Taught postgraduate masters degrees - general regulations

Introduction

1. These regulations are built upon a foundation derived from the Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework (SCQF). Further explanation of the framework can be found at: https://scqf.org.uk/about-the-framework/
2. Additional requirements over and above the minimum set out here may be imposed for individual programmes by the relevant School during the process of programme approval.
3. Such requirements will be communicated to candidates in the appropriate programme.

Admission Requirements

1. Candidates for admission to a taught postgraduate programme must normally hold a first degree, typically an honours degree, from a recognised institution or equivalent qualifications or meet entry conditions considered suitable by the Programme Leader or University.
2. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in the English language through a valid qualification such as IELTS, TOEFL, or an equivalent standard as specified by the University.
3. The final decision on admission shall rest with the relevant Programme Committee, following the recommendation of the Admissions Tutor (or equivalent) and subject to approval by the appropriate academic authorities.

Recognition Prior Certified Learning/Recognition of Prior Informal Learning

1. Recognition Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) can only be recognised at the point of admission to the University. The University can consider prior certified learning and experiential learning via the Policy and Guidance on Recognition of Prior Learning. Normally it is expected that the credit will have been acquired within the past five years.
2. The University allows RPCL for up to 50% of the total credits required for taught programmes. Candidates can be granted RPL for a maximum of 30 credits for a Postgraduate Certificate, 60 credits for a Postgraduate Diploma, and 90 credits for a Master's degree.
3. For the avoidance of double counting, candidates who have received a University of Dundee Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate and rejoin or continue on the same award/programme will be required to rescind this award to upgrade to a Master's or Postgraduate Diploma by completing the additional required components of the programme. An exception to this is where the lower award is a specific requirement for professional accreditation purposes.

Matriculation

1. Candidates shall be required to matriculate in each academic year from the date of admission up to and including the year in which the final dissertation/project is submitted.

Structure of Programmes

1. The University defines these degrees within the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) as follows:
2. A minimum of 180 credits is required, with at least 150 credits at SHE level M (SCQF level 11).
3. Normally, full-time study delivery is one year across three Trimesters. Where relevant, sub-degree qualifications may also be awarded:
   • A Postgraduate Certificate requires at least 60 credits at SHE level M.
   • A Postgraduate Diploma requires at least 120 credits at SHE level M.
4. Any award is dependent upon the successful completion of all required core components for that qualification. SCQF credits cannot be duplicated, meaning credits earned can be used towards the Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, or MSc, but not for more than one award at the same time.

Duration of Study

1. Full-time candidates shall normally complete a Master's degree within 12 months, while part-time candidates may take up to a maximum of 36 months to complete their studies.
2. The maximum period of registration for a taught postgraduate degree shall be 24 months in the case of full-time candidates and 36 months in the case of a part-time candidate. An extension to the maximum period may be granted in exceptional circumstances, subject to approval by the relevant School Board.

Attendance and Participation

1. The University has an Attendance and Engagement Policy, where candidates are required to attend and actively participate in all aspects of their programme of study as described in the Attendance and Engagement Policy. This includes being present for teaching sessions, assessments, exams, and meetings with Advisers of Studies, Programme Leads, Module Leads, or Supervisors, whether in person or electronically. Unless enrolled in an online or distance learning programme, or where remote participation is explicitly allowed, candidates are expected to attend in person, even during periods dedicated to a dissertation or research project. The timetable and programme handbooks outlines the specific attendance and participation requirements. Additionally, certain visa conditions may require the University to monitor attendance and participation in specific ways.
2. The attendance monitoring system SEAtS is embedded in the University’s central timetable system, allowing candidate attendance data to be gathered for any scheduled session. Please note that the University may also conduct periodic spot checks on attendance for scheduled classes as set out in the Attendance and Engagement Policy.

Similarly, the University’s absence system offers a simple process for candidates to request time off from their studies outside the designated holiday periods.

Assessment and Progression

1. The method of examining the performance of candidates will be determined in discussion with examiners, approved by the University assurance processes.
2. Candidates must have successfully completed or made adequate progress in the requirements for the award before progressing. All assessment results must be reported using the literal reporting scale unless only pass/fail is being considered.
3. For each module the Board of Examiners will report the outcome of assessment using the Assessment Policy for Taught Provision Marking Scale.
4. A candidate may also be examined orally on the work of the programme if the Board of Examiners consider such an examination necessary.
5. Where a candidate fails to achieve a pass mark in a module, they may be permitted one further attempt to resit the assessment, subject to the regulations governing resits. The maximum mark awarded following a successful resit shall be capped at D3 as described in the Assessment Policy for Taught Provision. 
   
   Transcripts will indicate whether the module grade was achieved at the first attempt. Capping at D3 will apply to the reported module grades, and not to individual elements of assessment. If a candidate fails a module and can provide evidence of mitigating circumstances, the reassessment will not be capped and will be documented as first attempt, if the mitigating circumstances are accepted by the relevant School committee.
   
   However, this provision cannot be repeatedly used for future assessment periods. If a Candidate experiences continuing difficulties related to the same issue they should submit evidence of Recurring Circumstances in accordance with the institution's policies. Alternatively if the student is facing new mitigating circumstances, they should submit such evidence.  However it is important to note that programmes have a maximum period in which the award can be completed, and students should be mindful of that.
   
