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SR3 (2013 onwards)

This Regulation will be effective from 1 September 2013. Until that time, SR3 (2006 to 2012) will apply.

Awards of the University

1. These Regulations apply to awards leading to one of the following postgraduate qualifications of the University:

Masters Degrees:
MA
MBA
MSc
MRes
LLM
MMus
MTech

Other postgraduate qualifications:
PGDip
PGCert

Other associated undergraduate qualifications:
GradCert
GradDip

2. An award is a combination of a qualification with a title associated with an approved programme of study and assessment. A 'qualification’ is a generic title assigned to an award, defining its level and volume of assessment. A programme of study and assessment (or 'programme') is a combination of study (teaching and learning), and assessment associated with an award. Postgraduate taught awards of the University and their associated programmes of study and assessment, including the programme learning outcomes, are approved by Senate in accordance with its procedures for programme approval.

3. As set out in this Regulation, students shall be admitted to, and registered for, a programme of study and assessment leading to a named award approved by Senate. A student who, in accordance with this Regulation, successfully completes an approved programme of study and assessment will be eligible to receive the relevant award.

4. The authorised member of staff may permit applicants to enrol as an associate student for individual specified assessment block/s which are offered under these regulations, and the associated study block/s. Certificated learning achieved as an associate student may be recognised for the purposes of exemption from the requirements of specified assessment blocks and/or requirements relating to the teaching and learning associated with the programme, in accordance with the policies on ‘Accreditation of prior learning’ set out below in this Regulation. An associate student may not be recommended for any award until he or she has been admitted to a programme of study and assessment in accordance with the policies on ‘Accreditation of prior learning’. To contribute towards the requirements for an award under this Regulation, achievement gained through associate study must conform to the same normal requirements as achievement gained while registered for a programme of study and assessment leading to an award, including with regard to number of attempts permitted at assessment and reassessment.

5. Students will not normally be permitted to register at the same time for more than one programme of study and assessment leading to an award offered under this Regulation.

6. A normal period of study will be approved for each mode of study for each programme of study and assessment.

Assessment blocks and credits

7. An assessment block is a discrete assessment, or discrete group of assessment elements, to which a credit-rating and Level have been assigned. The volume of assessment and achievement associated with each award will be defined in terms of assessment blocks. Each assessment block will be assigned a Level and credit volume. The Level of an assessment block is an indication of its relative challenge to the student, which is expressed in the learning outcomes, and which may take into account some or all of the following factors: the intellectual complexity of the material; the degree of specialism of the content; the volume of material covered; and the professional skills and/or expertise required (if any). The number of credits assigned to a defined assessment block may not vary from programme to programme. An assessment block may comprise one or more individual elements of assessment. A summary of the requirements and arrangements for each assessment block shall be set out in an outline approved by the School Board or its equivalent. An assessment block may be associated with one or more ‘study blocks’ (defined as a discrete block of learning, teaching and resource, to which a learning volume and Level have been assigned). An assessment block and study block which form a discrete unit are normally referred as a ‘modular block’ (or ‘module’). In this Regulation, the provisions rules relating to an ‘assessment block’ shall therefore apply equally to that part of any ‘modular block’ (‘module’) which relates to the formal assessment of the student. The volume of assessment, study and modular blocks shall normally be defined in multiples of 5 credits.

8. Each element of assessment will either be assessed using marks or grades or will be assessed on a pass/fail basis. In the case of an assessment block consisting of two or more elements assessed using marks or grades, each element of assessment will be assigned an individual weighting within the assessment block, which will be expressed by a percentage. An element of assessment assessed on a pass/fail basis shall have no weighting. Each assessment block must include at least one element assessed using marks or grades.

9. Each element of assessment may take the form of a written or viva voce examination, coursework, or another form or combination of forms as set out in the relevant outline approved by the School Board. The form and schedule of assessment shall be notified to the student at the start of the academic year by the School providing the associated assessment block.

10. The teaching and learning associated with an assessment block will normally span two terms, but may, if approved by Senate, in exceptional circumstances be of one term’s duration.

