General Regulations for University Undergraduate Awards, 2019

L.N. 248 of 2019

EDUCATION ACT

(CAP. 327)

General Regulations for University Undergraduate Awards, 2019

IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred upon him by articles 74 (5) and 75 (6) of

the Education Act (Cap. 327), the Chancellor of the University of Malta has

promulgated the following regulations made by the Senate of the University of

Malta by virtue of the powers conferred upon it by articles 75 (3) and 79 (b) of the

said Act

Citation and Interpretation

(1) These regulations may be cited as the General Regulations for

University Undergraduate Awards, 2019.

(2) In these regulations, unless the contrary intention appears, (a) words

importing the masculine gender include the feminine; (b) words importing the

feminine gender include the masculine; and (c) words in the singular include the

plural and words in the plural include the singular.

(3) In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms

used shall be taken to mean as indicated in the Glossary of Terms listed hereunder

Glossary of Terms

Term

Explanation

Absence / Absent

May refer to both absence for any assessment and to non-

submission of work for assessment.

Add/Drop Period

A pre-announced period of time at the commencement of a

semester during which students may withdraw without

penalty from a Unit previously registered for, or register

for a new Unit. "Adding" or "Dropping" Study-Units may

be subject to restrictions.

Area of Study /

A subject or a group of related subjects taken together in an

Area

approved Programme of Study.

All forms of assessment that are used to award a mark and/

or grade that contributes towards the award of any

University qualification. The method of assessment shall

be as prescribed in the Study-Unit description and may

include written supervised Examinations; oral

Examinations; home assignments, including short or long

essays or dissertations; clinical or practical Examinations;

portfolios; projects; fieldwork; case studies; logbooks;

continuous assessment of a placement; and any other

method of assessment approved by Senate, or

combinations of these, to each of which a percentage of the

final mark is assigned.

The Award Classification Board appointed for each

Undergraduate Course.

The Board of the Faculty or Institute or Centre or School

responsible for a particular Course or Programme of Study.

The Board appointed to administer a Programme of Study

in terms of these Regulations.

The Bye-Laws approved by Senate for each Course.

A Catalogue of Study-Units is the collection of all the

Study-Units offered by an academic entity. The detailed

description of each Study-Unit shall indicate its type, level,

code, title, content and learning outcomes, credit value,

method of assessment, including the percentage weighting

of each assessment component when applicable. The Unit

description shall also indicate if other Units are

prerequisites or are required to be followed concurrently.

A Course of study leading to a University Undergraduate

award. A Course Plan may include one Programme of

Study or a number of Programmes of Study in particular

Areas of Study.

European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System

(ECTS) credit. Credits are awarded for successful

completion of each Study-Unit. A total of 60 credits are

assigned to the Study-Units that students are expected to

complete over one full-time academic year.

Refers to the Dean of a Faculty or the Director of an

Institute or Centre or School.

A long piece of writing on an approved subject, written

under the supervision of a tutor as a compulsory home

assignment towards the end of the Course for the award of

a Bachelor’s degree.

Any written assessment held under supervision on a set

date, at a set time and venue and except when specifically

stated, does not include oral, practical, clinical, or similar

and excludes assessment of work performed over a period

such as practicums and work/field placements.

Refers to a Faculty, Institute, Centre or School.

The last time a student can take an assessment of a Study-

Unit assessment or a component thereof. Normally the

final assessment opportunity to take an assessment is the

September assessment session in the academic year to

which an Incomplete Study-Unit is referred; in exceptional

circumstances Senate may approve an additional

opportunity as provided for in these regulations.

A Study-Unit is considered to be Incomplete for students

who for any reason were absent for its assessment or have

failed its assessment, in both cases, with the possibility of

being assessed in it at a next opportunity.

A long piece of writing on an approved subject written

under the general guidance of a tutor as a compulsory

home assignment towards the end of a Course.

A Course that imparts specific professional competencies

and leads to an award that gives access to a regulated

profession.

The list of Study-Units comprising an Area of Study

offered as a main or subsidiary Area of Study in a Course.

The Programme of Study shall indicate which Units are

compulsory or elective, the year of study and the semester

in which each Unit is to be followed.

An Incomplete Study-Unit which a student is allowed to

refer to the following year of her Course plan or to an

extension year.

Statutory duration The duration needed to complete a Course if no extension

or repeat years are availed of.

A part of a Programme of Study carried out upon a

syllabus approved by Senate, on the recommendation of

the Board, to which a specified number of credits at an

indicated level is assigned, and which is capable of

separate assessment. A Study-Unit may take the form of a

series of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical or clinical

sessions, field placements, projects, research work,

dissertation, private study or a combination of such work,

or any other method of teaching.

All Study-Units, whether compulsory, elective or optional,

are deemed to be compensatable, i.e. may be passed by

compensation, as provided for in these regulations, with

the exception of compulsory Study-Units that are declared

to be non-compensatable in a Programme of Study, and

provided that when a mark of at least 45% is required to be

obtained in any of a Study-Unit’s assessment components,

that minimum mark must be obtained for the Study-Unit to

be passed by compensation.

A Study-Unit which must be followed and passed for the

purpose of progression or successful completion of the

Course.

Two or more Study-Units which must be followed together

during the same semester.

A Study-Unit in a particular Programme of Study which

must be chosen from a designated list of Study-Units.

A Study-Unit chosen from a wide range of Study-Units

offered by the University.

A Study-Unit which must have been followed in order for a

student to be able to follow a subsequent Study-Unit.

Study-Units, the teaching of which helps students to

integrate knowledge acquired in Study-Units pursued

during the Course. Whenever such Study-Units are

included in a Programme of Study, these Study-Units are

designated and indicated as such in their Study-Unit

description and the Programme of Study, are compulsory

and are taught during the last year of the Programme of

Study.

The allocation of credit to Study-Units forming part of a

Programme of Study follows closely the European Credit

Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) as explained in

the ECTS Users’ Guide available on the following link

https://ec.europa.eu/education/ects/users-guide/docs/ects-

users-guide_en.pdf.

An assessment re-taken after failure at a previous

assessment opportunity.

A University Pre-Tertiary Certificate, a University

Certificate, a University Diploma, a University Higher

Diploma, a Bachelor degree, a Bachelor Honours degree.

These regulations shall be applicable as from October 2019 for all Courses

leading to a University Undergraduate Award.

Eligibility for a University Undergraduate Award

To be eligible for any University Undergraduate Award, students must

(1) be registered as regular students in a Course in terms of the Admissions

Regulations of the University;

(2) complete the Course, and satisfy any other requirements prescribed in

these regulations and in the bye-laws for the Course;

(3) satisfy any other requirements prescribed in any other relevant statutes,

regulations and bye-laws of the University; and

(4) obtain not less than the number of credits at not below the level as

indicated hereunder, including all credits for compulsory and elective Study-Units

as specified in the Programme/s of Study and/or Bye-Laws relevant to the Course

on which the student is registered and subject to regulations 18, 19 and 20 below

University Undergraduate

Requirements

University Pre-Tertiary Certificate

Not less than 16 credits at Level 0.

University Certificate

30 or 32 credits of which not less than 26

credits not below Level 1.

60 or 90 credits, as specified in the Bye-

University Diploma

Laws for the Course, of which not more

than 4 Level 0 and not less than 56 Level

1. 90 or 120 credits, as specified in the

University Higher Diploma

Bye-Laws for the Course, of which not

more than 4 Level 0 and not less than 56

Level 2.

180 credits of which not more than 4

Level 0, not less than 56 and not more

Bachelor

than 68 Level 1, and not less than 108

more or less divided equally between

Levels 2 and 3.

180 credits of which not more than 4

Level 0, not less than 56 and not more

Bachelor (Honours in one Area of

than 68 Level 1, and not less than 108

Study) (three year full-time Course

more or less divided equally between

Levels 2 and 3 of which not less than 56

Level 3 credits assigned to the area taken

at honours.

