alongside the Policy on student use and misuse of social media. There is also a Policy on employee use and misuse of social media for University staff members and accompanying social media guidelines for employees.

The University of Winchester promotes a creative and engaging learning environment for all students, and we recognise the benefits and opportunities that social media can bring, as well as its risks and hazards.

Most of what you should and shouldn’t be posting on social media is common sense, however this guidance aims to support students’ positive engagement with social media, and reminds students to consider the potential consequences before posting.

THE UNIVERSITY’S THREE PRINCIPLES FOR SOCIAL MEDIA USE

Principle 1: We believe social media is a positive tool for engagement and used in the right way can help you during your studies and in life.

Principle 2: You are expected to operate within both the law and University policy in your interactions with social media –as you would in other aspects of life at University.

Principle 3: You must take care not to act in a discriminating, harassing, bullying or untruthful way, which harms other people and, because of your association with the University, could also damage the University’s reputation.

PERSONAL SAFETY

Personal information. Never share personal information or passwords online. Keep all your personal details, including your address, private. If you’re moving into student accommodation, we understand you may want to find out who your new housemates are. However, if you post online, everyone else can see your new address too. At university you might receive a lot of new friend requests - only accept people on social media who you know and trust.

Don’t rely on privacy settings It’s wise to protect yourself by adjusting your privacy settings. However, don’t always rely on these. Even if you only share with family and friends, someone can screenshot your post without your knowledge or consent, and share it to a wider audience beyond your control. If you don’t want something to be seen by a wider audience, don’t post it online.

Be wary of social check-ins. Checking-in online or enabling your location to be visible can make you vulnerable, especially if you’re by yourself. Prioritise your personal welfare, and think before you check in.

COMMUNICATING WITH UNIVERSITY STAFF ON SOCIAL MEDIA

The Policy on student use and misuse of social media outlines that you are not obligated in any way to be a user of any social media platforms as a student at the University. You are not required to use social media as part of your studies, or for interactions with University employees.

Any direct online communication between members of staff and students should be through Canvas or University email, and not through social media. University employees will use Canvas to communicate course information to you, including events or interesting articles. Social media, if used at all, will only be used to relay information that has already been posted on the formal channels of Canvas,

UNIVERSITY EMAIL AND THE UNIVERSITY INTRANET.

Posting online: Consider and respect others. Don’t post anything which could cause someone to feel bullied, or that could be seen as offensive, defamatory, or harmful in any way. Before posting, consider the consequences of your actions. Three questions to ask yourself are:

1. Is this how I would act in person?

2. Would I be happy with anyone else seeing this?

3. Would I want to be on the receiving end of this?

Beware of shaming pages such as ‘Spotted in…’ groups, as these can be deliberately malicious. The University takes bullying and harassment seriously. See section 6 of the social media policy for what to do if you are being bullied online and to familiarise yourself with what could happen if you are found to be misusing social media to bully or harass others. Not sure if you should post something or not? If in doubt, don’t post.

Also we advise making sure what you’re saying is true and genuine. Misreporting can be embarrassing, and you don’t want to be the one to spread fake news. Healthy debates can be great, but sometimes it’s best to avoid having confrontational discussions online; don’t be a keyboard warrior.

Before posting about someone else, our advice is to check with them first. You may think that an embarrassing photo of your friend is share-worthy, but they may not want it posted online, and it could put you both in an awkward situation.

Terms and Conditions

STUDENT REGULATIONS

Students are required to abide by the University’s Regulations and associated Policies*.

The following is a summary of the key terms in the University’s Terms and Conditions. The full Terms and Conditions are available at: winchester.ac.uk/ TermsandConditions

Please ensure you read the full Terms and Conditions and relevant University Regulations (as stated in the full Terms and Conditions) before enrolling at the University.

ENROLMENT CONTRACT

When you Enrol, an Enrolment Contract including the terms of the Contract Information is formed between you and the University. Your liability to pay Tuition Fees arises at Enrolment.

When you enrol you have a further statutory right to cancel your Enrolment Contract (this is in addition to the statutory right to cancel your Pre-Enrolment Contract as mentioned in clause 2.2.3). The additional cancellation period will expire at the end of 14 calendar days after the day you enrol at the University. In these circumstances, please notify the Academic Registrar in writing (including by email) of your decision to cancel your Enrolment Contract or use the facility available on our Website to do so. Subject to clause 2.4, the University will refund to you any monies that you have paid to the University under the Enrolment Contract within 14 calendar days after the day on which we receive your notification. (Details of cancellation rights outside of statutory periods can be found in clause 6.4).

Your Enrolment Contract expires in accordance with clause 2.5.

TUITION FEES

The University charges Tuition Fees for the delivery of its Courses and you will have primary responsibility for payment. Please see full Terms and Conditions for details.

If you do not pay your Tuition Fees when they fall due, the University reserves the right at any time during the Academic Year to withdraw you from your Course and to withhold all Services until all outstanding Tuition Fees are paid and/or terminate the Enrolment Contract between you and the University.

ADDITIONAL COURSE COST

Additional costs are the mandatory or optional expenses, additional to tuition fees, that need to be paid for by students to fully participate and complete their studies. This covers such things as equipment, trips, placements and DBS checks. Each Course has different additional costs involved and these are listed on the relevant Course website

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

The University recognises that each student is the owner of the intellectual property they create during their Course. However, there are exceptions to this as detailed in the Intellectual Property Policy.

LIABILITY

The University expressly excludes liability to the fullest extent permissible by law for all damage to your property and for personal injuries or death, unless caused by the negligence of the University or its staff. Unless it is liable in negligence for personal injury or death, the University limits its liability to the value of tuition fees paid by you or on your behalf, or, if greater, any relevant amount received from its insurers.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Students are required to abide by the Conduct Policy for Students. Some courses also have professional conduct requirements.

BREACH OF REGULATIONS

The University will investigate allegations of misconduct in accordance with its own procedures and students found in breach of these may be subject to disciplinary sanctions. These can range from an informal verbal warning to expulsion from the University. Please see section 12 of the full Terms and Conditions.

If you do not meet the assessment requirements for your University level and/or course, you may not be permitted to progress to the next stage of your Course. You may have to repeat assessments or modules or you may have to withdraw from your Course and may not be awarded the qualification for which you are studying. Students found in breach of the Academic Misconduct Regulations may have sanctions imposed which can range from a formal warning to expulsion from the University.

APPEALS

If you wish to appeal as an applicant, please follow the Appeals by Student Applicants Policy’. If you are an enrolled student, please follow the Academic Appeals Regulations.

