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Assessment Regulations
Policy Statement
The School is committed to maintaining rigorous Assessment Regulations that ensure all undergraduate and postgraduate awards are based on clear outcomes. Our assessments are designed to be valid, fair, and consistent, supported by robust academic integrity and transparency. We provide timely feedback and align teaching and assessments to enhance the student experience. These regulations outline standards for setting, marking, and moderating assessments, addressing academic misconduct, and driving continuous improvement through established KPIs and metrics.
Principles
- Constructive: Assessments are learning opportunities. They should contribute positively to the student development and achievement of learning outcomes
- Effective: Assessments should be designed to be authentic and reflect the module content and learning outcomes.
- Proportionate: To reflect the credit rating of the module and also consistent across different modules. They should not exceed what is required to evaluate the learning outcomes.
- Engaging: Assessment operations should promote engagement with high-quality and timely feedback which promotes learning.
- Fair: Assessment results should be a fair reflection of each student's performance and achievement of the learning outcomes.
- Inclusive: Assessments should be inclusive, offering choice where needed, enabling all students to demonstrate achievement of learning outcomes
- Valid: Marking criteria and regulations should be verifiably constantly implemented, resulting in the consistent maintenance of academic standards.
- Reliable: Assessment operations should be effective, valid, and conducted with due regard for security to limit cheating or other academic misconduct
- Transparent: Assessment rules, expectations, marking criteria, and processes should be accessible, unambiguous, and clearly communicated to students, staff and external examiners.
- Sector-recognised standards: All regulatory requirements must be met, including compliance with subject benchmarks, relevant FHEQ level descriptors and BCS accreditation standards.
- Credible: the School's academic regulations uphold the consistency and quality of assessments;
- Privacy: The content of all work submitted by students for assessment will be used only for the purposes of assessment, enhancement of teaching and learning, and those permitted in the student contract and in accordance with the School's Privacy Notice that outlines how the School uses students’ data.
- Continuous Improvement: Assessments also act as a mechanism to inform enhancements to teaching practices to enhance the overall effectiveness of education provision across the School.
Regulatory Context
This Policy has been developed in line with the applicable laws, regulations, regulatory advice, and sector best practices, including the following:
Procedures for Presentations: Final Project Presentation; Professional Case Presentation; Seminar Presentation
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Assessment Date Students must review the assessment briefs for presentation-based tasks, including role plays and seminar presentations. Any queries should be directed to the module leader. Module leaders will provide details and dates of such assessments early in the semester to aid preparation. This ensures students are well-informed and prepared for presentation-based assessments by receiving necessary details and deadlines in advance. |
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Running of Presentations The module leader will specify whether the presentation is online or in person, along with the date and time. Students must join the presentation at least 10 minutes early. They should be prepared to verify their identity via the AGS or with their ID card and follow all instructions given by the assessor. Students should ask any questions before the assessment begins. The assessor will signal the start of the assessment and notify students when 5 minutes and 2 minutes remain. Students must consult the provided instructions and assessment criteria during their presentation. These rules ensure that students are adequately prepared and comply with the assessment requirements, including timely arrival, identity verification, and adherence to presentation guidelines. |
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Learning Support Plans Module leaders will inform students with learning support plans about their presentation arrangements. This ensures that students with learning support plans are aware of their specific presentation details and can prepare accordingly. |
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Video Recording of Presentations Assessors will record presentations, and the videos will be used for marking and moderation, in accordance with the School's data and retention policies. Recording presentations ensures accurate marking and moderation while adhering to data protection and retention policies. |
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Importance of Attending Presentation: Automatic Assessment Rule Students must attend their presentation on the scheduled date and time. 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. This ensures that students are accountable for their scheduled assessments and that the assessment process is fair and consistent, with allowances for legitimate reasons as per the School's policies. |
Assessment Framework
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Assessment Paper Moderation: Internal and External The module leader must draft summative assessments for undergraduate and postgraduate modules according to academic regulations and submit them for moderation. These assessments should align with the module's learning outcomes, sector-recognised standards, and credit values. Summative assessment drafts are reviewed by an internal moderation panel, coordinated by the Director of Education. This panel, comprising relevant School academic staff, will evaluate the assessments to ensure they:
Module leaders must address feedback from internal moderators and send the revised assessment to the external examiner. The assessment must be approved by the Director of Education before it can be used as a summative assessment. This process ensures that summative assessments are carefully reviewed and meet the required academic standards. Internal and external moderation helps maintain assessment quality and alignment with learning outcomes and sector standards. Approval by the Director of Education guarantees that assessments are formally validated before implementation. |
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Generic Assessment Criteria The School uses Generic Assessment Criteria at Levels 4-7 to determine student classifications based on demonstrated outcomes. These criteria are aligned with SEEC Credit Level Descriptors for Higher Education and Subject Matter Benchmarks, also following OfS sector-recognised standards ('School Descriptors'). Assessment criteria are based on:
All undergraduate and postgraduate module leaders must use these criteria when drafting summative assessments and marking criteria to ensure standards and consistency. These criteria ensure that assessments are consistent and aligned with sector-recognised standards. By using well-defined attributes, the School maintains fairness and clarity in marking, supporting accurate classification and upholding overall academic standards. |