240 credits of which not more than 4

Level 0, not less than 56 and not more

Bachelor (Honours in two Areas of

than 68 Level 1, and not less than 168

Study) (4 year full-time Course)

more or less divided equally between

Levels 2 and 3 of which not less than 50

Level 3 credits in each of the two areas

taken at honours.

240 credits of which not more than 4

Bachelor (Honours) (4 year full-

Level 0, not less than 56 and not more

time professional Course)

than 68 Level 1, and not less than 168

Levels 2, 3 and 4 of which not less than

100 at Levels 3 and 4.

Provided that

(i) students may be allowed to offer higher level credits in substitution of

the required credits at a specific level;

(ii) a Pass Bachelor degree, in all instances without honours, may, at the

discretion of the Award Classification Board, be awarded to a student registered in

a Bachelor or Bachelor (Honours) degree Course, who at the end of the Course

lacks not more than 10 credits to complete the credit requirement for the award of

the degree. The student shall however have the option to refuse the award and opt

to refer the missing Units to an extension year or repeat the year if so eligible in

terms of these regulations; and

(iii) in the case of the award of a University Higher Diploma, Senate may

exceptionally approve Programmes to which 60 credits are assigned of which not

less than 56 at Level 2 or higher and provided that such Programmes build upon

studies at tertiary level.

(5) Senate may also approve inter-faculty awards which may be offered by

two or more entities of the University.

Registration and Special Course Requirements

(1) Applicants shall apply to register for the Course on the prescribed form

and within the time specified by the Office of the Registrar.

(2) To be registered as regular students in any undergraduate Course,

applicants must satisfy the requirements for registration as regular students in terms

of the Admissions Regulations of the University and any Special Course

Requirements laid down in the Bye-Laws for the Course.

Course Plan

(1) In any Course Plan, full-time students shall be required to register for

Study-Units to which 60 credits are assigned as indicated in the Programme/s of

Study for the Course.

(2) In any Course Plan, full-time students shall not be required and may

not register for more than 36 credits in any one semester.

(3) Study-Units taught and assessed over two consecutive semesters shall

be deemed to be divided equally between the two semesters for the purpose of

establishing the number of credits that a student may register for in a semester.

(1) Students shall select and register for the Study-Units as prescribed in

their Programme of Study as directed by the Office of the Registrar and shall not be

considered students on a Study-Unit unless they have so registered.

(2) Students shall not be permitted to follow a Study-Unit and/or be

assessed for the award of credit unless they are registered as students on that Study-

Unit.

(3) Where a particular first semester Study-Unit is specified as a

prerequisite for a Study-Unit to be taken in the following semester, then the

prerequisite shall be deemed to have been satisfied if the student has been registered

for the former Unit, has maintained satisfactory attendance and has completed all

requirements associated with the Unit.

(4) Where a particular Study-Unit is specified as concurrent with another,

the student must maintain satisfactory attendance at both Units.

(5) Students may, subject to timetable and other published restrictions, and

subject to any other condition that the University may from time to time impose,

change a choice of Units during the Add/Drop Period that shall be published by the

Office of the Registrar with the approval of Senate.

(6) The Registrar, after seeking the advice of the Faculty concerned

may, subject to the same conditions and restrictions as in paragraph (5) of this

regulation, allow a student to change a choice of Units, or withdraw from or register

for a Unit after the “Add/Drop Period” has passed, provided that no withdrawal from

a Unit may be permitted after any of the assessment components of that Unit has

been completed.

(7) Students are responsible for complying with the published procedures

at the time in force.

Statutory Duration of Course

The statutory duration of a Course shall be specified in the Bye-Laws for

each Course but shall be not less and not more than the following periods of full-

time study

(a)

one or two semesters for Courses leading to a University Pre-Tertiary

Certificate;

(b) one semester for Courses leading to a University Certificate;

(c) two or three semesters for Courses leading to a University Diploma;

(d) between two and four semesters for Courses leading to a University

Higher Diploma; and

(e) between six and eight semesters for Courses leading to the Bachelor

and Bachelor Honours degrees

Provided that students may be allowed to follow a Course on a part-time

basis, in which case the time spent in part-time study shall, unless otherwise stated

in the Programme of Study approved by Senate, or unless in special circumstances

specific arrangements are agreed in writing by the Board with the student, count as

half that required in the case of full-time studies.

Suspension of Studies

(1) The Board may allow students, for a good and sufficient reason, to

suspend their studies for a maximum period of twelve months, irrespective of

whether the student is registered on a full-time or part-time basis. In such cases, the

period of suspension of studies shall not be taken into consideration for calculating

the period of registration in the Course in terms of the statutory duration

requirement.

(2) A student who is on suspension of studies shall not follow any Study-

Unit, sit for any assessment, or work on the Dissertation.

Academic Calendar

(1) The academic year consists of two semesters, each incorporating 14

weeks of teaching, two weeks of recess and two End of semester assessment

sessions, being an Assessment Session of up to three weeks after the first semester

and an Assessment Session of up to five weeks following the second semester. The

second semester is followed by the summer recess.

(2) Assessments are also held in September during the summer recess for

students to take a limited number of assessments of Incomplete Study-Units, as

provided for in these regulations.

(3) Course Plans may, with the approval of Senate, include summer

sessions of varying lengths.

The calendar for each academic year, indicating the date of the

commencement of each semester, the dates reserved for examinations, and the dates

of the Christmas, Easter and summer recesses, shall be approved by Senate before

the commencement of each academic year, normally a year in advance.

Courses shall normally commence at the beginning of the first or

the second semester, unless otherwise approved by Senate.

Language of Instruction and Assessment

The language of instruction and assessment shall be English, except that

for areas of study involving a language, teaching and assessment may be in that

language. Senate may also approve the delivery of a Study-Unit in Maltese or in

any other language.

Courses and Course Plans

Any Course shall be proposed by a Board duly authorised to offer

undergraduate Courses and approved by Senate through Bye-Laws for the purpose.

Course Plans shall be approved by Senate and may consist of one or more

Programmes of Study in particular Areas of Study.

The Areas of Study that may be taken in a Course shall be indicated in the

Bye-Laws for the Course. At the time of the call for applications, the Board shall

indicate which areas are offered in a particular academic year and the combination

of areas that may be taken together.

A Course leading to an award in more than one Area of Study may include

areas that fall under the academic responsibility of different Faculties. Senate shall

approve such Courses, provided there is the concurrence of each of the Faculties

concerned.

Programmes of Study

There shall be a Programme of Study for each Area of Study in which a

University Undergraduate Award may be given, whether the Area is designated as a

main honours, as a main or as a subsidiary Area.

An Area of Study can be designated as a main area in the Course Plan for

a Bachelor degree if at least 70 credits at the appropriate level are assigned to it.

An Area of Study can be designated as a main area in the Course Plan for

a Bachelor Honours degree if at least 110 credits at the appropriate level are

assigned to it.

An Area of Study can be designated as a subsidiary area in a degree

Course Plan if at least 35 credits at the appropriate level are assigned to it.

Course Plans may include optional Study-Units.

(1) Each Programme of Study shall be submitted for the approval of

Senate by the department or division responsible for the teaching of the Area of

Study.

(2)

The Programmes of Study shall be approved by Senate after due

process of validation and periodic review as indicated by Senate from time to time.

Programmes of Study shall normally be approved by Senate not less than

eight months before the commencement of the Course, and shall include all the

Study-Units in the Area, indicating which of the Units are compulsory or electives,

and the order in which the Units shall be followed.

Study-Units shall be proposed by the department or division responsible

for the teaching of the Area of Study and approved by Senate on the

recommendation of the Board.

Each Study-Unit shall be assigned a code by the Office of the Registrar in

accordance with the principles listed in Schedule 1 - System of Assigning Codes for

Study-Units attached to these regulations.

Study-Units shall be offered at levels as follows

Pre-tertiary or foundation or proficiency Study-Units.

Study-Units normally offered in Year 1 of an undergraduate Course

where it is assumed that the students have a general level of education

at least meriting the award of the Matriculation Certificate. In

Courses where admission is dependent on students being in

possession of special Course requirements, such as a pass in a subject

taken at Advanced Level, lecturers can assume that students possess

the pre-required knowledge.