COMPLAINTS

The University has one Complaints Policy* for both applicants and enrolled students.

CONTACT US

The University address is: The University of Winchester Sparkford Road, Winchester, Hampshire SO22 4NR

Telephone Number: +44(0)1962 841515

Fax Number: +44(0)1962 842280

*Policies can be found on our website: winchester.ac.uk/publicdocuments

Academic Regulations for Taught Programmes

Registry and Academic Quality

SECTION A INTRODUCTION

The Regulations are intended to be used as a primary source of information. Alongside the Regulations, the University operates a wide range of institutional policies and procedures. Key aspects of these policies and procedures are incorporated within the Regulations and reference is made there to the full policy or procedures, which can be found on the University’s website.

Section A1 Scope of the Regulations

A1.1 The Academic Regulations for Taught Programmes, referred to here as the Regulations, apply to all taught provision of the University of Winchester and to all students undertaking that provision unless specifically exempted by Senate or disallowed under accreditation agreements with Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies. This includes short course programmes whose Programme Handbook must also be consulted for additional regulations or any exemptions. A full list of all awards, including Honorary degrees, is contained in Appendix 7.

A1.2 The Regulations for each year shall be approved annually by the Senate Academic Development Committee and Senate during the previous year.

A1.3 The Regulations in force at any time shall be those for that academic year unless specified otherwise. When a student registers at the start of an academic year for a year of study or part way through an academic year, the student shall sign up for the Regulations for that academic year.

A1.4 When a student resumes study after an interruption the student shall undertake to abide by the Regulations and the programme and module specifications in force at the time of resumption.

A1.5 The Academic Regulations may be amended, through the Senate Academic Development Committee, by authority of Senate.

Section A2 Suspension of the Regulations

A2.1 In exceptional circumstances, a programme or subject may seek an exemption from one or more of the Regulations, normally, at the time of validation or review. Application to do so shall follow appropriate consultation with other programmes and subjects as required, and shall be made explicit at the time of validation or review and must be explicitly approved by the Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures Committee. Where approval is secured, this must again be made explicit in the Programme Specification and added to the list of Exemptions held by the Quality Office on the University Intranet

A2.2 In exceptional circumstances, and following appropriate consultation, a programme or subject may seek to obtain formal approval through the Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures Committee to suspend temporarily one or more of the Regulations. Where approval is secured, students shall be explicitly notified before implementation. (An example of this might occur where a programme is running out or an external event prevents the normal procedures to apply.)

SECTION B ENROLMENT, CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND ATTENDANCE

Section B1 Enrolment

B1.1 B1.1 All students shall enrol annually in accordance with procedures established by the Academic Registrar. Failure to re-enrol shall result in termination of registration.

B1.2 B1.2 A student shall not be permitted to enrol on more than one taught programme leading to a qualification at one time except with the special permission of the Academic Registrar. This includes registration at another higher education provider. Failure to disclose any information relevant to this regulation may result in disciplinary action being taken and termination of registration, particularly in cases involving fraud or academic integrity.

B1.3 B1.3 New students, who have not enrolled by Friday of week 4 of the semester in which their proposed programme starts, must defer starting their studies until the next intake for the programme.

B1.4 Students enrolled with the University of Winchester and registered for a programme shall undertake the programme in accordance with the specified mode of study. Change of mode of study is not permissible except where the programme allows it. The following modes of study apply:

a.full-time study;

b. part-time study;

c. year abroad;

d. placement year;

e.exchange or study abroad period (maximum period allowed is equivalent to one semester);

f. distance learning (studying wholly at a distance)

g. blended learning (a combination of on-site and distance learning)

Section B2 Contractual Obligations

B2.1 Every student undertakes to abide by the Regulations of the University and any programme, subject and/or module specifications for which they have registered, as a condition of enrolment, and to be subject to the University’s discipline whilst registered at the University.

B2.2 The University is responsible for providing students with a functioning University email account for educational purposes and providing adequate support. All formal email communication between the University and students shall proceed through this account. Students shall, therefore, undertake to monitor communications at least once a day and before any teaching or other university appointments.

B2.3 Should a student transfer to another programme and/or to another mode of study at the University, or withdraw temporarily or permanently from a programme, they shall obtain written approval in accordance with the University’s procedures.

B2.4 A student remains enrolled unless:

a. they have advised the University of their withdrawal by completing the approved withdrawal form and submitting it to Registry; or

b. the University has terminated their registration.

B2.5 An enrolled student of the University shall ensure that their record, held by the University, always has their most up to date residential addresses and contact numbers, both permanent and local/term-time.

Section B3 Student Attendance and Workload Obligations

B3.1 The nature of students’ academic obligations (including attendance at lectures, classes and seminars, performance of practical and written work, etc) varies between programmes, subjects and modules.

B3.2 Students admitted to full-time programmes are required to attend the two University semesters each year as defined in the Programme Specification for their programme and this may include additional periods of study outside the University’s standard Attendance Dates, as published annually in the Academic Year Calendar (see Appendix 5 for further details).

B3.3 Students admitted to part-time or distance-learning programmes are required to attend as defined in the Programme Specification for their programme.

B3.4 Students undertaking a year abroad, placement year or exchange or study abroad period are required to meet their academic obligations, as required by the institution where they are studying or, in the case of the placement, as defined by the programme and agreed with the organisation where they are placed.

B3.5 Wherever possible, the student should trail fail with attendance because the experience and outcome are likely to be beneficial to the student. There are two circumstances in which a student must attend a trail fail module:

a. if the module they are taking to replace a failed module is new to them (e.g. where the original module is not running or the student requested and is permitted to replace the module with a new module)

b. where Programmes have identified modules which can only be trail failed with attendance in their Module Description. For example, Volunteering or Placement modules.

B3.6 If, in the case of a) and b) above, the module clashes with the student’s normal timetable and it is not possible to amend the timetable, then the student shall not be permitted to trail fail but must repeat study instead.

B3.7 Students who fail to satisfy individual subject or programme attendance and/or workload requirements may be:

a. penalised in accordance with the Programme’s Attendance Rules;

b. required to leave the programme or subject;

c. denied the opportunity to repeat study, trail fail or to transfer to another subject, programme or other modules.

B3.8 Students who feel they have good cause for failing to meet attendance and/or workload requirements, for example due to personal or medical circumstances, may apply for extenuating circumstances to be taken into account and should refer to the University’s to Succeed: Extenuating Circumstances and Support Supporting Students to Succeed Procedures for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught Degrees: Extenuating Circumstances and Support to Study Procedures for further details.