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Assessment Criteria All draft summative assessments for undergraduate and postgraduate modules must include bespoke assessment marking criteria detailing the outcomes required for each classification. These criteria, along with model answers, must also be aligned with the general level-specific Generic Assessment Criteria to ensure consistency and uphold standards. Including detailed marking criteria and model answers ensures clarity for moderators, markers, and external examiners, promoting fairness and consistency in assessments. Aligning with level-specific criteria maintains academic standards across modules and programmes. |
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Meeting with Markers After a summative assessment for undergraduate or postgraduate modules, the module leader must organise a meeting with all markers from the Teaching and Assessment Team to ensure consistent marking and application of assessment criteria. The module leader is responsible for providing the marking team with all necessary materials, including the assessment paper, generic and specific criteria, model answers, and any other relevant instructions. This process ensures that all markers apply the assessment criteria uniformly and maintain consistent standards in marking, contributing to fair and reliable evaluation of student performance. |
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Marking Marking should follow these principles:
These principles ensure that marking is fair, consistent, and based on established standards, contributing to an equitable assessment process and maintaining the integrity of the grading system. |
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More than One Answer If a student answers more questions than required in an exam, and it is unclear which answers they intended to submit, markers must use the first answers provided in sequence. This rule ensures clarity and fairness in marking when multiple answers are given, adhering to the intended submission order and avoiding confusion in the evaluation process. |
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Internal Scrutiny All papers must undergo internal scrutiny. Internal scrutiny ensures that marking is consistent and meets the required academic standards, maintaining fairness and accuracy in the evaluation process. |
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Internal Scrutiny: Double Marking Double marking involves two independent markers assessing a student's work separately, each using the stated assessment criteria to provide their own marks and comments. This process is required only for Final Project Modules at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, or when specified by PRSB regulations. Double marking ensures fairness and consistency by having multiple assessments of the same work. It is specifically mandated for critical assessments such as Final Project Modules or in compliance with PRSB regulations to uphold academic standards. |
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Internal Scrutiny: Moderation Moderation involves another marker reviewing a sample of marking and feedback for appropriateness, consistency, and fairness. This applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate modules except Final Project Modules, which require double marking. A 25% sample of scripts, including all fails and borderline cases within 2 marks of grade boundaries, must be reviewed by an internal moderator. If the moderator approves the marks, they stand. If not, a second moderator will be chosen, and if there is still disagreement, the papers will be remarked by a different marker. The module leader must then review the final marks to decide overall consistency and conformity. Moderation ensures that marking is fair and consistent across all assessments. By involving multiple reviewers, the process helps maintain high academic standards and addresses any discrepancies in grading. |
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External Scrutiny: External Examiners After internal scrutiny and final checks by the module leader, a 25% sample of scripts from all grades, including fails and borderline cases within 2 marks of grade boundaries, along with materials specified in the External Examiner Regulations, must be sent to the external examiner for review. The external examiner will provide their feedback to the module leader. This process ensures an additional level of oversight, maintaining the integrity and consistency of marking by incorporating an external perspective. It helps verify the accuracy and fairness of assessments before finalising grades. |
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Examination Boards After completing all marking, internal, and external scrutiny on undergraduate and postgraduate modules, the module leader must submit the marks to the Module Examination Board (MEB) under the Examination Boards and Academic Appeal Regulations. The MEB reviews and ratifies the marks, determines progression, and the Programme Examination Board (PEB) uses these marks to decide on awards. This process ensures that marks are thoroughly reviewed and ratified before final decisions on progression and awards are made, maintaining the accuracy and fairness of academic assessments. |
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Summative Assessment Feedback Markers for undergraduate and postgraduate modules must provide comments explaining the rationale behind the awarded marks. These comments should assist with internal and external scrutiny and help students understand their marks, especially for progression. Feedback must be given within the body of the work and in a separate section. Students should be informed of when and how they will receive feedback, which should be within 20 working days of the assessment deadline. If this timeline cannot be met, staff must consult the module leader and inform students of the revised date and reason. Additional feedback opportunities, such as module-level feedback and model answers, should be provided, particularly before reassessment for students who have failed. Providing clear and timely feedback helps students understand their performance and how to improve, supports scrutiny processes, and ensures transparency and fairness in the marking system. Adhering to the feedback timeline and offering additional support helps maintain academic standards and aids student progression. |
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Access to Summative Assessments Students on undergraduate and postgraduate modules may request to view their summative assessments, feedback, and model answers, if available. This viewing must be supervised. For students who have failed the assessment, this opportunity should be provided before the reassessment examination. Allowing students to view their assessments and feedback helps them understand their performance and improve their learning. Providing this opportunity before reassessment ensures that students can address their weaknesses effectively. |
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Reasonable Adjustments In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, the School may grant reasonable adjustments for students’ learning and assessments, such as extra exam time, deadline extensions, or marking aids for conditions like dyslexia or dyspraxia. These adjustments must be recorded on the student’s profile in the Automated Governance System (AGS), following data protection rules. Requests should ideally be submitted before the module begins but can be made any time before an assessment. Post-assessment considerations are handled under the extenuating circumstances process. Reasonable adjustments ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to learning and assessment opportunities, maintaining assessment standards while accommodating individual needs. Recording these adjustments ensures compliance with legal requirements and supports consistent application. |