Levels 2 & 3 Study-Units offered in Years 2 and 3 of an undergraduate Course.

Level 3 Study-Units are also offered in Year 4 of an undergraduate

non-professional Course. Lecturers can assume that students have the

required skills associated with studying at tertiary level.

Study-Units offered in Year 4 of a Professional Course. Such Study-

Units, normally imparting specific professional competencies

although given at a level higher than Level 3, are still considered as

being at undergraduate level.

Boards of Studies

Boards of Studies for all Courses shall be appointed by Senate by

September for a period of one academic year.

Each Faculty shall recommend to Senate the appointment of Boards of

Studies for Courses run under the auspices of that Faculty. In doing so, the Board

shall aim to achieve an optimal arrangement for the appointment of a Board of

Studies for one or more Courses run under its auspices.

Senate may approve the appointment of any of the following

(a) a Board of Studies for one Area of Study for a Course, where such a

Course consists only of one Area of Study;

(b) a Board of Studies for a Course consisting of more than one Area of

Study offered together in that Course;

(c) a single Board of Studies for such number of Courses offered under the

auspices of a Faculty, where such an arrangement is the most appropriate;

(d) the designation of a Board to carry out the functions of a Board of

Studies; and

(e) any combination of the above which Senate may approve from time to

time for Courses offered under the auspices of a Faculty.

(1) Boards of Studies shall be composed as follows

(a) in the case of regulation 29 (a), the Board of Studies shall be composed

of: (i) the head of the department responsible for the Area of Study or his delegate

as chairman; (ii) at least two other academic members; and (iii) two students elected

from amongst the students registered on the Course;

(b) in the case of regulation 29 (b), the Board of Studies shall be composed

of: (i) the heads of the departments responsible for the Areas of Study concerned, or

their delegates, one of whom shall be appointed chairman; (ii) at least one other

academic member from each of the departments concerned; and (iii) two students

elected from amongst the students registered on the Course;

(c) in the case of regulation 29 (c), the Board of Studies shall be composed

of: (i) the Course coordinators for a number of Courses offered under the auspices

of a Faculty, or their delegates; one Course coordinator shall be appointed

chairman; (ii) at least one other academic member teaching on each of the Courses

concerned; and (iii) two students elected from amongst the students registered on

the Courses; and

(d) in the case of regulation 29 (d), the Board shall be designated by Senate

to perform the functions of a Board of Studies.

(2) In the case of a Course offered by two or more Faculties, Senate may

appoint, on the joint recommendation of the Faculties concerned, an inter-Faculty

Board of Studies. Such a Board of Studies shall consist of: (i) the Dean or his

delegate of each Faculty concerned; (ii) at least two other academic members from

each Faculty; and (iii) two students elected from amongst the students registered on

the Course. One of the Deans shall be appointed chairman. The terms of reference

of such a Board of Studies are to ensure better coordination of Programmes of

Study where Study-Units are offered by different Faculties.

(3) Faculties may propose as members on all Boards of Studies up to two

stakeholders in the areas of expertise covered by the relevant Programme.

(4) Administrators from all Faculties concerned shall attend meetings of

the Board of Studies.

The functions of Boards of Studies shall include the following

(a) implementing the regulations and bye-laws governing the Programme of

Study, subject to the general directions given by the Board concerned;

(b) monitoring and evaluating the Programme/s of Study;

(c) drawing up Programmes of Study and making proposals to the Board for

their revision as necessary from time to time; and

(d) monitoring the assessments and the procedures used in the assessment of

the performance of the students.

Credits

A credit value is assigned to each Study-Unit indicating the total learning

time, including time devoted to tuition, private study and assessment, which an

average student might be expected to spend in achieving the learning outcomes

associated with the Unit; one credit nominally represents 25 hours of learning, of

which five to seven hours are normally direct teaching when a Study-Unit is

imparted in the standard lecturing mode.

Study-Units taught and assessed within a single semester shall normally

be assigned not less than 4 credits (except for Study-Units designated as optional,

which may be assigned 2 credits) and not more than 30 credits.

Credits shall be awarded to students who pass the assessment for that

Unit. The mark/grade and credits for a particular Unit cannot be awarded to a

student more than once, unless a student is required to be assessed in a compulsory

Study-Unit credit for which had been obtained towards another award, in terms of

regulation 36.

Study-Units credited to a student may not normally be used towards an

award after seven years have elapsed from the award of the credit to the student,

provided that when credit for more than one Study-Unit is being transferred to

another Course, then the seven years shall commence from the date of the last credit

awarded.

The same credits cannot be counted towards two separate qualifications

unless one qualification is considered by Senate to be an interim qualification in the

normal progression to the other, higher level qualification

Provided that a Board of Studies may allow a student to transfer credit for a

Study-Unit obtained in a completed Programme of Study if such a Study-Unit is

compulsory in a subsequent Course, in which case the original mark and grade is

retained, and provided that not more than 30 credits can be so transferred to a

Course leading to a Bachelor or Bachelor Honours degree and not more than 12

credits can be so transferred to a Course leading to a Diploma or Higher Diploma.

(1) Subject to regulations 35 and 36, students who obtained credit when

registered at other recognised institutions of higher education may have their credits

accepted by the Board of Studies for transfer towards a specific Programme of Study

except to a Programme leading to a University Certificate

Provided that any award of the University shall be subject to the last 60

credits of the Course being awarded by the University of Malta and, except for

students who participate in periods of study abroad approved by the University, the

classification of the award is calculated only on the credits obtained from the

University of Malta.

(2) The mark, grade and credit value equivalence of the Units for which

credits are transferred shall be calculated by the Office of the Registrar in

consultation with the Board.

Attendance

(1) Unless otherwise specified in the bye-laws of a Course, or expressly

stated in the description of a Study-Unit as published in the Catalogue of Study-

Units, attendance is obligatory for lectures, tutorials, seminars, practical or clinical

sessions or work placements, fieldwork and any other teaching session in whatever

mode. On the basis of documented evidence, a lecturer may bar a student whose

attendance in a Study-Unit is not satisfactory from being assessed in that Study-

Unit. In such cases, a 0 mark and an F grade shall be assigned and recorded.

(2) The University will not excuse students for missing lectures or other

teaching activities, and neither will it tolerate late submission of assignments or any

defaults in Coursework due to work or unauthorised commitments. No rescheduling

of lecturing-related activities or assessments will be approved to accommodate such

commitments.

(3) Students who fail a Study-Unit due to ineligibility to take the first

assessment because of failure to satisfy the attendance requirement shall not be

allowed a supplementary assessment, unless in special circumstances with the

approval of the Board of Examiners, and if otherwise eligible. In cases where

students are allowed a supplementary assessment, the Board of Examiners shall

impose special requirements on the student to make up for the missed teaching

sessions.

Assessment

(1) Marking and Grading

Examiners shall appraise the student’s performance in the assessment of

Study-Units as a percentage mark and as a grade as indicated in the tables below.

Both the percentage mark and the letter grade shall be recorded in the student's

academic record. The percentage mark shall be used for the purpose of calculating

the student’s progress and for the award classification.

Descriptor

Work displaying exceptional quality

Exceptional performance showing comprehensive

and critical understanding, and application of the

subject matter. Evidence of extensive additional

reading/research/work.

Work displaying comprehensive and critical

understanding

Superior performance showing a comprehensive and

critical understanding of the subject matter. Evidence

of considerable additional reading/research/work.

Work displaying comprehensive understanding

Performance showing a very good working

knowledge of the subject matter. Evidence of a

moderate amount of additional reading/research/

work.

Work displaying substantial understanding

Above-average performance, with a working

knowledge of the subject matter. Evidence of some

additional reading/research/work.

Work displaying sound understanding

Average performance. Evidence of little additional

reading/research/work.

Work displaying satisfactory understanding

Adequate performance. No evidence of additional

reading/research/work.

