GENERAL REGULATIONS FOR UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE AWARDS

UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE

SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION 327.633

GENERAL REGULATIONS FOR UNIVERSITY

UNDERGRADUATE AWARDS

1st October, 2019

LEGAL NOTICE 248 of 2019, as amended by Legal Notices 291 of

2021 and 275 of 2022.

(1)

These regulations may be cited as the General

Regulations for University Undergraduate Awards.

(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 /

May refer to both absence for any assessment and to

Absent

non-submission of work for assessment.

Add/Drop

A pre-announced period of time at the

Period

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

Area

together in an approved Programme of Study.

Assessment

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.

UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE

Award

The Award Classification Board appointed for each

Classification

Undergraduate Course.

Board

Board

The Board of the Faculty or Institute or Centre or

School responsible for a particular Course or

Programme of Study.

Board of

The Board appointed to administer a Programme of

Studies

Study in terms of these Regulations.

Bye-Laws

The Bye-Laws approved by Senate for each Course.

Catalogue of

A Catalogue of Study-Units is the collection of all

Study-Units

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.

Course/s /

A Course of study leading to a University

Course Plan

Undergraduate award. A Course Plan may include

one Programme of Study or a number of

Programmes of Study in particular Areas of Study.

Credit

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.

Dean

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

Institute or Centre or School.

Dissertation

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.

Examination

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.

Faculty

Refers to a Faculty, Institute, Centre or School.

UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE

Final

The last time a student can take an assessment of a

Assessment

Study-Unit assessment or a component thereof.

Opportunity

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.

Incomplete

A Study-Unit is considered to be Incomplete for

Study-Unit

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.

Long Essay

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.

Professional

A Course that imparts specific professional

Course

competencies and leads to an award that gives

access to a regulated profession.

Programme /

The list of Study-Units comprising an Area of Study

Programme of

offered as a main or subsidiary Area of Study in a

Study

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.

Referral /

An Incomplete Study-Unit which a student is

Referred

allowed to refer to the following year of her Course

Study-Unit /

plan or to an extension year.

Referred

Assessment

Statutory

The duration needed to complete a Course if no

duration of a

extension or repeat years are availed of.

Course

Study-Unit /

A part of a Programme of Study carried out upon a

Unit

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.

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Compensatable / All Study-Units, whether compulsory, elective or

Non-

optional, are deemed to be compensatable, i.e. may be

compensatable passed by compensation, as provided for in these

Study-Unit

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.

Compulsory

A Study-Unit which must be followed and passed for

Study-Unit

the purpose of progression or successful completion of

the Course.

Concurrent

Two or more Study-Units which must be followed

Study-Units

together during the same semester.

Elective Study- A Study-Unit in a particular Programme of Study

Unit

which must be chosen from a designated list of Study-

Units.

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

Unit

offered by the University.

Prerequisite

A Study-Unit which must have been followed in order

Study-Unit

for a student to be able to follow a subsequent Study-

Unit.

Synoptic Study- Study-Units, the teaching of which helps students to

Units

integrate knowledge acquiredin 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.

Study-Unit

The allocation of credit to Study-Units forming part

Credit System 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.

Supplemen-

An assessment re-taken after failure at a previous

tary

assessment opportunity.

Assessment /

Re-sit

University

A University Pre-Tertiary Certificate, a University

Undergrad-

Certificate, a University Diploma, a University

uate Award

Higher Diploma, a Bachelor degree, a Bachelor

Honours degree.

UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE

These regulations shall be applicable as from 1st July

2021 for all Courses leading to 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

Award

University Pre-Tertiary

Not less than 16 credits at Level 0.

Certificate

30 or 32 credits of which not less than

University Certificate

26 credits not below Level 1.

60 or 90 credits, as specified in the

Bye-Laws for the Course, of which

University Diploma

not more than 4 Level 0 and not less

than 56 Level 1.

90 or 120 credits, as specified in the

Bye-Laws for the Course, of which

University Higher Diploma

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 than 68 Level 1, and not less than 108

of Study) (three year full-time more or less divided equally between

Course

Levels 2 and 3 of which not less than

56 Level 3 credits assigned to the area

taken at honours.

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240 credits of which not more than 4

Level 0, not less than 56 and not more

Bachelor (Honours in two Areas than 68 Level 1, and not less than 168

of Study) (4 year full-time

more or less divided equally between

Course)

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

Level 0, not less than 56 and not more

Bachelor (Honours) (4 year full-

than 68 Level 1, and not less than 168

time professional Course)

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.

(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

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Bye-Laws for the Course.

(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.

UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE

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. Students may also be allowed

to follow a Course on a flexible part-time basis, if it is stated in the

respective course bye-laws.

(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)

In exceptional or personal circumstances, 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.

(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

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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.

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.

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.

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

UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE

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.

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

Level 0

Pre-tertiary or foundation or proficiency Study-

Units.

Level 1

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

Study-Units offered in Years 2 and 3 of an

& 3

undergraduate Course. Level 3 Study-Units are also

o f f e r e d i n Ye a r 4 o f a n u n d e r g r a d u a t e n o n -

professional Course. Lecturers can assume that

students have the required skills associated with

studying at tertiary level.

UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE

Level 4

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 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

UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE

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

UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE

(d)

monitoring the assessments and the procedures

used in the assessment of the performance of the

students.

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

UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE

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.

(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.

(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

Mark

Grade

Range

Work displaying exceptional quality

90%-100%

A+

Exceptional

performance

showing

comprehensive and critical understanding, and

application of the subject matter. Evidence of

extensive additional reading/research/work.

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Work displaying comprehensive and critical 80% - 89%

A

understanding

Superior performance showing a comprehensive

and critical understanding of the subject matter.

Evidence of considerable additional reading/

research/work.

Work

displaying

comprehensive 75% - 79%

B+

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

70% - 74%

B

Above-average performance, with a working

knowledge of the subject matter. Evidence of

some additional reading/research/work.

Work displaying sound understanding

60% - 69%

C+

Average performance. Evidence of little

additional reading/research/work.

Work displaying satisfactory understanding

55% - 59%

C

Adequate performance. No evidence of

additional reading/research/work.

Work displaying satisfactory understanding 50% - 54%

D+

with 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).

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.

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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 83 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.

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 Unit as 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

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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

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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.

(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

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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

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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.

(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.

(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

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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.

(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 first practicable opportunity, but

not later than a maximum of two months, after the

initial deadline, under the same conditions, first sit

or resit, as they were 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.

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

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(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.

(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 or similar

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 or similar 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 or similar

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.

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

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

(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

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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 84 (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

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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

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extension year and shall not count for the purpose of regulations 68

(3) and 69.

(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

p r og r e s s . M e e t i ng s m a y be s u b s t it u te d by o t he r m e a ns o f

communication.

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(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.

(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.

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

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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-

UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE

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, irrespective of whether the students are registered

on a full-time or a part-time basis, 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.

Before graduating, and where applicable, students shall

present one electronic copy of their dissertation to the University

Library. The electronic version must conform to the standards set by the

University Library. Students shall also present copies of their

Dissertation to the Faculty as indicated in the course Bye-Laws or

Faculty guidelines. A signed declaration of authenticity shall be

submitted by the students to the Faculty. The University reserves the

right of prohibiting students who do not submit the required hard and

electronic copies from graduating.

Students must abide by the University of Malta Intellectual

Property Policy.

Students who opt to repeat a year may be exempted by the

Board from the requirement to re-do a successfully completed

research Study-Unit, such as a dissertation, long essay or project.

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.);

UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE

(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.);

(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; and

(e)

students who partially completed degree

programmes prior to when the granting of General

Studies interim awards came into effect and who

satisfy this regulation, shall have the right to

request to be awarded the Diploma in General

Studies or the Higher Diploma in General Studies

or the Bachelor in General Studies, as applicable,

ex gratia, provided that these awards shall not be

granted retroactively, in all instances without

reference to any Area of Study in the title of the

award.

(1)

Certificates shall be awarded unclassified.

Classification of

Undergraduate

Awards.

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

Renumbered by

the following classifications

L.N. 291 of 2021.

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

UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE

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%.

(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 chairperson of

each Board of Studies, and the external examiner

when one is appointed, but excluding the student

representatives.

(2)

Award Classification Boards shall consult the following

guidelines when deciding upon the classification of awards at the end

of each Course

UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE

(a)

Diplomas / Higher Diplomas are normally awarded

as follows

Final

Classification

Wei gh t ed

Av e r a g e

Mark

100 - 80%

Pass with Distinction

79 - 70%

Pass with Merit

69 - 45%

Pass.

(b)

Degrees are normally awarded as follows

Average

Bachelor Degrees

Bachelor Honours

Mark

Degrees

100% -

Category I

First Class

80%

Honours

79% -

Category IIA

Upper Second

70%

Class Honours

69% -

Category IIB

Lower Second

55%

Class Honours

54% -

Category III

Third Class

45%

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

UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE

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

provided that students who are following an extension year

of their final year of studies and who successfully complete the

incomplete study-units by the first semester, shall be classified as soon

as the results are published in accordance with the classification rules

which were applicable in the previous academic year.

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.

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.

(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

UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE

by a sub-committee of the Admissions Board appointed by Senate for

the purpose.

(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. Certain

changes that emanate from the inclusion of a flexible part-time

programme as determined by the Board, may not be applicable to

specific provisions in these regulations due to the flexible part-time

nature of the programme.

(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;

fin ance s; fin anci al mo del s; p r ici ng and ot her co mm erci al

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,

s t u d e n t s m a y b e as k e d b y t h e U n i v e r s i t y t o s i g n s p e c i f i c

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;

UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE

(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.

(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.

(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

UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE

data)' shall have the meanings assigned to them in the General Data

Protection Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2016/679).

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.

UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE

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

Level 0

Pre-tertiary or foundation or proficiency

Study-Units.

Level 1

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.

UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE

Level 4

St u d y - U n i t s o ff e r e d i n Ye a r 4 o f 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.

Level 5

Study-Units offered at postgraduate level

such as Study-Units exclusively required for

the award of postgraduate qualifications.

Level 6

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.