General Regulations for University Postgraduate Awards, 2021

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L.N. 371 of 2021

EDUCATION ACT

(CAP. 327)

General Regulations for University Postgraduate Awards, 2021

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

Postgraduate Awards, 2021.

(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) These regulations are to be read in conjunction with all other Statutes,

Regulations and Bye-laws of the University including in particular the University

Assessment Regulations, 2009.

(4) 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

Explanation

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

submission of work for assessment

An Academic Year consisting of two semesters, each

incorporating fourteen weeks of teaching, two weeks of recess, and

examination periods of up to three weeks and up to five weeks at

the end of the first and the second semester respectively. 60 credits

are assigned to the Study-Units that students are expected to

complete over one full-time Academic Year. An Academic Year

may be extended by a summer semester to which 30 credits are

assigned.

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

approved Programme of Study.

The Award Classification Board appointed for each Postgraduate

Course.

The Board of the University faculty or institute or centre or school

responsible for a particular Postgraduate Course.

The Board appointed to administer a Programme of Study in terms

of these Regulations.

The Bye-Laws approved by Senate for each Postgraduate Course.

The department of a Faculty responsible for the Postgraduate

Course.

A written treatment of a subject, normally based on a research

activity that is carried out under supervision in full or partial

fulfilment of a degree programme. The dissertation may be

replaced by other research work as specified in terms of regulation

60 (1).

The number of credits awarded for successful completion of each

Study-Unit. The allocation of credit to Study-Units forming part

of a Postgraduate Course follows closely the European Credit

Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) proposed by the

European Commission.

The University faculty/ies or institute/s or centre/s or school/s

under whose auspices the Postgraduate Course is being offered.

Assessment of taught Study-Units may be through coursework,

assignments, written or oral examinations, or combinations of

these or any other method approved by Senate, to each of which a

percentage of the final marks shall be assigned. The Method of

Assessment shall be indicated in the description of each Study-

Unit.

A student portfolio is a compilation of academic work and other

forms of educational evidence assembled for the purpose of (1)

evaluating coursework quality, learning progress, and academic

achievement; (2) determining whether students have met learning

outcomes or other academic requirements for course/s; (3) helping

students reflect on their academic goals and progress as learners;

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Glossary of Terms

Explanation

and (4) creating a lasting archive of academic work products,

accomplishments, and other documentation.

A course of studies leading to a Postgraduate Award, which may

be a Postgraduate Certificate or a Postgraduate Diploma or a

Master’s degree.

A Programme of Study shall list all the Study-Units offered in each

year of a Postgraduate Course. It shall indicate which Study-Units

are compulsory or elective.

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. Its

description shall also include the methods of teaching and

assessment and the name of the lecturer/s delivering the Unit.

A taught Study-Unit may take the form of a series of lectures,

seminars, tutorials, practical or clinical sessions, field placements,

projects, private study or a combination of such work, or any other

method of teaching. A research Study-Unit involves the writing

of a Dissertation under supervision.

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

of progression or successful completion of the Postgraduate

Course.

A Study-Unit which must be chosen from a designated list of

Study-Units indicated in the Programme of Study.

University of Malta

A postgraduate certificate, a postgraduate diploma, or a Master’s

degree awarded in terms of these regulations.

These regulations shall be applicable as from October 2021 for all courses

leading to University Postgraduate Awards as indicated in regulation 3 and brought

into force as Bye-Laws of these regulations.

Postgraduate Awards

The second cycle Postgraduate Awards governed by these regulations are

(a) the Postgraduate Certificate;

(b) the Postgraduate Diploma; and

(c) the Master’s degree.

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Eligibility to offer Postgraduate Courses

(1) Postgraduate Courses shall be proposed by the Board duly authorised

to offer Postgraduate Courses in that particular Area of Study and approved by Senate

through Bye-Laws for the purpose.

(2) Postgraduate Courses may be offered jointly by more than one Faculty,

in which case the Board of Studies appointed by Senate shall include representation

from each Faculty.

Students shall be accepted to register for Master’s degrees by research after

it is ascertained that the Faculty concerned can make available suitable facilities for

the proposed research as well as supervisors who can provide regular supervision

taking account of their (a) area of academic expertise and (b) other commitments.

Eligibility for Postgraduate Awards

(1) To qualify for any Postgraduate Award, students must

(a) be registered as regular students in a Postgraduate Course;

(b) complete the Postgraduate Course and satisfy any other requirements

prescribed in these regulations and in the Bye-Laws for the Postgraduate Course;

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

regulations and Bye-Laws of the University, including applicable ethical and health

and safety procedures; and

(d) 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 of Study and/or in the course Bye-Laws

Postgraduate Award

Requirements

30 credits, of which not less than 25 credits at Level 5

Postgraduate Certificate

on the University’s System of Assigning Codes.

60 credits, of which not less than 50 credits at Level 5

Postgraduate Diploma

on the University’s System of Assigning Codes.