Work displaying satisfactory understanding with 50% - 54%

D+

shortcomings

Adequate but inconsistent performance. No evidence

of additional reading/research/work.

Work displaying basic understanding

45% - 49%

D

Marginal performance, satisfying minimum criteria.

Work displaying inadequate understanding to

0% - 44%

F 1,2

varying degrees.

1 If mark obtained is between 35% and 44% in Compensatable Study-Units, and

is compensated by good performance in other Study-Units, a Compensated Pass

(CP) shall be awarded (vide regulation 48).

2 Unjustified absence for an assessment when a valid reason for absence is

required, or failure to hand in assigned work on time, or ineligibility to take

assessment due to unapproved absence from lectures shall be assigned an F with

0 marks in the calculation of the year average mark.

The following grades when assigned to Study-Units shall not be taken into

consideration for computation purposes but form part of the student’s academic

record

Grade

Descriptor

P

Pass - when assessment is based on a Pass/Fail basis only. Such a

result is not taken in consideration for calculating the final weighted

average mark and for award classification purposes.

I

Temporary grade for (a) when the assessment date has been

postponed or deadline for submission of work has been extended; or

(b) when absence in an assessment is being considered by the board

appointed by Senate; or (c) work which is being considered in terms

of the disciplinary procedures stipulated in the University Assessment

Regulations.

(2) Calculating an Average Mark

In calculating the average mark for each year of the Course (referred to as

the year average mark), each individual mark obtained for each Unit registered for

during the year shall be weighted by the credit value of the corresponding Unit, the

resultant marks are added and divided by the total number of credits to give the year

average mark. The average shall be recorded correct to one decimal place.

(1) The final weighted average mark that shall be used to classify the

award shall be calculated by weighting each Year Average Mark by the

corresponding factor for the year as indicated in the bye-laws for the Course in terms

of regulation 82 and the average shall be recorded correct to the nearest whole

number.

(2) The final weighted average mark for the Bachelor in General Studies

degree shall be based on all credits awarded in each year of the Course, all credits

being weighted equally, irrespective of the year in which they were obtained.

Assessment Methods

The method of assessment for each Study-Unit shall be indicated in the

Study-Unit description and published in the Catalogue of Study-Units.

When the method of assessment comprises more than one assessment

component, the percentage weighting of each component shall be given. Students

shall be awarded the credits associated with the Study-Unit if they obtain an overall

weighted mark of 45% or higher for the Unitas a whole

Provided that, in the case of Study-Units comprising a practical component,

Senate may approve that for students to be awarded a pass mark/grade in the Study-

Unit, a minimum mark of 45% must be obtained in an assessment component and

that, irrespective of any overall mark obtained in the Study-Unit assessment, a

student who fails to obtain the required minimum mark in such a component shall be

deemed to have failed the Study-Unit assessment with a Grade F and shall be

required to re-take its assessment at the next assessment opportunity, provided he is

eligible in terms of these regulations.

Unless in special circumstances and with the approval of the Board, all

students on the same Study-Unit shall be assessed by the same method/s of

assessment. Supplementary assessments shall normally have the same mode of

assessment as the corresponding first assessment.

(1) Assessment may be made

(a) in a continuous mode, i.e. by a set of assessments, which may take

the form of class tests, take-home assignments, oral tests, practical work/projects, or

a combination of two or more of these methods, or any other method of continuous

assessment approved by the Board distributed throughout the Study-Unit; or

(b) in a final mode, i.e. by a single assessment at the end of the Study-

Unit; or

(c) in a continuous and final mode, i.e. partly by a set of assessments

distributed throughout the Study-Unit and partly by an assessment at the end of the

Study-Unit.

(2) Study-Unit assessments shall be conducted in terms of the University

Assessment Regulations, 2009.

Any work assigned as Coursework for continuous assessment purposes

shall always be submitted before the date of the final assessment of the Study-Unit.

When a Study-Unit is assessed by Coursework only, the date of submission of the

work shall not be set later than the last day of the end of semester assessment session

following the semester during which the Study-Unit is given.

(1) (a) Students who fail in any Study-Unit at an End of semester

assessment session, except a compulsory Study-Unit that is declared to be non-

compensatable in a Programme of Study, with a mark of not less than 35% and

whose Year Average Mark after the June assessment session is at least 50% shall be

awarded a compensated pass (grade CP) and shall be awarded credit for the Unit by

compensation and shall not be required to be reassessed.

(b) Similarly, students who fail in any Study-Unit, except a

compulsory Study-Unit that is declared to be non-compensatable in a Programme of

Study at a September assessment session, with a mark of not less than 35% and

whose Year Average Mark after the September assessment session is at least 50%

shall be awarded the grade CP and shall be awarded credit for the Unit by

compensation and shall not be required to be reassessed.

(2) Bye-laws may provide that in Courses comprising two main areas of

study, Units declared to be compensatable may be passed by compensation if

students obtain a mark of not less than 35% in the Unit and their Average Mark in

the Programme of Study for the same area for the current year is at least 50%. In

such cases, eligibility for a compensated pass shall not be based on the Year Average

Mark as provided for in paragraph (1) of this regulation.

(3) A student may only refuse the award of a compensated pass and opt

for reassessment in the September assessment session, if eligible, when the mark

that can potentially be obtained in the September assessment session could make a

difference for the purpose of reaching an average mark required for access to a

particular Programme of Study. In such cases, the student is required to advise the

Registrar of his intention after all results for the year have been published but in any

case by not later than 16 August before the September assessment session.

Assessment Opportunities

(1) Other than in the case of Study-Units whose assessments are indicated

as not available at the September assessment session and Study-Units assessed by

Dissertation or by Long Essay or similar, students shall be entitled to four

opportunities to obtain a pass grade in the assessment of a Study-Unit, namely

(a) at the end of semester assessment session during which the assessment

is scheduled, their first opportunity;

(b) in case of absence, or failure at the first opportunity, they shall be

entitled to be assessed during the September assessment session, their second

opportunity;

(c) if students, for any reason, do not obtain a pass grade at their first and

second opportunities and they are eligible in terms of the regulations to refer the

Incomplete study Unit/s to the next year of their Course or to an extension year of

studies, they shall be entitled to a third opportunity to take the assessment, namely,

at the End of semester assessment session when the assessment is next scheduled;

and

(d) if students for any reason, do not obtain a pass grade at the End of

semester assessment session at their third opportunity, they shall be entitled to a

fourth, normally final, opportunity at the following September assessment session

Provided that, in all cases, any entitlement to an assessment opportunity is

always subject to the student being otherwise eligible in terms of the relevant

University regulations.

(2) (a) When it is deemed not possible or practical to schedule a second

assessment opportunity in the same academic year such a condition shall be

declared in the published Study-Unit’s method of assessment and students shall have

two opportunities to be assessed in such an assessment: the first when the

assessment is first scheduled and, in case of absence or failure, a second, normally

final opportunity, in the following academic year to which it is referred, if the

student is otherwise eligible.

(b) If, by the End of the Semester Assessment Session, a student fails to

obtain an overall pass mark in a Study-Unit that includes an assessment component

that is not available at the September assessment session, the original mark obtained

in such an assessment component is retained to count towards the Study-Unit overall

mark that is computed after the September assessment session.

(3) If a student does not obtain a pass grade in the assessment of a Study-

Unit at his Final Assessment Opportunity he shall be deemed to have definitively

failed the Study-Unit.

(4) In the September assessment session of any academic year, students shall

only be eligible to be assessed in Incomplete Study-Units, whether due to failure or

absence, to which not more than a total of 20 credits are assigned.

A student who, after having been assessed in all the assessment

components of a Study-Unit obtains a pass grade in the Study-Unit shall not be

entitled to a reassessment in any of its assessment components.

(1) When the assessment of a Study-Unit comprises more than one

component, students shall not be allowed a re-assessment of any assessment

component in which they obtain 45% of the marks assigned to it.