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Professional, Statutory, and Regulatory Body (PSRB) Accreditation If a programme is accredited by a Professional, Statutory, and Regulatory Body (PSRB), the specific conditions for awards will be detailed in the programme’s specifications. This ensures that any additional requirements set by the PSRB are clearly communicated, maintaining transparency and compliance with accreditation standards. |
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Retention of Assessments Assessments will be retained and managed according to the School’s data retention, privacy, and data protection policies. This ensures that the handling of assessments complies with established guidelines for data management and privacy, safeguarding student information and maintaining policy adherence. |
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Making Assessment Information Available for Subsequent Cohorts After summative assessments, assessment papers, briefs, model answers, criteria, and rubrics must be stored and made available online. This practice supports auditing processes and helps new students understand assessment requirements, ensuring transparency and consistency. |
Handling Late Submissions: Research Module Report and Artefact; Analytical Reflection; Solution Design and Analysis Assessments; Peer Evaluation Assessment
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Late Submission: Definition Work submitted after the published deadline will be deemed late, unless an application for extenuating circumstances is approved. Submissions after the deadline are classified as late unless an extenuating circumstances application is validated. |
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Late Submission Penalty
Late penalties maintain fairness and prevent students from gaining an advantage by submitting work after the deadline. |
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Penalty Applied to that Assessment Element Only Late submission penalties apply only to the late assessment element, not to the entire module. This rule ensures that penalties are proportional to the specific assessment affected, allowing other module components to be evaluated fairly without additional penalty. |
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Tasks with Multiple Parts If an assessment task with multiple parts is submitted late, the entire task is considered late if any part is overdue. If each part has a different deadline, only the late part will incur a penalty. This approach ensures fairness by only penalising the late component of a multi-part assessment, rather than the entire task, if different deadlines are set for each part. |
Optimising Assessment Scheduling
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Module Independence Each module in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes must be assessed independently of other modules. Assessing modules independently ensures that each module's learning outcomes and standards are evaluated on their own merits. |
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Assessed in the Same Semester Each module must be assessed within the semester it is delivered, except for Final Project Modules. This ensures timely evaluation and feedback, aligning with the module's delivery schedule. |
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Revision and Assessments in Last 3 Weeks of Semester The final 3 weeks of each 14-week semester will be for revision and summative assessments. This allows students to focus on preparing for and completing their assessments without the distraction of new material. |
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Assessment Schedule Assessment schedules, including exam and coursework submission dates, must be published on the website and AGS. No assessments will be set on Fridays, weekends, or outside operating hours unless approved by the Academic Board. Module leaders must also provide assessment details early in the semester and notify students of any date changes immediately. Publishing assessment schedules on the website and AGS ensures transparency and allows students to plan effectively, while restricting assessment times to weekdays within operating hours maintains fairness and consistency. |
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AGS and Website Dates for all summative assessments will be published on the website and AGS. Students will also receive personalised notifications from AGS. This ensures students are well-informed about their assessment dates. |
Procedures for Open-Book Examination
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Open Book Exams All School examinations are online and open book. This approach ensures exams are authentic, relevant, and aligned with modern work environments, assessing student comprehension and application of module learning outcomes. Students should review the exam criteria in the module handbook and consult their module leader with any questions. |
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Examination Attendance Students must check and confirm their exam dates and consult the module leader with any questions. Registering for a module implies an attempt at its assessments unless written notice of withdrawal is given by the School's published deadline. Non-attendance without approved extenuating circumstances will result in a 0% mark. This ensures students are aware of their exam schedules and the consequences of non-attendance, while providing a clear process for withdrawing from assessments or modules. |
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Automatic Assessment Rule in Exams If a student starts an exam, it is considered an attempt, and the assessment will be marked in line with the School's policies, including those on extenuating circumstances. This ensures that once an exam is begun, it is treated as a completed attempt and assessed according to established policies. |
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Venue To ensure assessment integrity and prevent academic misconduct, the following security measures apply:
These measures are in place to maintain the standard of assessments and to prevent any possibility of academic misconduct by ensuring that assessments are conducted under controlled conditions. |
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Private Venue: Exam Process All exams are time-limited, open-book. Those taken in a private venue, such as the student’s home, during the designated assessment period, must follow these controlled conditions to ensure quality and academic integrity:
These measures ensure that exams are conducted fairly and securely, maintaining academic integrity and quality. By using a controlled environment and robust authentication methods, the School safeguards against academic misconduct and technical issues, while providing clear guidelines for students to follow and ensuring that any problems are addressed promptly. |
