The Validity of Regulations, Policies and Procedures

These Regulations, Policies and Procedures apply to all taught programmes and to all students registered for modules on those programmes for the academic year 2023/2024, and until further notice. Parts J and K, and University Procedures and Policies are also relevant to Research students, as are Student University Policies.

Any changes to a University regulation must be approved by Academic Board.

In respect of interpreting these Academic Regulations and of seeking to apply the intention of the Academic Regulations in circumstances for which there is not explicit provision in these Academic Regulations, the Academic Board’s nominee, the Director or Student and Academic Services, will consider, and review the circumstances and impact to the student. The Director of Student and Academic Services has the authority to make and approve a decision, outside of the Regulations and policy, balancing an appropriate outcome for the student whilst mitigating the risk to ensure the integrity and value of the University’s Award. The Director of Student and Academic Services shall report to the next Academic Board any decisions made for which there was not explicit provision in these Regulations.

Occasionally a programme may require a variation from a University regulation, perhaps to meet the requirements of a professional body. In such a case, the required variation must be specifically approved in accordance with the validation procedures agreed by Academic Board, and will be recorded in the Programme Validation Document (Programme Specification) and the Programme Handbook.

Any changes to or variations of regulations normally occur at the start of an academic year. Exceptionally, however, it may be necessary to introduce a change during the year. If this happens students affected by the proposed change will be consulted, and Academic Board will satisfy itself that students will not be disadvantaged by the change.

In the event of a change of regulations during the academic year, printed versions of these documents will not be re-issued, but the University web site will be updated, and the date of the change will be noted.

Students and Staff should always check the website for the latest version of Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures.

Note: Where the Regulations refer to specific roles it is acceptable for there to be suitable alternatives within the University, and College Structures as deemed appropriate by Senior College Management: For example:

The key Committees named in the Regulations are but not limited to: Academic Board, Academic Development Quality Committee (ADQC), Regulatory Framework Committee (RFC) and University Innovation and Research Committee (UIRC).