(2) When the assessment of a Study-Unit comprises more than one

component and a student is absent for one of the components, the Study-Unit shall

be marked as Incomplete, no final mark is awarded and the student may take the

assessment of the missed component at the next opportunity, if eligible, provided

that a student may

(a) by not later than seven days from the publication of the Study-Unit

overall result, request to be also reassessed in any other component for which he did

not obtain 45% of the marks assigned. In such cases the Study-Unit shall be marked

as an overall Fail, Grade F, and the student is allowed a supplementary assessment in

the missed component together with any other component in which less than 45%

of the marks had been obtained, at the next available opportunity, if eligible; or

(b) unless a 45% minimum mark must be obtained in the missed assessment

component, opt not to be assessed in it and by not later than seven days from the

publication of the Study-Unit overall result, request that a final mark for the Study-

Unit be calculated on all the components, including the 0 marks for the missed

component.

Absence: Written Supervised Examinations

(1) It is the duty of students to sit for their examinations when scheduled

and they may only absent themselves from an examination for a valid reason.

Students are not required to provide evidence of a valid reason for absence from an

examination at any of the first three opportunities, except for absence from a

synoptic examination which must always be covered by evidence of a valid reason

for absence.

(2) When, at any of the first three opportunities, a student is absent from

an examination for which evidence to justify an absence is not required, or, in the

case of synoptic examinations, for which a valid reason for absence is required, he

shall be allowed to sit the examination at the next available opportunity under the

same conditions, first sit or as resit, as he was entitled to take it at the missed

session, provided that he is otherwise eligible in terms of these or any other

regulations or bye-laws.

(3) When a student is absent at his Final Assessment Opportunity, he

shall be required to provide evidence of a valid reason for his absence within the

stipulated period of time, and he shall not be entitled to any further opportunities to

sit the examination unless Senate, acting on the advice of the board set up in terms

of regulation 55, considers the absence to have been for a reason considered valid

and beyond his control.

Absence: Non-Written Assessments

(1) In the case of non-written assessments, such as oral, practical or

clinical, when students are examined individually at different times and dates,

examiners may, at their sole and absolute discretion, either require a student who is

absent for a reason accepted as valid to be examined on another date during the same

Assessment Session as indicated by the Board of Examiners and this will not be

considered another opportunity, or allow the student to take the assessment at the

next available opportunity, if he is otherwise eligible in terms of any other regulation

or bye-law.

(2) When no reason is submitted or if the examiners consider the reason

for absence as not valid, or if the evidence provided is not considered sufficient, the

student shall be deemed to have failed the missed assessment and shall receive a

mark of 0 - grade F, provided that when a reason for absence is not accepted, the

student may appeal the decision in writing to the Dean, or to the Pro-Rector for

Academic Affairs if the Dean is the examiner or one of the examiners, within three

working days from her being informed that the reason she submitted was not

accepted.

Non-Submission of Home Assignments

(1) Other than for Long Essays, Dissertations and similar end of Course

assessments, if a student provides a reason accepted by the examiners as valid for

not submitting a home assignment by a given deadline, the examiners shall, either

(a) grant an extension of the deadline by a maximum of three weeks, which

extension shall not be deemed as one of the four opportunities, or

(b) if an extension of three weeks is not sufficient in their circumstances,

allow the student to submit the assignment at the next available Assessment

Opportunity under the same conditions, first sit or resit, as he was entitled to be

assessed in the missed session, provided that the student is otherwise eligible in

terms of any other regulation or bye-law.

(2) When no reason is submitted or if the examiners consider the reason

for non-submission as not valid or as insufficient to justify the non-submission of a

home assignment by a given deadline, the student shall be deemed to have failed the

assessment and shall receive a mark of 0, grade F, provided that when a reason for

non-submission is not accepted, the student may appeal the decision in writing to

the Dean, or to the Pro-Rector for Academic Affairs if the Dean is the examiner or

one of the examiners, within three working days from their being informed that the

reason she submitted was not accepted.

Absence at a Student’s Final Assessment Opportunity

Claims of a valid reason to justify an absence, including medical

reasons covered by medical reports, at a student’s Final Assessment Opportunity

shall be considered by a board appointed by Senate for the purpose, with a view to

determining whether the absence is justified. In such instances, this board, after

further investigation of the reason for absence, shall advise Senate on the

appropriate action that may be taken, which may include

(a) if the reason for absence is considered valid, allow the student to take

the assessment at the next Assessment Session at which it is next scheduled, under

the same conditions, first sit or as resit; or

(b) if the reason for absence is not considered valid or if the evidence

provided is not considered sufficient, declare a student to have definitely failed the

missed assessment/s; or

(c) any other action the board considers necessary or appropriate.

Long Essay and Dissertation

(1) When the mode of assessment is by Long Essay or Dissertation or

similar end of Course assessments, the deadline for submission shall be established

by the Board of Studies.

(2) When considering requests for extensions, which must be

accompanied by the reasons for non-submission by the given deadline, the Board

shall be guided by procedures approved by Senate. The board of examiners shall

take into account the period of extension and may decide on a reduction of marks. If

the extension period extends beyond the end of the academic year, the student shall

be deemed to have been granted an extension year.

(3) Submission of Dissertations or Long Essays within three weeks from

the deadline or the extended deadline when an extension has been granted, without

the express permission of the board of examiners, may be accepted but shall result

in a reduction of marks as decided by the board of examiners.

(4) A Dissertation or Long Essay that is not submitted by the deadline, or

the extended deadline when an extension has been granted, shall receive a mark of

0, grade F.

(5) When students fail the Long Essay or Dissertation they shall, if

otherwise eligible, have only one other opportunity to resubmit it.

(6) The supervision and assessment of Dissertations required for a

Bachelor’s degree shall be conducted according to regulations 73 to 76.

Supplementary Assessments

In any supplementary assessment of a Study-Unit, including when any of

the assessment components is reassessed, the maximum overall mark/grade that may

be awarded to the Study-Unit shall be 45%, grade D.

Supplementary assessments shall be held as follows

(a) for the continuous assessment mode: by arrangement with the lecturer

concerned, provided that the reassessment is completed before the end of the

September assessment session; and

(b) for the final assessment mode: at the September assessment session.

Progression

Students shall register as regular students in the following year of the

Course on obtaining the 60 credits assigned to the Study-Units for their current year

as indicated in the Course Plan and Programme/s of Study.

Students who after the September assessment session need not more than

12 credits in order to successfully complete the Course Plan for the year, shall,

whenever possible and after academic advice, be given the option by the Board to

either

(a) refer the Incomplete Study-Units to the following year of their Course

plan to be done over and above the Study-Units indicated for that year; or

(b) refer the Incomplete Study-Unit/s to an extension year, if the student is

in the final year of the Course; or

(c) repeat the year in its entirety, if eligible in terms of these regulations.

(1) Students referred to in regulation 60 who take up the option to refer

Incomplete Units to the following year of their Course Plan shall be considered to

have progressed conditionally and shall not be allowed to continue with the Course

if, after the September assessment session of that year, they would have failed again

to obtain the required credits for any of the referred Units.

(2) Under no circumstances shall a student be allowed to progress from

the current year to a subsequent year if the requirements of the year previous to the

current have not been satisfied.

In the case of non-compulsory referred Study-Units, the Board, after

consultation with the head of department and/or the Board of Studies, may allow

students to register for alternative Study-Units which fall within the scope of the

students’ Programme of Study.

A Study-Unit that has been accepted as an alternative to a referred Study-

Unit shall, for the purpose of these regulations, be deemed to be a referred Study-

Unit and the provisions of regulation 61 shall apply.

The maximum mark/grade that may be awarded to a referred failed Study-

Unit, including Study-Units accepted as alternative to referred failed ones, and

irrespective of whether the Study-Unit is assessed at an End of semester assessment

session or at the September assessment session, is 45%, grade D.

Change of Area of Study

A student registered in a degree with more than one Area of Study may

request to change one of the Areas of Study. In such instances, the Board may, at its

discretion, allow students to change an area of study under those conditions it may

impose, including the condition of an additional year of study which, if granted,

shall not count as an extension year.