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School Venue: Exam Process Where a student does not have access to the conditions of remote examination they may take the exams on School premises instead. If so, they should provide one week's advanced notice for the arrangements to be put in place. Students should bring with them a valid photo ID as proof of identity. This should normally be a student’s electronic School Mobile ID. This photo ID should be produced to the invigilator for verification upon arrival at the examination and then securely stored out of reach for the duration. Students will be admitted to the examination room 10 minutes before the stated commencement time for the examination to complete the pre-exam steps outlined in the AGS After entering the examination room, no student may read or otherwise appraise themself of the work of another student; nor is communication between students in writing, speech or gesture or by electronic devices permitted. The exam will start at the scheduled time. Students will not be allowed into the exam room more than 30 mins after an exam has started. They will not be permitted to take the exam and will be awarded 0%. They will be subject to the extenuating circumstances policy. Any student in breach of these examination room regulations will be reported immediately after the conclusion of the examination period and a hearing will be arranged at the earliest possible opportunity. For serious breaches of the rules, such as proved 'cheating', severe penalties may be applied, including the withholding of an award. Invigilation: All students must complete identity verification using their School mobile identification or other suitable photo ID, such as a valid passport or photo driving licence before starting the examination. Where students do not have photographic proof of identity they should speak to an invigilator before the start of the examination. The student should be asked to remain behind at the end of the examination for their identity to be verified through the Technology Team via the student records system. Invigilators should:
These measures ensure that students who cannot take exams remotely have a secure alternative. The strict procedures for identity verification, exam timing, and incident reporting help maintain exam integrity and fairness. |
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Religious Observance The School will endeavour to accommodate requests for religious observance if exams coincide with religious festivals and holy days, where feasible. This approach ensures that students' religious practices are respected and accommodated consistently while maintaining the integrity of the academic schedule. |
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Religious Observance: Exams Only The policy for religious observance applies only to scheduled exams. Deadlines for assessed coursework will not be extended for religious observance, so students should plan their work accordingly. This ensures that while exams can be rescheduled for religious reasons, coursework deadlines remain fixed, maintaining consistency and fairness in assessment timing. |
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Religious Observance: Formal Request Students must submit a formal written request via the AGS, using the 'Religious observance and examination arrangements' form, to the Director of Education as soon as possible. This process ensures that requests for alternative exam arrangements are handled promptly and efficiently, allowing adequate time for adjustments. |
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Religious Observance: Exam Rearrangements Approval of an alternative exam time will consider exam integrity, feasibility, and the importance of the religious observance. Rescheduled exams must occur within the standard exam period. The Module team will notify the Module Examination Board of any changes. The Director of Education's decision is final. This approach ensures that the integrity of the exam is maintained, the rescheduling is feasible, and religious observances are respected, while keeping all relevant parties informed and adhering to a clear decision-making authority. |
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Religious Observance: Not Extenuating Circumstances The School does not accept religious observance as a valid reason for Extenuating Circumstances. Religious observance is not considered an acceptable reason under the Extenuating Circumstances policy. |
Maintaining Academic Integrity
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Principle The School’s academic regulations, including the Assessment Regulations, Academic Misconduct Regulations, Research Ethics and Governance Code of Practice, and the Free Speech and Academic Freedom Policy, enforce academic integrity as central to its standards. Academic integrity upholds the value of education and the merit of degrees. While the School supports freedom of thought and the use of technologies like generative AI, it ensures that these are used in a manner that maintains the credibility and trust essential to its academic environment. |
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Anonymity Rule The School enforces a blind marking policy for all undergraduate and postgraduate modules, ensuring that staff involved in marking, including for first and second marking and examination boards, do not know the student's name or identity. Exceptions occur when blind marking is impractical, such as in group work or reflective assessments. Students must use only their ID numbers on assessments and not include their names. If anonymity is compromised, assessors must still avoid letting the student’s identity affect their academic judgement. Blind marking maintains impartiality and fairness in assessment by preventing any potential bias related to the student's identity. When anonymity is not feasible, efforts are made to uphold the principles of fairness and impartiality. |
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Identity Student IDs will be verified before in-person assessments, including multiple-choice exams, analytical exams, and presentations. For other submissions, such as essays, artefacts, peer reviews, and final projects, students must sign a declaration affirming that their work is their own before submission. Verifying IDs for in-person assessments ensures that the right student is taking the exam or presentation. The declaration for other types of work confirms authorship and upholds academic integrity. |
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Students must take assessments at same time Students must take the same assessment for a module simultaneously. Exams should be conducted together, presentations given within the same timeframe, and other work submitted at the same time. This is subject to reasonable adjustments and extenuating circumstances. The module leader must ensure the integrity of the assessment is maintained. Scheduling assessments concurrently maintains fairness and consistency, ensuring that all students have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge under the same conditions. |
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Academic Judgement Markers must adhere to the academic regulations, base their marking on academic judgement (which is final), use only the materials provided by the module leader, employ the full range of marks, and ensure fair and consistent marking for all students. Any issues should be reported to the module leader immediately. Following these guidelines ensures that marking is fair, consistent, and in line with academic standards, maintaining the integrity and reliability of the assessment process. |
