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Exclusion Regulations

Policy Statement

The School is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and academically rigorous environment. Our Exclusion Regulations ensure that all students meet high standards of behaviour and academic performance. Exclusion may occur if a student breaches the code of conduct, engages in academic dishonesty, or endangers others. The process is transparent and fair, reflecting our dedication to integrity and student well-being.

Principles

Fairness: Addressing all cases with impartiality and a commitment to just outcomes.
Consistency: Ensuring that the exclusion process is applied consistently across all instances.
Transparency: Maintaining clear communication about the regulations and exclusion procedures.
Due Process: Upholding the rights to a fair hearing and representation for all students facing exclusion.
Proportionality: Matching the severity of the exclusion to the nature of the offence committed.
Support: Providing access to appropriate support services during the exclusion process.
Rehabilitation: Encouraging the correction of behaviours and, where possible, facilitating a pathway for return.
Dignity: Treating all students with respect, preserving their dignity throughout the exclusion process.
Equality: Applying the regulations equitably, without discrimination.
Appeal: Affording the right to appeal an exclusion decision following prescribed procedures.
Safety: Prioritising the safety and well-being of the School community in all exclusion-related decisions.
Accountability: Holding students accountable while also ensuring that the School's processes remain accountable to regulatory standards.

Regulatory Context

This Policy has been developed in line with the applicable laws, regulations, regulatory advice, and sector best practices, including the following:

Authority	Name	Url
Office for Students (OfS)	Regulatory Notices and Advice Regulatory notices are additional information about OfS' regulatory requirements and are part of the regulatory framework. Regulatory advice helps providers understand and meet OfS requirements.
Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)	Code of Practice for Higher Education Guidance for higher education providers on their obligations under equality law.
Quality Assurance Agency (QAA)	Advice - Academic Misconduct Guidance on handling academic misconduct for higher education providers.
Quality Assurance Agency (QAA)	Advice - Enabling Student Achievement
Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA)	The Good Practice Framework Principles and operational guidance to support HE providers to develop and follow fair processes for complaints and appeals.

Authority

Name

Url

Office for Students (OfS)

Regulatory Notices and Advice
Regulatory notices are additional information about OfS' regulatory requirements and are part of the regulatory framework. Regulatory advice helps providers understand and meet OfS requirements.

Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)

Code of Practice for Higher Education
Guidance for higher education providers on their obligations under equality law.

Quality Assurance Agency (QAA)

Advice - Academic Misconduct
Guidance on handling academic misconduct for higher education providers.

Quality Assurance Agency (QAA)

Advice - Enabling Student Achievement

Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA)

The Good Practice Framework
Principles and operational guidance to support HE providers to develop and follow fair processes for complaints and appeals.

Consequences of Failing Modules

Title
Rule Automatic Assessment Rule A student who registers for a module is deemed to have registered for its assessments unless they have formally withdrawn through the system. Missing an assessment will result in a mark of 0%, except in cases of intermission or extenuating circumstances. Starting an assessment, such as an exam or presentation, will be considered as having completed it, and the School's policies, including those on extenuating circumstances, will apply. Submitting a coursework late and the effect of extenuating circumstances is dealt with by the Assessment Regulations. This ensures that students are held accountable for their assessments unless they officially withdraw or have valid reasons like intermission or extenuating circumstances. It maintains fairness by treating the start of an assessment as a commitment to complete it, thus applying the School's policies consistently.
Rule Module Pass and Reassessment Rule: Passing a module on the first attempt requires meeting the pass criteria outlined in the Module, Progression, and Award Regulations. If a student does not pass, they may be referred or deferred for the summative assessment or required to retake the module, subject to the final decision of the Module Examination Board (MEB). This process ensures that students meet the necessary academic standards while providing fair opportunities for reassessment or module retake where appropriate.
Rule Capping and Assessment Attempts A student is allowed a maximum of three attempts at a summative assessment: the original attempt plus two further attempts. Capping rules and the number of attempts are governed by the Module, Progression, and Award Regulations. These limits ensure that students have adequate opportunities to succeed while maintaining the integrity of the assessment process and academic standards.
Rule Final Project Module Reassessment If an undergraduate or postgraduate student fails any summative assessment in their Final Project module, they are allowed one further attempt. Depending on the circumstances, this attempt may involve either a referral or a full module retake. For a referral, the student has three months to resubmit and is entitled to two additional supervision meetings. This policy provides a fair chance for students to succeed in their Final Project while maintaining academic rigour and support during reassessment.
Rule Exclusion from Final Award A student may be excluded from receiving a final award by the Programme Examination Board if: They do not obtain the required credits within the Maximum Registration Period (MRP), unless an extension is granted. They fail more than half the credits for their level. They do not pass a core, pre-, or co-requisite module after the maximum attempts. The student will not be allowed to retake the programme at the School but may be considered for an exit award. These rules ensure that students meet the necessary academic standards and that final awards reflect genuine achievement, maintaining the integrity of the programme.