   Candidates are encouraged to seek guidance from their Adviser of Studies or Programme Lead if they require further clarification.
    
6. Candidates who fail to achieve the pass mark after resitting may be eligible for a lower award, such as a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma, subject to successful completion of appropriate core modules and required credits.

Award Requirements

1. To be awarded a Master's degree candidates must successfully complete all components, including a dissertation or project-based work or equivalent, totalling 180 credits at SCQF Level 11.
2. The award of merit or distinction will be calculated using a weighted average of module grades as specified in the University’s Assessment Policy for Taught Provision.
3. Candidates shall not be eligible for an award with merit or distinction where there are failed modules that have been compensated or condoned, or retrieved through resubmissions or resits, unless there are documented extenuating circumstances that have been considered and approved by the relevant Mitigating Circumstances Committee.

Academic Conduct

1. Candidates must adhere to the University’s Code of Practice on Academic Misconduct by Students. Any suspected cases of academic misconduct, including plagiarism or cheating, shall be investigated and, where proven, appropriate disciplinary action shall be taken.
2. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in assessments or coursework must comply with academic integrity policies and the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI). Unauthorised use of generative AI to produce content for submissions will be considered misconduct.
3. Candidates are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the policies on academic misconduct as outlined in the University’s Regulations and Programme Handbook.

Appeals and Complaints

1. Candidates have the right to appeal against an academic decision or submit a complaint following the procedures laid down in the Postgraduate Appeals procedure and Complaints Procedure
2. Appeals must be submitted within the stipulated timeframe, and candidates must provide valid grounds for an appeal as outlined in the policy. Appeals based solely on disagreement with academic judgment will not be considered.

Mitigating and Recurring Circumstances

1. Candidates who encounter extenuating circumstances that may impact their performance must notify the Programme Lead as soon as possible, providing appropriate documentary evidence.
2. Mitigating circumstances will be considered by the Mitigating Circumstances Committees. The committee will make a decision and report to the Board of Examiners which will then be taken into account when they are making their decision on your progression or award. 

Withdrawal of Studies

1. A candidate who wishes to withdraw from their programme must notify their Programme Lead in writing. They may be eligible for an exit award (PGDip or PGCert) depending on the programme regulations and number of credits successfully completed.

Suspension of Studies

1. Candidates may apply for a temporary suspension in their studies due to personal, medical, or other circumstances. Intercalation is subject to approval by the University, and periods of absence will not normally exceed 12 months. Candidates will be expected to complete their studies as described in Section 6.

Termination of Studies

1. The University reserves the right to terminate the registration of a candidate who fails to meet the requirements for progression or award, or who is found in serious breach of University regulations.
2. Candidates have the right to appeal a termination decision following the University’s formal appeal procedures.

Fitness to Practise

1. Candidates must comply with the University’s overarching academic and disciplinary policies, including the Code of Conduct and Student Handbook.
2. In addition, candidates must comply with any requirements specific to their degree programmes as set out in their Programme Handbook.
3. For degree programmes governed by the University Fitness to Practise Guidelines, the relevant School Committee must ensure at all times that the candidate’s health, conduct, and other pertinent matters whether related to the candidate’s University programme or external circumstances do not pose a risk to the public, vulnerable individuals, or patients. The Committee must also confirm the candidate’s suitability to join the relevant professional body.
4. Fitness to Practise regulations apply to candidates both during active study and while on a suspension of study. If a candidate fails to meet the standards set by the School, regardless of academic performance, the Committee may refer the matter to the Dean of the School. The Dean of the School has the authority to recommend various actions, including exclusion from further studies or assessments, withholding the award of a degree, or imposing other penalties in accordance with the Schools procedures.
5. Candidates may appeal such decisions to the Candidate Fitness to Practise Appeal Committee.

Awards

1. The University taught Master Degrees are listed Appendix 1and in Ordinance 39.
2. Successful candidates shall be conferred their degree at the next available graduation ceremony, subject to the approval of the relevant Exam Board and compliance with all administrative requirements of the University.
3. Candidates may request to receive their award in absentia if they are unable to attend the ceremony.

Aegrotat Degrees and Posthumous Awards

1. An Aegrotat award is an unclassified degree that may be granted if a candidate is unable to complete their studies or assessments due to illness, death, or another reason approved by the Senate. On a Case-by-case basis, Senate can confer an aegrotat degree where there is sufficient evidence that the candidate would have met the required academic standards had they been able to continue. A candidate must confirm in writing they are willing to accept the Aegrotat award.

   Notably, an Aegrotat award may be granted posthumously. 

2. A posthumous award is an unclassified degree that recognises a candidates work completed during their studies and may be considered in two cases:
   • The candidate has fully completed all components required of the programme, and met the academic requirements for the award, or;
   • The candidate has not completed the programme but could be eligible for an Aegrotat award based on progress and performance.
3. In the interests of respect and sensitivity a posthumous award should only be granted with the knowledge and consent of the next of kin/or immediate family member (or other appropriate individual).