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Academic Misconduct Students must adhere to correct academic practices, including proper referencing and citation of sources. The School’s Academic Misconduct Regulations apply if these practices are not followed. Students will be trained on avoiding academic misconduct during their modules and should familiarise themselves with the Academic Misconduct Regulations. The following are considered forms of academic misconduct:
Following correct academic practices and citing sources properly is essential for maintaining academic standards and integrity. The School enforces strict regulations to address any form of academic misconduct to ensure fairness and credibility. |
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Same Work Students must not submit the same substantive piece of work for more than one summative assessment. The academic misconduct regulations will apply if this rule is breached. Submitting the same work for multiple assessments undermines the integrity of the assessment process and the value of academic work. The academic misconduct regulations are enforced to maintain fairness and academic standards. |
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Integrity of Marks Once a student has passed a module, they cannot attempt to improve their mark. Allowing improvements to marks after passing a module could undermine the integrity of the assessment process and the standards of achievement. |
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Supporting Students For all undergraduate and postgraduate modules, the School will:
These processes ensure that students receive necessary support, uphold academic integrity, and meet sector-recognised standards throughout their studies. |
Assessment Clarity and Student Communication
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Programme and Module Information The undergraduate and postgraduate programme specification must include details of core and optional modules available, and each module specification must specify the:
This ensures transparency and clarity regarding module details, enabling students to understand the structure and requirements of their programme. |
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Published on the website The Academic Regulations, including assessment regulations, programme and module specifications, assessment briefs, Generic Assessment Criteria, and other relevant information, must be available to students on the School's website and through the AGS. This ensures that all necessary information regarding assessments is easily accessible to students, promoting transparency and helping them understand the requirements and standards expected. |
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Assessment Dates For all undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, the schedule of assessments, including exam and coursework submission dates, will be published on the website and the AGS. Assessments will not be scheduled on Fridays, weekends, or outside operating hours unless the Academic Board approves exceptional circumstances. Module leaders must provide students with assessment details and dates, such as for presentations, as early as possible in the semester and notify them immediately of any changes. Publishing the assessment schedule in advance helps students plan and prepare effectively. Restricting assessment scheduling to standard hours ensures fairness, and prompt notification of changes maintains transparency and allows students to adjust their preparation accordingly. |
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Attendance Requirement If attendance is required for a summative assessment, such as peer reviews, it must be approved during the validation and periodic review of the programme or module and clearly stated in the Module Handbook. Approval and clear documentation ensure that students are informed of any attendance requirements in advance, maintaining transparency and consistency. |
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Assessment Briefs An assessment brief must be provided for all modules and assessments, including the following details:
Providing comprehensive assessment information ensures clarity and supports students in understanding assessment requirements and seeking assistance when needed. |
Application of Assessment Regulations
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Responsibility for Standards and Quality The Academic Board oversees the standards and quality of the School's undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and assessments and enforces the assessment regulations. It has delegated some responsibilities to the Director of Education and Examination Boards, who must report back to the Academic Board. The Director of Education ensures compliance with assessment regulations, provides training for staff, and manages processes related to assessments, including drafting, moderation, marking, scrutiny, and presentation of marks. The Director reports to the Academic Board, which can question them and request actions to uphold programme standards and quality. The roles and responsibilities of the Examination Boards are detailed in the Academic Regulations, including the Examination Boards and Academic Appeal Regulations and Module Results and Award Conferment Regulations. This structure ensures that the School's assessment processes are well-managed, consistent, and in line with the required standards and regulations. It also provides a clear reporting and accountability framework to maintain the quality of academic programmes. |
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Automation and Electronic Management of Assessments The AGS manages various assessment activities, including providing access to programme and module specifications, assessment briefs, schedules, exam administration, work submission, similarity checking (anti-plagiarism), marking, and the recording and management of marks. It also facilitates the transmission of marks to the Examination Boards. The Education and IT Departments will collaborate closely on these tasks. This integration ensures that all aspects of the assessment process are efficiently managed and streamlined, supporting both academic and administrative functions. |
Objectives of Summative Assessments
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Definition
School Awards The School awards the following undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications based on successful attainment of credits and descriptors:
A 'programme' is a structured set of teaching and learning activities with defined outcomes in a subject discipline, approved by the School to lead to a recognised qualification upon meeting the required credits and descriptors. Programmes consist of modules related to the discipline, each defined by a subject matter, credit volume, learning outcomes, and summative assessments. Modules may also determine progression between levels. Key information on programmes and modules, including descriptors, credit values, teaching systems, and assessment briefs, is detailed in their specifications available via the Automated Governance System (AGS). These specifications and the academic regulations define the requirements for the School's awards. This rule ensures clarity and consistency in awarding qualifications by specifying the required credits and levels for each type of qualification. It outlines the structure and purpose of programmes and modules, ensuring that all educational activities meet the necessary standards and contribute to the attainment of recognised qualifications. Access to detailed specifications via the AGS supports transparency and adherence to academic regulations. |