90 or 120 credits, of which not less than 80 credits at

Level 5 on the University’s System of Assigning Codes,

Master’s Degree

and including a Dissertation to which not less than 30

credits are assigned.

(2) Exceptionally, Senate may also approve Master’s programmes to which

60 credits are assigned if such programmes are offered in partnership with prestigious

higher education institutions and/or in the framework of international agreements.

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(3) In accordance with the provisions of Statute 3, where the University,

with the approval of Senate, enters into an agreement with other universities for the

granting of a joint or dual/double Postgraduate Award, then the Postgraduate Award

may be given

(a) in the case of a joint Postgraduate Award, jointly on one certificate by all

the partner universities and shall be conferred at one of the partner universities as

agreed among them; or

(b) in the case of a dual/double Postgraduate Award, separately by each

partner university, in which case, the award certificate and transcript shall include

reference to the dual nature of the award and to the other awarding partner university

provided that, if the partner university is unable to grant its separate award, the

University may nonetheless grant its award to the student, if the student has

successfully fulfilled all of the requirements for such award. In such cases, the

University shall not make reference to the partner university or the dual nature of the

degree in the qualification awarded.

(4) Senate may also approve interfaculty awards which may be offered jointly

by two or more entities of the University.

Types of Master’s Courses

(1) A Master’s course may lead to three types of comparable awards as

follows

(a) a Master’s degree obtained on successful completion of a Programme of

Study that builds upon academic preparation obtained in a first cycle degree, normally

designated as Master of Arts or Master of Science;

(b) a Professional Master’s degree, usually designated as Master of (subject)

or Master in (subject), obtained on successful completion of a Programme of Study

that imparts specific professional competencies and normally leads to an award that

gives access to a regulated profession; and

(c) a Master of Fine Arts degree, usually designated as Master of Fine Arts in

(subject) obtained on successful completion of a Programme of Study that involves

practice-based research.

(2) A Master of Arts or a Master of Science degree or a Master of Fine

Arts degree course may be either mainly taught or mainly by research; a Professional

Master’s course shall be mainly taught. In all cases, the research component may

involve practice-based research.

(3) (a) All taught Master’s courses shall provide that students be awarded

a Postgraduate Diploma in a specified area on successful completion of taught Study-

Units to which 60 credits are assigned if the students either opt not to proceed with

the Postgraduate Course, or having proceeded, do not successfully complete the

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Master’s Course. The classification of such a postgraduate diploma shall be based on

all the successfully completed Study-Units.

(b) In exceptional circumstances, Senate may approve Bye-Laws which

do not provide for the award of a Postgraduate Diploma in a specified area. In such

cases, students who are so eligible shall be entitled to the award of a Postgraduate

Diploma in General Studies (PG. Dip. Gen. St.) as provided for in regulation 73 (2)

of these regulations.

(4) Bye-Laws may further provide for the award of a Postgraduate

Certificate in a specified area on successful completion of a prescribed set of Study-

Units totalling 30 credits, provided that the learning outcomes achieved through the

completion of such Study-Units warrant the granting of such a qualification.

Requirements for Admission to Postgraduate Courses

(1) (a) Admission to any Master’s course may be through possession of a

first cycle degree classified at least at Second Class Honours or Category II obtained

from this University, or from any other higher education institution approved by

Senate for this purpose, and any additional requirements (which may include a

preparatory programme) as specified in the Bye-Laws for the Course.

(b) Bye-Laws may provide that

(i) if the course includes a taught component of at least 30 credits, applicants

with at least Third Class Honours or Category III may be admitted if they are in

possession of other qualifications or relevant work experience. Such applicants may

be required to fulfil additional requirements (such as the successful completion of a

preparatory programme) as specified in the Bye-Laws for the Course; or

(ii) if the course is mainly by research, applicants with at least Third Class

Honours or Category III be admitted into a Preparatory Programme and they shall

become eligible to join the Master’s course on successful completion of the

Preparatory Programme if an average mark of at least 55% is obtained.

(2) Admission to a postgraduate certificate or diploma course may be

through possession of a Third Class Honours or Category III first cycle degree,

provided that if the course is later upgraded to a Master’s degree, access to the research

component shall be subject to obtaining an average mark of at least 55% in the taught

component.

The Admissions Board through the Faculty Admissions Committee shall

also consider applicants in possession of a qualification which is offered at a higher

level than that specified in the bye-laws for the course, provided it is in an area of

study deemed suitable by the Faculty Admissions Board on the recommendation of

the Faculty Admissions Committee.

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The Faculty Admissions Committee may, after thorough examination of

documents submitted in support of the qualifications presented and following an

interview, recommend the admission of applicants applying for admission in terms of

the University’s Policy for the Recognition and Accreditation of Prior Learning (RPL)

who are in possession of other academic or professional qualifications and

documented experience if these are deemed to be comparable to the qualification

required by the Bye-Laws of the course applied for. The admission of such applicants

may be made subject to those conditions that may be imposed to address any lacunae

in their academic preparation. Conditions imposed may include the satisfactory

completion of a preparatory programme with an average mark of at least 55%, or

specific supplementary Study-Units, to be followed prior to or concurrent with the

course.