B3.9 While the University recognises that many students combine study with paid or voluntary work, it is the responsibility of students to organise their time in a way which allows them to participate in required teaching and learning activities and complete assignments and exams at the appropriate time. International students must also abide by any condition of their visa requirements which may include a restriction on part-time work.

Section B4 Full-time and Part-time Load

B4.1 The normal full-time load is 60 credits per semester. An exception may be approved, subject to programme, PSRB and timetabling requirements, for students to take up to 90 credits in a single semester but no more than 150 credits in total in the following cases only:

a. students permitted to trail fails 1;

b. students who are transferring internally from one programme and who need to take additional modules in order to meet pathway requirements;

c. students who wish to take and pass or audit additional modules for academic interest

B4.2 A year abroad or placement year shall be equivalent to 120 credits.

B4.3 A part-time load is normally half the equivalent full-time load, although individual programmes may permit part-time students to undertake an accelerated route of study and trail fails up to 30 credits in any one year of study

1 All students shall sign to confirm that they have read and understood the guidance relating to the trail fail process.

B4.4 A part-time student may also be permitted to vary their part-time load during their programme.

B4.5 Continuing Education students normally register for, and attend, discrete modules on a semester by semester basis.

SECTION C PROGRESSION

C1 Each Faculty shall hold a Progression and Award Board to consider students’ eligibility for progression or award. (Refer to the Assessment Regulations, for further details)

C2 The University reserves the right to deny students permission to continue on a programme if they:

a. have not made a bona fide attempt to submit work by set deadlines;

b. fail to attend an exam or practical assessment without valid cause;

c. fail to satisfy specific attendance requirements for their programme, subject or module(s), as defined in the Programme’s own Attendance Rules;

d. fail to meet specified requirements set by a Progression and Award Board, including passing any trail fail modules.

C3 Degree apprentices may not be allowed to progress if they do not meet the requirement for 20% off the job training.

C4 Any student required to withdraw under C2 above shall have the normal rights of appeal in accordance with the Academic Appeals Regulations

C5 An undergraduate student shall pass 120 credits at one level before being permitted to progress to a higher level. These credits may include compensated modules (in accordance with Section D4 or D5 of the Assessment Regulations), modules accredited via an internal or external transfer (in accordance with D3 of these Regulations or the Recognition of Prior Learning Policy, respectively) The following exceptions may apply:

a. An exception may be made for students permitted to trail fail one or two modules in accordance with Section D2 below.

b. Unless specified otherwise in the Programme Specification, students who fail the year abroad or placement year shall proceed as normal but, on conclusion of their final year of study, shall receive an exit award for the three-year programme.

c. Students shall not be permitted to progress to the next academic year of their programme unless they have paid at least 80% of their tuition fees and have an agreed payment plan in place for the balance (in accordance with the Student Finance Regulations for the relevant year of study). Students studying with Collaborative Partners shall be liable for fees in accordance with the Terms and Conditions set by their institution.

C6 For programmes with a year abroad or placement year, the progression requirement to the year abroad or placement year shall be 120 credits at level 5. Students may complete these modules by repeat study prior to the year abroad or placement year but cannot trail fail modules during their year abroad or placement year.

C7 An Integrated Masters student shall pass the 120 credits taken at level 5/6 (with a minimum of 90 credits at level 6) during their third year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent) with an overall average mark of 50% in order to proceed to level 7. Exceptionally, the substantive mark achieved for second attempts at failed assessments and/or repeated modules shall be taken into account for the purposes of calculating the overall average mark for progression to L7 of an Integrated Masters programme only.

C8 A part-time student shall pass all modules for which they were registered in an academic year before being permitted to progress from one year to the subsequent year at the same level of study.

C9 A student shall be permitted a second attempt to pass failed modules before progressing to the next academic year of the programme. (Refer to the Assessment Regulations for further details about second attempts.)

C10 A student who has failed to satisfy the requirements for progression to the next stage of their programme may apply to (re)take the failed module(s) either as repeat study or as (a) trail fail(s) If, after retaking the failed module(s), the student has still not completed the requirements for progression from the previous year, they shall not be permitted to proceed and shall instead be required to leave the programme. (See Section D2)

C11 Where a student fails to complete the requirements of their intended award as a result of failing to progress, they shall be considered for the highest exit award appropriate for the level reached.

SECTION D INTERRUPTING STUDY, REPEAT STUDY AND INTERNAL TRANSFERS

Section D1 Interrupting Study

D1.1 Students, who are unable to continue their programme due to extenuating circumstances, may apply to interrupt their studies provided that they shall be able to resume study and complete their intended award within the maximum period of registration. Students who wish to interrupt study but do not have extenuating circumstances may apply to do so without penalty within the first four weeks of the start of a module but after this date any incomplete modules, which need to be repeated, shall be capped at the minimum pass mark For apprenticeship students who require an interruption, known as a ‘break in learning’, please refer to D1.11.

D1.2 The period of the interruption shall be up to one year and exceptionally up to a maximum of two years, subject to any PSRB restrictions

D1.3 Students who wish to interrupt study shall complete and submit the appropriate application form, together with evidence of their extenuating circumstances 2 to their Faculty. The Faculty Evidence Panel shall determine whether or not the extenuating circumstances are valid. The form (without the evidence) shall then be passed to the Programme Leader who may then approve an application to interrupt study for a maximum period of up to one year 3 If a further break in study is requested or the initial request is for more than one year, the approval of the Head of Academic Department shall be sought. Where appropriate, the Programme Leader shall confirm details about how to manage any incomplete modules and any conditions for their return to study. Where the extenuating circumstances are deemed valid by the Faculty Evidence Panel, outstanding results may be recorded as ‘L’ grades pending completion of the module after the student returns to study or the student may be permitted to repeat the entire module for substantive marks.

D1.4 Once approved, the form and the evidence shall be forwarded to Registry in order for the details to be processed. Until the form has been received by Registry, a student shall remain enrolled for their current programme. Access to University facilities (e.g. IT and Library services) are suspended while students interrupt their studies.

D1.5 Shortly before students are due to return to their studies, Registry staff shall contact them to confirm the date of return and any details relating to their studies that need to be confirmed, eg module choices.

D1.6 Where the reasons for interrupting study relate to medical or health issues, the University may require specific evidence to demonstrate that the issues have been addressed before permitting the student to resume their studies. Such evidence shall be detailed at the point of interruption.

2 Students who wish to keep the extenuating circumstances confidential may apply to Student Support and Success to support their request.