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Summative Assessments and Formative Assessments The School follows the OfS principle that qualifications are awarded based on demonstrated achievement rather than years of study. This is achieved through a credit and descriptor system where students earn credits by completing modular assessments successfully. Summative assessments on undergraduate and postgraduate modules are designed to confirm that students have met the expected learning outcomes, achieved the necessary credits, and are progressing toward their qualification. Formative feedback is integral to the School’s learning and teaching strategy. Throughout modules, students receive formative assessment tasks and comments. Students can discuss their progress with staff and peers in class, during office hours, and online. Formative assessments provide actionable feedback to improve work and support success in summative assessments, enhancing overall understanding. Summative assessments may also provide formative feedback. This rule ensures that qualifications are awarded based on clear evidence of achievement rather than time spent studying. It establishes that summative assessments are key to verifying student learning and progression. The commitment to formative feedback supports continuous improvement and understanding, aligning with the School's educational strategy and enhancing the effectiveness of both formative and summative assessments. |
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Regulatory Principles These assessment regulations ensure that assessments are:
These principles guarantee that assessments are of high quality, accurately measure student learning, and adhere to industry standards. This helps maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the assessment process, ensuring that it meets both internal and external expectations. |
Submission Guidelines for Assessed Work: Research Module Report and Artefact; Analytical Reflection; Solution Design and Analysis Assessments; Peer Evaluation Assessment
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Submission via AGS Only Students are responsible for understanding assessment requirements, including criteria, formats, word counts, submission methods, and deadlines. They should consult their module leader with any questions. All assessments, including individual essays, artefacts, peer reviews, and Final Projects, must be submitted through the Automated Governance System (AGS) by the specified deadline. Submissions via email or other methods are not accepted. If a student cannot submit via the AGS, they must contact the module leader and submit an extenuating circumstances application. The decision will be based on a systems check and the student's communications. In case of a widespread system issue, the School may grant an automatic extension and notify affected students by email. Students should keep a copy of their work. This ensures that all assessments are submitted correctly and on time, maintains the integrity of the submission process, provides a clear procedure for handling submission issues, and ensures students are informed of any changes due to system problems. |
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On-time Submission Students must submit all work for assessment by the published deadline or any granted extension, whether on an ad hoc basis, through reasonable adjustments, or as part of a support plan. This ensures that all assessments are completed on time and accommodates any extensions or adjustments made to support students' needs. |
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Group Work Each member of a group must submit their project individually. This ensures that each student is assessed on their individual contribution to the group work. |
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No Re-Submission Rule No further submissions are allowed once work is formally submitted for assessment. This ensures that the assessment process is fair and final, preventing any alterations after submission. |
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Plagiarism and Integrity Check All work submitted via the AGS will be checked for plagiarism and academic integrity using integrated software. This ensures that all submissions adhere to academic standards and are free from plagiarism. |
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Non-Submission Consequences A student who registers for a module is deemed to have registered for its assessments unless they have formally withdrawn through the system. Failure to submit work by the deadline will be subject to the late submission rules below, unless extenuating circumstances apply. This policy ensures that students are accountable for their assessments unless they officially withdraw or have valid extenuating circumstances. |
Integration of Teaching Systems with Assessments
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Teaching Systems All undergraduate and postgraduate modules are assigned one of the School’s 8 teaching systems. This approach maximises students' academic experience and success by using tailored teaching systems for different module types:
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Assessment Design Summative assessments are assigned to modules based on their teaching systems. This ensures alignment between teaching methods and assessment types, promoting effective evaluation of student learning. The assignments are as follows:
These details, including assessment weightings, are in the module specifications and assessment briefs, available on the website and AGS. |
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Changes to Module Assessments Module teams must follow the New Programme and Module Approval and Modification Regulations to change summative assessments on undergraduate and postgraduate modules. This ensures changes are formally approved and maintain the integrity of the assessment process. |
Assessment Types and Formats
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Definition
1. Research Module: Artefact For the research project, students must submit an artefact that meets the problem statement that they articulate in their final report. You will have a workshop on the module on how to ideate and design practical solutions for problems using an implementation lifecycle and how to succeed with your project. Throughout the programme, in particular, their programme modules, students will regularly receive formative assessment tasks and feedback opportunities to gain actionable feedback (from self, peers and staff) on their own work to indicate how to improve future work and learn how to give constructive feedback to other people. - The artefact should take the form of a practical solution for the problem statement set out in the proposal that covers all or part of the implementation lifecycle. The artefact will need to reflect the learning outcomes, including how complex IT problems were used to develop a structured knowledge base for innovation and optimal solutions, how different IT research designs were evaluated during the project to determine their suitability for complex problem-solving, how IT project lifecycles incorporating iterative development and revision processes were used, especially in the implementation lifecycle, and how professional ethics, legal compliance, Markers will use the School's Generic Assessment Criteria classifications to mark this assessment and give it a final grade. Please refer to this marking criteria available on the website, which sets out how percentages are determined based on the extent to which students met a learning outcome. The final grade for this particular assessment reflects the weightings and marker's academic judgement across all the learning outcomes. |