All applicants shall be required to demonstrate that their standard of

English is satisfactory, unless teaching, research and assessment are done in another

language. The Admissions Board may, from time to time, publish the qualifications

that are acceptable for each level of University awards, including the level and grades

required in the English proficiency qualification. The offer of a place on a

Postgraduate Course may be made subject to the applicants obtaining such proficiency

qualifications prior to the commencement of their studies.

Supplementary and Preparatory Programmes

In cases where applicants lack essential knowledge in particular areas not

covered in their first degree the admission of such applicants may be made subject to

their following and passing supplementary Study-Units at level 4 or lower to which

not more than 12 ECTS credits are assigned. Such Study-Units shall be followed

concurrently with the prescribed Study-Units of the course, as directed by the Board

of Studies.

(1) Preparatory programmes, when prescribed, shall be approved by the

Board and must include Study-Units to which not less than 30 credits and not more

than 60 credits are assigned for higher level undergraduate work in areas which are

directly relevant to the Area of Study of the Master’s course.

(2) Preparatory programmes and supplementary study-units, shall be

governed by the General Regulations for University Undergraduate Awards, 2019,

provided that students shall not be allowed to register on the Master’s course before

they successfully complete the preparatory programme.

Applications for Postgraduate Courses

Applications for taught Postgraduate Courses shall be made on the

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

For a Master’s degree mainly by research, applications may be submitted

at any time of the year but enrolment shall be with effect from one of the following

dates: 1 October, 1 December, 1 February, 1 April and 1 June.

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Applications for a Master’s degree mainly by research shall be approved

by the Board and shall include the following details

(a) a provisional title for the Dissertation;

(b) a research proposal of at least 300 words to be submitted at the time of

application or by a deadline established by the Board of Studies for the course after

discussing it with the Faculty and with an academic member of staff who eventually

will be proposed as the supervisor; and

(c) a statement on whether the studies will be undertaken on a full-time or a

part-time basis, and, in the latter case, the number of hours that shall be dedicated to

this research work.

In the case of applicants from outside Malta, funding and visa

requirements shall be taken into consideration when the application and research

proposal are being considered.

Duration of Postgraduate Courses

(1) The duration of Postgraduate Courses shall be specified in the Bye-

Laws for each course but shall extend over the following periods of full-time study

(a) one semester for courses leading to a postgraduate certificate;

(b) two semesters for courses leading to a postgraduate diploma; and

(c) between three and four semesters for courses leading to a Master’s degree.

(2) Applicants engaged in full-time employment shall not be permitted to

register as full-time students, except in circumstances where applicants provide

evidence to show that their employer is willing to grant sufficient time off from work

to allow them to engage in full-time study. Students engaged in part-time employment

must inform the University about the extent of their employment commitment and

require permission from the Faculty Admissions Committee to register as full-time

students.

Extension of Studies

(1) The Board may grant students registered on Postgraduate Courses an

extension of up to six months in order to enable them to complete their studies,

irrespective of whether they are registered on a full-time or a part-time basis.

(2) In special circumstances and on the recommendation of the Board,

Senate may grant students a further extension of up to two years in order to enable

them to complete their studies, irrespective of whether they are registered on a full-

time or a part-time basis.

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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

they are registered on a full-time or a 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 Postgraduate Course in terms of the duration requirement.

(2) In exceptional or personal circumstances constitute, Senate on the

recommendation of the Board, may grant a further period of suspension of studies.

(3) 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 for Postgraduate Courses

(1) The academic calendar for Postgraduate Courses is as defined in the

Glossary of Terms, provided that when the academic year of a programme is extended

by a summer semester, the summer recess may be shortened to two weeks in August.

(2) Supplementary examinations shall be held either in September or, in

exceptional circumstances, at the next scheduled session of examinations.

Attendance

(1) Unless otherwise specified in the Bye-Laws of a Postgraduate

Course, or expressly stated in the description of a Study-Unit as published in the

catalogue of Study-Units, attendance for lectures, tutorials, seminars, practical or

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

whatever mode is obligatory. 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 from 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 teaching activities or any assessements will be approved to accommodate such

commitments.

Board 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

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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 25 (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

chair; (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 25 (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 chair; (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 25 (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 chair; (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 25 (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 chair. The terms of reference of such a

Board of Studies is to ensure better coordination of programmes of study where Study-

Units are offered by different Faculties.

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(3)

Faculties may include as members on all Boards of Studies up to

two stakeholders in the areas of expertise covered by the relevant programme.

(4) Administrators from the respective Faculty/ies 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) making proposals to the Board for the revision of the Programme/s of

Study; and

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

the performance of the students.

Programmes of Study for Mainly Taught Postgraduate Awards

(1) Programmes of Study shall be proposed by one or more than one

Department jointly, and shall be approved by Senate, on the recommendation of the

Board.