Title

Rule
Automatic Assessment Rule

A student who registers for a module is deemed to have registered for its assessments unless they have formally withdrawn through the system. Missing an assessment will result in a mark of 0%, except in cases of intermission or extenuating circumstances. Starting an assessment, such as an exam or presentation, will be considered as having completed it, and the School's policies, including those on extenuating circumstances, will apply. Submitting a coursework late and the effect of extenuating circumstances is dealt with by the Assessment Regulations.

This ensures that students are held accountable for their assessments unless they officially withdraw or have valid reasons like intermission or extenuating circumstances. It maintains fairness by treating the start of an assessment as a commitment to complete it, thus applying the School's policies consistently.

Rule
Module Pass and Reassessment Rule:

Passing a module on the first attempt requires meeting the pass criteria outlined in the Module, Progression, and Award Regulations. If a student does not pass, they may be referred or deferred for the summative assessment or required to retake the module, subject to the final decision of the Module Examination Board (MEB).

This process ensures that students meet the necessary academic standards while providing fair opportunities for reassessment or module retake where appropriate.

Rule
Capping and Assessment Attempts

A student is allowed a maximum of three attempts at a summative assessment: the original attempt plus two further attempts. Capping rules and the number of attempts are governed by the Module, Progression, and Award Regulations.

These limits ensure that students have adequate opportunities to succeed while maintaining the integrity of the assessment process and academic standards.

Rule
Final Project Module Reassessment

If an undergraduate or postgraduate student fails any summative assessment in their Final Project module, they are allowed one further attempt. Depending on the circumstances, this attempt may involve either a referral or a full module retake. For a referral, the student has three months to resubmit and is entitled to two additional supervision meetings.

This policy provides a fair chance for students to succeed in their Final Project while maintaining academic rigour and support during reassessment.

Rule
Exclusion from Final Award

A student may be excluded from receiving a final award by the Programme Examination Board if:

They do not obtain the required credits within the Maximum Registration Period (MRP), unless an extension is granted.
They fail more than half the credits for their level.
They do not pass a core, pre-, or co-requisite module after the maximum attempts.

The student will not be allowed to retake the programme at the School but may be considered for an exit award.

These rules ensure that students meet the necessary academic standards and that final awards reflect genuine achievement, maintaining the integrity of the programme.