Definition
2. Research Module: Presentation Students must deliver a presentation on their artefact. The purpose of the presentation is to assess their ability to communicate their research findings, methodologies, and implications effectively to a diverse audience in a concise, professional, and engaging manner. The presentation stems from the research problem statement set out in the project proposal, which require students to come up with a practical solution in the form of an artefact that uses the implementation lifecycle. It is envisaged that the final project will require students to apply the tools and architectures they have learnt in their programme modules to diagnose problems, undertake requirements analyses, and produce an artefact. This presentation will require them to expand on how they strategised and overcame practical, professional, ethical and other issues and constraints they may have come across. Students will have a workshop in the research module on how to make an effective presentation, and their module leader will be able to provide them with further support whilst they work on their project. They will have the opportunity to present their work in their programme modules and receive peer and tutor feedback. Throughout such programme modules, students will also regularly receive formative assessment tasks and feedback opportunities to gain actionable feedback (from self, peers and staff) on their own work to indicate how to improve future work and learn how to give constructive feedback to other people. - Students will have to present for 20 minutes outlining their research process, how they used the implementation lifecycle, and produced their artefact, which will be video recorded and marked based on the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for the research module. Please see module handbook on formatting. Markers will use the School Generic Assessment Criteria classifications to mark this assessment and give it a final grade. Please refer to this marking criteria available on the website, which sets out how percentages are determined based on the extent to which students met a learning outcome. The final grade for this particular assessment reflects the weightings and marker's academic judgement across all the learning outcomes. |
Definition
3. Research Module: Final Report Students will be required to submit a final report. The purpose of the final report is to assess how students conducted independent research, applied critical thinking, and demonstrated a systematic understanding of their subject of study within computer science in producing their artefact. The final report also allows students to showcase their originality in applying knowledge and techniques in producing the artefact, as well as their proficiency in utilising established research methods and tools. It provides an opportunity for students to communicate their research findings, interpretations, and conclusions effectively, both to specialist and non-specialist audiences. Students will have a workshop in the module on how to prepare, structure, and submit a final report, and your module leader will be able to provide you with further support whilst you work on it. You will be shown examples of successful and unsuccessful final reports. You will also have the opportunity to present your work during your programme modules and receive peer and tutor feedback. Throughout the programme, students will regularly receive formative assessment tasks and feedback opportunities to gain actionable feedback (from self, peers and staff) on their own work to indicate how to improve future work and learn how to give constructive feedback to other people. - The final report should be 5,000 words (Level 6) or 10,000 words (Level 7). It should set out the problem, literature in the field, why the artefact was considered an answer, how it was tested by using the various tools and techniques that have been looked at on programme modules, what refinements were made, and how the implementation lifecycle was used. The project should synthesise knowledge and concepts that you learn on the programme modules, and during your own study, and how the learning outcomes and grading criteria have been met. Your module handbook will contain further information on the final report, including format and referencing, how it should be submitted, and applicable parts of the assessment regulations, including on plagiarism. Please see module handbook on formatting. Markers will use the School Generic Assessment Criteria classifications to mark this assessment and give it a final grade. Please refer to this marking criteria available on the website, which sets out how percentages are determined based on the extent to which students met a learning outcome. The final grade for this particular assessment reflects the weightings and marker's academic judgement across all the learning outcomes. |
Definition
4. Open-Book Examination The assessment for this 15-credit module is a comprehensive, open-book examination that combines multiple-choice questions, analytical problem-solving, and essay writing. This hybrid format is designed to assess a broad range of skills, including knowledge and understanding, critical thinking, analytical skills, professional and transferrable skills, and technical writing abilities. The assessment will be conducted under the School’s remote invigilation conditions to maintain quality and academic integrity. Throughout the module, students will engage in various formative activities, such as quizzes, mock exams, and workshops, to prepare for the exam and receive feedback from peers, staff, and self-assessment opportunities.
The assessment will take place during the scheduled examination period under remote invigilation conditions. An annual schedule of assessment activities, including the exact timing of this assessment, will be provided at the start of the module. All answers must be submitted through the designated online platform within the time limits set for each section. Please refer to the Academic Regulations for rules related to assessments, including integrity and plagiarism.
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Definition
5. Professional Case Presentation and Analytical Reflection This assessment, titled "Professional Case Presentation and Analytical Reflection," is a single-session exercise designed to test both presentation and analytical skills. Students will analyse a professional scenario and present their findings and solutions in a structured presentation, followed by a written reflective analysis that will be due in within 24 hours of the presentation. This format evaluates key competencies such as communication, decision-making, and critical thinking skills.
Part 1: Presentation Preparation and Delivery (1 hour)
Part 2: Reflective Analytical Response (Due Within 24 Hours of Presentation)
The assessment will take place in a designated room with a clear schedule communicated to all students beforehand. Students will submit their written reflective analysis via the AGS within 25-hours. Detailed guidelines on the assessment process, including time management, presentation tips, and reflective writing techniques, will be provided in the module handbook and on the AGS. Students are encouraged to consult the Academic Regulations to ensure compliance with all assessment rules.