(2) The Board shall appoint a head of department or another academic

member of staff as the co-ordinator for a programme of study of a course.

Programmes of Study shall be published before the commencement of each

Postgraduate Course, normally not less than 8 months before its commencement.

Programmes of Study shall include all the Study-Units, indicating which Study-Units

are Compulsory or Elective, and the order in which the Units shall be followed.

The University shall make every effort to ensure that the published

Programmes of Study are complete and up-to date, but reserves the right to make

changes on the recommendation of the relevant Board.

Study-Units

Study-Units shall be proposed by the Department or a number of

Departments responsible for the teaching of the Area/Areas of Study in the

Postgraduate Course and approved by Senate, on the recommendation of the Board.

Study-Units 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 the General Regulations for University Undergraduate

Awards, 2019.

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Study-Units in all Postgraduate Courses shall normally be offered at UM

level five. Each taught Study-Unit shall normally be assigned not less than five credits

and not more than 30 credits, preferably in multiples of five credits.

All Study-Units shall be assigned a credit value in terms of the European

Credit Transfer and Accumulation System and credits shall be awarded to students

who pass the assessment for the Unit.

The Method of Assessment for each Study-Unit shall be indicated in the

Study-Unit description and published in the catalogue of Study-Units. If the Method

of Assessment comprises more than one assessment component, the % weighting of

each component shall be given. Students shall be awarded the credits for a Unit if

they obtain an overall pass mark for the Unit as a whole

provided that Senate may, in the case of Study-Units comprising a practical

component, approve that a minimum mark of 45% must be obtained in that component

for students to be awarded a pass mark in the Study-Unit.

The same Study-Units cannot be counted towards two separate awards

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 exempt a student from the attendance

requirement of a Compulsory Study-Unit credit which was obtained towards another

award, although such a student shall still be required to be assessed in the Unit.

Credits awarded for Study-Units may not be used towards an award after

seven years have elapsed from the successful completion of the Unit

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.

Subject to the provisions outlined in regulations 36 and 37, 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 not less than half

of the credits of the course programme being awarded by the University. In such

cases, the classification of the award shall be calculated only on the credits obtained

from the University. This provision does not apply to students who participate in

periods of study abroad approved by the University.

Registration for Study-Units

Students shall register for the Study-Units prescribed in their Programme

of Study within the time specified by the Office of the Registrar. They shall not be

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

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Boards of Examiners for Taught Study-Units

Taught Study-Units shall be examined by a Board of Examiners composed

of not less than 3 persons, including a chair who shall not be teaching the Unit, and

the lecturer/s teaching the Unit.

Programmes of Study for Master’s Degree mainly by Research

The Master’s degree obtained mainly by research shall require students to

register for at least two Study-Units, one of which a Study-Unit consisting of

supervised research work leading to the writing of a Dissertation, to which not less

than 60 credits are assigned.

Students registered for Master’s degrees mainly by research may be allowed

to participate in joint research projects where data generated jointly by a group of

researchers is used for the writing of a Dissertation, provided that each student writes

a separate Dissertation.

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 any Study-Unit in Maltese or in

any other language.

Study-Units Marking and Grading

Examiners shall express the students’ performance in the assessment of all

Study-Units, including the Dissertation, as a percentage mark and grade as indicated

in the table below. Both the percentage mark and the letter grade shall be recorded in

the students’ academic record. The percentage mark only is used for the purpose of

calculating the students’ progress and for the award classification.

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Descriptor

Work of excellent quality

Superior performance showing a comprehensive and critical 100%

understanding and application of the subject matter.

Evidence of extensive additional reading/research/work.

Work of very good quality

Performance showing a very good working knowledge of 79%

the subject matter. Evidence of a considerable amount of

additional reading/ research/work.

Work of average quality

Average performance, showing a good working knowledge 69%

of the subject matter.

Evidence of sufficient

reading/research/work.

Work of fair but below average quality

Performance showing considerable but incomplete 54%

understanding of the subject matter. Evidence of a fair

amount of reading/research/work.

Work of marginal quality

Performance showing minimal understanding of the subject 49%

matter,

with

no

evidence

of

additional

reading/research/work, which must be compensated by

higher marks in other Units in order to be eligible for the

Postgraduate Award.

Unsatisfactory, failing work in any Study-Unit other 0%

than a Dissertation.

Unsatisfactory, poor work in the Dissertation Study-Unit.

Unsatisfactory, failing work in a practicum Study-Unit, 0%-

where such is indicated in the course Bye-Laws.

Unjustified Absence for an assessment, or failure to hand 0%

in assigned work in time, or ineligibility to take

assessment due to unapproved Absence from lectures

shall be considered as F with 0 marks in the calculation of

the average mark.

* The minimum pass mark for Dissertations is 50%.

** The minimum pass mark for practicums, where such is indicated in the course Bye-

Laws, is 55%.