Framework for Exclusion Procedures

Title
Advice Exclusion from Programme Registered undergraduate and postgraduate students may be excluded from a programme for any of the following reasons: Irredeemable Failures: Failing more than half the required credits for a level or year, without extenuating circumstances. Exceeded Assessment Attempts: Reaching the maximum number of assessment attempts and credits. Exceeded Maximum Registration Period (MRP): Failing to obtain required credits within the MRP, unless an MRP extension applies per the Student Admission and Registration Regulations. Presumed Withdrawal: Failing to engage or attend for more than four weeks without contacting the School. Academic Misconduct: Found guilty of major academic misconduct by an Academic Misconduct Panel. Fitness to Study: As determined by the Fitness to Study Policy. Breach of Contract: Breaching the contract with the School, such as non-payment of fees under the Tuition Fees, Additional Charges, and Deposits Policy and Schedule, disciplinary matters These rules ensure that students maintain academic progress, adhere to ethical standards, and fulfil their contractual obligations, thereby upholding the integrity and quality of the educational environment.
Advice Exclusion Decision Process and Appeals The Programme Examination Board (PEB) generally handles exclusion decisions, except for breach of contract, fitness to study, or presumed withdrawal, which are managed by the Exclusion Panel under the Executive Committee (EC). The Exclusion Panel, convened by the EC as needed, includes: A director from the EC A member of the Student Wellbeing Team A programme leader with no connection to the case The Student Wellbeing Team member will minute meetings, which may be in person, hybrid, or virtual. The Panel aims for consensus, but if a vote is needed, the majority rules. In the event of a tie, the Chair has a casting vote. Deciding bodies must: Ensure compliance with regulations and policies, including informing the student and allowing them to make representations. Consider continuation options under School regulations and recommendations from bodies like the Academic Misconduct Panel. Refer the case to the PEB to assess eligibility for an exit award if exclusion is decided. Record full notes and reasons for exclusion in the Automated Governance System (AGS) on the student’s profile. Upon exclusion, the student will receive formal notification via their registered email and term-time address and will lose access to School services, resources, and facilities. Refunds will follow the School’s Refunds and Compensation Policy, and the School will recover any outstanding debts. Relevant immigration authorities will be notified as needed. The student may request a review under the School’s complaint procedures. Appeal processes are outlined in related regulations and policies. Students can also use the Student Complaints and Academic Appeals Policy and will be informed of relevant external processes, such as the Office of the Independent Adjudicator. These procedures ensure that exclusion decisions are fair, consistent, and thoroughly considered, providing transparency and opportunities for review. This upholds the integrity of the School’s academic and behavioural standards.

Title

Advice
Exclusion from Programme

Registered undergraduate and postgraduate students may be excluded from a programme for any of the following reasons:

Irredeemable Failures: Failing more than half the required credits for a level or year, without extenuating circumstances.
Exceeded Assessment Attempts: Reaching the maximum number of assessment attempts and credits.
Exceeded Maximum Registration Period (MRP): Failing to obtain required credits within the MRP, unless an MRP extension applies per the Student Admission and Registration Regulations.
Presumed Withdrawal: Failing to engage or attend for more than four weeks without contacting the School.
Academic Misconduct: Found guilty of major academic misconduct by an Academic Misconduct Panel.
Fitness to Study: As determined by the Fitness to Study Policy.
Breach of Contract: Breaching the contract with the School, such as non-payment of fees under the Tuition Fees, Additional Charges, and Deposits Policy and Schedule, disciplinary matters

These rules ensure that students maintain academic progress, adhere to ethical standards, and fulfil their contractual obligations, thereby upholding the integrity and quality of the educational environment.

Advice
Exclusion Decision Process and Appeals

The Programme Examination Board (PEB) generally handles exclusion decisions, except for breach of contract, fitness to study, or presumed withdrawal, which are managed by the Exclusion Panel under the Executive Committee (EC). The Exclusion Panel, convened by the EC as needed, includes:

A director from the EC
A member of the Student Wellbeing Team
A programme leader with no connection to the case

The Student Wellbeing Team member will minute meetings, which may be in person, hybrid, or virtual. The Panel aims for consensus, but if a vote is needed, the majority rules. In the event of a tie, the Chair has a casting vote.

Deciding bodies must:

Ensure compliance with regulations and policies, including informing the student and allowing them to make representations.
Consider continuation options under School regulations and recommendations from bodies like the Academic Misconduct Panel.
Refer the case to the PEB to assess eligibility for an exit award if exclusion is decided.
Record full notes and reasons for exclusion in the Automated Governance System (AGS) on the student’s profile.