3 Exceptions might be where the programme is running out and it will not be possible for the student to return to the same programme. In these cases, the Programme Leader shall discuss with the student whether it would be possible to transfer to another programme.

(Refer to the Supporting Students to Succeed Procedures for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught Degrees: Extenuating Circumstances and Support to Study Procedures for further details.)

D1.7 In view of the pace of educational change, students who interrupt study may be required to provide proof of appropriate study and professional re-orientation prior to resuming the programme.

D1.8 Students who wish to resume their studies after an interruption shall re-enrol on the programme, in accordance with University procedures, before they are permitted to continue their studies. When students resume study they shall sign up for the Regulations and the programme, subject and module specifications in force at the time of resumption.

D1.9 Students who take an agreed interruption with the intention of returning and subsequently find they are unable to return to complete their studies within the period of registration, shall write to Registry to confirm their inability to return and, where appropriate, may request consideration for the highest terminal exit qualification. This request shall be made before the start of the final year of the period of registration.

D1.10 Students who fail to contact the University to either arrange their return to study or discuss other options to retain their registration no later than 20 working days of their expected return date shall be deemed to have unofficially withdrawn and their registration shall be terminated with effect from their expected return date.

D1.11 Apprentices are permitted to take a break in learning, when they meet the Education Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) eligibility criteria for a minimum of four weeks and up to one year. Apprentices shall only be granted a break in learning with the agreement of their employer. The Centre for Degree Apprenticeships should be contacted regarding any application to take a break in learning.

Section D2 Applications to Repeat Study or Trail Fail

Repeat Study is defined as one or more modules (with capped assessments marks) taken to replace modules failed the previous academic year in order to complete a level or stage of study. The modules may be the same or different depending on programme requirements and availability. The number of credits taken will be limited to the same number that has been failed i.e. students will not be permitted to take additional modules during repeat study Progression on the programme is halted until the repeat study has been completed and the Progression and Award Board has confirmed that the student is clear to proceed to the next stage or level. The modules being taken must be attended and all assessments submitted as if the module were being taken for the first time

Trail Fail is defined as the procedure by which a student may take one or two modules (up to a maximum of 30 credits and with capped assessment marks) alongside their normal programme in order to complete the previous level or stage of study. A module being taken to replace a previously failed module may be the same module or a new module depending on programme requirements, availability and timetabling. The student may normally choose whether or not to attend a module taken to replace a trail fail 4 except in the case of modules being taken for the first time or where Programme or PSRB requirements prohibit this 5 . Trail fails cannot be taken after a Foundation Year or the final year of study has been completed. After this, the student is only eligible to apply to repeat study unless they have already repeated.

D2.1 Students who have failed one or more modules and are either ineligible to proceed to the next academic year of study or ineligible to graduate may be offered the opportunity to apply to repeat the failed modules by repeat study or trail fails, with the exception of students studying at level 3, who may only apply to repeat study.

4 The option or requirement to attend does not apply to modules which are delivered by Distance Learning.

5 An example of a Programme requirement prohibiting a trail fail could be where the failed module is a pre-requisite for another module so the two modules could not be taken together.

D2.2 Undergraduate students may be permitted a maximum of one application to repeat modules or trail fails during their period of undergraduate study at the University, regardless of whether they are changing pathway 6. An exception may be made for:

a. students with valid extenuating circumstances (See D2.11 and D2.12 below for details)

b. students who repeat study at level 3 and successfully proceed to level 4, shall be permitted a second opportunity to apply to repeat study later during their period of undergraduate study without the need for valid extenuating circumstances 7

c. Students who have previously trail failed modules may be offered one opportunity to repeat their failed modules.

D2.3 Postgraduate students who study for a PGDip or full Masters programmes may apply to repeat or trail fail up to a maximum of one third of the credit for their programme, during their period of postgraduate study at the University, regardless of whether they are changing pathway. Students who study PGCert awards may apply for a repeat or trail fails up to a maximum of 40 credits, during their period of postgraduate study at the university, regardless of whether they are changing pathway. An exception may be made for students with valid extenuating circumstances. (See D2.11 below for details about how to apply for an exception to this regulation).

D2.4 A student who fails to pass their repeat year, shall not progress further and shall be required to leave the programme. The only exception to this is final year Undergraduate students, or Foundation Year students who have not previously completed a 3rd attempt for the failed module, where the Progression and Award board retains the discretion to offer a 3rd attempt to a student who has just failed one module. See ‘Conduct of Progression and Award Boards for Taught Programmes’ for further details. The University does not accept that passes at a higher level ‘trump’ fails at a lower level. Therefore no appeal, requesting that failure at a lower level be compensated with passes at a higher level in order to enable a student to progress, shall be considered on these grounds. 8

D2.5 Students who wish to repeat study or trail fail shall complete and submit the appropriate application form to Registry, in accordance with university procedures. This shall include a signed statement that they have read, understood and accepted the conditions and consequences of repeat study or trail fail.

D2.6 Applications to repeat study or trail fail, regardless of whether the student has valid extenuating circumstances or not, shall normally be accepted by the Programme Leader(s) unless prohibited by PSRB or programme requirements. Programme Leaders may also set conditions on students who wish to repeat study or trail fail, (eg pathway restrictions, regular progress reviews) and may require students to withdraw at any point if these conditions are not met. Where a Programme Leader rejects an application, a written explanation shall be provided to the student.

D2.7 Students may use the application to repeat study or trail fail as an opportunity to request a transfer to another subject or programme.

D2.8 Students shall not be offered the opportunity to retake modules that have already been passed. The only exception would be students with valid extenuating circumstances and where the modules concerned would affect their overall degree result. Where a Programme Leader permits a student to retake a module, which has already been passed, or take a new module to replace a module that has already been passed, the original result shall be set aside and the result for the repeated or replacement module shall stand, even if the result is lower than the result for the original module.

6 This includes Integrated Masters programmes

7 There may be financial implications to repeating twice during their programme and students should seek advice before making a final decision.

8 However, the University may allow modules passed at a higher level to replace the missing credits at a lower level for an exit award, without classification. See Section E1 – Credit Requirements.

D2.9 Results for repeated modules or modules taken to replace failed modules shall be capped at the minimum pass mark unless the student has valid extenuating circumstances, approved by a Faculty Evidence Panel or the Progression and Award Board, or the student is required to take additional modules to meet the requirements for a new programme, pathway or subject 9

D2.10 If a student has extenuating circumstances that they wish to be considered, with regard to paragraphs D2.2, 2.3, 2.8 or 2.9 above, they shall submit valid evidence of extenuating circumstances 10 together with their Repeat Study/Trail Fail Application Form. The relevant Faculty Evidence Panel shall then advise the Programme Leader whether or not specific modules were affected by extenuating circumstances. The Programme Leader may then take this into account when deciding whether to accept the student’s application to repeat study or trail fails.