11. The volumes of credits of the assessment blocks associated with an award shall normally conform to the Levels and volumes of credits set out below:

Graduate Certificate	At least 60 credits at Bachelors Level (FHEQ Level 6)
Graduate Diploma	At least 120 credits at Bachelors Level (FHEQ Level 6)
PGCert	60 credits at Masters Level (FHEQ Level 7)
PGDip	120 credits at Masters Level (FHEQ Level 7)
Masters Degree	At least 180 credits at Masters Level, and shall include a dissertation assessment block comprising at least 60 credits at Masters Level (FHEQ Level 7)

12. Where approved by Senate, programmes may include an integrated programme element at Brunel Level 4. Brunel Level 4 credit is defined as postgraduate in time but not at Masters level. Where a student undertakes a Brunel Level 4 programme element, the student must meet the requirements for successful completion of the Brunel Level 4 programme element, as set out in the programme specification, in order to progress to the Masters level parts of the programme. However, Brunel Level 4 credit shall not be included in any profile or calculation used to determine the eligibility for any award available under these Regulations or the eligibility of any other award offered by the University.

13. Senate may approve variations to the volume of credit and requirements for award of qualifications under this regulation. All such variations shall be set out in the relevant programme specification.

Programmes and programme specifications

14. There shall be an approved programme specification, which will set out a summary of information for each approved programme of study and assessment leading to an award of the University. Each new programme specification shall be subject to the approval of Senate. Major changes to the programme specification shall be subject to the approval of Senate. Minor changes shall be subject to approval by the relevant School Board (or School Boards in the case of cross-School collaborative programmes). Detailed guidance on the procedures for the approval and modification of programmes shall be published by Learning and Teaching Committee.

15. The programme specification shall, in addition to the award to which the programme leads, specify any intermediate awards which may be available to students for successful completion of part of the specified programme. It shall also define which assessment blocks are optional and which are compulsory for the associated award(s). A compulsory assessment block is one which all students registered for the relevant programme are required to attempt. A compulsory assessment block must be attempted as part of a programme of study and assessment leading to a specified award. An optional assessment block is one which students may select and attempt as part of the assessment for the award. The programme specification shall set out the credit volume of any Brunel Level 4 programme elements (a discrete set of assessment, study and modular blocks) which may form part of the programme, the requirements for the successful completion of any Level 4 programme element and progression from it to the Masters level parts of the programme, and entitlements to reassessment associated with each Level 4 programme element.

16. The programme specification may specify a sequence of study and assessment blocks for the programme for each mode of study normally offered.

17. For the purposes of determining the outcomes of assessment, the programme specification shall also specify which assessments are core assessments and which are non-core for the associated award(s) of the University.

18. The appropriate programme specification will be made available to each student at initial registration and students must be given due notice if it is changed during their period of registration.

Admission, accreditation of prior learning, registration and enrolment of students

General Considerations

19. Additional guidance on the admission, accreditation of prior learning and enrolment of students will be published by Learning and Teaching Committee.

20. A programme of study and assessment (hereafter referred to as a ‘programme’) may have more than one approved normal point of admission (for example to a Brunel Level 4 programme element, or to the Masters level parts of a programme). Senate shall prescribe the minimum qualifications normally required for admission to each programme, or the minimum qualifications normally required at each normal point of admission in the case of a programme with more than one normal point of admission. The University may admit to a programme those applicants who meet the prescribed entry requirements for the programme at the relevant point of admission and who are recommended for admission by the authorised member of staff.

21. A formal offer of a place on a programme, with or without conditions, may only be made with the approval of the Head of Registry of the University to applicants who have satisfied the authorised member of staff that they should be permitted to register for a programme. Such offers will not normally be made after the second week of any academic year for admission in that year.

22. Applicants shall normally be admitted to follow a programme by one of the modes of study specified in the programme specification.

