Advanced Initial Degrees

1.1

Master's degrees are awarded to students who have demonstrated:

• A systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study or area of professional practice;
• A comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own research or advanced scholarship;
• Originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline;
• Conceptual understanding that enables the student:
  • To evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline
  • To evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses.

Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to:

• Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
• Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level;
• Continue to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level.

And holders will have:

• The qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring:
  • The exercise of initiative and personal responsibility;
  • Decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations;
  • The independent learning ability required for continuing professional development.

2.1

Full-time candidates shall normally be required to pursue the equivalent of 120 credits in one year.

2.2

The structure of the programme shall be built on the following:

Single Honours   

At least 100 credits in modules designated as components of the named degree programme or modules in related disciplines at all levels.

3.1

If a degree programme includes an integral and compulsory industrial practice and/or an intercalary placement, the placement must carry a credit weighting.

3.2

The minimum number of credits required for an award will be increased if the placement increases the length of the degree programme. The credit weighting and the level of the placement are determined in the same way as for a taught module. The syllabus for any degree programme which includes, in whole or in part, a placement must set forth the aims, learning outcomes and assessment method of the placement.

3.3

The classification of candidates pursuing a programme involving Industrial Practice, Intercalary Placements or a Study Period Abroad will be determined in accordance with the conventions as outlined in the Undergraduate Assessment Regulations. Marks are assigned for candidates on Level S, but marks are not assigned for Level E.

3.4

Candidates must satisfy the University’s requirements for progression to and from Level S and Level E, as outlined in the Undergraduate Assessment Regulations.

3.5

The industrial placement (Level E) or the intercalary year (Level S) must be pursued before the final year of study and this will normally take place during a student’s penultimate year of study.

4.1

Students are referred to the General Undergraduate Regulations – Credit Transfer (Regulation 29).

4.2

The maximum number of credits which may be accepted to count towards an advanced initial degree shall be not more than 240 (i.e. candidates must normally pursue at least 240 credits in Swansea for a degree). Where the maximum transferable credit has been accepted, the remaining 240 credits to be pursued at Swansea must consist of 120 credits at Level 6 and 120 credits at Level 7.

4.3

The classification of degrees awarded to candidates admitted directly to the final two years of study of an Advanced Initial Degree will be based on the average of the marks of the modules pursued at Swansea.

5.1

At the discretion of the Faculty/School concerned, a candidate who has achieved a sufficient standard in the cognate programme of study for an undergraduate Bachelor’s degree may transfer their registration to the advanced initial degree at the following points:        

• Either: on completion of 120 credits at Level 4; or      
• On completion of a further 120 credits at Level 5.

5.2

Such candidates must meet both academic and financial regulations and any candidate transferring must therefore satisfy themselves of any financial obligations.

5.3

Such a candidate shall enter the advanced initial degree at the appropriate point and, at the latest, at the commencement of Level 6.

5.4

Faculties/Schools shall be permitted to add stricter regulations for candidates to transfer between undergraduate bachelor degree programmes and advanced initial degree programmes, details of which shall be available in the appropriate Faculty/School handbook.

5.5

At the discretion of the Faculty/School concerned, candidates on an advanced initial degree may transfer or be required to transfer their registration to a cognate bachelor degree programme at the following points: 

• Either: on completion of 120 credits at Level 4; or
• On completion of a further 120 credits at Level 5.

 5.6

Such candidates must meet both academic and financial regulations and any candidate transferring must therefore satisfy themselves of any financial obligations.

5.7

Such a candidate shall enter the cognate Bachelor’s programme at the appropriate point and, at the latest, at the commencement of Level 6.

5.8

All transfers of programmes shall be forwarded to Education Services for final approval.

5.9

In the case of International students sponsored by the University, a transfer of programme is conditional upon holding a valid Student Route (previously Tier 4) visa. At the point of transfer, an assessment will be made as to whether the transfer meets current Student Route (previously Tier 4) legislation before it is approved. The assessment will include reference to the level of the new programme, the student’s current period of leave, the current time limits governing Student Route (previously Tier 4) study, whether the new programme meets a student’s “genuine career aspirations” and any other requirements specified by the UK Visa and Immigration Service (UKVI). Where the new programme cannot be completed within the period of existing Student Route (previously Tier 4) leave, the student will be required to leave the UK to make an application for further leave to complete the programme. For programmes requiring ATAS Clearance, International students must obtain clearance and provide a copy of the ATAS certificate to the University, before a transfer can be approved.

6.1

The progress of a candidate shall normally be assessed either during the course of a module and/or in the period immediately following its completion.

6.2

Candidates shall be required to complete the Advanced Initial Degree programme of study in accordance with the regulations for awarding credit as outlined in the Undergraduate Assessment Regulations. 

6.3

The pass mark for a module shall be 40% at all levels except Level 7, where the pass mark shall be 50%.

7.1

A candidate who is admitted to an advanced initial degree programme but is subsequently unable, or is not permitted, to progress to completion may, depending upon the number of credits attained at the appropriate levels at the time of exit, qualify for an exit award. Details relating to exit qualifications are outlined in the Undergraduate Assessment Regulations.

8.1

8.2

The minimum and maximum periods of registration will normally be shorter for students admitted with transfer credit for previous study and/or experience. 

8.3

9.1

In order to be eligible for consideration for an Advanced Initial Degree of Swansea University, candidates shall attend and complete modules within the maximum period of registration, the credit weighting of which shall be as follows. Adjustments shall be allowed for candidates being permitted to pursue elective modules at a lower level.

10.1 

To be eligible for consideration for the award of an advanced initial degree under these Regulations, a candidate shall:        

• Have pursued an approved modular programme of study for the period prescribed by the University, except as provided by Section 4;
• Have attained such minimum levels of credit as specified by the University in a programme approved by the University;        
• Have fulfilled any further condition(s) required by the University.

10.2

The names of Honours degree candidates who have fulfilled the assessment requirements of the programme and the University shall be published in the following Honours classes:

• First;
• Second Class Division One;
• Second Class Division Two;
• Third Class;
• Pass Degree. 

11.1

An Aegrotat Award may be conferred upon a candidate on the presumption that a candidate, who is unable to continue their studies, would have satisfied the standard required for the award had they been able to continue.

11.2

The award of an Aegrotat Degree shall be made in accordance with Regulations for the Award of Aegrotat Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates.

11.3

Candidates pursuing professional programmes in health care who are subsequently awarded an Aegrotat degree, diploma or certificate will not be eligible for professional health care registration.

12.1

A posthumous qualification may be awarded to a deceased student who has completed sufficient study for the award. The award of a posthumous degree shall be made in accordance with the Posthumous Award Regulations.