Extension Year, Repeat Year or Termination of a Course

(1) Students who, after the June assessment session of a particular year of

their Course Plan, whether due to failure or absence, lack not more than 20 of the

credits required for their current year, including credit for referred Study-Units, shall

be eligible to be assessed in the Incomplete Study-Units at the September

assessment session.

(2) Students who, after the June assessment session of a particular year of

their Course Plan, whether due to failure or absence, lack more than 20 of the credits

required for their current year, including credits for referred Study-Units, shall only

be eligible to be assessed in any Incomplete referred Units in the September

assessment session but shall not be eligible to be assessed in any of the Incomplete

Study-Units pertaining to the Programme of their current year. Subject to their

obtaining a pass grade in all the referred Study-Units, such students shall, after

academic advice and if eligible, be given the option by the Board to either

(a) be assessed in the Incomplete Study-Unit/s in an extension year of study;

or

(b) repeat the year in its entirety, including any Study-Units the students may

have successfully completed in their failed year.

(3) If at the September assessment session a student fails to obtain a pass

grade in the referred Study-Units, or is not eligible to an extension year or a repeat

year, he shall be required to withdraw from the Course.

(1) Students who, after the September assessment session, whether due to

failure or absence, still lack more than 12 credits to complete the requirements of

their Course Plan for the particular year shall if eligible in terms of these regulations

and after academic advice, be given the option by the Board to either

(a)

be assessed in the Incomplete Study-Unit/s

in an extension year of

study; or

(b) repeat the year in its entirety, including any Study-Units the students may

have successfully completed in their failed year.

(2) If a student is not eligible to an extension year or a repeat year, he

shall be required to withdraw from the Course.

(1) During an extension year

(a) students shall not be allowed any re-assessment of Study-Units for which

any pass grade had been obtained;

(b) assessments of referred Study-Units shall be based on the Study-Unit

description and shall be done with the assessment method current during the

extension year; and

(c) students are not obliged to attend lectures, and they shall still have the

opportunity to be assessed when a referred Study-Unit is not offered during the

extension year, provided that

(i) a Study-Unit may be assessed by an alternative method of assessment

if it is not possible or practicable to use the original method; and

(ii) students shall be obliged to attend lectures when failure was due to

non-compliance with the attendance requirement of a Study-Unit; if the Study-Unit

is not on offer the provision of regulation 38(3) shall apply.

(2) If after successful completion of an extension year, the Programme of

Study for the subsequent year in the Course Plan is not on offer, the University shall

not be obliged to provide the Programme for such students who shall either need to

suspend their studies until the year of the Programme is next offered, or transfer

their studies to another Course if possible or withdraw and receive any interim

award to which they may be eligible.

(3) Students may be allowed one extension year after each year of the

Course, provided that utilising an extension year after more than one Course year

shall result in a lower classification of the award as provided in regulation 83 (5).

(1) Students shall be allowed to repeat a year of a Course once only and

shall not be allowed to repeat another year in the same Course, unless in exceptional

circumstances and with the approval of Senate.

(2) If a student fails to obtain a pass grade in all the required Study-Units

in an extension year, he shall not be eligible to repeat that Course year.

(1) Students who are not eligible to progress to the next year of the Course

and are allowed to repeat the failed year in its entirety shall be required to follow the

Programme/s of Study that is/are current for the academic year during which they

are repeating, including any Study-Units the student may have successfully

completed in their failed year.

(2) In the first assessment of a repeat year any grade may be obtained; in

a supplementary assessment, the maximum grade that may be awarded shall be

grade D. The credits obtained in this year shall count towards the final classification

of the degree.

The results obtained during the failed year shall not be taken into

consideration for the award of the degree and shall not be included in the student's

academic record

provided that, at the discretion of the Board, students registered in a degree

comprising more than one Area of Study and whose overall Year Average Mark is

at least 50%, may be allowed to retain the credits obtained in a successfully

completed Area of Study. In such instances, the Board may either allow the

student to register part-time and follow the Units of the failed area only, or, time-

table constraints permitting, allow the student to register also for some higher

level Study-Units in the other area/s.

(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of regulation 34, where applicable,

the Bye-laws of a Course may provide that a successfully completed year of study in

one area of study, whether on a full-time or a part-time basis, may be followed again

in its entirety in an additional year to allow students one other opportunity to obtain

the minimum requirements required for progression within that Programme.

(2) When students are allowed to follow again a successfully

completed area of study in terms of paragraph (1) of this regulation, it is only the

results obtained in the additional year that are taken into consideration for

progression within the Programme and for the award of the degree and the original

results shall not be included in the student’s academic record.

(3) Students may follow an additional year in terms of paragraph (1)

of this regulation once only in a Course of study. Such an additional year shall not

be regarded as a repeat year or an extension year and shall not count for the purpose

of regulations 68 (3) and 69.

Supervision of Dissertations

(1) In the case of a Dissertation Study-Unit, the Board shall appoint a

supervisor for each student, provided that if required a co-supervisor may also be

appointed.

(2) A supervisor shall not be related to a student by consanguinity or by

affinity to the third degree inclusive or have a dual relationship with the student, as

defined in the document approved by Senate entitled Consanguinity / Affinity / Dual

Relationship Policy in relation to Examiners/Supervisors and Students.

(3) The supervisor, or the supervisory team when a co-supervisor is

appointed, shall be responsible for providing guidance to students under their care in

the following areas

(a) assisting students to select and elaborate a research problem and to

formulate a written proposal for their Dissertation;

(b) offering ideas and providing guidance and encouragement on the planning

and progress of research, submission of the dissertation, and publication of results;

(c) providing or arranging instruction in research methodology, including use

of information technology;

(d) guiding students in acquiring and improving appropriate generic skills,

including written and oral communication, numeracy, decision-taking and

organisational and management skills;

(e) ensuring that the students are aware of the manner in which research results

are reported and that they understand the implications of plagiarism and other

unbecoming academic practices;

(f) advise the student on the use of plagiarism detection software that is

approved by the University; and

(g) any other matters which require the attention of the Board or Senate.

(4) Supervisors shall meet students regularly to review progress. Meetings

may be substituted by other means of communication.

(5) Supervisors are not responsible for proof-reading Dissertations.

Neither is it their responsibility to ensure that Dissertations do not contain

plagiarised parts.

(6) If plagiarism is detected by a supervisor in drafts or in the final version

of a dissertation prior to formal submission, the supervisor shall use discretion as to

whether to reprimand the student and demand corrective action or to report the

matter to the Assessment Disciplinary Board, depending on the gravity of the

offence.

Boards of Examiners for Dissertations

(1) Dissertations submitted for a Bachelor’s degree shall be assessed by a

Board of Examiners appointed by Senate for the purpose, on the recommendation of

the Board, which shall normally be composed of at least three members.

(2) The Board of Examiners shall follow the procedures for the assessment

of Dissertations for Bachelor degrees, as approved by Senate.

Assessment of Dissertations

For Dissertations presented for the award of a Bachelor’s degree

(a) an oral examination shall be held if it is indicated in the method of

assessment of the Dissertation Study-Unit; a second oral examination may be held at

the discretion of the Board of Examiners in cases of resubmission of dissertations

following major corrections or resubmission of failed dissertations; and

(b) if an oral examination is not indicated in the method of assessment of the

dissertation Study-Unit, it may be held in cases of borderline dissertations verging

on a fail, in cases of resubmission of failed dissertations, or in cases where there is

lack of consensus among the Board of Examiners.