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

consideration for the purpose of computing a student’s progress or the award

classification, but shall form part of the student’s academic record

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Grade

Descriptor

P

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

I

Temporary grade for (a) Incomplete work due to justifiable reasons

(illness, approved Absence, etc.) for which the assessment date has been

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

(b) work which is being considered in terms of the disciplinary

procedures stipulated in the University Assessment Regulations, 2009.

Assessment and Re-assessment of Study-Units

The assessment of each taught Study-Unit shall be completed by the end

of the semester in which the teaching of the Study-Unit is held.

A failed taught Study-Unit may be re-assessed once only. The maximum

mark/grade that can be awarded in the re-assessment shall be 45% / Grade E.

Students who in any academic year fail taught study-units to which more

than 20 credits are assigned shall not be entitled to be re-assessed in the failed study-

units and shall be required to withdraw from the course.

Students who, after re-assessment, either fail in any Compulsory Study-

Unit or fail in a number of Elective Study-Units to which more than 12 credits are

assigned shall be required to withdraw from the course.

(1) In the case of taught elective Study-Units failed after re-assessment, the

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

may allow students to register for alternative elective study-units (if available) to

which not more than 12 credits are assigned from the list of elective Study-Units in

the students’ Programme of Study. If alternative study-units are not available, the

student shall be required to withdraw from the course.

(2) The Board may allow a student to register for alternative Study-Units in

terms of paragraph (1) of this regulation either in an additional year of study or in the

following year of the course to be assessed in addition to the Study-Units of that year.

(3) The maximum mark/grade that may be awarded to a Study-Unit

registered as an alternative to a failed elective Study-Unit is 45%/Grade E, both at the

first attempt and at an eventual re-assessment.

(4) Students, who after re-assessment fail in a Study-Unit registered as an

alternative to a failed elective Study-Unit shall be required to withdraw from the

course.

Students who fail the assessment of a Study-Unit involving a work

placement, clinical practice or any other Unit when it is not practicable or possible for

the Unit to be re-assessed during the current year shall not have the right to a

supplementary assessment in the same Academic Year and shall be required to

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either (i) refer the Study-Unit to the following year if with its inclusion in the

following year's study programme the total number of credits does not exceed 72

credits;

or (ii) re-do the Unit during an additional year, which shall not be taken into

account for the purpose of course duration.

The conditions for the re-assessment of such Study-Units shall be indicated in the

particular Study-Unit description and in the Bye-Laws for the Course.

If a student fails in a Dissertation, the maximum grade/mark that can be

awarded after re-assessment shall be 50%/Grade D.

If a student fails in a practicum whose minimum pass mark is indicated in

the course Bye-Laws as 55%, the maximum grade/mark that can be awarded after re-

assessment, shall be 55%/ Grade C.

Students shall not be allowed to be re-assessed in any Study-Unit if they

have already been awarded credit for it.

If a student is Absent for a reason considered valid by Senate, the student

shall be allowed to take the assessment at the next available opportunity, if necessary

referring the assessment to the following year or to an additional year, provided that,

a student who after the September assessment session lacks more than 12 credits to

complete the year, including credits for alternative elective study-units, shall be

required to complete the previous year’s requirements in an additional year of study.

If after an additional 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 award to which they may be eligible.

Any matter concerning the assessment of Study-Units not dealt with by

these regulations shall be governed by the University Assessment Regulations, 2009.

Progression and Annual Enrolment for Postgraduate Courses

Students registered on taught programmes extending over more than one

Academic Year may only be allowed to refer Study-Units to a subsequent year as

provided for in regulations 50 (1), 51 and 55. Such students shall be considered to

have progressed conditionally.

(1) Students are required to enrol at the commencement of the Postgraduate

course and at the beginning of each Academic Year throughout their period of study,

whether they are following a mainly taught programme or a programme mainly by

research.

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(2) Students registered on programmes mainly by research shall be allowed

to enrol for the following year subject to a satisfactory progress report from their

Principal supervisor.

Dissertations

(1) All Master’s programmes shall include the submission of a Dissertation,

to which not less than 30 credits shall be assigned, provided that when the nature of

the study so requires, Senate may approve that the Dissertation is replaced by a

documented activity related to practice (portfolio), or a project report, or one such

activity together with a written submission based on practice-based research or

research related to practice. Such study-units in replacement of the dissertation

requirement must be assigned not less than 30 credits in total.

(2) The supervision of students for the Dissertation shall be regulated by

the provisions of regulations 63 and 64.

(3) Dissertations shall be assessed according to the provisions of

regulations 65 and 66.

(4)

Before graduating, and where applicable, students shall present one

electronic copy of their Dissertation to the University Library. Students shall also

present copies of their Dissertation to the Faculty as indicated in the course Bye-Laws

or Faculty guidelines. The electronic version must conform to the standards set by

the University Library. The University reserves the right of prohibiting students who

do not submit the required hard and electronic copies from graduating.