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Definition
6. Seminar Presentation and Peer Evaluation Assessment The "Seminar Presentation and Evaluation Assessment" integrates seminar presentations in each seminar with a peer evaluation component to assess students' communication, research, and analytical skills. Students will designated and deliver a presentation in a seminar on a designated seminar topic, demonstrating their ability to interpret and communicate complex ideas to a diverse audience. Following the presentation, other students will participate in a structured evaluation process, critically reviewing the presentations of their peers. Students will be assessed on a portfolio of their assessment and their peer evaluations. This assessment aims to enhance both the ability to present effectively and to provide constructive feedback, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter and promoting professional communication skills.
Part 1: Seminar Presentation (20 minutes per student)
Part 2: Peer Evaluation
Students will present on their allocated topic and date as provided by the tutor. Completed peer evaluation forms and written feedback must be submitted at the end of the seminar session on the AGS. Please refer to the Academic Regulations for important rules related to assessments and submissions.
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Definition
7. Solution Design and Analysis Assessment The "Integrated Solution Design and Analysis Assessment" combines practical design and analytical skills into a single, cohesive assessment. Students are required to design a solution to a complex problem within a simulated domain and then critically analyse their design through a comprehensive written report. This assessment evaluates both the practical application of technical concepts and the ability to critically assess and articulate the effectiveness of the proposed solution. The assessment will be conducted in one session, ensuring that students can showcase their technical and analytical skills effectively.
Part 1: Solution Design (2 hours)
Part 2: Analytical Report (1 hour)
The solution design and analytical report must be submitted at the end of the 3-hour session. Detailed instructions and submission deadlines will be provided in the module handbook. Please refer to the Academic Regulations for rules related to assessments and submissions.
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Definition
8. Technical Analysis and Solution Assessment This assessment requires students to develop a solution to a complex problem within a simulated domain, followed by a detailed analysis and reflection on their design and its theoretical underpinnings. The aim is to assess students' abilities to design practical solutions, critically analyse their work, and articulate their understanding of the technical and theoretical aspects of the module.
Part 1: Solution Design Artefact (2.5 hours)
Part 2: Analytical Report (1.5 hours)
Both the artefact and the analytical report must be submitted at the end of the 4-hour session. Detailed submission instructions and deadlines will be provided in the module handbook. Please refer to the Academic Regulations for rules regarding assessment submission and integrity.
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Temporary Suspension of Assessment Rules
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Rule
Suspension of Assessment Regulations In cases of force majeure that severely disrupt the normal operation of these regulations, the Academic Board may suspend all or part of them if it is in the students' best interest and as a last resort. This allows the Academic Board to adapt regulations during exceptional circumstances to protect students and maintain fairness. |
Rule
Suspension of Regulations Notice (SRN) When the Academic Board decides to suspend regulations, the Chair must publish a Suspension of Regulations Notice (SRN) to all staff and students via email. The SRN should detail the suspension's start and end dates, the relevant department or regulatory area (e.g., admissions, progression, assessment, Examination Boards), and any other pertinent information about temporary operational requirements. This ensures all stakeholders are informed of the suspension's specifics and can adjust accordingly. |
Rule
Suspension Extension The Director of Education must present a report on the suspension at the next scheduled Academic Board meeting to seek approval for any extension of the suspension's period or scope. This allows the Academic Board to review and approve any necessary adjustments to the suspension, ensuring ongoing oversight and proper management. |
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.
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Assessment Feedback Timeliness
Measure the percentage of assessment feedback delivered within the School's specified timeframe. Track the percentage of assessments returned on time versus those delayed, aiming for 90% of feedback to be provided within the timeframe. Timely feedback is crucial for student learning and improvement. This KPI ensures that students receive constructive comments promptly, enhancing their performance and educational experience. |
Average Pass Mark
Monitor the average pass mark across all modules, targeting an average pass mark of 55% or above (postgraduate) and 45% or above (undergraduate) . Calculate and review this average at the end of each academic term. Tracking the average pass mark ensures that the assessment standards are consistent and that students are meeting the expected learning outcomes. This KPI helps to maintain academic rigour and identifies trends in student performance. |
External Examiner Feedback
Measure the percentage of positive feedback received from external examiners regarding the assessment process and standards, aiming for at least 90% positive feedback. Collect and review feedback annually. External examiners provide an objective assessment of the assessment process and standards. Positive feedback from them helps validate the quality and integrity of the School's assessment practices, ensuring they meet external standards. |
Re-sit and Re-submission Rates
Measure the percentage of students who require re-sits or re-submissions for assessments, with a target of less than 20% across all modules. This KPI indicates the proportion of students who did not pass assessments on their first attempt, helping to identify potential issues in the assessment design or teaching methods. Lower rates suggest effective assessments and support systems, while higher rates may signal areas needing improvement. |
Student Satisfaction with Assessment Process
Measure student satisfaction with the assessment process through surveys, aiming for an average satisfaction score of 4.0 or higher. Conduct surveys at the end of each academic term. Student satisfaction reflects how well the assessment process meets their expectations and contributes to their learning experience. This KPI helps in identifying areas for improvement and ensuring a positive educational environment. |