(1) When an oral examination is indicated in the method of assessment

in terms of regulation 75 (a), after reading and marking the Dissertation, the Board

of Examiners shall call the student for the oral examination and shall either

(a) award an overall pass to the Dissertation unconditionally or subject to

minor corrections which shall be submitted within a time established by the Board

of Examiners and to the satisfaction of the chairman of the Board of Examiners in

consultation with the supervisor. If the changes are not effected properly, the Board

of Examiners shall award a mark and grade for the original version; or

(b) in the case of a borderline Dissertation verging on a fail, advise major

corrections to the dissertation which shall be submitted within a time established by

the Board of Examiners and to the satisfaction of the chairman of the Board of

Examiners in consultation with the supervisor, in order to qualify for a minimum

pass mark and grade (ie 45%, grade D). If the changes are not effected properly, the

Dissertation shall be declared as failed and a re-assessment shall be allowed if

eligible in terms of these regulations; or

(c) in cases of low quality Dissertations, declare the student to have failed

with the possibility of a re-assessment if eligible in terms of these regulations.

(2) When an oral examination is not indicated in the method of

assessment in terms of regulation 75 (b), after reading and marking the Dissertation,

the Board of Examiners shall either

(a) award a pass to the Dissertation unconditionally or subject to minor

corrections which shall be submitted within a time established by the Board of

Examiners and to the satisfaction of the chairman of the Board of Examiners in

consultation with the supervisor. If the changes are not effected properly, the Board

of Examiners shall award a mark and grade for the original version; or

(b) in the case of borderline Dissertations verging on a fail, the Board of

Examiners may

either (i) refer the Dissertation back to the student for major corrections

which shall be submitted within a time established by the Board of Examiners and to

the satisfaction of the chairman of the Board of Examiners in consultation with the

supervisor, in order to qualify for a minimum pass mark and grade (ie 45%, grade

D). If the changes are not effected properly, the Dissertation shall be declared as fail

and a re-assessment shall be allowed if eligible in terms of these regulations;

or (ii) call the student for an oral examination before deciding if the

Dissertation should be referred back to the student for major corrections or if the

Dissertation shall be declared as fail with the possibility of a re-assessment if

eligible in terms of these regulations; or

(c) in cases of low quality Dissertations, declare the student to have failed

with the possibility of a re-assessment if eligible in terms of these regulations.

(3) When a Board of Examiners fails to reach consensus about the final

mark/grade they shall proceed according the University Assessment Regulations,

2009. (4) A Board of Examiners shall not allow a period longer than three

months for major corrections in cases of borderline Dissertations verging on a fail,

and not longer than six months for resubmission of failed Dissertations, unless there

are valid reasons which shall be recorded in the report of the Board of Examiners.

(5) Major corrections to borderline Dissertations verging on a fail as

required by the Board of Examiners may be submitted once only.

Dissertation Copies

Before graduating, and where applicable, students shall present two hard

bound copies of the Dissertation to the Faculty, which shall include a signed

declaration of authenticity and one electronic version for the University Library.

The electronic version must conform to the standards set by the University of Malta

Library.

Copyright and Intellectual Property

Students must abide by the University of Malta Intellectual Property

Policy.

Consequences of Withdrawal from a Course

Students may only be allowed to re-join a Course as stipulated in the

University Admissions Regulation. On re-joining the Course, students shall be

required to follow the Programme of Study that is applicable as from that year and

they shall be required to follow all Study-Units, including those they may have

successfully completed during the failed Course.

When a student withdraws from a Course either by choice or because

ineligible to proceed further in terms of these regulations, and unless the Bye-Laws

for the Course provide for the granting of an interim award

(a) if at least 60 credits have been obtained, the student shall be granted the

Diploma in General Studies (Dip. Gen. St.);

(b) if at least 120 credits have been obtained, the student shall be granted the

Higher Diploma in General Studies (H.Dip. Gen. St.);

(c) if at least 180 credits have been obtained in the Course and in accordance

with the definition of a Bachelor degree as in paragraph (4) of regulation 3, the

student may request to be awarded the degree of Bachelor in General Studies

(B.Gen. St.); and

(d) in all instances, students who are granted an award in terms of this

regulation after withdrawing from a Course because ineligible to proceed further,

shall not be entitled to be re-admitted to continue their studies in the same Course.

Classification of Undergraduate Awards

(1) Certificates shall be awarded unclassified.

(2) Diplomas and Higher Diplomas may be awarded in any of the

following classifications

Pass with Distinction

Pass with Merit

Pass.

(3) Bachelor Degrees may be awarded in any of the following categories

Category I (Summa Cum Laude)

Category IIA (Magna Cum Laude)

Category IIB (Cum Laude)

Category III (Bene Probatus)

(4) Bachelor Honours degrees may be awarded in any of the following

classes

First Class Honours (Summa Cum Laude)

Second Class Honours (Upper Division) (Magna Cum Laude)

Second Class Honours (Lower Division) (Cum Laude)

Third Class Honours (Bene Probatus).

(5) A Bachelor degree obtained in accordance with the provisions of

Regulation 3(4)(ii) shall be awarded a Pass (Probatus).

The classification of awards shall be determined by the Award

Classification Board in accordance with criteria that shall be indicated in the Course

Bye-Laws and that shall be made subject to the following provisions

(a) the performance in Study-Units in a Certificate, Diploma or Higher

Diploma Course shall normally be weighted equally except that, in the case of a

Diploma or Higher Diploma Course that includes Level 2 Study-Units, such Units

may be weighted by a factor that is not more than twice that of Level 1 Units; and

(b) in degree Courses, the performance in Study-Units of each year of the

Course may be weighted differently towards the Final Weighted Average Mark,

provided that the weighting of the Study-Units of any particular year shall not be

more than 65%.

Award Classification Board

(1) Award Classification Boards shall be appointed as follows

(a) for Courses comprising one main area of study, the Award Classification

Board shall be composed of the members of the Board of Studies, excluding the

student representatives, and the external examiner when one is appointed; and

(b) for Courses comprising two main areas of study, the Award Classification

Board shall be composed of not less than four members, including the chairman of

each Board of Studies, and the external examiner when one is appointed.

(2) Award Classification Boards shall consult the following guidelines

when deciding upon the classification of awards at the end of each Course

(a) Diplomas / Higher Diplomas are normally awarded as follows

Final Weighted Average Mark

Classification

100 - 80%

Pass with Distinction

79 - 70%

Pass with Merit

69 - 45%

Pass.

(b) Degrees are normally awarded as follows

Average Mark

Bachelor Degrees

Bachelor Honours Degrees

100% - 80%

Category I

First Class Honours

79% - 70%

Category IIA

Upper Second Class Honours

69% - 55%

Category IIB

Lower Second Class Honours

54% - 45%

Category III

Third Class Honours.

(3) The Award Classification Board, at its own discretion, may award a

higher classification than that indicated to students whose Final Weighted Average

Mark is up to five marks less than the minimum for the category/class, provided that

all students who obtain the same or a higher Final Weighted Average Mark within

that category/class shall be awarded the higher classification. In such cases, the

Award Classification Board is required to minute the decision and the justification

for it.

(4) The Award Classification Board may also award a lower classification

than that indicated in the above guidelines, provided that all students who obtain the

same or a lower Final Weighted Average mark within that category/class shall be

awarded the lower classification. In such cases, the Award Classification Board is

required to obtain the authorisation of the Board of the Faculty responsible for the

particular Course that shall minute the decision and the justification for it. The

student/s concerned may appeal to Senate against the decision within two weeks of

the publication of the final classification.

(5) The Award Classification Board, after finalizing the classification of the

cohort of students in a Course, shall award a classification that is one class/category

lower than otherwise entitled to students who utilize an extension year after more

than one Course year, except that students who are only entitled to the lowest

classification shall not have their classification altered.

(6) The cohort of students completing the Course in the same academic year

shall be classified together in accordance with the classification rules applicable at

the time.

Miscellaneous

Changes to published Programmes and Study-Units

The University shall make every effort to ensure that the published Course

Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit Catalogues are complete and up-to-

date, but reserves the right to make changes on the recommendation of the relevant

Board. The availability of optional Units may be subject to timetabling constraints.

Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without

notice.

Consequences of Unfulfilled Obligations

A student in debt to the University, or otherwise having unfulfilled

obligations to the University, shall not be permitted to re-register in any succeeding

sessions, nor shall a degree, higher diploma, diploma or certificate be conferred

upon a student in debt or having unfulfilled obligations, except by special

permission of the Rector, or until the debt is paid or the obligation is fulfilled.