23. Each student registering for a programme shall be assigned a home School and a personal tutor.

24. Following initial registration, each student shall be required to enrol annually, normally at the start of the academic session, until such time as an award is made or until the student withdraws from the programme. Unless taking an agreed period of abeyance students shall be required to enrol for assessment blocks to be taken during the session.

Accreditation of prior learning

25. Senate may recognise certificated or experiential learning (whether undertaken at the University or elsewhere, including prior associate study with the University) for the purposes of exemption from the requirements of specified assessment blocks and/or requirements relating to the teaching and learning associated with the programme. For exemption, the prior learning must represent the applicant’s current knowledge and abilities and will not normally be more than 5 years old.

26. An application for the accreditation of prior learning may be submitted using evidence of a previous period of registration with the University, but former students of the University are not normally eligible for readmission with accreditation of prior learning to any programme from which they have been previously withdrawn due to academic failure. For exemption to be permitted, prior learning achieved as an associate student must conform to the same normal requirements as achievement gained while registered for a programme of study and assessment leading to an award (see above, paragraph 4).

27. Exemptions shall normally only be approved for whole assessment blocks and not for individual elements of assessment within an assessment block. An exception may be made in the case of placement assessment, where exemptions may be made from individual elements of assessment within an assessment block.

28. Exemptions from any assessment requirements of a programme shall be made on the basis of evidence of prior achievement of the learning outcomes associated with the relevant assessment block/s and the currency of that prior achievement. Requirements for the evidence to be submitted and other details regarding the arrangements for the assessment of applications will be set out in a policy approved by the relevant School Board and made available to applicants.

29. Exemption may be either ‘graded’ or ‘ungraded’ as defined below.

30. For graded exemption, the agreed grades/marks resulting from accredited prior learning shall be included in profiles and calculations when determining progression and award decisions in the new programme in the place of the exempted assessment block/s.

31. For ungraded exemption, no grade shall be assigned to the exempted assessment block/s in the new programme. For the purposes of determining whether a student’s profile fulfils the requirements for an award, assessment block/s assigned an ungraded exemption shall be regarded as equivalent to a grade of C-. Calculations of Grade Point Averages and percentages of credit achieved at a specified grade or better under this Regulation, shall use only graded credit attempted as part of the new programme, in accordance with Learning and Teaching Committee guidance.

32. Ungraded exemptions may not be applied to more than 50% of the taught part assessed credit of any Masters level degree or other award offered under this Regulation.

33. Where an application for recognition of prior learning is based on learning which has been certificated by the University, the authorised member of staff shall, having taken into account the currency and compatibility of the previous learning within the University with the proposed new programme, determine one of the following outcomes for each assessment block of the new programme for which the applicant is seeking exemption:

that there is sufficient evidence of currency and compatibility to exempt the student from the specified assessment block in their proposed new programme and assign a graded exemption;
that, taking into account the currency and compatibility of the former study with the proposed new programme, there is sufficient evidence only to establish that a threshold standard of achievement in the assessment block was previously achieved in relevant assessments and assign an ungraded exemption;
that the currency and/or compatibility of the former study is insufficient to grant exemption from the assessment block.

34. Where an application for recognition of prior learning is not based on learning which has been certificated by the University, the authorised member of staff shall, having taken into account the currency and compatibility of the previous learning, determine one of the following outcomes for each assessment block of the programme for which the applicant is seeking exemption:

that the evidence submitted establishes that a threshold standard of achievement in the assessment block has been achieved by the applicant through prior learning and assign an ungraded exemption;
that the currency and/or compatibility of the former study is insufficient to grant exemption from the assessment block;
where expressly agreed by Senate, assign a graded exemption.

35. Exemptions from requirements associated with teaching and learning will normally reflect approved assessment exemptions.

36. Where appropriate, the period of study may be reduced pro rata for students granted exemption from assessment blocks in recognition of prior learning.

37. A formal record shall be made of the exemptions accorded to such applicants when they were admitted, and of any grades assigned for the purposes of calculating the outcomes of awards. Such applicants shall also be notified in writing regarding the exemption decisions.