D2.11 If a student has already repeated study once and is seeking a second repeat based on extenuating circumstances, then they must submit an Academic Appeal.

Section D3 Internal Transfers

D3.1 A student who is registered on a programme may be permitted to transfer to another programme in accordance with University procedures and with approval at the discretion of the Programme Leader(s) concerned, subject to the constraints listed below. For transfers taking place during the academic year, the student and their Programme Leader(s) must ensure that the student is able to meet their academic credit and pathway requirements or must confirm that an additional period of study shall be required to ensure the student is able to meet progression requirements as detailed in Section C above.

D3.2 A student may be permitted to transfer between modules on a programme up to the end of the second week of teaching of either module. Exceptionally, the transfer of a student from one module to another may be authorised on academic grounds up to the end of the fourth week of teaching by the Head of Academic Department responsible for the module to which the student is transferring.

D3.3 A student may be permitted to transfer between full-time and part-time modes of study up to the end of the second week of teaching of the first semester. After this date, students may be permitted to transfer from full-time to part-time only, solely on grounds of extenuating circumstances 11

D3.4 Where a single diet of modules leads to more than one award and students are permitted to choose which award title they wish to receive, they must ensure that they have formally registered their chosen award title with Registry no later than Friday of week 15 of semester 2 in their final year of study. After this date, no change will be permitted unless it transpires that the student’s module diet doesn’t meet the programme’s requirements.

D3.5 Any transfer of credit shall be agreed at the time of transfer and the student shall be required to sign an acceptance of the credit agreement.

D3.6 Apprentices that who wish to transfer their programme must be considered in consultation with the employer. The Centre for Degree Apprenticeships must be contacted in the first instance regarding any internal apprenticeship transfer.

9 However, if the student is repeating a module they previously failed and it appears in the Programme Specification for their new programme, either in the year the module was taken or the year in which the module is due to be repeated or replaced, the module result will be capped.

10 Students who wish to keep the extenuating circumstances confidential may apply to Student Support and Success to support their request.

11 Care needs to be taken when a student on a full-time programme transfers to a part-time mode and then applies to transfer back to full-time. Approval may only be granted if Registry has confirmed that the student will not exceed the full-time equivalent (FTE) for funding purposes. This particularly affects one-year programmes.

SECTION E1 CREDITS AND PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

E1.1 Credit requirements and programme structure for undergraduate awards are described in Appendix 2.

E1.2 Credit requirements and programme structure for postgraduate taught awards are described in Appendix 3.

Section E2 Minimum Credit to be Earned at the University

E2.1 In order to receive an award from the University a student shall study at least half the required module credits for the award at the University and shall be required to undertake at least a full academic year, or part-time equivalent, at the University. The exception to this would be students admitted to the final year of a three-year programme, who subsequently exit with a Pass degree or students who are admitted through a formal agreement with a collaborative partner that states a specific exemption from this regulation.

E2.2 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) credit awarded by the University is not considered as credit studied at the University and therefore marks shall not normally contribute to the final mark/classification. Further details may be found in the Recognition of Prior Learning RPL Policy

Section E3 Common Structure

E3.1 All programmes have a modular structure, which may consist of core or mandatory modules and may include some optional modules. Modules may not span academic levels.

E3.2 Students shall select modules in accordance with university procedures.

E3.3 Programmes are set at a particular level of study or may offer progression through two or more levels. The higher the level the greater the complexity, relative demand and autonomy expected of a student studying modules at that level. Programmes with two or more levels of study, normally require 120 credits to be completed at each level.

E3.4 If a programme or subject includes a professional, vocational or practical placement or fieldwork, the placement or fieldwork may carry a credit rating.

E3.5 If the placement or fieldwork carries a credit rating, the number of credits required for an award shall normally be increased if the placement or fieldwork increases the length of the programme.

E3.6 If the placement or fieldwork does not carry a credit rating, the programme or subject regulations may stipulate that the placement must be passed in order for students to progress or graduate.

E3.7 No programme shall have more than six learning outcomes per level.

E3.8 There is a maximum of four learning outcomes per module.

Section E4 Undergraduate Programme Structure

E4.1 In order to qualify for an Honours degree, some programmes shall require students to take and pass an Extended Independent Study (EIS) module assessed at level 6 worth 30 credits.

E4.2 Undergraduate programmes may allow students to undertake a Volunteering module, at level 5.

E4.3 Undergraduate programmes with optional modules at either Level 5 and/or Level 6 must include Value Studies modules as a choice within these optional module groups.

E4.4 Undergraduate students on some programmes may also apply to undertake a 60 credit Exchange or Visiting programme at level 5 or level 6. Results from an Exchange or Visiting programme are normally converted to the University’s grading scheme before inclusion in the calculation for a final award in accordance with the University’s procedures.

E4.5 A top-up programme is designed to enable a student, who has been awarded a credit bearing qualification by this University or another institution, to accumulate the additional credits necessary for a higher qualification.

E4.6 Where programmes include a year abroad or placement year, they shall be undertaken as the third year of a four-year programme In rare cases, part-time students may be permitted to undertake a year-long study abroad or placement, but this shall be undertaken on a full-time basis.

E4.7 Undergraduate programmes (including apprenticeships and integrated master’s programmes) must include a learning outcome dedicated to the UNSDGs at each level.

Section E5 Integrated Master’s Programme Structure

E5.1 Students shall register for the combined Bachelor and Master’s award at the outset of the programme but may elect to transfer to the Bachelor programme at any time. By the end of three years of full-time study, students shall have reached the level of a Bachelor’s degree, and if they choose to do so, may complete their programme at that time and leave with a Bachelor’s degree.

E5.2 An Integrated Master’s programme is defined as an Undergraduate programme and therefore receives an Honours classification, although the Regulations relating to level 7 apply to level 7 modules taken by Integrated Master’s students.

E5.3 Students who do not complete the Integrated Master’s successfully shall normally receive a Bachelor degree based on their first three years of study and be considered for the exit award of a PgCert based on their level 7 study.

Section E6 Postgraduate Programme Structure

E6.1 In order to qualify for a Master’s degree, students shall take and pass:

a. a research methods module assessed at level 7 normally worth 20 credits; and

b. an Independent Study module assessed at level 7 normally worth between 40 and 60 credits.