Professional Misconduct and/or Unsuitability

(1) In the case of students following Courses which involve work with

vulnerable persons, the University may at any time suspend or preclude from further

studies any student who, following appropriate investigatory procedures that Senate

may establish for such cases, is deemed to have acted or be acting in a manner which

jeopardises the welfare of the subject (whether patient, pupil, or client) or which

contravenes the relevant professional codes of conduct (i.e. professional misconduct), or

whose behaviour is deemed to be incompatible with that required by the profession (i.e.

professional unsuitability).

(2) The University may request a Police Good Conduct Certificate of its

students. Students shall inform the University if the declaration on their certificate

changes during their registration on a University Course, in which case this declaration

shall be considered by a sub-committee of the Admissions Board appointed by Senate

for the purpose.

Special Provisions for Part-Time Courses and Courses commencing in

February

(1) A Board may, from time to time, offer students the opportunity to

follow a Course on a part-time basis in Areas of Study which shall be indicated

before the commencement of each Course.

(2) The provisions of the foregoing regulations shall apply mutatis

mutandis to Courses followed on a part-time basis and to Courses commencing at

the beginning of the second semester and subject to such changes as may reasonably

be deemed necessary by the Board due to the part-time nature of the Course or due

to the Course having commenced at the beginning of the second semester.

Confidentiality Agreements

(1) (a) Confidential information includes, but is not limited to, training

know-how, information, methodologies and manuals; workbooks; statements of

operating practice; specifications; drawings; designs; formulae; discoveries;

inventions; technical information; know-how generally; lab notebooks; manuscript

papers; software; information about the methods, concepts and techniques on which

software is based; samples; finances; financial models; pricing and other commercial

information; business plans; marketing plans; and any information considered to be

sensitive by the University Research Ethics Committee.

(b) Personal data that may come into students' possession and/or that

students may be exposed to and/or that students may have access to in carrying out

work placements and/or clinical practice in furtherance of their studies at the

University shall also be considered as confidential information.

(2) Students are bound not to disclose any confidential information

which may come into their possession and/or which they are exposed to and/or

which they have access to. Furthermore, students may be asked by the University to

sign specific confidentiality agreements should it be deemed necessary.

(3) Subject to the provisions of sub-paragraph (1) of this regulation,

information shall not be considered as confidential information if

(a) it was already known to the student and it was not subject to any

obligation of confidentiality by the student to the University;

(b) it is or becomes publicly known without the act or omission of the

student;

(c) it is obtained by the student from a third party with a valid right to

disclose such confidential information, provided that said third party is not under a

confidentiality obligation to the University;

(d) it is approved for release in writing by an authorised representative of

the University; or

(e) the student is specifically required to disclose pursuant to a law or order

of any Court of competent jurisdiction.

Confidentiality of Assessable Student Work

(1) Where the student considers that assessable student work should

remain confidential during or after completion of the Programme of Study or

research, a request for it to be embargoed must be made to the Library Committee.

The Library Committee shall consult with the Faculty concerned before taking a

decision. The period of confidentiality approved shall not normally exceed two

years from final submission of such work to the University. However, in cases

where publication of the assessable student work would prove detrimental to the

student or the University or the sponsor or the funding body or the persons referred

to in such work, a further period may be approved.

(2)

In any case and without prejudice to paragraph (1) of this

regulation, the University retains the right to request the embargo of assessable

student work. In the event that assessable student work is embargoed, the student

shall be bound to treat the contents of such work as confidential. Prior to any

publication, the provisions about publication and exploitation, as detailed in the

University of Malta Intellectual Property Policy shall apply in every case.

Data Protection

(1) Students shall abide by all applicable data protection policies and/or

regulations of the University that may be in force from time to time.

(2) Students shall only process personal data that may come into their

possession and/or that they may be exposed to and/or that they may have access to

in carrying out any work placements and/or clinical practice in furtherance of their

studies at the University

(a) if, where and as required for the purposes of the relevant work placement

and/or clinical practice; and

(b) in accordance with all instructions issued by the University and/or the

relevant external placement agency/entity in this regard.

(3) The terms 'personal data' and 'processing (of personal data)' shall have

the meanings assigned to them in the General Data Protection Regulation

(Regulation (EU) 2016/679).

General Provision

Wherever in any Course regulations or Bye-Laws made under the

Education Act (Cap. 327) there is a reference to “General Regulations for University

Undergraduate Awards, 2004”, that reference shall be substituted by the words

“General Regulations for University Undergraduate Awards, 2019”.

Schedule 1

UNIVERSITY OF MALTA

SENATE RESOLUTION

System of Assigning Codes for Study-Units

A Study-Unit can be described as the building block of a University award scheme.

It is the basic Unit of instruction - a self-contained component of a certificate,

diploma or degree Programme. It is normally made up of a series of lectures/

tutorials/practicals but may also be made up entirely of private study, as is the case,

for example, in a dissertation Study-Unit. Each Study-Unit has its specific aims and

learning outcomes, a syllabus, a teaching/learning pattern and a means of assessing a

student's progress.

Study-Units are taught at different levels, reflecting the academic standard of the

Study-Unit and the demands placed on students as they progress from year to year.

In the first instance, the responsibility for ensuring the academic quality of each

Study-Unit, including its content, delivery and assessment, lies with that academic

entity, normally an academic department or division or Unit. The Faculty, Institute,

Centre or School to which the department or division is assigned is responsible for

academic quality control at the next higher level over the Study-Units offered under

the Faculty's or Institute's or Centre’s or School’s responsibility.

The University, through Senate, remains ultimately responsible for ensuring

academic quality control, external examining, examination boards, admission to a

Course Programme, including the Study-Units that compose the Programme, and

seeing that resourcing (including staffing) is adequate. It authorises all changes to

the content and structure of the Programme and may from time to time conduct a

formal review of any Programme.

The coding system reflects the principles listed above and is applicable from

October 2002 onwards.

Assigning Codes

Each Study-Unit shall be assigned a unique code, comprising three letters indicating

the department, division or Unit and four digits.

Letter codes are assigned to each entity, that can be a department or division, to

which Senate assigns the responsibility for teaching and research in a given

discipline or sub-discipline. Thus, any Study-Unit bearing a code commencing with

particular letters denotes that the department/division concerned assumes academic

responsibility for that Study-Unit. Conversely, it is to be assumed that Senate will

only authorise entities to offer Study-Units in that subject/area of study that falls

within the academic responsibility assigned to them.

The list of codes for Faculties, Institutes, Centres and Schools as well as

departments, divisions and areas of study as approved by Senate and Council will be

published on the Office of the Registrar website at

http://www.um.edu.mt/registrar/dept-codes.pdf

Assigning Digits

The first digit shall indicate the level at which the Study-Unit is offered, assigned by

the department/division concerned according to the following criteria

Pre-tertiary or foundation or proficiency Study-Units.

Study-Units normally offered in Year 1 of an undergraduate Course

where it is assumed that the students have a general level of education

at least meriting the award of the Matriculation Certificate. In

Courses where admission is dependant on students being in

possession of special Course requirements, such as a pass in a subject

taken at Advanced Level, lecturers can assume that students possess

the pre-required knowledge.

Levels 2 & 3 Study-Units offered in Years 2 and 3 of an undergraduate Course.

Level 3 credits are also offered in Year 4 of an undergraduate non-

professional Course. Lecturers can assume that students have the

required skills associated with studying at tertiary level.

Study-Units offered in Year 4 of a Professional Course. Such Study-

Units, normally imparting specific professional competencies

although given at a level higher than Level 3, are still considered as

being at undergraduate level.

Study-Units offered at postgraduate level such as Study-Units

exclusively required for the award of postgraduate qualifications.

Ph.D. theses, and dissertations submitted in part-fulfilment of the

Professional Doctorate degree.

The second, third and fourth digits are the numbers assigned to each Study-Unit by

the department / division offering the Study-Unit.

€3.60