(5) When submitting the Dissertation for examination, students shall

submit to the Faculty a signed declaration of authenticity, confirming also that they

have abided by the University’s Research Ethics Review Procedures, where

applicable. Students shall be further expected to confirm that the work has been

submitted through a plagiarism detection software that is approved by the University.

(6) Students shall not submit the Dissertation until such time that all

taught Study-Units in the respective programmes have been successfully completed.

Any dissertation submitted prior to completion of the taught component shall not be

assessed until all taught Study-Units in the respective programmes have been

successfully completed.

Ethical Approval of Research Programmes

All students shall abide by the University’s Research Code of Practice and

shall follow the University’s Research Ethics Review Procedures.

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Language of Dissertation

(1) Dissertations for all Postgraduate Awards shall be written in English,

except that when the Area of Study of the Dissertation is a language, the Board may

require or permit the student to write the Dissertation in that language.

(2) However, following approval by Senate, a Board may allow

particular students, for just and sufficient reasons, to write their Dissertation in any

other language, provided that the Board has ascertained, to the satisfaction of Senate,

that the University has the necessary expertise to supervise and examine the work. In

such cases, students shall be required to include an extended summary of the

Dissertation (approximately 2000 words) written in English.

Supervision of Master’s Dissertations

(1) In Master’s degrees, the Board shall appoint a principal supervisor for

each student.

(2) If the nature/topic of research requires the input of another specialist,

the Board may appoint a co-supervisor, in which case the two supervisors shall meet

the student together to decide how they will divide their responsibility for advice and

how future meetings are to be arranged.

(3) When a co-supervisor is appointed, the Principal supervisor shall retain

the ultimate responsibility of leadership in supervision.

(4) A principal supervisor or co-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 entitled “Consanguinity/Affinity/Dual

Relationship Policy in relation to Examiners/Supervisors and Students” approved by

Senate.

(5) Principal supervisors 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 and the use of plagiarism detection software;

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

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

organisational and management skills;

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(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; and

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

(6) Principal supervisors shall meet students regularly to review progress.

Meetings may be substituted by other verifiable means of communication.

(7) Principal supervisors and co-supervisors are neither responsible for

proof-reading Dissertations nor for ensuring that Dissertations do not contain

plagiarised parts.

(8) If supervisors detect plagiarism in drafts of a Dissertation prior to formal

submission, they shall demand corrective action.

(9) For work submitted in replacement of a dissertation in terms of

regulation 60 (1), supervision of the work shall be governed by the guidelines issued

by the Board.

(1) Bye-Laws shall establish methods and stipulate procedures for the

effective monitoring of students’ progress throughout their studies. These shall

include measures to ensure that written progress reports are submitted regularly by

Principal supervisors to an appropriate faculty/departmental committee or panels of

supervision for individual students or groups of students . Such reports may include a

recommendation to either (i) grant an extension of the study period in order to enable

the students to complete the Dissertation; or (ii) to terminate the studies prematurely

if the relevant faculty/departmental committee deems this to be proper in the

circumstances; provided that for (i), the period of extension of studies shall be

according to regulation 19; and for (ii), the student may appeal his case before Senate

within 15 days from the notice of termination ;

(2)

Boards shall ensure that

(a) substantial modification of title or content of the Dissertation, and/or

requests for extension of studies or suspension of studies are considered and decided

upon expeditiously;

(b) students’ research is not hindered in unforeseeable circumstances, such as

when a supervisor is absent for a long period; and

(c) requests by students about matters relating to their studies (including a

request to change their Principal supervisor if there are serious reasons) are adequately

considered.

Assessment of Dissertations for Master’s Degree

(1) Dissertations presented for a Master’s degree shall

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(a) be work of an advanced or original nature in the Area of Study;

(b) satisfy the Board of Examiners as regards content and presentation; and

(c) fulfil the requirements as provided by relevant Bye-Laws and guidelines as

regards format and length.

(2) For Dissertations assigned 60 ECTS credits or more, the Board of

Examiners, after reading and marking the dissertation shall call the student to an oral

examination, except when the Board of Examiners agrees that the Dissertation is of

poor quality, in which case a failing mark and grade shall be published. 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 re-examination of failed

Dissertations. In cases of poor quality Dissertations where a failing mark and grade

have been published, without the student having been called to an oral examination,

the Board of Examiners shall hold the oral examination in the re-assessment;

(3) For Dissertations assigned less than 60 ECTS credits

(i) 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;

(ii) 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 re-examination of failed Dissertations, or

in cases where there is lack of consensus among the Board of Examiners.

(4) For any other work submitted or carried out in replacement of the

Dissertation requirement, students shall be guided by the guidelines issued by the

Board or as detailed in the course Bye-Laws.

(5) Principal supervisors shall, after confirming with the Faculty

administrator that the student is eligible to submit the dissertation in terms of

regulation 60 (6), signify in writing, on the appropriate form, that they are aware that

the student is submitting his/her Dissertation for examination by the Board of

Examiners.