E6.2 Postgraduate students may also apply to undertake one optional module (worth up to 20 credits at level 7) from another programme, in accordance with University procedures.

E6.3 Postgraduate programmes are recommended to include a learning outcome dedicated to the UNSDGs.

Section E7 Apprenticeship Structure

E7.1 In order to complete the Apprenticeship, apprentices shall be required to take and pass the required academic credits for the award as noted in Section E1 and:

a. complete 20% off-the-job training

b. pass the gateway to End Point Assessment (EPA)

c. pass the End Point Assessment (EPA).

SECTION F GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA), AWARD CALCULATIONS AND AWARD CLASSIFICATIONS

Section F1 Awards and GPA (sections F1.5 and F1.6 only apply to students who started their programme before September 2022)

F1.1 Awards shall automatically be recommended as exit qualifications either on successful completion of the programme (as defined in the Programme Specification) or as terminal exit qualifications to individual students who are unable to complete their intended programme but who have achieved the learning outcomes for an alternative award

F1.2 A student who fails to meet the requirements of the programme shall be required to withdraw.

F1.3 Students shall not be permitted to attend a Graduation Ceremony while in debt to the University (in accordance with the Student Finance Regulations)

F1.4 All students, regardless of whether they qualify for an award or not, shall receive a transcript of their results at the end of each academic year of study. This transcript shall detail the modules studied and the overall module mark, corresponding grade and details of credits achieved, where appropriate

F1.5 Transcripts for students on undergraduate programmes leading to awards at levels 4 – 6 inclusive shall also include a single Grade Point Average (GPA) score.

F1.6 The results of a year abroad or placement year shall not count towards the calculation of the GPA, final mark or award classification.

F1.7 Results achieved for modules taken during an exchange or study abroad period shall normally count towards the award of the University for which a student is registered. The results achieved may be subject to rescaling and weighting to bring them into line with equivalent marks and results awarded by the University; scaling and weighting methods shall be approved by Registry, under Senate’s delegated authority, and shall be subject to periodic review.

Section F2 GPA and Award Calculations (sections F2.1 and F2.2 only apply to students who started their programme before September 2022)

F2.1 A GPA shall be calculated for each undergraduate programme for which a student is registered or, in the case of a Continuing Education student, for all modules taken at levels 4 – 6, i.e. level 3 modules shall be excluded for students on programmes including a Foundation Year and level 7 modules shall be excluded for students on Integrated Master’s programmes. Regardless of the number of modules included, the calculation method for deriving the GPA remains the same. The GPA is a mean average in which each module is counted equally according to its credit value, irrespective of level, subject or date taken. The weighted mean average shall be rounded to a whole number and converted to the equivalent GPA score according to the Mark Scheme in the Assessment Regulations. For further details please see the Award and Classification Rules and Credit Framework Summary or GPA Guidelines.

F2.2 The only module marks exempted from the GPA shall be:

a. modules graded pass/fail only;

b. where a failed module is retaken or a replacement module is taken in an attempt to make good the failure, the lower mark achieved shall be excluded.

Section F3 Award Calculations and Classifications

See Appendix 4 for the university’s award calculations and classifications.

F3.1 Programmes and subjects may specify modules which shall count in the marks averaged for an Honours degree classification.

F3.2 If a student is exempted, because of transfer credit, from modules which count towards a classification, the transfer agreement between the University and the student shall stipulate the basis upon which those units shall count towards the final mark. Normally exempted units shall be disregarded.

F3.3 Students who have satisfactorily completed a Diploma of Higher Education programme at the University and are permitted to transfer internally to the final year of a relevant Honours degree programme, shall have their degree classification calculated in accordance with Appendix 4. either paragraph F2.4 or 2.5 above, as appropriate.

F3.4 Students, who are admitted to the final year of a three or four- year programme or part-time equivalent, shall have their classification for honours calculated in accordance with F2.6 above the TopB (Hons) line in Appendix 42.

F3.5 Any variations to the award calculation for a particular programme shall be approved by Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures Committee and included in the Programme Specification.

Section F4 Classification for Borderlines for Honours

These upgrade rules only apply to students who started level 5, 6 or 7 in September 2018 or earlier; they shall not apply to students starting study for an Honours degree from September 2018 onwards.

F4.1 Bachelor degree students, whose overall mark falls within 2% of the borderline for a higher honours classification and who have achieved a mark equivalent to the higher classification in at least 60 credits at level 6, shall have their degree classification upgraded.

F4.2 Integrated Master’s degree students, whose overall mark falls within 2% of the borderline for a higher honours classification and who have achieved a mark equivalent to the higher classification in at least 60 credits at level 7, shall have their degree classification upgraded.

Section F5 Aegrotat and Posthumous Awards

F5.1 Senate may exceptionally, on the recommendation of a Progression and Award Board, approve the conferment of an Aegrotat award to a student who has completed the whole or a substantial part of a programme of study but is prevented by illness, death or other valid cause from completing part of an exam or assessment (leading directly to a degree, diploma or certificate) to satisfy the examiners in accordance with the relevant programme of study regulations. The award shall not normally be given a classification of any kind, except in the case of posthumous awards. (Refer to the Conduct of Progression and Award Boards for Taught Programmes including Collaborative Partners - Guidelines for further details.)

SECTION G PERIODS OF REGISTRATION

Section G1 Period of Registration

G1.1 The expected period of registration for a programme shall be the minimum period as defined in paragraph G1.3 below.

G1.2 The maximum period of registration defines the period within which a student shall have achieved the credit required for the award. This shall include any periods of interrupted study or repeat study. A student does not have a right to remain registered until the end of the period of registration, unless specifically approved by a Progression and Award Board or Dean of Faculty.

G1.3 The periods of registration, during which a student shall complete the requirements for an award from the University, are as follows:

Section G2 Changing the Period of Registration

G2.1 The University shall normally approve a shorter minimum period of registration for students admitted with transfer credit for previous study and/or RPL in accordance with the guidance in the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy

G2.2 The University may terminate the registration of a student who has been inactive (i.e. who has submitted no work for assessment or been unavailable for supervision) for one semester. If such a decision is made, an exit award may be conferred.

G2.3 In exceptional cases, the University may approve an extension to the maximum period of registration where a student has failed to progress and can provide valid evidence of extenuating circumstances. It is the student’s responsibility to provide written evidence, supported by a disinterested person of demonstrable professional standing in relation to the type of evidence, in support of any application for an extension. The Programme Leader may approve a maximum period of extension for one year. An application for a second period of extension for a maximum of one calendar year may only be approved by the Dean of Faculty, as Chair of the Progression and

Award Board, with the support of the relevant Programme Leader(s). Applications for extensions of period of study shall be submitted via Registry.