38. A student may be readmitted to the University with exemptions due to prior learning which has been certificated by the University for which an award of the University has been previously recommended (or recommended and conferred). Where this exemption is subsequently applied to the requirements for another award, the previous award shall be rescinded prior to the conferral of any subsequent award.

Individual variations to programmes, changes to modes of study and transfers, extensions and abeyances

39. Additional guidance on variations to programmes, changes to modes of study transfers, and abeyances is published by Learning and Teaching Committee.

40. The authorised member of staff shall be accountable to Senate, through the appropriate School Board or comparable committee, for ensuring that each student registered for a programme of study leading to an award follows a programme of study and assessment, which is either set out in an approved programme specification or is a variation approved in accordance with these Regulations.

41. Unless otherwise agreed by Senate, for each mode of study in which a programme is offered the maximum period of registration shall be the normal period of study plus two years, up to a maximum period of registration for any programme of five years. The maximum period of registration shall include all approved periods of extension due to mitigating circumstances and any periods of agreed abeyance. Requests for extensions to the maximum period of registration shall be considered by the Chair of Learning and Teaching Committee on behalf of Senate.

42. Students may, subject to the approval of the authorised member(s) of staff, seek to change the programme for which they are registered, or their mode of attendance, normally not later than the end of the second week of his or her study year. Students may seek to change the modules for which they are enrolled not later than the end of the second week of his or her study year. Transfers between programmes should be approved by the authorised member of staff of the School offering the new programme.

43. Students who seek to change their programme or mode of study, or who wish to apply for an individual variation to a programme of study, an extension to period of study, or abeyance from study, shall follow such procedures as may be specified by the authorised member(s) of staff.

44. The authorised member of staff may approve a transfer between modes of study set out in the programme specification for an award. The authorised member of staff may also, on a discretionary and exceptional basis, approve a request to transfer to an individually-specified mode of study.

45. School Boards may, on behalf of Senate, vary the programme of study and assessment of an individual student from the programme set out in the programme specification provided that the revised programme of study still enables the student to demonstrate the learning outcomes of the relevant award. School Boards will report annually to Senate on such individual variations to programmes.

46. Students wishing to enter a period of abeyance must apply to the authorised member of staff for approval. Having been advised by the authorised member of staff regarding the next or most appropriate point for return to the programme following abeyance, the student will confirm to them the date of return from abeyance. The University will not normally agree to periods of abeyance of more than one calendar year in the first instance. Students in abeyance shall remain registered for their programme. Senate shall determine the entitlement of students in abeyance to the use of the University’s resources.

Assessment of students

Assessments and assessment blocks

47. Each element of assessment (other than those assessed on a pass/fail basis) shall be assessed as follows:

Indicative Mark Band	Grade	Grade Point
90 and above	A++	17
80-89	A+	16
73-79	A	15
70-72	A-	14
68-69	B+	13
63-67	B	12
60-62	B-	11
58-59	C+	10
53-57	C	9
50-52	C-	8
48-49	D+	7
43-47	D	6
40-42	D-	5
38-39	E+	4
33-37	E	3
30-32	E-	2
29 and below	F	1

In the case of a student being recommended for an aegrotat award, a grade 'AE' may be assigned where mitigating circumstances have been accepted for an assessment.

48. The grade or mark assigned should be in accordance with the generic grade descriptors approved by Senate and published as an appendix to these regulations. Senate may approve School or discipline-specific articulations of the generic grade descriptors.

49. Following the attempt by a student of all the elements of an assessment block, and again after any reassessment to which a student may be entitled, a Panel of Examiners will, in accordance with these Regulations, review the performance of each student attempting the assessment block.

50. The overall grade in an assessment block will be determined with reference to the weightings assigned to each element of assessment in the approved outline.

51. Failure to meet the requirements to achieve a pass in any element of assessment which is assessed on a pass/fail basis will result in a grade of F being assigned for the assessment block overall for that attempt, regardless of the standard achieved in the other element/s of assessment.