(6) The supervisory role of Principal supervisors and co-supervisors shall

cease when the Dissertation is submitted for examination. The role may be re-

assumed, on the advice of the Board of Examiners, in order to provide guidance to

students whose Dissertation is referred back for significant correction pending final

acceptance.

(7) No Dissertation shall be accepted which is identical in substance to a

document already submitted for a degree in this or any other university or to any other

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published material. Students shall not, however, be precluded from incorporating

such previous work as may be necessary to the presentation and fuller understanding

of their exposition, provided that the nature and extent of such incorporation are

clearly indicated in the Dissertation itself.

(1) For Dissertations assigned 60 credits or more, the Board of Examiners

after reading and marking the Dissertation, and after the oral examination is held in

terms of regulation 65 (2), 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 Chair 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) approve the oral performance and advise major corrections to the

Dissertation, which although not of a failing standard nevertheless needs significant

improvement. The resubmitted Dissertation, which shall be presented within a time

established by the Board of Examiners, shall be reviewed by the chair in consultation

with the supervisor to examine whether the changes were effected as directed and

then report to the Board of Examiners who shall proceed to agree on a final mark that

shall not be greater than 10 percentage points of the preliminary mark for the original

submission; or

(c) in the case of a borderline quality Dissertation verging on a fail, advise

major corrections to the Dissertation in order to qualify for the minimum pass mark

and grade (i.e. 50%/Grade D), which shall be submitted within a time established by

the Board of Examiners. The resubmitted Dissertation is reviewed by the chair who,

after consultation with the supervisor, shall report to the Board of Examiners whether

the changes were effected satisfactorily. The Board of Examiners shall then either

agree to award the minimum pass mark and grade, 50%/Grade D or a failing mark and

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

or

(d) in cases of poor quality Dissertations, declare the student to have failed

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

(2) For Dissertations assigned less than 60 credits, when an oral

examination is indicated in the Method of Assessment in terms of regulation 65 (3)

(i), the Board of Examiners after reading and marking the Dissertation, and after the

oral examination. 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 chair 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

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

major corrections to the Dissertation in order to qualify for the minimum pass mark

and grade (i.e. 50%/Grade D), which shall be submitted within a time established by

the Board of Examiners. The resubmitted Dissertation is reviewed by the chair who,

after consultation with the supervisor, shall report to the Board of Examiners whether

the changes were effected satisfactorily. The Board of Examiners shall then either

agree to award the minimum pass mark and grade, 50%/ Grade D or a failing mark

and grade with the possibility of a re-assessment if eligible in terms of these

regulations; or

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

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

(3) For Dissertations assigned less than 60 credits, when an oral

examination is not indicated in the Method of Assessment in terms of regulation 65

(3) (ii), 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 chair 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 in

order to qualify for a minimum pass mark and grade (ie 50%, grade D), which shall

be submitted within a time established by the Board of Examiners. The resubmitted

Dissertation is reviewed by the chair who, after consultation with the supervisor, shall

report to the Board of Examiners whether the changes were effected satisfactorily.

The Board of Examiners shall then either agree to award the minimum pass mark and

grade, 50%/Grade D or a failing mark and grade with the possibility of a re-assessment

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 poor quality Dissertations, declare the student to have failed

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

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

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

2009. (5) 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,

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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.

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

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

(7) In case of a Fail, students may submit a Dissertation for re-

assessment once only.

Boards of Examiners for Dissertations

(1) Dissertations submitted for the award of a Master’s Degree shall be

assessed by a Board of Examiners appointed by Senate for the purpose, on the

recommendation of the Board.

(2) (a) For dissertations assigned 30 credits, the Board of Examiners shall

be composed of at least three members, one of whom may be an external examiner

from an overseas institution normally appointed on a non-visiting basis;

(b) For dissertations assigned more than 30 credits, the Board of

Examiners shall be composed of at least three members and shall normally include an

external examiner from an overseas institution;

provided that

(i) where oral examinations shall be held and external examiners are

appointed on a non-visiting basis, the Board of Examiners shall be composed of at

least four members so that the oral examination is conducted by three examiners.

External Examiners shall be appointed as stipulated in regulation 21 of the University

Assessment Regulations, 2009; and

(ii) when an external examiner is not present at the oral examination,

the other examiners conducting the oral examination shall take into consideration any

comments and suggestions made by the external examiner.

(3) Principal supervisors and co-supervisors shall not be members of the

Board of Examiners but the Principal supervisor shall be invited to attend as an

observer during the oral examination. The Principal supervisor may contribute if

invited to do so by the members of the Board of Examiners but must withdraw prior

to the final deliberations of the Board of Examiners. However, a Board may request

special permission from Senate to allow a Principal supervisor to form part of the

Board of Examiners for justified reasons. If circumstances require it, the chair may

invite also the co-supervisor to attend as an observer.

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

of Dissertations for Master’s degrees that the Senate may set from time to time.

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Classification of Postgraduate Awards

There shall be an Award Classification Board for each Postgraduate Course.