Upon exclusion, the student will receive formal notification via their registered email and term-time address and will lose access to School services, resources, and facilities. Refunds will follow the School’s Refunds and Compensation Policy, and the School will recover any outstanding debts. Relevant immigration authorities will be notified as needed. The student may request a review under the School’s complaint procedures.

Appeal processes are outlined in related regulations and policies. Students can also use the Student Complaints and Academic Appeals Policy and will be informed of relevant external processes, such as the Office of the Independent Adjudicator.

These procedures ensure that exclusion decisions are fair, consistent, and thoroughly considered, providing transparency and opportunities for review. This upholds the integrity of the School’s academic and behavioural standards.

Regulations Concerning Maximum Registration Duration

Title

Rule
Length of MRP: Based on Modes of Study

The maximum registration period (MRP), based on the final awards of the programmes and modes of study, are:

Award	Full-Time Blended Learning (Years)		Part-Time Blended Learning (Years)		Accelerated Blended Learning (years)		Flexible Online Learning (Years)
	Min	Max	Min	Max	Min	Max	Min	Max
Taught masters’ degrees e.g. MSc	1	5	2	10	X	X	1	5
Postgraduate diplomas	1	3	2	6	X	X	1	3
Postgraduate certificates	1	3	2	6	X	X	1	3
Bachelors’ degrees with honours e.g. BSc Hons	3	6	6	12	2	4	3	6
Bachelors’ degrees	3	6	6	12	2	4	3	6
Graduate diplomas	1	3	2	6	X	X	1	3
Graduate certificates	1	3	2	6	X	X	1	3
Diplomas of Higher Education (DipHE)	2	4	4	8	X	X	2	4
Certificates of Higher Education (CertHE)	1	3	2	6	X	X	1	3

This is subject to Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies (PSRB) and other applicable external requirements.

Rule
Completion within Maximum Registration Period

A student must complete their programme within the maximum registration period (MRP) specified by the regulations. Failure to do so will result in exclusion, unless an extension is granted. Please refer to the Student Admission and Registration Regulations for details on extensions.

Ensuring completion within the MRP maintains the integrity and structure of the programme. Extensions provide flexibility for exceptional cases, supporting students who need additional time.

Other Related Policies and Regulations on Exclusion

Title
Advice Relevant Regulations and Policies on Exclusion Please refer to the following regulations and policies related to exclusion: Irredeemable Failures, Exceeded Assessment Attempts: Module, Progression, and Award Regulations Exceeded Maximum Registration Period (MRP): Student Admission and Registration Regulations Presumed Withdrawal: Engagement with Studies Policy Academic Misconduct: Academic Misconduct Regulations Fitness to Study: Fitness to Study Policy Breach of Contract (e.g., non-payment of fees): Student Contract; Tuition Fees, Additional Charges, and Deposits Policy and Schedule Disciplinary Matters: Student Disciplinary Policy These documents also outline procedures relevant to exclusion and provide information on appeal rights, ensuring a clear understanding of the grounds and processes involved.

Title

Advice
Relevant Regulations and Policies on Exclusion

Please refer to the following regulations and policies related to exclusion:

Irredeemable Failures, Exceeded Assessment Attempts: Module, Progression, and Award Regulations
Exceeded Maximum Registration Period (MRP): Student Admission and Registration Regulations
Presumed Withdrawal: Engagement with Studies Policy
Academic Misconduct: Academic Misconduct Regulations
Fitness to Study: Fitness to Study Policy
Breach of Contract (e.g., non-payment of fees): Student Contract; Tuition Fees, Additional Charges, and Deposits Policy and Schedule
Disciplinary Matters: Student Disciplinary Policy

These documents also outline procedures relevant to exclusion and provide information on appeal rights, ensuring a clear understanding of the grounds and processes involved.