52. The designation 'core’ indicates an element of assessment or assessment block in which a grade of C- or better must be achieved as part of the profile for the determination of any Masters level award, as set out in the relevant programme specification. A non-core assessment for an award is one which, if taken, does not have to be passed at grade C- or better, but the achieved grade must be D- or better, in order for the student to be eligible for the award.

53. For all Masters degrees, the dissertation shall be designated a core assessment block.

Reviews of progress by Boards of Examiners: general considerations

54. A Board of Examiners shall normally review the progress of each student registered for a programme under these regulations at the first opportunity at the end of any Brunel Level 4 programme element, at the end of the taught part of the student’s programme, following any reassessments offered, or at least once in each calendar year.

55. When considering each student’s progress, the Board of Examiners may determine one of the following and act accordingly:

that no action is required in relation to the student’s profile of achievement at the present time;
that a student undertaking a Brunel Level 4 programme element has fulfilled the requirements for the successful completion of that programme element and may progress to the Masters level blocks of the programme;
that a student undertaking a Brunel Level 4 programme element has not fulfilled the requirements for the successful completion of that programme element but, in accordance with the rules for reassessment set out in the relevant Programme Specification, is entitled to further opportunities for reassessment and/or is entitled to further opportunities for assessment or reassessment due to accepted mitigating circumstances (see Senate Regulation 4);
that the student can potentially fulfil the minimum requirements for the award for which he or she is registered and is entitled under the Regulations to further opportunities for reassessment and/or to further opportunities for assessment or reassessment due to accepted mitigating circumstances (see Senate Regulation 4). In the case of part-time students, the Board of Examiners shall consider whether an opportunity for reassessment is essential or advisory when determining whether to refer the student for that reassessment at the present time;
that the student can no longer fulfil the minimum requirements for his or her intended award, taking into account any further opportunities for assessment or reassessment to which he or she is entitled. The student will be permitted to submit any currently outstanding assessments or reassessments in assessment blocks which he or she has already commenced, but will not be entitled to any further reassessment opportunities or to commence any new assessment blocks, pending final withdrawal from the programme. At the point of final withdrawal the Board shall determine if the student is eligible for recommendation for any award.

56. Where a student is withdrawn from a programme, the Authorised Member of Staff may authorise the student’s transfer to another programme.

57. In accordance with the relevant provisions of Senate Regulation 4 and University Policy on Late-Submission Penalties, a student who fails to complete any assessment or reassessment by the defined date (including assessment or reassessment of the dissertation), or fails to be present at any test or examination, without presenting at the due time mitigating circumstances acceptable to the Board, shall be assigned a grade F in that assessment or reassessment.

58. A student may, at any time before completing the requirements of the award, write to the Board of Examiners responsible for the award to which their programme leads, stating that he or she wishes to withdraw from the programme. In these circumstances, the Board of Examiners shall, in accordance with these Regulations and at the next opportunity, consider the student’s eligibility for an award and make recommendations as appropriate to Senate. A student who has withdrawn in this way may apply for re-admission to the programme with recognition of prior certificated learning, in accordance with the procedure set out in this Regulation.

Completion of the programme of study and recommendation for awards: general considerations

59. If the maximum period of registration (including any periods of approved extension or abeyance) has been reached before the student has fulfilled the requirements for the award to which their programme leads, the relevant Board of Examiners shall, in accordance with these Regulations and at the next opportunity, confirm the withdrawal of the student from the programme, consider their eligibility for the highest award to which they are entitled, and make recommendations as appropriate to Senate.

60. The relevant Board of Examiners shall normally, at the first opportunity following the completion of all the assessment blocks in the programme, consider a student’s eligibility to be recommended for an award. The requirements for individual awards offered under these Regulations are set out in an Appendix to these Regulations.