G2.4 When a student’s mode of study changes between full-time and part-time, the part-time period of registration appropriate for the programme shall apply.

SECTION H ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

H1 Suspected cases of academic misconduct (including plagiarism, cheating and other forms of unfair advantage) shall be dealt with in accordance with the University’s Student Academic Integrity Procedure.

SECTION I APPEALS AND COMPLAINTS

I1 Students have a right to appeal against the decision of the Progression and Award Board only in accordance with the Academic Appeals Regulations.

I2 Complaints shall be raised in accordance with the Complaints Policy.

APPENDIX 1 DEFINITIONS AND TERMINOLOGY

1.1 ‘University’ means the University of Winchester.

1.2 ‘Senate’ is the senior academic body of the University.

1.3 ‘Senate Academic Development Committee’ (SADC) is the Senate committee responsible for the academic standards and quality assurance of the University of Winchester.

1.4 ‘Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures Committee’ (ARPP) oversees the development of Academic Regulations and related policies, procedures and guidelines for all undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degree programmes.

1.5 A ‘Student’ is a person who has enrolled at the University in accordance with paragraph B1.1 of the Regulations and is studying one or more modules from a programme. A student may enrol on a programme leading to an award or may enrol as a ‘continuing education’ student. A ‘continuing education’ student is one who registers for discrete modules and not for a programme leading to an award.

1.6 Sabbatical Officers of the Student Union shall be deemed to be students for the purposes of these Regulations.

1.7 A ‘Programme’ is an approved curriculum which leads to an award from the University of Winchester. A programme comprises either one subject or a combination of subjects and is made up of modules with a defined credit level and tariff. Each programme has a Programme Specification, approved by Senate Academic Development Committee.

1.8 A programme may lead simultaneously to two or more awards (e.g. academic and professional), each of which may have a separate pathway.

1.9 A ‘Subject’ is a collection of modules normally in a single discipline and contributing to a recognised programme.

1.10 A ‘Pathway’ specifies the modules that a student must undertake in order to achieve an award. Where a programme leads to two or more awards, there may be a separate pathway for each award.

1.11 A ‘Foundation Year’ is a year of study taken at level 3 and integrated within a four-year Bachelor degree programme, and is thus considered as study at higher education by the QAA. It consists of 120 credits, which shall include generic modules and subject specific modules. Successful completion of a Foundation year shall enable a student to proceed with their intended Bachelor degree but they may apply to change programmes via the internal transfer process in accordance with Section D3 of these Regulations.

1.12 A ‘Module’ is the basic component of a programme with a defined number of CATS credits and defined learning outcomes, which may be achieved in a variety of ways: on-site, off site, concentrated periods of residential learning, by distance learning (e.g. using online technology) or a combination of the above, defined as ‘blended learning’. There are categories of modules:

a. a Mandatory module must be taken by all students on a particular pathway/programme;

b. a Core module must be taken and passed by all students on a particular pathway/ programme;

c. an Optional module may be taken by students on a particular pathway/programme.

1.13 An ‘Extended Independent Study’ is a primarily student-directed exercise undertaken under supervision, constituting the major part of an Extended Independent Study module and may be a requirement for the award of a Bachelor degree with Honours. An Extended Independent Study is a level 6 module worth 30 credits undertaken during the final academic year of the programme and shall count for 20% of the final degree result, where taken. The module and format required shall be identified and defined in module and programme documentation

1.14 An ‘Independent Study’ is the final exercise of a Master’s programme, undertaken under supervision but conducted independently by the student for the award of a Master’s degree and constitutes the major part of an Independent Study module The Independent Study is a level 7 module worth between 40 and 60 credits and undertaken during the final academic year of the programme.

1.15 An ‘Exam’ is the independent assessment of work undertaken other than by private study and under controlled or time-constrained conditions, which is capable of external moderation on an individual basis. This definition conventionally implies a written and unseen paper exercise but it is intended to permit other interpretations including exam by performance.

1.16 ‘Valid extenuating circumstances’ or ‘Valid evidence of extenuating circumstances’ means approved, relevant extenuating circumstances as defined by the University’s Supporting Students to Succeed Procedures for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught Degrees: Extenuating Circumstances and Support to Study Procedures

1.17 ‘Auditing’ a module means a student attends a module but does not submit assessments and does not gain credit. (Refer to the Assessment Regulations for further details.)

1.18 ‘RPL’ means Recognition of Prior Learning and is a generic term for the process by which recognition may be given for past learning experiences. (Refer to the RPL Policy for further details).

1.19 ‘CATS’ refers to the Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme operating at the University in which modules have a national currency. All references to module credits in these Regulations refer to CATS credits, unless stated otherwise. The number of credits is based on the estimated notional learning hours (where one credit represents 10 notional hours of learning).

1.20 ‘ECTS’ refers to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System operating throughout Europe. ECTS is based on the principle that 60 credits measure the workload of a full-time student during one academic year. The University equates one ECTS credit to two CATS credits.

1.21 Grade Point Average (GPA) refers to a number representing the weighted mean average of the final marks achieved over a group of modules converted to a grade point score as defined Appendix 2 of the Assessment Regulations

1.22 A ‘substantive mark’ reflects the student’s actual achievement and may be anything between 0 –100%. A substantive mark is awarded for the first attempt at an assignment or exam (unless the assessment is graded Pass/Fail only). It may also be awarded for a second attempt if the student is deemed to have valid extenuating circumstances. (Refer to the Assessment Regulations for further details on when a substantive mark will be awarded.)

If there are insufficient level 4 credits but the student has achieved credits a t level 5 to replace the missing level 4 credits, these may be counted for the purposes of calculating an exit award without classification. 14 If there are insufficient level 5 credits but the student has achieved credits at level 6 to replace the missing level 5 credits, these may be counted for the purposes of calculating an exit award without classification.

A WARD CALCULATIONS AND CLASSIFICATIONS

APPENDIX 4

Where there is more than one award pattern ( e.g. BA (Hons) A –D), the table below lists which calculation method is used.

Where there is only one award pattern listed, all programmes offering that award as a terminal or exit award will use the same calculation and classification pattern.

With effect from September 2016, an award based on the final mark shall be rounded to a whole number, in accordance with Sect ion D3 of the Assessment Regulations.