(1) For mainly taught programmes, the Award Classification Board shall

be composed of at least three members, including the Dean/Director, or delegate, as

chair, the course co-ordinator, and at least one other member appointed by the Board.

(2) In the case of programmes mainly by research, the Board of Examiners

appointed as in regulation 67 (2) (b) shall act as the Award Classification Board.

(1) Postgraduate certificates shall be awarded unclassified.

(2) Postgraduate diplomas and Master’s degrees may be awarded in any of

the following classifications

Pass with Distinction (Summa Cum Laude)

Pass with Merit (Magna Cum Laude)

Pass (Bene Probatus).

The classification of Postgraduate Awards shall be determined by the

Award Classification Board on the basis of a Final Weighted Average Mark obtained

by calculating the average of the individual marks obtained in each Study-Unit, each

mark weighted by the credit value of the corresponding Study-Units, provided that

Bye-Laws may allow for the credits assigned to the Dissertation to be weighted by a

factor of not more than 1.5. The Final Weighted Mark thus obtained shall be recorded

correct to the nearest whole number.

(1) The Award Classification Board shall consult the following guidelines

when deciding upon the final classification of Postgraduate Diplomas and Master’s

degrees

Final Weighted Average Mark

Classification

80 - 100%

Pass with Distinction

70 - 79%

Pass with Merit

50 - 69%

Pass.

(2) Students whose Final Average Weighted Mark is between 0 and 49%

shall be considered to have failed to qualify for any Postgraduate Award.

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

Postgraduate Award with a higher classification than that indicated in paragraph (1)

of this regulation to students whose Final Weighted Average Mark is up to five marks

less than the minimum for the classification, 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.

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(4) The Award Classification Board, at its own discretion, may also award

a Postgraduate Award with a lower classification than that indicated in paragraph (1)

of this regulation, 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, and provided that no student shall be awarded the degree with a final

weighted mark that is less than 50%. In such cases, the Award Classification Board

is required to obtain the authorisation of the Board that shall minute the decision and

the justification for it. The students concerned may appeal to Senate against the

decision within 15 days of the publication of the classification.

Consequences of Withdrawal from a Course

(1) 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 award in a specified area, if at least 30

credits for taught Study-Units have been obtained, the student shall be granted the

Postgraduate Certificate in General Studies (PG. Cert. Gen. St.).

(2) 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 do not provide for the granting of an award in a specified area, if at least

60 credits of taught Study-Units have been obtained, the student shall be granted the

Postgraduate Diploma in General Studies (PG. Dip. Gen. St.).

Re-admission to a Postgraduate Course

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

Admissions Regulations, 2016. On re-joining the Course, students shall be required

to follow the Programme of Study that is applicable for that year. Students who re-

join after definitively failing the course shall be required to follow all Study-Units,

including those they may have successfully completed during the failed course.

Teaching Duties

(1) Students registered for a Master’s degree mainly by research may be

required to assist lecturing staff in the Faculty’s teaching activities for up to a

maximum of 100 hours a year, provided that these duties do not conflict with their

research work.

(2) The criteria used in assigning such duties to students shall be equitable

and transparent.

(3) Students involved in teaching shall be assigned an academic mentor to

whom they may turn for advice. They shall also be provided with advice and facilities

to ensure that they may teach effectively. Students involved in such teaching activities

shall be provided with instruction and guidance, including relevant health and safety

training.

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(4) For such work, students shall be remunerated at standard rates as

approved by the University.

Copyright and Intellectual Property

Students must abide by the University of Malta Intellectual Property

Policy.

Open Access to Dissertations

In line with the University of Malta’s Open Access Policy, the University

Library shall provide in open access the electronic copies of Master’s Dissertations

which are awarded a grade A and shall make them publicly available on the

Institutional Repository of the University.

Confidential Information

(1) 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

provided that the following 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 an act or omission of the student;

(c) it is obtained by the student from a third party with a 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 such information pursuant

to a law or order of any Court of competent jurisdiction.

(2) 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. Students are bound

not to disclose such confidential information. Furthermore, students may be asked by

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the University to sign specific confidentiality agreements should it be deemed

necessary.

(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 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.

Consequences of Unfulfilled Obligations

A student having unfulfilled obligations to the University or who is in debt

to the University, shall not be permitted to re-register in any succeeding sessions, nor

shall a postgraduate award be conferred upon a student in debt or having unfulfilled

obligations, except by special permission of the Rector.

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.

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.

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(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) 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).

Special Provisions for Part-Time Courses

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

follow a Postgraduate Course on a part-time basis.

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

mutandis to courses followed on a part-time basis, and subject to such changes as may

reasonably be deemed by the relevant Board as necessary due to the part-time nature

of the Course.

(3) 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

Bye-Laws for the course 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 study.

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

Postgraduate Awards, 2008”, that reference shall be substituted by the words

“General Regulations for University Postgraduate Awards, 2021”.

€2.61