61. Having considering a student's eligibility to be recommended for an award, the Board of Examiners shall, with reference to the requirements for individual awards below, determine one of the following actions:

that the student has satisfactorily completed all the requirements for his or her intended award and may be recommended for an award;
that the student has not satisfactorily completed all the requirements for his or her intended award, but is entitled to reassessment or to further assessment or reassessment due to accepted mitigating circumstances (see Senate Regulation 4);
that the student has not satisfactorily completed all the requirements for his or her intended award and is not entitled to further assessment or reassessment, but should be considered by the Board for another award for which they fulfil the requirements;
that, due to mitigating circumstances, the student fulfils the requirements for an aegrotat award, as set out under Senate Regulation 4;
that the student has not satisfactorily completed all the requirements for his or her intended award, is not entitled to further assessment or reassessment, and should be withdrawn from the programme.

62. Where a student fulfils the requirements for more than one award under these Regulations, the Board of Examiners will normally only recommend the award firstly of the highest qualification, secondly of the award with the greatest volume of credit, for which they are eligible.

Reassessment: general considerations

63. Unless Senate has approved different rules for reassessment, a student is entitled to reassessment on one occasion in Masters level taught part assessment blocks totalling up to a maximum of 60 credits where the student:

fails to achieve at the first attempt at least a grade of C- in any taught part assessment block, including any assessment blocks designated ‘core’ under this Regulation; or fails to achieve a 'pass' in any 'pass'/'fail' assessment blocks;
fails to achieve at the first attempt at least a grade of C- in any element of assessment designated as 'core' under this Regulation; or fails to achieve a 'pass' in any 'pass'/'fail' element of assessment.

64. A student who has not achieved a grade of C- in the first attempt is entitled to revise and resubmit a Masters level dissertation on one occasion in the dissertation provided that the student has achieved at least a grade of E- at the first attempt.

65. Entitlement to reassessment in Brunel Level 4 assessment blocks shall be set out in the relevant programme specification.

66. The maximum grade which will be awarded in any Masters level assessment block (including the dissertation) subject to reassessment is C- (the threshold grade).

67. If a reassessment involves direct assessment of threshold attainment, this shall be indicated on the transcript.

68. Where a student achieves a lower standard in reassessment than in first assessment, the higher grade shall be counted when a Board of Examiners considers the student’s eligibility for an award.

69. Other policies apply when a student is permitted to take delayed assessments due to accepted mitigating circumstances, as set out below.

Variations to this Regulation

70. Variations to this Regulation approved by Senate shall be set out in the relevant programme specification.

APPENDICES: Regulations for progression and award

APPENDIX A: Requirements for the award of Masters Degree

Progression requirements

A1. Any progression requirements for individual programmes leading to awards shall be approved by Senate and set out in the relevant Programme Specification. Where a student undertakes a Level 4 programme element, the student must meet the requirements for successful completion of the Level 4 programme element, as set out in the relevant programme specification, in order to progress to the Masters level parts of the programme.

Requirements for award

A2. The assessment blocks which shall be included in the profile for an individual award shall be set out in the relevant Programme Specification. Brunel Level 4 credit shall not be included in any profile or calculation used to determine the eligibility for any Masters degree award.

A3. Where the credit value of the assessment blocks included in the profile for an individual Masters degree award is greater than 180, this shall be set out in the relevant Programme Specification.

A4. Where a student reaches the required standard as set out under these Regulations, the award of a Masters degree may be made with merit or distinction:

Requirements for a pass at Masters level

Maximum volume of assessment blocks (excluding dissertation) permitted in the taught part

Grade Bands A, B and C

(A++, A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-)

Grade Band D

(D+, D, D-)

Grade Bands E and F

(E+, E, E-, F)

With grade below C- in any core block or core element of assessment

Any

Minimum grade required in dissertation

Requirements for a merit at Masters level

Maximum volume of assessment blocks (excluding dissertation) permitted in the taught part

Grade Bands A, B and C

(A++, A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-)

Grade Band D

(D+, D, D-)

Grade Bands E and F

(E+, E, E-, F)

With grade below C- in any core block or core element of assessment

Any

In addition, at least one of the following Rules (a) to (e) must be met:

	Volume of (weighted module) grades at B- or better in the taught part	GPA of weighted module grades in the taught part	Minimum grade in dissertation (all rules)
Rule (a)	At least 33%	At least 11.5	B-
Rule (b)	At least 41%	At least 10.5
Rule (c)	At least 50%	At least 9.5
Rule (d)	At least 58%	At least 8.5
Rule (e)	At least 66%	At least 7.5

Requirements for distinction at Masters level

Maximum volume of assessment blocks (excluding dissertation) permitted in the taught part

Grade Bands A, B and C

(A++, A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-)

Grade Band D

(D+, D, D-)

Grade Bands E and F

(E+, E, E-, F)

With grade below C- in any core block or core element of assessment

Any

In addition, at least one of the following Rules (a) to (e) must be met:

	Volume of (weighted module) grades at B- or better in the taught part	GPA of weighted module grades in the taught part	Minimum grade in dissertation (all rules)
Rule (a)	At least 33%	At least 14.5	A-
Rule (b)	At least 41%	At least 13.5
Rule (c)	At least 50%	At least 12.5
Rule (d)	At least 58%	At least 11.5
Rule (e)	At least 66%	At least 10.5

A5. Where an award includes an assessment block which has zero credits, the achievement required in that assessment block for the successful completion of any award shall be set out in the relevant programme specification.

A6. Where a student registered for a programme leading to a Masters degree does not fulfil the requirements for the award under these Regulations, the relevant Board of Examiners will normally consider the eligibility of a student for the award either of a Postgraduate Diploma or a Postgraduate Certificate, as set out the programme specification for the relevant Masters degree.

A7. Where, in accordance with Senate Regulation 4, a Board of Examiners determines to recommend the award of an aegrotat degree, this shall be noted on the certificate and transcript for the award. An aegrotat degree cannot be awarded with merit or distinction.

APPENDIX B: Requirements for the award of a Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate

Completion of Final Level and recommendation for Award

Progression requirements

B1. Any progression requirements for individual programmes leading to awards shall be approved by Senate and set out in the relevant Programme Specification. Where a student undertakes a Level 4 programme element, the student must meet the requirements for successful completion of the Level 4 programme element, as set out in the relevant programme specification, in order to progress to the Masters level parts of the programme.

Requirements for award

B2. The assessment blocks which shall be included in the profile for an individual Postgraduate Diploma or Certificate award shall be set out in the relevant Programme Specification. Brunel Level 4 credit shall not be included in any profile or calculation used to determine the eligibility for any Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate award.

B3. Where the credit value of the assessment blocks included in the profile for an individual Postgraduate Diploma award is greater than 120, or an individual Postgraduate Certificate award is greater than 60, this shall be set out in the relevant Programme Specification.

Requirements for a Postgraduate Diploma

Maximum volume of assessment blocks (excluding dissertation) permitted in the taught part

Grade Bands A, B and C

(A++, A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-)

Grade Band D

(D+, D, D-)

Grade Bands E and F

(E+, E, E-, F)

With grade below C- in any core block or core element of assessment

Any

B4. Where it is permitted to include the dissertation in the profile for a Diploma award, this shall be set out in the relevant Programme Specification.

Requirements for a Postgraduate Certificate

Maximum volume of assessment blocks (excluding dissertation) permitted in the taught part

Grade Bands A, B and C

(A++, A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-)

Grade Band D

(D+, D, D-)

Grade Bands E and F

(E+, E, E-, F)

With grade below C- in any core block or core element of assessment

Any

B5. Where an award includes an assessment block which has zero credits, the achievement required in that assessment block for the successful completion of any award shall be set out in the relevant programme specification.

APPENDIX C: Requirements for the award of a Graduate Diploma or a Graduate Certificate

Requirements for an award

C1. The assessment blocks which shall be included in the profile for an individual Graduate Diploma or Certificate award shall be set out in the relevant Programme Specification. Brunel Level 4 credit shall not be included in any profile or calculation used to determine the eligibility for any Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate award.

C2. The relevant Programme Specification shall define the minimum profile for any Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate award, but shall not include any credit below grade D-.

Approved April 2013