Applicable to these Award Patterns

Certificate of Higher Education

Diploma of Higher Education

Foundation Degree

Bachelor Pass Degree

Topup Bachelor Pass degree

Topup Bachelor with Honours

Bachelor’s with Honours where the Extended Independent Study module is mandatory or core

Classification(s)

Weighted average mark is 70% or above

Distinction

Weighted average mark is 60% or above

Merit

Weighted average mark is 70% or above

Distinction

Weighted average mark is 60% or above

Merit

Weighted average mark is 70% or above

Distinction

Weighted average mark is 60% or above

Merit

Weighted average mark is 70% or above

Distinction

Weighted average mark is 60% or above

Merit

Weighted average mark is 70% or above

Distinction

Weighted average mark is 60% or above

Merit

-

-

Award Calculation Method

Weighted average of 120 credits at L4 only [1]

Weighted average of 240 credits at L4/5 with a minimum of 120 credits at L4 [2]

Weighted average of 240 credits at L4/5

Weighted average of the best 180 credits at L5/L6

Weighted average of the best 60 credits at L5/L6

Weighted average of the best 120 credits at L5/L6

The calculation for Honours classification for a three or fouryear Bachelor programme where the Extended Independent Study module is mandatory or core is normally determined as follows:

Code

CertHE

DipHE

Fdn

B(Pass)

TopB(Pass)

TopB(Hons)

B(Hons)EIS

average of best 60 credits at L6 40%Weighted average of best remaining 120 credits at L5/6

The calculation for Honours classification for a three or four year programme without an Extended Independent Study module or where the Extended Independent Study module is optional is normally determined as follows:

Bachelor of Nursing with Hons

average of best 90 credits at L6

average of best remaining 120 credits at L5/6

average of best 6 0 credits at L6

60%Weighted

average of best remaining 60 credits at L5

average of best remaining 120 credits at L6/7

ProfGCEd No award classification

No award classification Postgraduate Certificate in Education PgCertA Weighted

Postgraduate Certificate

Distinction Weighted

average mark for level 7modules is 60% or above

Merit Weighted

Weighted

average of all level 7 modules up to a maximum of 60 credits.

Weighted

PGCertB

In addition to the 60 level 7 academic credits, award of the PGCE also requires successful completion of 60 placement credits .

18

Postgraduate Diploma

Postgraduate Diploma

Weighted average mark for level 7 modules is 70% or above Merit

Weighted average mark for level 7 modules is 70% or above Merit Weighted average mark for level 7modules is 60% or above

Weighted average of 120 credits at level 7

award classification Postgraduate Diploma

up

Top

Weighted average mark for all modules is 65% or above and the mark for the Independent Study is 70% or above

Distinction

Weighted average mark for all modules is 55% or above and the mark for the Independent Study is 60% or above

Masters

Weighted average mark for all modules is 65% or above and the mark for the Independent Study is 70% or above

Distinction

Merit

award classification

No

TopM

Masters MA

APPENDIX 5 ACADEMIC YEAR

5.1 The University follows a common Academic Year Calendar for all taught programmes which:

5.2 lead to a University of Winchester award, and

5.3 are attendance-based and require a defined number of teaching and assessment weeks each year.

a. The academic year dates are published on the University website

b. Any variations to the Academic Year Calendar for a particular programme shall be approved by Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures Committee and be included in the Programme Specification.

c. The Academic Year Calendar is approved by Senate and published by the Academic Registrar

APPENDIX 6 ADMISSIONS, EXTERNAL TRANSFERS AND READMISSIONS

6.1 Admissions Process and Entry Requirements

6.1.1. Students are admitted to the University, at the discretion of the Vice Chancellor or other appropriate officer, on fulfilment of specified entry requirements for the purposes of following a specified programme leading to an award or, as a continuing education student, to take discrete modules.

6.1.2. The recruitment and admission of students to the University is informed by the Admissions Policy

6.1.3. The entry requirements for each programme of study are defined in the University Prospectus for the relevant year of entry.

6.1.4. The University specifies minimum general admission requirements for each of its programmes. Details may be found in the Admissions Policy. Programme specific entry requirements are defined in the Programme Specification.

6.2 Entry with Advanced Standing via RPL

6.2.1. An applicant may be permitted to enter a programme of study with advanced standing and awarded credit for specified modules through RPL. (Refer to the RPL Policy for further details.)

6.2.2. Continuing Education students, who are seeking to register for a programme, may apply to transfer credit from modules successfully completed at the University. Each application shall be considered on its own merit and shall be approved at the University’s discretion. Students may normally only transfer credit for modules completed within a period of four years preceding the intended date of transfer to the programme. Credit shall normally only be transferred for modules taken which are validated for the programme being entered.

6.3 Re-Admission following Termination of Registration or Exclusion

6.3.1. If the University has terminated a student’s registration and an application for repeat study has been rejected or disallowed or the student has been excluded or expelled in accordance with the Disciplinary Procedures for Students, a student may apply for re-admission. The responsibility for making the decision whether to readmit the student shall be taken by the Programme Leader. The only exception is when a student has served a custodial sentence, in which case, the Academic Registrar shall determine if the student’s application may be passed to the Programme Leader for consideration or whether it shall be rejected outright. The Programme Leader is expected to respect the decision of the University and not readmit a student until at least 24 months has elapsed since their registration was terminated. Where a student’s registration has been terminated on academic grounds and the student wishes to return to the same programme, the programme is expected to provide comprehensive reasons as to why they are re-admitting. Reasons for re-admitting might be that the applicant has been able to show they had kept up with the subject material and/or provided evidence that any circumstances that contributed to the termination of registration have been overcome.

6.3.2. If readmitted, previous credit may be recognised and accredited in accordance with the RPL Policy.

APPENDIX 7 LIST OF AWARD TITLES AND THEIR ABBREVIATIONS

Key

‘x’ is the name of the pathway subject(s)

‘y’ is the Honours classification, e.g. First Class, Upper Second Class, Lower Second Class or Third Class. For further details, see Section F2.3 of these Regulations.

# may be awarded ‘with Merit’ or ‘with Distinction’ according to the criteria listed in section F3.1 and 3.2 of these Regulations.

~ may be awarded ‘with Qualified Teacher Status’ (QTS). For further details, see the Programme Specification for the relevant programme.

7.1 Programme Pathway Titles

Students who complete the necessary credits and meet the requirements stated in the relevant Programme Specification(s) for their subject(s) shall have the subject(s) listed in their award title as follows:

Named Award ‘ in Subject 1 and Subject 2’ Or ‘in Subject 1 with Subject 2’

Single pathway ‘ in Subject 1’