Automatic Withdrawal Procedures After Four Weeks

Title
Rule Student Engagement and Assumed Withdrawal The School monitors student engagement through its systems. If a student fails to engage for four consecutive weeks without contact, the School will assume they have withdrawn and begin exclusion proceedings: The School will notify the student, giving them two weeks to respond. If the student contacts the School within this period, exclusion will be rescinded, and support offered per the Student Resources, Support, and Wellbeing Policy. If no contact is made, the Exclusion Panel under the Executive Committee will process exclusion. The Executive Committee can reverse the Exclusion Panel's decision in reasonable circumstances. Relevant policies, including on visa sponsorship and refunds, will apply. This policy ensures that students remain engaged in their studies and provides a clear, fair process for addressing non-engagement, while allowing flexibility in genuine cases.

Title

Rule
Student Engagement and Assumed Withdrawal

The School monitors student engagement through its systems. If a student fails to engage for four consecutive weeks without contact, the School will assume they have withdrawn and begin exclusion proceedings:

The School will notify the student, giving them two weeks to respond.
If the student contacts the School within this period, exclusion will be rescinded, and support offered per the Student Resources, Support, and Wellbeing Policy.
If no contact is made, the Exclusion Panel under the Executive Committee will process exclusion.

The Executive Committee can reverse the Exclusion Panel's decision in reasonable circumstances. Relevant policies, including on visa sponsorship and refunds, will apply.

This policy ensures that students remain engaged in their studies and provides a clear, fair process for addressing non-engagement, while allowing flexibility in genuine cases.

Metrics and KPIs

The following metrics will be measured and regularly reviewed as key performance indicators for the School to ensure the effectiveness of this policy and associated operations.

Title
Exclusion Rate by Category Track the percentage of exclusions occurring under each category (e.g., code of conduct breaches, academic dishonesty, endangerment). Helps identify which issues are most prevalent and may require targeted interventions or policy adjustments.
Number of Exclusion Cases Track the total number of students excluded annually due to breaches of conduct, academic dishonesty, or endangering others. This KPI measures the frequency of exclusions, indicating the effectiveness of the current behavioural and academic standards. A rising trend may highlight areas needing improvement.
Percentage of Cases Reviewed within 20 Working Days Measure the percentage of exclusion cases reviewed and processed within 20 working days of the initial breach report. Ensures timely processing of cases, maintaining fairness and transparency in the exclusion process, and reducing unnecessary delays.
Percentage of Students Receiving Pre-Exclusion Warnings Measure the percentage of students who receive formal warnings before an exclusion decision is made. Ensures that students are given fair warning and an opportunity to improve their behaviour or performance before exclusion, supporting procedural fairness.
Rate of Successful Appeals Track the percentage of exclusion decisions overturned on appeal. Measures the accuracy and fairness of initial exclusion decisions, ensuring that the process is both fair and just.

Title

Exclusion Rate by Category
Track the percentage of exclusions occurring under each category (e.g., code of conduct breaches, academic dishonesty, endangerment).
Helps identify which issues are most prevalent and may require targeted interventions or policy adjustments.

Number of Exclusion Cases
Track the total number of students excluded annually due to breaches of conduct, academic dishonesty, or endangering others.
This KPI measures the frequency of exclusions, indicating the effectiveness of the current behavioural and academic standards. A rising trend may highlight areas needing improvement.

Percentage of Cases Reviewed within 20 Working Days
Measure the percentage of exclusion cases reviewed and processed within 20 working days of the initial breach report.
Ensures timely processing of cases, maintaining fairness and transparency in the exclusion process, and reducing unnecessary delays.

Percentage of Students Receiving Pre-Exclusion Warnings
Measure the percentage of students who receive formal warnings before an exclusion decision is made.
Ensures that students are given fair warning and an opportunity to improve their behaviour or performance before exclusion, supporting procedural fairness.

Rate of Successful Appeals
Track the percentage of exclusion decisions overturned on appeal.
Measures the accuracy and fairness of initial exclusion decisions, ensuring that the process is both fair and just.